Happy New Year

Good morning and Happy New Year,

We have another beautiful morning here in Kenya. Sadly during the night there were many fires in the surrounding villages. As darkness covered the land last night we started seeing fires in the distance. Many homes were burning in at least 3 different villages (2 to the north of us and 1 to the southeast). Most of the victims were from the Kikuyu tribe which is also the tribe of the "winning" presidental candidate. The losing side are the ones causing most of the violence though there is also possibly some retaliation from the Kikuyu side. So this morning we are greatful that everyone from the mission is still safe even those who are currently in other areas were it might be even worse. Here at the mission last night we have a new years eve service in the church with all the people from the mission gathering in the church and even some people from outside coming to find shelter in the church. Praying, singing and worshiping God continued until past midnight. By that time the fires had died down and all was calm. I slept so well last night and have just woken up. There are many reports already of the violence of last night. I am already starting to wonder what how different things will look when we finally get to leave the mission and see the surrounding area.

Please pray for the youth camp that is continuing on here. It has been amazing to see how God is using each and every person who is here for youth camp to come before Him and cry out on behalf of this nation and the people around.

One interesting positive thing is that I have an opportunity to report on what is going on here to WORLD magazine. I corresponded with the editor yesterday and she requested that I send her raw reports of the events here. I have already started working on the first part of that report and will continue to report what I see, hear, and feel as this situation continues. May God make something good out of all that is wrong about this situation.

By the way if you want news reports on whats going on here the best I've found is the BBC - I believe that they do have a excellent website which should have good updates (here we get it on the radio).