Visiting the Bannisters

Glenden and Greta Rae (Diane Bannister's parents), Erica, Emma, Tim & Diane Bannister, Mary, Tristan, and the Bannister's pets Watson, Max & Kisuku (spelling?) their grey parrot -- together at the Bannister's beautiful home near Athi River.

This week saw relative calm in Nairobi and in many areas of Kenya. We enjoyed a wonderful drive into the breathtaking hills of "Kamba country" beyond Machakos, where our partner church the Africa Brotherhood Church holds its headquarters. The dozens of small towns and villages perched along the steep hillsides and sweeping valleys were quiet and free of the violence which has escalated in Western regions of the country. On Sunday, we saw hundreds of children and families walking throughout the area to various churches for worship and continued prayers for peace.

A highlight of our week was a visit to Athi River to the Kapati Plains where our fellow Canadian Baptist Team-mates the Bannisters live. Diane and Tim are hosting her parents who are visiting from Canada. It was a joy for us to be able to get Mary out of the confines of the city and for her to see more of Kenya.

The past two days have seen an increase in conflict in several areas in the west including Nakuru and Naivasha, not far from us in the Rift Valley. Please continue to pray for peace in Kenya and for the ongoing talks between the political leadership of this country.

Please also keep Erica in your prayers as she goes in for a minor surgery on Tuesday here in Nairobi. Thank you all so much for keeping us and all of Kenya in your thoughts and prayers!