Click here to read on-going columns, addresses and articles authored by IPM's Executive Director, Joseph F. Cistone.
Faith Connections
Faith Connections February 2009
Dear Friends,
Many of you may have heard of the tragic disasters that struck Kenya in the last several days. As the nation recovers from two deadly fires, please join us in praying for all those affected.
On Thursday, January 29, a fire broke out in the Nakumatt store in downtown Nairobi that IPM Staff and delegations visit regularly. The fire killed 29 individuals. Rescue efforts were made challenging by the location of the store, in the crowded downtown of Kenya’s capital city.
On Sunday, February 1, an oil tanker overturned in the western town of Molo. Many who rushed to the scene of the accident to collect “free” oil were killed when the tanker exploded. An estimated 111 people were killed in that fire. Many more were badly injured and are being treated for burns in area hospitals.
Our prayers are with the nation of Kenya, as it begins the difficult process of evaluating the damage and rebuilding. In the words of the Prime Minister, “[The] fact that fire could gut down a business premise in a central place, a street from our fire headquarters…a stone’s throw from a major hotel says a lot about our disaster preparedness.”
While none of IPM’s Project Partners, Staff, or Friends was directly injured by either fire, we join them in prayers for healing and consolation for their fellow citizens who were directly affected by these disasters. Most importantly, we pray for all those families who lost someone in the fires, as well as all those who still have not heard from family missing family members.
All of these victims and their families are indeed our sisters and brothers; we are particularly aware of this as an IPM delegation returned just a few weeks ago from an Immersion Experience in Kenya. The challenge of solidarity is rarely more present than in situations such as this: ones in which we often feel helpless in the face of disaster. IPM’s presence in Kenya, however, is testament to the capacity of individuals to stand in solidarity with those most in need and to work together to build a better future for the people of Kenya.
Faithfully yours,
Joseph F. Cistone
Executive Director
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Copy and paste the links below into your browser for more information about the fires:
Nakumatt store fire: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7859899.stm
Oil tanker explosion: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7863294.stm
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