As some of you are aware, my parents have been serving a proselyting mission in Kenya for the past several months. You may also be aware of the recent political unrest in Kenya following the recent elections. I admit that I am mostly concerned for the safety of my parents, but the death and suffering currently going on in Kenya is also very troubling. My parents are very calm, rational people, who are not given to exaggeration or drama. They spent two years in Tanzania with the Peace Corp after college. The fact that they are concerned enough to request specific prayer makes the cause seem significant. Here is part of an email I received from them:
Dear Family,
The past week has been very unsettled in [Kenya] after the elections. The incumbent president is accused of stealing the election and the opposition leader is demanding that he step down. Of course, he refuses. Violence has erupted in several places because the political parties are divided on tribal lines and the major tribes hate each other. Most of the violence has been directed towards the Kikuyu tribe but the whole country has been disrupted by the violence. Our problem is that Kitale, while not experiencing major violence, is isolated and we can’t get out because the roads are blocked and go through violent places. We are staying in our compound and have laid in a supply of food. The mission president is in constant touch with us and says that the embassy is prepared to evacuate Americans if it comes to that. We are nervous but otherwise are ok. We request your prayers in behalf of [Kenya] and of ourselves….
Love, Mom and Dad
Normally I would not pass this thing along, but I feel an importance about this. I would appreciate your consideration of including the people of Kenya and my parents in your prayers over the next few days. Hopefully things will settle down soon.
Eric Nielson
Small and Simple 
Eric, I hope things settle down soon and that nothing spreads to your parents’ neighborhood or compound. Funny, we generally think of parents being worried for the safety of young missionaries in the field, forgetting that sometimes it is the other way around.
You are in my prayers
You’re whole family is in our prayers. Keep us posted!
Thanks everyone. I got an email today that said they were allowed to go out and get any food or supplies they needed. So maybe things are already starting to settle down.
Eric,
I just saw this. I, too, will be praying for them (all of them)
Have you had any further word from them since the above comment?
Naiah:
Yes, I got an email yesterday. The two political leaders have agreed to have a meeting (with a UN negotiator or something). THis is seen as a big step.
My parents are in Kitale, which is apperently the place with the least unrest. They have been going about the usual routine for a few days now.