Christian Persecution in Kenya: What Americans Should Know [+video]

The more than 145 Christians in Garrisa, Kenya, who were killed on April 2, 2015, were not the first or the last Christians who were marked for death by Muslims. The Al Shabaab Somali Muslims continue to attack villages throughout Garrisa, as they and other groups have done for several years.

The Islamic cry “Death to slaves of the Cross” can be heard and witnessed throughout the Middle East and Africa. Much of this persecution is a result of Obama administration directives and funded by American tax dollars and debt. In light of this, it was not surprising that Barack Obama intentionally chose not to mention or pray for recently murdered Christians from his ancestral homeland during his April 7th “Easter Prayer Breakfast” remarks.

In light of such denial, I reached out to several missionaries asking if they would describe what it’s like to be a Christian living in a non-western country. This is the first of several columns attempting to convey their experiences (most of whom have rejected anonymity) and lists specific actions American Christians can, and must, immediately take to support them.

In Kenya, I reached out to American missionary and church planter, Pastor Josh Lawrence who planted Calvary Chapel in Eldoret, Kenya. Eldoret is the fifth largest city in Kenya, located south of the Cherangani Hills near the Ugandan border.

[Editor’s note: this article’s author, Bethany Blankley, was recently on The Joe Miller Show. Listen to her intriguing interview here]

Four years ago, newlywed Josh and his bride, Kelsey, left their Calvary Chapel Bangor, Maine, community — for Kenya — a land where they knew no one. They were determined, excited and committed to planting a church, reaching their soon-to-be new neighbors by “preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and educating Kenyans in the Word of God.”

Four years ago, newlywed Josh and his bride, Kelsey, left their Calvary Chapel Bangor, Maine, community — for Kenya — a land where they knew no one. They were determined, excited and committed to planting a church, reaching their soon-to-be new neighbors by “preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and educating Kenyans in the Word of God.”

They arrived in Kenya in 2011, shortly after the beginning of the Arab Spring, a time when Muslims attacks against Christians worldwide, including Kenya, were intensifying. Over the last four years attacks have ranged from hurling hand grenades from a church pulpit toward congregants to attacking Christians at barbershops, bus stops, football matches, hotels, produce markets, shops, or while driving or walking along a road. Muslims have used every accessible method to kill Christians, from roadside bombs, to remote devices, IEDs, various kinds and amounts of explosives, transistor radios, gas cylinders, suicide bombings, or shooting someone point blank.

Since 2011, the East African Pentecostal Church, the Central Catholic Cathedral, AIC churches, God’s House of Miracles Church, and St. Polycarp Anglican Church are only a few of many targeted for violence. Many more have occurred unreported by international news outlets.

In fact, during the few short years the Lawrences have lived in Kenya, Kenya jumped from being the 43rd to the 19th most dangerous country for a Christian to live.

I asked Pastor Josh to provide insight about living in Kenya (even anonymously) during such dangerous times. He told me, “I don’t want to remain anonymous. I am very outspoken in Eldoret and at my church about current events. I’ve even held debates with Muslims at my church.”

Josh has been a senior pastor at Calvary ChapelEldoret for three years and in Christian ministry for roughly eight years. Calvary ChapelEldoret has 150 members who regularly attend church services on weekdays and on Sundays.

I asked Pastor Josh, what would happen if his congregants were wiped out like the Christians in Garissa? He responded that if that were to happen, “it would have a huge effect in this town. Though we are a young church we have been making inroads into this community as a church that won’t compromise the truth given to us by Jesus Christ in the Word of God.”

Calvary Chapel Eldoret’s ministry extends well beyond its walls. Josh and others in his congregation provide medical outreach to their neighbors and evangelize to them, including, and sometimes specifically, Muslims. In 2012, Calvary ChapelEldoret drilled a borehole for a local village to have access to clean water. They also minister to men and women in prison weekly.

Pastor Josh added, “Over the last two years persecution in Kenya is at its height. Kenyan media is accurately covering the recent attack on Christians in Garissa, but the American news media is not. In Garissa, for example, the Muslims asked each student whether or not they were a Christian. If they said yes, the Muslims killed them. If they answered that they were Muslim, they were free to leave.”

This fact is well known in Kenya, which is why, Pastor Josh explained, “these attacks have created a lot of fear in Christians. I have had church members ask about security at our church and some have expressed to me that they are afraid to come to church.

“As a Christian missionary in Kenya I have learned to be content in all things. I find great joy in serving Christ here. But I am also cautious, taking precautions for my wife and children in certain areas of town.” (See “Christian Persecution in Kenya: What Americans Should Know”, originally posted HERE)

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