Kenya, Rwanda

This month, an African nation is once again gripped with fear and turmoil, as the Kenya fall-out from the presidential election takes place, while in Rwanda, God's miraculous grace and love has begun healing that never could be done by man alone.

The February World News & Prophecy Online describes the "Vacuum of Leadership" that faces Kenya, "Stable, tourist-friendly Kenya turned violent after a disputed presidential election. This highlights a crisis in leadership in today’s world...Tragically, they have done little to stem the tide of ethnic cleansings in Kenya's Rift Valley area. Scores of helpless civilians have been massacred and burned by armed youths who have closed the country's main highway and barricaded key towns."

My church group is receiving ongoing heart-wrenching emails from a former classmate who lives in the region. Some of her messages follow:

Feb 6 - "Greetings in the name of the Lord and thanks for your prayers. It is the first day today that there was no report on killings anywhere in Kenya. This is a big step ahead because of your prayers."

Feb 29 - "I take this opportunity to thank you so much for your prayers. The Lord is so faithful. He answers prayers. Yesterday, the principals signed the peace agreements and they agree to share power among themselves. So, because of your prayers, no more demonstrations and mass actions in Jesus Name. More negotiations are still on but the most serious one was taken care of yesterday. Thank you so much once again. Now start praying and asking God when He can permit you to visit Kenya."

This "good news" email was sent to us more than 4 weeks filled with violence after an agreement was finally reached, as reported in Guardian World News on February 1, 2008, "The former UN secretary general, Kofi Anaan, who has been acting as mediator in preliminary discussions between the Kenyan president, Mwai Kibaki, and the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, said the political opponents had agreed a four-point plan for talks that could end the violence "within seven to 15 days"."

At the Annual Winter Conference of AMiA in Dallas last month, January 23-26th, I learned that God is still pursuing us and taking hold of us to resolve violence and conflict in ways that our earthly leaders cannot. I saw a promotional clip for a documentary directed and produced by Laura Waters Hinson that describes what is happening in Rwanda. Take time to watch this 2-minute trailer - it will open your eyes to God's power in our lives. For more background on the Rwanda massacre, see Human Rights Watch.

I couldn't help but be amazed, even shocked, at the miracle in the hearts of men, from this presentation at the conference by Laura Waters Hinson and the video. "Look at the nations and watch -- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5.

So, I am praying for Kenya and Rwanda, that:

• all those in Kenya will have healing and peace, freedom from terror and fear for the lives of their families, and that the hiding and struggle to survive will truly pass by.
• the incredible hope and forgiveness that has come to Rwanda will be seen by the world as truly a gift of the Holy Spirit of God, and not possible by man alone.
• Ms Hinson's video will turn hearts toward Jesus, and inspire new vision in leadership with fear and awe of God as our master and maker.