I have not been doing a lot of blogging of late as I've struggled to understand the lack of response in much of the Christian blogosphere to the crisis in Kenya. It would seem more important to argue over a particular blogger's new book, who has a better understanding of the Sovereignty of God or the elevation of the latest denomination president - than it would to ask for and offer prayers for weaker brothers and sisters who are in danger of experiencing another Rwanda. God help us all.
UPDATE: Amani has PayPal set up on their blog - which helps those of us to support their work who don't live in the U.S. You can also view this brilliant photo essay from The Walrus Magazine on the situation in Nairobi. The Kibera slum, where many of Imbi's and my students live, is shown dramatically during the violence.
Here's a note from Imbi's and my friend, Becky Chinchen, the Director of Amani ja Juu,
First we want to thank you for your overwhelming, generous response to the needs of the Amani women during this post election crisis in Kenya! The women are extremely grateful for their Amani friends around the world who have shared with them during their time of need.
Over the weekend we were able to complete a full round of food distribution to 68 families in various parts of the city of Nairobi.
We will begin with another distribution on Wednesday if possible. Country wide rallies are being called by the opposition party on Tuesday which could turn violent. If there is calm on Wednesday the food distribution program will continue until the women can get back on their feet again and return to work at Amani.
The contents of the food package to each family:
* 4 bananas
* 2 head of cabbage
* 4 oranges
* 2 kg of potatoes
* 1 pack of salt
* 1 kg of sugar
* 1 pack of tea
* 8 onions
* 1 kg of beans (for protein)
* 3 tins of charcoal (for cooking)
* 1 bar of soap
* 8 tomatoes
* 8 carrots
* cooking oil
* 2 packs of corn flour (to make ugali)
* 1 kg of rice
The core values of Amani are to live in peace and reconciliation. This is the training the women have received while at Amani.
Below is the letter that was put in each food packet to encourage the women to live out love and peace in their volatile communities.
Dear _______________,
Greetings of grace and peace in the New Year. We are so saddened by what is happening in Kenya. Our hearts are heavy with news of people being killed, displaced and property destroyed. May the Amani ya Juu in our hearts prompt us to reach out in love, peace and forgiveness to those around us. May we remember all the resources we have in Christ – love, grace, peace, forgiveness and prayer – helping us to stand firm in our faith and give us the stability we need during these difficult times. May we rise above the evil that is gripping the hearts of those involved in the violence so we can be a light of God’s peace during this dark hour of Kenya’s history. This gift of food was provided by our Amani friends from around the world. They are also praying for us. We thank God for His provision during such a time of need as this. Our love and prayers to you and your family.
Thank you, on behalf of all the women of Amani.
Becky Chinchen
Director, Amani ya Juu
