Loving mercy and justice

When Judy and I were first entrusted by people with donations for the worthy causes we might find in Kenya, we felt a heavy responsibility to use that money wisely. We didn’t however think that it would be difficult to find projects. Certainly the need is everywhere. We are asked for money by locals at least once a week. We almost always say no. We’re sympathetic to those in need, by and large we think Kenyans bear the main responsibility to find solutions to address their own needs. A case in point perhaps occurred during the violence following the election rigging. There were, during the violence, many calls for donations for affected people. We didn’t donate. This was a matter for Kenyans to address. We felt that if right thinking people from all the tribes, (especially those who were Kikuyus and who wanted and benefited from Kibaki’s re-election) had marched in protest and demanded he step down because they too, his constituents, would not stand for the theft of democracy, then Kenya would have made huge strides towards good, honest, government. Instead, Kikuyus (the majority of whom are churchgoers), prayed for peace, talked about peace, but went about their business and did nothing to show their disgust with their leaders. This was a time to stand against corrupt government, yet the Kikuyus I talked to seemed unable to understand that by their inaction had helped create the climate for violence and perpetuated poor and dishonest leadership. They did not seem to understand that they were the ones responsible for change.

As well, we have felt that our place at this time is to help the school where I work, acquire where possible, the resources it needs to be effective in teaching its students. This has, surprisingly, proven more difficult than we expected. I’ll write about this in just a few days.