Kenya is rapidly becoming more and more dangerous for Christians as Islamists spread their special brand of jihad diplomacy southward through the African continent.
In the wake of the Nairobi mall massacre last September, the bullet-riddled bodies of Sheikh Ibrahim Omar, and three other men were found on the outskirts of Mombasa, Kenya’s main port city, victims of a drive-by shooting. Those responsible for the four deaths were unknown, although odds are it was a retaliatory action; it’s believed that Omar had links with the Somali group al-Shabaab (the Westgate Mall murderers), which is tied to al Qaeda.
The day after the killings, Muslim extremists decided to enact revenge on random targets – including the local Salvation Army Church – which they torched.
The October assault on the church came just one year after the church experienced similar vandalism to their building. But instead of responding to the latest attack in kind, the Christians are following Jesus’ example ~ Twice Burned, Mombasa Salvation Army Church Responds With Christ’s Love ~
For the last sixty years, the Salvation Army Church and her Muslim neighbors have enjoyed a peaceful co-existence with deep friendships and mutual trust developing between the faith communities. This trust, however, is being threatened as protests, violence and misguided attacks against Christians have been perpetrated by radical Muslims in revenge for the drive-by shooting death of Muslim cleric Ibrahim “Rogo” Omar as he left the Musa Mosque on October 3 […]
Open Doors recently visited church leader, Salvation Army Major Nzioka, to offer fellowship and encouragement. As they gathered in the burned church, evidence of the attack surrounded them; fire-scorched walls, broken windows and charred scraps of furniture.
“My family and I were asleep,” Nzioka recalled, “but were disturbed at about 1 am by loud wailing and calls of ‘Allah Akubar!’ I immediately sensed danger. I woke my family and told them we must leave immediately.”
A Muslim neighbor stepped outside to offer assistance and quickly usher the family into her home. “She told us she had been trying to get my phone number to warn me because it was ‘going to be bad’ and we would be in grave danger,” he continued. “She gave us some refreshments as I tried getting police help … but they did not respond until the next day. By this time, the mob had vented their anger at the church. May the Lord God bless that kind lady for risking her own safety to give my family refuge.”
While lamenting this new wave of religious-inspired violence, Nzioka reflected that, “This church has been here since 1948, and we have not had problems with neighbors of Muslim faith. We have respected each other’s faith, families and property. They are the ones that saved our lives that night.”
Despite the millions of dollars worth of damage, the faith of the Mombasa Salvation Army congregation is unwavering ~
“These attacks, instead of discouraging or pushing Christians away from church,” exclaimed Major Nzioka, “are making us more prayerful and causing us to review our individual commitments to the Lord! Indeed as the Lord said, ALL things, good or bad, do work together for the good of His people.”
Major Nzioka shared a scripture close to his heart, Psalm 116:1-6. “I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome with trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, save me!’ The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.”
It’s been four months since the assault and the church continues to respond with care and commitment toward their Muslim neighbors, a testimony to their Christian faith and love.
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Romantic love is nice – but transient.
God’s love is boundless – and eternal.
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Thank You, Father, for the testimony of the Salvation Army Church as they live out Your forgiveness and love in the midst of their tragic circumstances. Continue, Lord, to grant resilience and longsuffering, looking to You for the strength to continue serving You each day.
Thank You for the love and concern they have received from their Muslim neighbors; we pray that You will bring many out of the darkness of Islam into a saving knowledge of Christ’s love. In the name of Jesus who has already won the victory, taking even the evil intent of men and turning it into good for Your church. Amen.
