SECURITY UPDATE AT MAUA METHODIST HOSPITAL!

Sue and I woke up this Thursday morning to the devastating news out of Garissa and the Al Shabaab attack against the university campus in Garissa proper.  As of this writing the attack surpasses that of Westgate in terms of numbers killed and wounded.

We have already received several inquiries about both our own well-being and security for teams coming this summer to MMH.

Garissa is about 200 km as the crow flies from Maua.  It is about half way to the coast, almost due east.  There are no direct roads, however, between the two communities.  The fact that none of the wounded were transported to us indicates how difficult it is to get to us.

Having said that, it is obvious that this is a significant event in the life of Kenya.  It is reportedly in retaliation for Kenya's ongoing success in battling Al Shabaab in Somalia and the northern reaches of Kenya.  As one commentator noted this morning, it is a sign that Al Shabaab is desperate to make a statement that they are still relevant.  It is a statement, and a horrific one at that, but it still points to their decline, rather than strength.  Kenya and the pan African force have been very effective in pushing Al Shabaab back from major populated areas in Somalia.

What this will mean for team security and safety this coming summer in Maua is difficult to predict at this point.  But if the past is any indication the biggest impact will be increased security check points on the road north, and at the entrances to any major city, Maua included.  

I have been in touch with both MMH and the General Board of Global Ministries this morning.   They will keep me posted of any changes in the situation, or any advisories for or against travel.  At this point it is simply too early to tell what impact will be. 

MMH is quiet, and saddened, and keeping the hospital and people of Garissa in prayer.

Sue and I are in Denver, and will be returning to Kenya on April 11th.  We will be in constant contact with our contacts in Kenya, and will keep you posted of any new developments.

Personal safety in travel can never be guaranteed, whether in the US or in Kenya or wherever one travels.  Obviously everyone must make their own decision.  But we would counsel all planning on coming this summer to wait and see what transpires over the next few weeks and months.  And be sure to get the trip insurance that allows coverage for such events.

Our promise to you is that we will keep you as up to date as we can.  We want no one  in harm's way.

On a more positive note, we have just finished a two week swing through Tennessee and Texas, and have had some wonderful contacts that speak well for the hospital's future.  In another newsletter I will update you on some of those developments, and outline the plans for our next "Friends of Maua" gathering, next November 12-15 in Ft. Worth.

Plans are being made, and we will get them out to you soon!

Prayers for the people of Kenya.

Blessings,
Jim, and Sue, too!