Why Don’t They Just..?
Posted on September 18, 2009 - Filed Under General News | Leave a Comment
WHY DON’T THEY.?
I admit to getting a little defensive when I talk to “educated” Kenyans
in the city about the Samburu. The last person I did this with commented
that “they live like animals.” How unkind. Many will remark that they are
“simple, like children.” Their prejudice and ignorance frustrate me and
their lack of compassion is surprising. They have never visited
Samburu and yet they seem to have all the answers. While it may be true that
the Pastoralist’s lifestyle is on the way out, it is also true that farming
is not a viable option as many would say. Why do the Samburu suffer in times
of drought? They are not growing crops (nor can they, usually) so why does
the lack of rain affect them so greatly? It is all about the animals. They
are the primary source of food (milk) and money (selling the milk or the
animal). With no grass to eat and very little water to drink, the animals
become thin, stop giving milk and begin to die. You cannot eat them, you
cannot sell them. The buyers are not even interested in the hides these
days. They have too many already. You can only pray it will rain before they
all die.
In spite or because of these desperate times, many are deciding to
follow Jesus. They are stepping into the cold, dirty water to follow Him in
baptism. They are eager to hear God’s Word and they are seeking Him for
answers. In the past month or so, over 250 new believers have been baptized,
with more scheduled in the next week. Pray for them to grow in faith,
understanding and obedience.
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