CBF field personnel safe as violence continues in Kenya

Posted: 1/07/08

CBF field personnel safe
as violence continues in Kenya

By Carla Wynn Davis

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

ATLANTA—The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s two Kenya-based field personnel are safe despite violent unrest in the East African country following recent controversial presidential elections.

Melody and Sam Harrell, who have served in Kenya with CBF since 1999, are based in Nairobi.

Much of the violence is occurring in large slum settlements that are home to about half the city’s population, said Sam Harrell.

“Over the years, we have become accustomed to occasional flare-ups of violence,” Harrell said. “This, however, is on a scale we have not witnessed before. The turmoil is tearing at the fabric of the country. It will be a long time in recovery, especially the social fabric.”

Violence erupted throughout the country Dec. 30 after the official—but controversial—results of a hotly-contested presidential election were announced. So far, an estimated 300 people have been killed and 100,000 displaced, according to Associated Press reports.

“The loss of life is far greater than what is being reported in the media,” Harrell said. “Other than emergency airlifts, there is no way for those stranded upcountry to escape the current situation. Scores of people in Nairobi are choosing to sleep outside and in fields rather than risk being burned inside their houses in the slums.” 

The Harrells have ministry projects throughout the country, including one area heavily affected by recent violence. Initial reports indicated one ministry partner was missing, but the rest of the program staff were safe, Harrell said.

The situation changes daily, Harrell stressed, but he and his family plan to remain in country as long as they are safe and their ministry is still effective. When the situation stabilizes and in-country travel is possible, the Harrells will assess how they can minister in the aftermath. 

“This is our home, and our greatest desire is to continue to serve fellow Kenyans in their hour of need,” Harrell said. “Please continue to pray for real peace in Kenya. Peace is not only a lack of violence, but the result of justice.”