Mann Update 2

Dear Friends,

Just wanted to let you know what is happening in Kenya. The weekend has been relatively calm in most parts of the country. Our travel restrictions were lifted yesterday and we were allowed to go to certain areas of Nairobi. Fuel is available locally as well as food. In Nairobi yesterday, there seemed to be plenty of food supplies. Prices of some items are being increased. Pre-paid cell phone cards were a little harder to get. We are not sure what will happen with prices of fuel and supplies as some items are being delayed due to trouble on the main highways and also many factories/businesses have remained closed or only open for limited times.

Our school has been delayed until Jan. 19th. This is a Saturday and hopefully the students can arrive that day and be prepared for classes on the following Monday. School administration continues to meet and discuss how the school term will look to make up for the lost time. Continue to pray that our students can return at that time. Also, pray for our students who are located in areas that are seeing much of the violence in Kenya. One of the boys in 11th grade, the class we sponsor, his father's church was burned down last week during the riots. The people in Kenya are hurting deeply over this. Many have lost their lives, homes and work. Many people are seeking refuge in our area since they have been displaced. We are praying that we will be salt and light to these people as we help provide food, water and clothes.

Our local church service this morning was very emotional as we prayed for peace and healing for this nation. Pastor Simon spoke from 2 Chronicles 7:14- "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear them from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." He charged each person there not to give in to the tribal hatred that is happening and to remember that prayer is our greatest weapon.

President Kibaki agreed yesterday to form a coalition gov't with the opposition party. Odinga(opposition) agreed yesterday that he would come to the table with no pre-set conditions but demanded an international mediator. I just heard today that Odinga has rejected any form of coalition gov't and that his rallies will go as planned on Tuesday. It is unclear what will happen next. Thank you for your prayers during this difficult time for Kenya. Please continue to pray for peace between Kenyan brothers and sisters and a resolution to this political situation. Again, we are safe here at Kijabe. We praise God for this safe haven during this time. We will continue to update you as things progress here. Keep praying for peace!

In His Hands,
Chip and Suzann