Westgate Shooting – Kenya Christian Church leaders Press Statement
September 23, 2013
KENYA CHRISTIAN CHURCH LEADERS
KENYANS, BE COURAGEOUS
Press Statement
Preamble
We, the leadership section of the Christian fraternity have met to reflect on terror attack that began on Saturday morning at Westgate Mall which has left over 60 innocent people dead, hundreds injured and the entire country traumatized.
We have followed the unfolding events with growing sorrow and concern. We are saddened by this despicable and cowardly act by people who have no regard for human life. Christian leaders condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms possible. Though our enemies as a nation may come from one direction, God will scatter them in seven different ways.
Condolences
Our heartfelt condolences go to all the Kenyans and non Kenyans who lost their loved ones during this evil attack. May you find encouragement in the words of 2 Corinthians 1: 3 – 4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Our prayers and supplications especially go for anyone still trapped or held hostage by the attackers.
Message of Appreciation
We thank God that our Kenyan security forces have rescued more than 1,000 people from the Mall, some of whom have been taken to various hospitals after sustaining injuries. We continue to pray for the quick recovery of the injured even as they receive medical attention, asking that God may grant them the strength to overcome the physical, emotional and psychological wounds sustained during the attack.
Despite the misfortune that we are facing as a nation, we the Christian leaders are encouraged by the overwhelming support that Kenyans of goodwill, the security forces, the political class, the media, the international community and many others have given to the affected. The spirit demonstrated by such care is commendable. In this regard, we urge all Kenyans to continue standing united and offer support especially to our security agents as they try to complete the rescue operation and unravel the crime. We the church leaders shall also continue mobilizing our members wherever they are in the country to provide support and play their role in helping secure our nation.
Call for Vigilance
The Westgate Mall terror attack is the most traumatizing event in our country in the recent past. We appreciate the measures taken by government to secure our boarders and points of entry. Everything must be done by our security forces, and indeed all Kenyans, to pre-empt any such incidents.
Call for Prayer
To galvanize prayer support for the bereaved, the injured and the affected, church leaders plan to hold an inter faith prayer meeting on Saturday 28th September 2013 at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) at 10:00 am.
May God heal and bless Kenya.
