Nearly 30 days after the presidential elections in Kenya, political tension remains high. As a result of the violence, 650 people have been killed, and over 250,000 have been displaced.

We are thankful that all of the SIM missionaries in Kenya are safe, and that God is using them to encourage their Kenyan brothers and sisters.

RoxAnne Cox, serving on the SIM Sudan team based in Nairobi, wrote, "We grieve for friends like Lydia, who fled for her life from Eldoret. She and her husband have lost everything. We wept together as she shared their trauma."

"I wrote Psalm 27:13 on a card for her, and the other day Lydia told me, 'I have been clinging to the verse you gave me. I shared it with a Kenyan friend who was on the verge of suicide because of the chaos. It literally saved his life, giving him hope to go on.'"

Sam Plowman, who serves with his wife in Eldoret, reported, "During the Sunday service, they had representatives of several tribes come up for prayers. The sermon was on forgiveness in the midst of such immense pain. Afterwards, we met with the members of our Bible study group ... We sang and prayed together. There is so much emotional healing that needs to take place."

Christy Veer wrote in her blog about the opportunity to prepare a lunch for volunteers working at a refugee camp in Nairobi. "It was really a joy to be able to serve the people who have donated their time to serve the refugees."

SIM Kenya has set up the Kenya Emergency Relief Fund for those who would like to give financially to the relief efforts. These funds will be directed through a local church or ministry that has a good working relationship with SIM in Kenya and will assist with food, water, and medical needs.

Give

You can give through your local SIM office mentioning project number KE 92601.

Please pray:

• for peace to be restored in Kenya.
• for the new SIMPact short-term associates who have had to delay their departures due to the violence.
• for the SIM Kenya team Spiritual Life Conference from 31 January to 3 February to be a refreshing time.