This past Sunday in Kenya, Christians and other religious leaders held a joint service to pray for an end to the violence that has seen more than 600 people killed since the Dec. 27 election—the date the country’s opposition party accused President Mwai Kibaki’s re-election a farce.
The one-hour prayer service, which was broadcast over radio and television airwaves throughout the country, also included hymns, poems and inspirational messages in an attempt to be a catalyst for peace in a nation rife with political turmoil. Since the election many believers have fled their homes and are hiding in churches and police stations across the nation, the Assemblies of God (AG) news service reported.
Since early last week—after an AG church was set on fire, killing 50 and severely burning 80—leaders of the AG have asked that all Christians join in praying for an end to the escalating violence that could be made worse by a pending million man march led by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
“What needs to be remembered is that the Assemblies of God has church members from all the major tribes, who not only live in peace, but worship together in the same congregations,” said Randy Hurst, AG World Missions’ communications director. “This is entirely a political conflict that has unfortunately inflamed tribal prejudices.”
Photo Credit: Louise Clarke
