Nairobi, Kenya 1st August 2011 The visiting Lutheran World Federation Secretary General Rev. Martin Junge joined the two Bishops of Lutheran churches in Kenya for a Sunday worship in Lengisho Parish of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya.
In his message from John 20, Rev. Junge noted that Lutherans are united, bond together and linked worldwide through worship and faith. He likened that bond to a body nerve which calls for response to a part of the body suffering. “We heard of the suffering and fear caused by drought facing the East Africa region [and] we share in suffering with part of our body” said Junge. “We came to see, listen and find ways of accompanying in the suffering” he added.
From right: Rev. Martin Junge, Bishop Zachariah Kahuthu and Bishop Walter Obare after the Sunday worship in Kajiado
He further said that God meets those in fear similar to the way He met the disciples at a time of fear. “Christ will find us in whatever situation we encounter” he said. While offering hope to the region suffering worst drought in 60 years he said that Christ message brings peace. He urged the church to engage in providing the message of peace and hope to the creation hurting and community suffering from the effects of climate change.
“The place of the church is not behind closed doors, we should engage in the duties of the world” He urged.
He commended the two Lutheran churches in Kenya KELC and ELCK for showing the Spirit of serving and not of withdrawal. He encouraged the two churches [to] “go out and work with others in addressing and minimizing human suffering”.
Bishop Zachariah Kahuthu and Bishop Walter Obare both commended Rev. Martin Junge for visiting Kenya as part of “witness and solidarity with people of Kenya”.
After the worship Rev. Martin Junge visited congregations of ELCK and KELC and met pastoral families and communities affected by the drought.
Rev. Junge accompanied by the Department of Mission and Development Africa regional secretary Rev. Dr. Elieshi Mungure and Rev. Eberhard Hitzler Director of Department of World Service is on a four days (30th July to 3rd August ) visit to Kenya. During the visit the LWF General Secretary will show support efforts for sufficient camp space in Kenya and for humanitarian access to Somali and endeavour to strengthen co-operation with government of Kenya and UNHCR.
He is also schedule to visit Daadab refugees camp, meet the president and prime minister, head of UNHCR, head of UNOCHA, government officials and various humanitarian agencies working in Kenya.
The two Lutheran churches in Kenya have launched an appeal through ACT Alliance to respond to the drought affecting the region. The appeal will ensure food and non-food items reach the most vulnerable people affected by the worst drought in 60 years causing pain and suffering in East and Horn of Africa.
