SUNDAY NATION writes on MSAFARA

Click here to read the article on Msafara in today’s Nation.

Words fail!

Msafara has been blessed by all of those who gave of their time to ensure its success.  Without the help of so many Msafara would never have accomplished its purpose.  How can we ever say thank you?

How do we say thank you for hours of hard work put in by  volunteers working tirelessly in the days leading up to Msafara?

How do we say thank you to the volunteers who spent a whole night packing IDP packs just to make sure they reached their destination on time?

How do we say thank you to those who arranged transport, lodging and food as we traveled? Or to those who ensured that all the logistics were worked out by the time the Wasafiri arrived at each new location?

How do we say thank you to the Pastors who came in support of the effort?  What about their congregations for releasing them to do their part in restoring peace to our country?

How do we say thank you to the Bishops who gave freely of their time and resources?  Who modeled humility, peace and reconciliation by their words and deeds?

How do we  say thank you for those who put aside their lives for 10 days to travel throughout Kenya and minister hope to those in IDP camps?

Words fail!  There are no words beautiful enough to say express our gratitude and appreciation.  Thank you just isn’t enough.

Msafara Secretariat says ‘THANK YOU’

to those who travelled throughout Kenya for 10 days:Aaron Mururi, Abel O Kamara, Abisagi Stuji, Agnes Kipingor, Alfred Angasa, Anastasia Ngugi, Andrew Ranja, Angela Gachoka, Angela Luchaha, Ann Kirii, Ann Muthioni, Ann Njoki, Anne A Ososo, Anne Muthoni, Anne Nzisa, Annie Wakibia, Anthony Macharia, Ben Korir, Benson Sumbi, Bethwel Kiprotich, Betty Luthutsa, Beverly Hazel Bkiire, Beverly Mlale, Bishop Githii, Bishop J.B. Masinde, Bishop Likavu, Bishop Malema, Bishop Njiri, Bishop Paul Onyango, Captain Shi, Carol Wambui, Carolyne Chemeii, Catherine Ngugi, Catherine Njoki, Catherine Njoroge 1, Catherine Njoroge 2, Charles Kalenda, Charles Obara, Charles Otieno, Charles Wathika, Christine Gathigia, Christine Mwihaki, Christine Thiong’o, Cornelia Stücklin, Crispus Nzano, Dan, Dan Omondi, Daniel Flechsig, Daniel Kamau, Daniel Mwango, David Kabivu, David M kamanda, David Mbirio, David Mwangi, David Waweru, Diana K Muatha, Dorcas Wanjiku, Dr Chuck French, Dr J.K Mutiso, Duncan Juma, Eliza Kiratu, Elizabeth Mutsami, Elma Achieng, Emmanuel Kivogo, Enosh Muyugah, Eric Ocholla, Esther Kimani, Esther Muchendu, Eudiah Odhiambo, Eunice Njeri, Evelyn Wanjiru, Faith Ndungu, Faustin Malu, Felix Musyoka, Felix Wandera, Fidelis Gathoni, Fiona Kahugi, Florence Kinjua, Florence Kivuva, Florence Onyango, Fred Omondi, Fred Wati, Fredrick Musembi, Galdys Muyela Olukusi, Gedion Kadu, Geoffrey Were, George Kirangi, Gertrude G Kiai, Gibson Anduvate, Grace Konchella, Grace Njeri, Grace Wachera Mwangi, Harriet Ndirangu, Hellen Karanja, Henry Cheptoo, Henry Okungu, Hesbon Gillphyne, Hezron Wacira, Ida Njoroge, Ingerbo, Isaac Agura, Ishmael Egala, Jacinta, Jacinta Makokha, Jackeline Kalumu, Jacky Kalumu, James Mutua, James Gichuru, James Kamau, James Kamwenji Muriuki, James N Waithaka, James Osano, Jane Ogot, Jane Kiula, Jane Mwangi, Jane Wathome, Janice Muchai, Japheth Sumbi, Japheth Waititwa, Jennifer Muriuki, Jimmy Eddy, Joan waweru, Joe Samson, Joelle Magana, John Abbok, John Hinga, John Mbugua, John Njukia, John Ochieng, John Odonde, John Wala, Joram Wachira, Joseph Kariuki, Joseph Ombogo, Joshua Kagenyi, Joshua Oyaya, Josphat Ngugi, Joy Liyosi, Joy Mindo, Joyce Kuria, Joyce Mwendwa, Judith Adipo, Judy N. Githogori, Judy Njuguna, Juliet Asiko, Julius Kithome, Karen Nekesa, Ken Oloo, Ken Otieno, Kennedy Muoki, Kenyatta Otieno, Kevin Ogoro, Kevin Opiyo, Lancey Muthoni Gachanja, Leah Nyaguthii, Lenah Ochieng, Lilian Pieltjes, Linda Alouch, Livingstone Irungu, Maitine Mwaniki, Marcy Muriithi, Margaret Kamanda, Margaret Kamuma, Marion Mwangi, Martin Mwariri, Mary Bore, Mary Kamau, Mary Kimbui, Mary Mumbi W, Maryanne Muli, Maryanne Thairu, Mathew Abbot, Mathews Mwalwa, Mbuthia, Michael Ziki, Monica Mbugua, Moses Kinuthia, Moses Mathenge, Moses Mbugua, Moses Peter Mbuyi, Mshindi Mutana, Musimbi Ondeko, Mutai Nyaga, Mwangangi, Nancy Flechsig, Nancy Gaciru, Naomi Njuguna, Nellier Kigondu, Nevea Liigo, Nicodemus Ochieng, Nilman Ongadi, Njeri Njuguna, Njeri Wamai, Mrs. Njiri, Nyawa Murinzi, Obadiah Mwando, Otae Eric, Owino Owano, Owour Millicent, Partick Viyerah, Pasor Jan Ryder, Pastor Arati, Pastor Bob Kikuyu, Pastor Boniface Githumbi, Pastor Charles Ng’ang’a, Pastor David Githugu, Pastor Dodzweit Achero, Pastor Douglas, Pastor Florence Mbengei, Pastor Francis Njunguna, Pastor Geofrey Were, Pastor George Odeng, Pastor Gowi, Pastor Israel, Pastor James Okumu, Pastor Jane Ochieng, Pastor Joseph Kariuki, Pastor Judy Kaikai, Pastor Kabibi, Pastor Ken Kamau, Pastor Kitoto, Pastor Maina, Pastor Muriithi, Pastor Mwaura, Pastor Nashon G Wanjala, Pastor Ngari, Pastor Oscar Muriu, Pastor Patrick Kuchio, Pastor Patrick Murunga, Pastor Peter Angose, Pastor Peter Iregi, Pastor Peter Njenga, Pastor Rona, Pastor Rose Rugendu, Pastor Simon Mbevi, Pastor Stephen Ngungi, Pastor Triza Kimani, Pastors Charles Ng’ang’a, Patricia Wagongo, Paul Gichuhi, Paul Nzimbi, Paul Odeng, Pearl Asila, Peris Agutu, Peter Kalii, Peter Kegode, Peter Kiambati, Peter Kiarie, Peter Kingoli, Peter Mbote, Peter Njuguna, Peterson Lukenya, Peterson Muchiri, Phillis Muthoni, Phoebe Ngumi, Pst Evans Saisi, Pst Frances Njagi, Pst Hannah Mbugua, Pst Henry Ngumbi, Pst Jacob Mumu, Pst John Mugo, Pst John Musyoka, Pst Julius Gitari, Pst Jusper Shultz, Pst Justus M Mutinda, Pst Kuria, Pst Maureen Waiyiku, Pst Naftali Otieno, Pst Shadrack Sakwa, Pst Zipporah Rumbui, Rahab Gichana, Redenter Okode, Regina Kinyau, Regina Kirima, Rev. Jackson Mbuthia, Richard Kirimo, Rick Slingluff, Rose Kariuki, Roselyn Njeri, Rupert Gichohi, Ruth Kinuthia, Ruth Wambui, Ruth Wanja, Sam Kamau, Sam Mwaka, Sambo Oscar, Sameul Muchembe, Sammy Nderitu, Samuel Githinji, Samuel Mwau, Samuel Njiguna Githomi, Sarah Elizabeth Clark, Sarah Mukuhi, Sebastian Stuchuath, Security Aps, Serah Mukuli, Shadrack Kiragu, Shem Mudonga, Sherry Wesunga, Silas Oula, Stella Ndiho, Stephen Bolten, Stephen Mugaisi, Stephen Omari, Stephen Safo, Steve G, Tabitha Akech, Teresia Kimani, Timothy Mwenda, Tina Oloo, Tobias Muck, Tom Ongwangwa, Tonnee W, Tony Kiamah, Tony Mungai, Veronica Karanja, Victor Ochieng, Wairimu Karuri, Wamuyu Gatheru, Wandia Kivindyo, Washington O Sienya, William Oloo, Willy Wankumbani, Winnie Mweni, Wondi Meneh Ketseh

What has Msafara accomplished?

Pastor M. writes:

Time will judge just how effective the Msafara was in impacting Kenya’s destiny. And off course reports will be written and audits done. However, from my limited perspective and off the top of my head, several results of the Msafara seem evident…

300 Kenyans have had a chance to visit and interact with the situation on the ground firsthand. They were able to see the extent of the country’s devastation for themselves. They learnt to care for the displaced. They were forced to deal with their own prejudices and to relate closely to people of other tribes. Each of these belongs to a faith community and will return to it with a message of unity and hope. Especially powerful because many who came are the leaders of their churches…

There was heartfelt reconciliation and a resulting unity among church leaders in the various towns we visited. Many leaders confessed that by taking sides in the political events, they had reduced their ability to care for all the communities they were responsible to care for. By repenting of this short-sightedness and committing to work with leaders of other tribes, they now model the way for the churches they lead to maintain peace in their areas and to care for those affected by the violence. And for church leaders to conduct themselves differently come the next election. There is great power for good when the church is united. For instance, we were informed after we left of an initiative by church pastors in Naivasha to ensure that the communities evicted from their town could return safely.

Many churches are caring for displaced people who are housed by their members. Because these people don’t live in the camps, they are ‘under the radar’ so to speak, and little support is going to the needy families caring for them. By delivering food and humanitarian supplies to the pastor’s fellowships in the various towns, Msafara opened up new distribution channels that take care and support to many of the most needy. The Red Cross has done a great job, but they can only do so much. We hope these channels will continue to be used by different agencies that are looking for alternative relief distribution channels

The hardest to quantify may be the most significant. In each town, united church leaders were able to engage in prayer together over their communities. The bible teaches us that God answers prayers that are prayed in humility, unity and repentance. In 2Chronicles, God promises,

‘If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, if they seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land’.

I can’t wait to see the healing and turning around of our nation that will happen as God begins to answer the prayers that we prayed together!

P.S. Grateful that all the Nairobi wasafiri arrived safely home this afternoon.

News

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God Bless Kenya

Beloved Praying Brethren,
Greetings in Jesus name – the name that is above all names.
Beloved, is it a coincident that Msafara came to a close on Palm Sunday in the city of Kisumu? I believe nobody planned it that way, but that the Lord Himself designed it to be so. We would have been here the weekend before, but see what God has done!

Kisumu has been very exciting to say the least. Saturday morning we had a wonderful time of prayer, bringing repentance for all that we did as Kenyans and more so that the church the part it played in the run up to the general elections last year.

The presence of the Lord was pulpable. It was moving to see so many church fathers from around the country gathered together in unity of purpose and that to reclaim the soul of Kenya for the Lord Jesus Christ.

The best part of that prayer service was when a bishop from central Kenya stood up and called a bishop from Luo Nyanza and both extended repentance to each other over what the communities did to one another soon after the elections of December last year. This was so moving that most people just wept. Kenya is healed!!!!!

Sunday afternoon we came together for a time of celebration of the victory of the Lord.

Brethren, its been awesome.

God Bless Kenya

God Bless you for standing with the Msafara.

Please pray that as we pull out of Kisumu this morning the Lord would send angels to accompany us as we go back to our homes, work stations.

Pray that none of the Msafara team would suffer any loss.

Thank you for being there.

Together until Kenya is out of the woods,

Pst Israel.

Kisumu: A channel to a country Healed!

The Kisumu pastors’ meeting was nothing short of amazing. Pastor Oscar shared from Daniel about the six tests that church leaders need to pass in order to remain credible.
The rest of the session was marked by confession, repentance and reconciliation as the leaders of the church pleaded for mercy on behalf of this city. Church fathers led by Bishop Njiiri (Kikuyu) and Arch Bishop Silas Owiti (Luo), spokespersons of the different tribes, led the reconciliation between the tribes.

More was to come. Bishop Njiiri is the presiding Bishop of the Kenya Assemblies of God and for 18 years, Rev. Zephania Ouma Orao (the Chairman of the Kisumu pastors’ fellowship) was his executive general secretary. But Rev. Orao later left to start his own ministry leaving a very bitter taste in the mouth of Bishop Njiiri for many years.

Today Msafara brought these two men together and as the elders of the different tribes were reconciling, Bishop Njiiri chose to publicly forgive his onetime general secretary. Oh what a beautiful act of unity and humility it was as these church fathers reconciled, forgave and expressed love one to another. Bishop Njiiri even went ahead to bless Rev. Orao and his ministry in this lakeside city.

If there is anything that God did in Kisumu, it was the healing and reconciliation between these two church fathers; a flame that we believe will spread to the rest of the nation.

The Prayers too were amazing as the Spirit of God led the pastors to pray for the historical covenants that have led to bitterness, frustration, anger and violence. God’s Spirit was evidently setting free the nation of Kenya as the broken bonds between Luos and Kikuyus were renounced. The altars of the spirits of Ramogi (Luo) and Mumbi (Kikuyu) that supposedly determine the leadership of these two communities were broken and forever rendered powerless.

According to Pastor Simon Mbevi, our prayer general, “the war in Kisumu is won and all that remains is the celebration of this victory.“

Click here to view slideshow.

Day 7 Msafara – Inside Kisumu

Who was entering Kisumu that a police outrider with a blazing siren would go ahead of their convoy? Was it a homecoming for the area member of parliament? Was it a celebration of a victory won by somebody? Was this a civilian coup with flags flying on the buses? Anybody would be forgiven for such thoughts as the Msafara procession entered the city.

We entered the city to a ginomous welcome from the local pastors. It was as if the Ark of the Covenant had entered the territory of Israel. The song and dance was a remarkable sight as praises rent the air, maybe prophetically pointing to the victory ahead as we ask God to cleanse and free this city.

The on and off power hitches did not deter the crowd as people stood in the rain to celebrate victory for the city. This was clearly a power show down between the forces of evil and the Spirit of God as we seek to possess the land. Pray that the strongholds are broken as the Wasafiri ‘trample over scorpions and snakes’ in Kisumu.

Thank God for the warm reception by the pastors and pray that the same reception would be in the heavenlies to the prayers of the saints.

Miracle in Eldoret

Pastor M. writes:

Eldoret had been undergoing a major dry spell by the time we got there. During our rally there, Pst. Simon who was leading prayers prayed that it would rain that evening. By the time we got to Kisumu, the texts were coming in – it was raining in Eldoret! We need to continue praying for good rains as many parts of our country are facing a drought, that could put at risk the most vulnerable among our citizens.

Day 6 Masafara – Eldoret

Today was day six of the Msafara and day one of Eldoret a city that was at the heart of the fighting & killing. We as such expected to find deep divisions and anger in this part of the country. It was here that a church was burnt with people inside; innocent people were beheaded and bodies left strewn on the streets. We came into Eldoret under armed escort, expecting an even more difficult time of spiritual warfare than Nakuru had been.

But the 5 hr service this morning was awesome! We began in worship and passionate spiritual warfare prayer. Bishop Njiri preached a convicting word from Rom 14:17, pointing out the errors pastors fell into during the elections, and how we are called to be agents of righteousness and peace, even in the midst of the pain many are nursing. I shared briefly on the 3 sins that the bible says defile a nation, and then we began praying again . . . and boy did we pray! People wept, people wailed, people bound the floodgates, and we knelt, lay prostrate, raised our hands, humbled ourselves and pleaded for God’s mercy and forgiveness for our sins and for the sins of Eldoret.

The service leader then called for a Kalenjin to come and confess the sins of his people. A young pastor came forward and wept and cried because of what his people had done. By the time he was done, everyone was literally in tears. An older Luo pastor followed him and wept for the sins of his community and then a Kikuyu pastor prayed.

Bishop Tuimising, a Kalenjin Pastor with high credibility, followed and named the sins of his people. The Kalenjin had certain rules that governed how they shed blood. It was taboo to kill children and women. It was taboo to kill someone if they took shelter in a house, climbed a tree or lay down clinging onto the grass (sigh of total submission), but in these skirmishes they killed indiscriminately – innocent women and children, and torched houses with people still inside. He said that even under their own laws they stood cursed, and in need of repentance.

And so he proceeded to call for water and a towel, and washed the feet of a Luo, Gisii and Kikuyu pastor as a sign of humility. He then called the Kalenjin pastors, his community, to come forward and line one side of the hall, while the other tribes lined the other side. An elderly Kalenjin pastor asked the forgiveness of the other tribes, and a Kikuyu pastor pronounced forgiveness. The reverse was done, and then everyone hugged. Yes, these sort of things have been done in many forums, but in this charged one, with so much pain in the room (one man had shared how his wife and 4 children were killed in the church that was burnt down), the action had immense symbolic power.

We shared communion after that . . . and all felt that the healing had started. Yes, it will take many months before true healing is done, but for those who were there, the first step was taken and we felt a breakthrough.

While the pastors were meeting, the Intercessors and Caregivers were in the IDP camp caring for people. They also held an evangelistic rally where about 30 people accepted the Lord. These IDP visits have had a profound, growing impact on our own team members. We had not expected or planned this – we just wanted them to care for and love the people in the camps, but many are saying this Msafara might be the most important spiritually defining experience they have ever gone through. We wait to see what God will do with this.

So thanks for praying for today. It was a huge success! And it deeply impacted all who were there. We believe something has happened for good in the spiritual realm.

One other thing – we were able to deliver 22 tons of food, and about 10 tons of clothes and hygiene packs. The churches here were overwhelmed with joy. To date we have delivered 5 tons of food to Naivasha, 24 tons to Nakuru, and 22 to Eldoret, in addition to about 25 tons of clothing and hygiene packs. Thank you all for your generosity.

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Pst. Oscar Muriu