I took a field trip today. Several of us drove out of town towards the mountains which mark Uganda’s edge. We went to survey an airstrip in a small settlement. I wanted to know if it would make a good emergency alternate for Loki. It might also be an option to evacuate missionaries who are working up on that Ugandan plateau.

As we sped out of town, we saw dozens of Turkana families moving next to lines of laden donkeys, also making their way out of town. The traditional Turkana are always on the move. Sadly, I think these were moving for other reasons beyond tradition.

The last few weeks brought an up swell in cattle rustling, with around 100 heads forcibly exchanged between the tribes. In addition, several lives were lost, and more horrifically bodies mutilated, probably as a symbol of utter defiance and abomination. This also drew emotionally charged retaliatory raids. After many lengthy periods of peace between two tribes, interrupted by the occasional and somewhat rare burst of raiding, these last two weeks are discouraging. It’s been a move in the wrong direction.

This is probably why we passed lines of people and donkeys leaving town. They are afraid of what is to come.

Many times in conversation about this, the question comes out: “How will this ever stop?”

This is my prayer that these young men involved in raiding will wrestle with this fact. Many years ago a man taught and performed miracles, claimed to be the Son of God, and then was killed. His followers disappeared. And then the unthinkable- he came back to life and thousands of people believed who he said he was. They believed to the point of being willing to forgive instead of seeking revenge, to die instead of denying their belief.

And one of those followers even wrote:

Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind

This Resurrection Sunday, my hope is that among these young men, they will no longer conform, but be transformed. And that they will really come face to face with the Man who conquered death. It’s happening elsewhere in northern Kenya, and it can happen here.

Will you pray with me?

Sitting in the car after measuring the airstrip, and talking to the Chief about permission to use the airstrip.

 

 

 

I saw this at the Catholic mission near the airstrip. When there’s not enough string to hold up a mosquito net…. use an old mouse.