Lutheran World Relief asks for your prayers for those in Kenya
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We at LWR are deeply saddened by the deaths of hundreds of Kenyans following the recent election. We ask for your prayers for a lasting peaceful resolution to the violence.
We continue to closely monitor the situation for advocacy actions which might advance the cause of peace, and will advise you as soon as we ascertain the best next step for all of us to take together toward peace in Kenya.
Background
On December 27, 2007 Kenya held its presidential elections. The incumbent, Mwai Kibaki, ran against Orange Democratic Movement leader, Raila Odinga. The outcome was an extremely close election with evidence of voting irregularities. On 30 December, Mwai Kibaki was declared the leader and quickly sworn in as president. The close outcome and evidence of voting irregularities caused an outcry by many Kenyans. In the days that followed the election violence erupted across the country, most specifically western and Rift valley provinces. To date over 800 people have died in the violence and over 250,000 people have been displaced.
Prayer
Lutheran World Relief asks you to pray for those affected by violence in Kenya. That the nation’s leaders negotiate for a peace resolution and that those acting out in violence on behalf of ethnic tensions realize that they all share a common identity as Kenyans.
Gracious God, source of all consolation,
Be with the people of Kenya in these times of trouble.
You who became flesh and lived among us,
Guide us, that we might know how to live and love.
You who protect the weak and the lost,
Help us, that we might find and shelter those in need.
You who envelop the hurt of the world,
Heal us, that we may know your unending peace.
Gracious Christ, source of all consolation,
In these times of trouble, use us as instruments of your love.
Amen
Our work in Kenya
LWR first opened its regional office in Kenya in 1983 to respond effectively to the frequent food crises facing East Africa. LWR’s first priorities in Kenya were increased food production and development of water resources, expanding to include capacity building for local partners, women’s empowerment, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
For more information, or to join the LWR advocacy network individually, please contact advocacy@lwr.org or Gretchen King at gking at lwr.org.
WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.
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