Insight
Kenya
This month’s World Missions Edition of the Evangel is
devoted entirely to the current devastation in Kenya. Tragically, the American
news media give almost no coverage to this terrible crisis.
Although the violence has subsided somewhat, the refugee
situation has not diminished. Our missionaries and Kenya Assemblies of God
leadership are caring daily for the basic physical needs of more than 70,000
Assemblies of God believers — 7 percent of the entire Kenya AG
constituency — who are homeless and hungry. I cannot recall when we
have had as many AG believers in one place in such dire physical need, and the
situation shows no signs of significant improvement for at least several
months.
For many years the Kenya AG has been an outstanding example
of a national church that has grown strong, not only in number but also in
influence. Until the recent outbreaks of violence, the Fellowship numbered
4,000 churches and was planting at least 10 churches every week. But in the
last couple of months, almost 400 churches have been destroyed or deserted.
During this time of terrible suffering, the Kenya Fellowship
has become one of the greatest examples of resourcefulness and commitment I
have seen as believers reach out to the hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
The way they are facing this widespread crisis is a powerful testimony to the
God-given wisdom of our early missionary leaders. From the beginning they
determined to establish indigenous churches that govern and support themselves,
as well as reach their nation for Christ. As a result, hundreds of thousands of
AG believers in Kenya today are sharing their own food and clothing as they
demonstrate the love of Christ to fellow believers and nonbelievers alike.
The Kenya AG is sacrificing much to provide adequate care,
but more help is needed. Our Fellowship was formed so we could do together what
we can’t do separately. If every church in our Fellowship will do
something, I am certain we can meet the need.
Though the Kenya AG is accomplishing a great work in caring
for multitudes of homeless and hungry people, the task is overwhelming. We must
join our hands and hearts with our brothers and sisters to help lift their
burden. I pray that as readers of this issue become aware of this great need,
hearts will be touched to do something. Assemblies of God World Missions
provides the long reach that enables you, through your giving, to touch the
poor and suffering around the world.
L. JOHN BUENO
E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.
