As you may or may not have heard by now, Kenya is hurting right now. They are mourning the killing of 148 people during an attack on Garissa University in Eastern Kenya on April 2 while 79 other people were injured, and some are still missing. This attack (and many others over the past three years) wasn't just an act of crime, but a deliberate move from the Islamic militants from the Sunni Al-Shabaab terrorist group targeting all non-Muslims (largely Christians), and seeking the execution of "disbelievers". These specific Somali Al-Shabaab terrorists are believed to have gotten into Kenya by way of the Dadaab Somali refugee camp in Kenya. In the past Kenya has accused Islamic militants of hiding in Dadaab camp. Now in a response to this most recent attack, Kenya wants this camp and all of its residence (over half a million people) removed from its borders, giving the United Nations only three months to do so or they will make it happen themselves. Deputy President William Ruto has stated that, "the way America changed after 9/11 is the way Kenya will change after Garissa," when referring to the attach on April 2.
This is a really sad and difficult time for the people of Kenya and as believers our response should be to kneel down in prayer. We know from scripture that there is power in prayer and that God has promised to give us the desires of our hearts if we ask for them. Here are some specific areas that I invite you to pray for:
* Pray for the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing of those injured and affected by the Garissa attack.
* Pray for justice. Pray that the gunmen responsible for this attack will be found and held accountable for their actions.
* Pray that the Sunni Al-Shabaab terrorist group. Pray that God will begin to touch the lives of these individuals. Pray that their hearts will be softened and that their eyes will be opened to the truth; that they may turn from their wrong doings and repent before the Lord.
* Pray for the political leaders of Kenya as they respond to this attack. Pray for wisdom and discernment.
* Pray for the Christians in Kenya. Pray for their safety. Pray that they may be filled with God's spirit. Pray that they will not turn away from God out of fear, but rather run to HIM and rely on His strength. Pray that they may be filled with courage, perseverance, power, wisdom, and love.
* Pray for the UN refugee agency as they try to move the Somali people of the Dadaab refugee camp out of Kenya. Pray that the UNHCR act swiftly and wisely, finding a safe place for the refugees.
I urge you not to take such prayer lightly, but to believe that God hears our prayers and expect Him respond. All throughout the Old Testament we see God's faithful followers dropping on their knees pleading with God on behalf whole nations and cities. The God that listened to them and answered their prayers is the same God today. Seek God and come before HIM with an earnest and humble heart as you pray for the people of Kenya.
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I urge you not to take such prayer lightly, but to believe that God hears our prayers and expect Him respond. All throughout the Old Testament we see God's faithful followers dropping on their knees pleading with God on behalf whole nations and cities. The God that listened to them and answered their prayers is the same God today. Seek God and come before HIM with an earnest and humble heart as you pray for the people of Kenya.********************************************************************************************** For More Reading Pleasure:
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