Church Army responds to Kenyan Crisis

11th January 2008

Church  Army has set up an appeal to help those trapped in the Kenyan tragedy. With over 70,000 displaced families and over 200 dead in less than 48 hours, Kenya is in need of desperate help. Captain Steve Maina (General Secretary, Church Army Africa) is part of a task force seeking to help the displaced families with humanitarian aid, and counseling.

Several Church Army members and their families are hosting families who are displaced especially from Kibera. One Church Army staff member is hosting seven extra people. Steve Maina says "Transportation is paralysed; people we know are affected, with houses burned in Kibera. The situation is particularly bad. I'm living very near to Kibera and people close to me have had their houses torched."

Businesses have been affected and there is a food and fuel shortage. People are scared to open for business because of fear of violence. Unable to make any plans, these people are forced to live one day at a time.

A few organisations have come to assist but these displaced people will need ongoing support until they rebuild their lives and homes. Church Army has responded with practical help by encouraging people to give to our Kenyan crisis appeal. Captain Paul Fitzpatrick says "After hearing from Steve Maina's, I was deeply moved by the enormity of the task they had in responding to the need of the people in Kiberia. I felt that we needed to stand beside our brothers & sisters in a practical way. The money that is raised through this appeal will be used by Captain Steve and Church Army staff in Kenya to respond to the needs of those seeking aid.Your gift will help to provide food, trauma counseling or even contribute towards the rebuilding of destroyed homes."

So far the work Church Army are doing in Kenya has brought good news.Two babies have already been born at the camp Church Army have set up for displaced people at Jamhuri park.

To help Church Army continue to bring hope to the people of Kenya, visit http://www.churcharmy.org.uk/ca/support/appeals/kenyacrisisappeal.asp, where you can give to this appeal.