Attacks in Kenya
(not so) Fun Fact
Some of you may have heard about recent terrorist activity in Kenya. On January 5 al-Shabab militants launched a predawn attack on an airstrip used by the U.S. and Kenyan militaries on Kenya’s coast near the border with Somalia, killing one U.S. service member and two American private contractors.
Just a couple days later at least three Kenyan students and a teacher were killed, and four more people injured when suspected al-Shabab terrorists attacked a primary school in Garissa county, near the border with Somalia.
Al-Shabab, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has mounted a string of attacks in Kenya recently, including multiple ambushes on passenger buses traveling in the region close to the Somali border. The Islamist group wants Kenyan troops to leave Somalia, where they have been helping African Union forces battle the militants.
Fortunately, we are over 400 kilometers away from where most of these attacks are taking place, though we do have to remain vigilant and alert to what is going on around us. This is why we employ security guards at the school 24/7 and practice lock-down drills each term. But most importantly we must remember that whether we are in the U.S., the Middle East, or Kenya, God is our ultimate shield, if we take refuge in him (Psalm 18:30).
Family Focus
- Thank the Lord for a successful start to Term 2. We are now three weeks in!
- Pray for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our students and those who care for them, and of course for their parents.
- Two weeks ago Jonathan started off our theme for this term, Every Tribe & Tongue, by preaching from Revelation 5:9. Each RVA Sunday will be led by a different culture represented here. This week we’ll worship in Korean!
- Pray for Josh and the 10th grade class as they prepare for Valentine Sales. That doesn’t sound like a big deal – except that it has become a way for parents to bless and express their love for their children from a distance. The class sells candy, gift baskets, cards, and even singing Valentines! In addition, the class gains valuable experience as they plan and execute all the details.
- Pray that we can bless and encourage the Kenyan community around us. Life can be so busy during the term at RVA that we can neglect these relationships.
Foto Flashback
Love you guys! Still have your little brown globe from the leftovers- from-the-garage-sale. I always have the “Africa side” showing so that I remember to pray for yous!