Article from the parish Magazine Resource, February 2008
Following reports of violence and unrest in Kenya after the disputed election in January, churches in our diocese have sought news from their contacts in our link Diocese of Bungoma. Bungoma is in western Kenya, close to the border with Uganda.
The news, usually by mobile phone, varies from extremely tense urban situations to untroubled rural locations. Bishop Eliud has particularly asked for our prayers for his role as chair of the National Council of Churches of Kenya. He says, “people are saying that only the churches of Kenya can broker peace.”
One rural parish that has remained calm is Masuno, which is linked with St Mary’s, Grendon. A small group from St Mary’s visited Musano in November during the run up to the election. Isabel Gillett, churchwarden at Grendon, remembers seeing posters proclaiming “vote for your country, not your tribe”, but also saw people queuing up to receive payment in exchange for their vote.
“It upsets me to see people in such difficulties in the news reports because what struck me when we were there was how joyful they were. Everywhere the welcome was tremendous - full of joy and praise. Everyone wanted to share the food they had and we had to eat about five or six times a day!
“Masuno has five churches. At Grendon we have been fundraising for the main church building and it was good to see it nearing completion. Two of the other churches are places of worship under trees and two are mud buildings.
“Sunday worship lasted four to five hours but it went so quickly! There were six baptisms, a wedding, a sermon and the Eucharist. Each of the baptised children was given one of our names, so there is now an Isabella in Masuno.
“At the end of the service we were given gifts - pieces of cloth, a bag of sugar (the main crop) and, much to my astonishment, an envelope containing 100 Kenyan shilling note. I was so overwhelmed, I cried. This is worth about 80p but how much more to these people. I had it framed as a constant reminder of their sharing.
“When we left three of the evangelists from Masuno cycled 2½ hours each way to come and say goodbye. I was amazed by that. Equally, I think they were amazed that, aged 66, I had flown out to visit them.
“I will never forget the people we met and I hope to keep in touch with them. I came back uplifted, humbled and exhilarated and I certainly hope to return to Bungoma.”
For more information about the link between Grendon and Masuno contact Revd David Spokes.
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