A couple weeks ago, I wrote a blog on peace. Basing my thoughts on the difference between sitting quietly on my front veranda and the reality of what is going on outside the compound, especially as it relates to the national election that is now very close. Many people are concerned that peace will be disturbed and violence may erupt. Over the past few weeks, we have been tormented with news that violence has already occurred but Kenyans are still hopeful that this will not be a repeat of the 2007 'bloody' election. The expectation is that the voting on August 8 will create a close race between the leader of the Jubilee party (currently reigning) and the opposition party (National Super Alliance). The hope is that the election results will be released within 24 hours. This should alleviate the worry for post election violence. If the results are delayed, fears arise that the election process has been rigged which can trigger riotous responses.
Knowing the burden that is shared by so many Kenyans right now, The Salvation Army has taken a proactive approach to help support and prepare the people. With the possibility of unrest looming all too close, the two Territories - Kenya East and Kenya West - have combined forces to prepare for the people's safety and well being. A national conference was held for both territories with support from International Headquarters to provide training and equip many of our leaders to help promote a time of peace in the land and also to prepare for emergency responses. As Salvation Army leaders, we want to help build peace in the communities and do all we can to protect innocent people.
A recent report from the Election Preparedness Conference gives the details regarding what is being done here:
To help find as many ways and opportunities as possible to promote peace, The Salvation Army has planned various strategies. Resources for Bible studies and sermons are available to help teach Christian values on peace and to remind people of the Christian perspective. Songs have been written about peace. Opportunities to promote peace have been taken during football
tournaments, in school competitions, and at various other public events. Banners with peace messages are being used in multiple ways. Household checklists with directives to be followed during the week of the election is being distributed as well as bookmarks, car
stickers, and other resources - all in the name of building peace. A film
that tells the whole story of conflict preparedness and peace building is also
available. An excellent music video has been created to encourage Kenyans about peace. The production came as a result of recordings done here in both Kenyan Territories of various ministry units, including the Street Boys program and various schools. (The video has just been released from IHQ and is now available for viewing through various media platforms - Facebook, Twitter, etc. - see the link below).
While all of the country is on alert regarding the election, there are certain 'hot spots' where violence is more likely to happen. Our projects team have visited several of these areas, providing information and sharing election preparedness resources, including taking the program into many schools to share with both students and staff on how to prepare for safety if needed. 1000 checklists have been distributed to 20 different areas. 500 car stickers and 2000 bookmarks were given to every Salvation Army Division and District.
The other concern in case of disturbances following the election is the availability of food for people. Many people will choose to stay in their homes for a number of days. Markets and shops that usually provide food may have some challenges with their stock. People are encouraged to have at least one week's supply of food on hand. In case of a need to support vulnerable or unprepared residents, The Salvation Army is preparing a stock pile of food in case of emergency. This includes the local food basics: maize, beans, cooking oil, rice, and sugar. Other emergency supplies such as blankets and mats will also be available. As well, many of our compounds are being prepared to become a shelter for displaced people if needed.
So what can you do to help? Keep yourself informed through national television regarding the election and most importantly, pray. Yes, please pray. We believe God desires peace for his people and we believe in the power of prayer. I call upon all those who have faith in God (in whatever form you choose to express that), to pray for peace for Kenya for the next several weeks - both leading up to and after the Election Day (August 08). We ask you to pray for us and for all our Officers and their families and for all the residents of this country. Morris and I, along with the Territorial Commander and his wife, have made adjustments in our schedules to limit our travel during this period. However, we are scheduled to attend a Zonal Conference in Madagascar and we ask for your prayers that our travel will be possible and safe. Commissioner Grace and I leave on August 11 for a Women's Conference that happens first and then Morris and Commissioner Stephen travel on August 14. Be assured we will not take any unnecessary risks and we will be quite confident that travelling is safe before leaving home.
If you have not already seen the video referenced above, I strongly encourage you to view it. The video was made possible by the partnership of International Development Services and International Emergency Services, both based at The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London, England. It is worth the watch. A press release from IHQ recently quoted Morris regarding this project: "Lieut-Colonel Morris Vincent (Chief Secretary, Kenya West Territory) says: ‘Everything is so well done and the children express confidently and with great passion their desire for this time in our history to be peaceful. I express appreciation to all who partnered to make this happen. We value more than words can fully express the ongoing support from the international Salvation Army for our territory (in this case for both Kenya territories)."
Here is the link to view the video and the short documentary: http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/kenyamyhome
Thanks everyone for all your love, thoughts, prayers, and support for us and especially now for this country that needs continued peace.
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