On Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 2:53 PM, Erastus Marugu wrote:

I am not such a good student of history but I look back at the history of the greatest nation on earth and I see the founders of that nation full of faith and having piety towards heaven. Their beliefs are enshrined in their constitution and the declaration of indipendence. I believe this has caused this nation to endure and dominate the earth.

They have elected leaders that are known to be of integrity and it’s a requirement that holders be of high moral values. I believe it is the same thing that drove them to the civil war, the quest and belief in what’s right. The quest for social justice. I believe it’s the same thing that has led to the election of their new president, that audacity to believe, to have divine faith. Members, Kenya is facing a lot of challenges as has been highlighted in these forums. I believe all of us want to see change, an end to poverty, we want to see justice, leaders full of integrity and who are accountable. I believe that by faith and collective prayer we can begin to see change. If we pray about these things, then we can start to see God changing this country. It doesn’t take the faith of a multitude to move mountains, but you and me. Lets pray for Kenya. It needs your prayer and mine

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Erustus,

I believe you are right. Kenya is still in a situation that atrocities, such as genocide are not just possible, but probable. Our peace is so fragile, and our unity is held together by some type of cement that does not seem to set. Alliances are solely based on job positions, land, money, stomach and egos. Issues are not, and have never been what determine which side of the devide the politicians take. Again you are right. Our founding fathers bequethed unto us a song, a prayer whose lyrics are so relevant today. Based on your request to pray for Kenya, today I have sung our National Anthem, something I have not done in a long time. I still have hope. I challenge others to do the same, for there is strength in numbers when we petition the Supreme. Stand up whilst our leaders are wallowing in the miasma of politics as usual. And yes, hold the words of this prayer as a true desire, which is self evidence of our belief in the decency of the life of the Kenyan citizen. To wit,

In Kishwahili Words:

Ee Mungu nguvu yetu
Ilete baraka kwetu
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi
Natukae na udugu
Amani na uhuru
Raha tupate na ustawi.

Amkeni ndugu zetu
Tufanye sote bidii
Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu
Nchi yetu ya
Kenya tunayoipenda
Tuwe tayari kuilinda.

Natujenge taifa letu
Ee ndio wajibu wetu
Kenya istahili heshima
Tuungane mikono pamoja kazini
Kila siku tuwe nashukrani.

In English Words:

O God of all creation,
Bless this our land and nation.
Justice be our shield and defender,
May we dwell in unity,
Peace and liberty.
Plenty be found within our borders.

Let one and all arise
With hearts both strong and true.
Service be our earnest endeavour,
And our Homeland of Kenya,
Heritage of splendour,
Firm may we stand to defend.

Let all with one accord
In common bond united,
Build this our nation together,
And the glory of Kenya,
The fruit of our labour
Fill every heart with thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving.

—
Joram Ragem
wuod Ndinya, wuod Onam, wuod Amolo, wuod Owuoth, wuod Oganyo, wuod Mumbe, wuod Odongo, wuod Olwande, wuod Adhaya, wuod Ojuodhi, wuod Ragem! (Are you my relative?)

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Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:27:52 -0500 [08:27:52 PM CST]
From: Joram Ragem
Subject: Re: Pray for Kenya.