Photo via mnnonline.org

Tensions high in Kenya surrounding the referendum

The Christian leaders of Kenya were vocal opponents of the new draft constitution. It was aimed at reducing political tensions that erupted into deadly election violence in 2008. Opposition stems from some key issues, reports MNN.

Rody Rodeheaver with IN Network explains: "One is the issue of abortion. Beyond that, built into the constitution are a lot more perks that other religious denominations will have access to."

The socialistic tendencies provided for in the new draft constitution are troubling, too. Rodeheaver says, "I think they're worried about whether or not this constitution will actually impact corruption, or whether it may put more limits on freedom of religion for the evangelicals."

There are also high tensions as the results are announced. Political strife in 2007 following the last national vote erupted in violence that left more than 1,300 people dead.

Political analysts believe that the political leadership wants a strong win so they can claim a mandate for reform. However, anything less than a landslide leaves the mandate question open to interpretation and could stall implementation of the constitution.

Rodeheaver says I.N. Network is concerned about the impact on their work in Kenya. Their team is uneasy because the political and ethnic issues that led to the riots in the Kibera slums still exist. The lull in the violence was time bought with the hope of a new constitution.

That means the threat of trouble hangs over an area where a ministry team teaches in an informal school. The fighting in 2007 came just as I.N. Network was ready to launch a new program. Unrest delayed the start of a child sponsorship program, as well as a discipleship and mentorship program.

Now, in 2010, those programs are running well. The I.N. Network Kenya child sponsorship program offers hope to the vulnerable children of the Kibera Slum through a Christian education, school uniform, nutritious food, basic medical care and immunizations, and Christian nurture.

In addition to the child sponsorship program, a special Saturday program is offered for any children interested in coming. The program includes singing, Bible teaching, games, mentoring, and a nutritious meal.

Many children show up as early as six o'clock in the morning on Saturday because they are so eager to be in a place where they are safe, loved, cherished, and fed. Mentors volunteer their time to run this program and invest in the lives of these children.

Does it make a difference? Rodeheaver says combined, the programs offer hope that these kids would never have otherwise. What's more, the informal school turned out to be an evangelism tool for the local church. "Part of the curriculum is biblically-oriented. The children are getting Bible stories. They're hearing the Gospel, and it is the church sharing the Gospel to their own people. Our role is simply to empower them, provide the training and some of the resources."

SALE! 40% OFF! How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week

TAGS: Kenya new draft constitution election violence abortion referendum I.N. Network

[08/05/2010]

Print Version