When a group of Christian leaders gathered for fellowship, they realized its necessity and importance. The gathering was facilitated by a local pastor, one of only two full-time pastors in the region, and composed of 13 lay leaders. Front-line workers reported that the gathering highlighted the need for more opportunities to fellowship with other Christian workers in this region of Kenya, which is dominated by Islam. “The gratitude of the teachers ... after the fellowship evidenced how they critically needed such fellowships and encouragements regularly,” a front-line worker said. “It was noted that the lack of such fellowships in a hostile environment is dangerous for any Christian and would deny the predominantly Muslim locals to see God’s love and mercy demonstrated through Christians.” Pray for more opportunities for fellowship and encouragement for the few gospel workers in this region, and for more laborers to join in the ministry.

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Christians in the town of Selibaby fear for their safety after threats made on social media resulted in a mob attack and desecration of a grave. The social media posts called local Christians infidels and apostates and urged action against them. On April 7, an angry mob entered a cemetery where a Christian man had recently been buried, destroyed his tombstone and exhumed his body. They then dragged his body through the streets to a village over 10 miles away to rebury it. Hate-filled media posts continued afterward with comments warning clans and family members to cease all contact with Christians. According to front-line workers, the situation remains volatile. They request prayer that local Christians will feel the peace and presence of Christ, that they will have safety and freedom to worship, and that, even in the midst of these circumstances, they will shine the light of Christ to their Muslim neighbors.

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Pastor Gul was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison for the activity of his Christian faith. His elderly parents, brother and sisters continue to gather for worship with other Christians in their small, rented home, although the constant judgment and scrutiny from the community have created an atmosphere of anxiety and distress for them. They expressed both deep pain and joy that Gul “had been chosen by God to bear his name and bring hope and the gospel to inmates.” In a recent visit, Gul reminded his father of the story of Joseph. He expressed that he, like Joseph, is in prison for a divine reason. He was confident God would use his time in prison to bring glory to his name and lead many to salvation in Christ. Pray for Gul’s faith to shine brilliantly in the darkness of prison and for his family to remain steadfast and encouraged.