When Akello*, a young Kenyan pastor, arrived at his church early one morning, he had no idea that day would be his last. As he fitted the key into the lock, robbers suddenly surrounded him, demanding entry in hopes they could steal whatever valuables might be inside. Maybe Akello resisted. Maybe that’s why they killed him. But the details became irrelevant when he fell to the ground, church keys still in hand.
“He was one of the Christian youth leaders that I have trained in evangelism and discipleship,” a local ministry leader later said. “The burial will be next week; it is very difficult for them.”
The Dangers of Obeying the Great Commission
Akello’s death comes at a time when Kenyan missionaries are increasingly aware of the risks they take to serve the Lord. Last year, robbers broke into a local ministry leader’s home while he was on an evangelism trip and stole all of his belongings. More recently, another local pastor was mugged and left with two broken ribs.
The ministry leader now tells his missions team not to resist if they are robbed. They work in communities of extreme poverty, and sometimes, the temptation to steal something worth money, such as a projector or speaker or microphone, is too strong to resist. “When they [people from the community] see these things, they see their value,” the ministry leader said. “Pray for our safety. The insecurity where we are working has really increased.”
The Work Must Go On
But these missionaries know that, regardless of the danger, they must continue in their ministry work. “Always my heart beats for missions and the Great Commission,” the ministry leader said. “I have risked so much, but it is risking all for Christ, our only hope.”
Pray for Christian workers such as these Kenyan missionaries, who have buried their Christian brothers and who have suffered and survived through violent attacks themselves. Please consider a donation today to assist missionaries such as these who continue to share the gospel message despite the daily dangers they face.
*Name changed for security.
