Praying for the Church in Garissa

Garissa Pastors & Church Leaders Gathering

Ruiru, Kenya

This week, we are facilitating a conference with 18 pastors from the North East Province capital of Garissa with our CBM colleagues. Together we have been blessed to fellowship with this courageous group of Christian leaders who shepherd Christ followers in a community which has becoming increasingly volatile over the past year. In many ways this has been a historic gathering as the Garissa pastors have committed to work together in mutual support and cooperation for the strengthening of God's Kingdom and the building up of the Body of Christ. Moreover, they have demonstrated great sensitivity and wisdom as they seek to build peace and live out the love of Christ toward their Muslim neighbours.

Sharing our hopes & fears

Timothy Bannister sharing about the care of creation

and central importance of food security in the holistic

ministry of the church.

Throughout the gathering, the pastors worked together in accessing the effectiveness of their ministry and encouraging one another on how they might work together in new ways. We were impressed by their honesty and humble spirits. The room was a diverse mix of not only 19 Christian denominations, but pastors who have served in Garissa for a wide span of time -- from "patron pastors" with 34 and even 36 years experience in Garissa, all the way to those who have been in Garissa for merely a few months. One pastor declared himself the "baby" as he has been leading his church for only 7 days. And yet, the openness and teachability of the entire group was evident as everyone spoke equally showing deep respect and interest.

We came into this gathering not knowing most of the Christian leaders with whom we would be working with, or the dynamics that we would meet, but we were blown away by the maturity and wisdom of these pastors. It is evident that God's spirit is at work in this community!

Colin Godwin teaching the pastors about

models of Christian and Muslim Relations

ACC&S pastor Samuel, Yattani and Aaron

On Thursday evening, Yattani lead a service of prayer for the church and the community, during the prayer time one of the pastors received the devastating news that 8 of his friends and family members had been taken by a group of Somali bandits. It was a painful reminder of the constant threat and anxiety that both the community and the church are living through in Garissa. Our brother had little sleep as he prayed for the hostages.

This morning, during our time of worship the news came back that all 8 hostages were released unharmed. "I thank God for what he has done!" shared pastor Mutemi. "When I heard 8 were captured, I feared as 7 had just been killed in another community by bandits. Praise God they have been released and they are safe! The cattles are gone, but my brothers are safe!!!!"

It was an incredible answer to prayer

Pastor Ibrahim MaKunyi

One of the self proclaimed "patrons" or Church fathers in Garissa, Pastor Ibrahim Makunyi Kamwara leads the East Africa Pentecostal Church in Garissa where he has served for 34 years. Pastor Ibrahim spoke powerfully about forgiveness to myself and a small group of pastors, as he shared about the November 6th grenade attack against his congregation which killed two of his church members and seriously injured four others. The attack happened during a Saturday night and early Sunday morning prayer time in a house on the Pentecostal compound. According to pastor Ibrahim the extremists who attacked the church have just been apprehended by police. "What do we have to fear! God is with us!" he shared. But even with such great faith, all of the churches in Garissa do live with fear. "We are on edge." another pastor shared. "I know these threats are affecting my health. I trust my God, but it is hard."

Insecurity is not only felt among the pastors, but for their congregations it is a daily concern. Pastor Ibrahim shared how much it meant for him to know that Christians around the world were praying for his congregation and the churches in Garissa. Amongst such persecution, all of the pastors have come to appreciate the gift of Christian unity and fellowship.

"How can our friends in Canada and around the world be praying for the Church in Garissa?" I asked.

"Pray that the Church will be united."

"That we will compliment each other and not compete."

"That God's community will work together as and be light and ambassadors."

"That we will see God's Spirit end the insecurity and the fear."

BBC Article Link