22 January 2008
BLOOD DONATION TO HEAL A NATION
Nairobi Disciples Donate Blood To Assist Victims Of Violence
By Rayola Osanya-Nyynéque
Violence continues to rear its ugly head around Kenya even as thousands already affected by an outpouring of killing, revenge and bloodletting nurse emotional, psychological and physical wounds.
The town of Eldoret has been one of the worst hit by this orgy, that broke out following the announcement of results of the presidential elections in Kenya last month. As a result, many are languishing in hospital beds. At the same time, as Frida Mcharo, Program Officer at HOPE worldwide (right) Kenya, says, "The need for blood is acute. Due to the prevailing insecurity in Eldoret, it is extremely difficult to get key emergency services to this area."
In response to this, members of the Nairobi church turned out in good numbers to donate blood on Sunday 20 January. HOPE worldwide Kenya, together with the National Blood Transfusion Service, provided the blood collection service. Frida explains, "The blood collected today will be flown to Eldoret."
140 people donated a pint of blood each, 41 of whom were first-time donors. Despite the cold weather and light rain, disciples were determined to play their part in helping to bring hope, healing and recovery. Several of those who donated blood are disciples who are among those affected by violence in Nairobi who have in the last few weeks received relief food from fellow disciples.
Donor Austin Otieno said, "I want to help save a life." Rosa Wayodi (centre in the picture on the right, in black jacket) shared, "I was tempted to save my blood for when a relative in hospital may need it, but then I remembered that Jesus calls us to help immediately as the need and opportunity arise." She was donating blood for only the second time in her life.
James Amayi gave blood because of the stark reality that "there is need to save and to rescue." Anthony Mwanza felt a need to donate blood because on TV, and in the newspapers "I see that the need for blood is greater than the available supply."
Graham Kasindo said, "I may not have money to give people who've been affected by violence, but I have blood, and when I give it, it goes directly to the person in need." This is much like Peter at the temple gate called beautiful in Acts 3, when he said to a crippled man, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you."
In face of the dark and sad situation in Kenya, let us all give what we can. If we can give blood, let us do so. If we can give food, let us do so, if we can give comfort, let us do so. If the most we can do is pray, then let us all pray. Let us offer supplication to save a nation.
Other pictures from the event
The town of Eldoret has been one of the worst hit by this orgy, that broke out following the announcement of results of the presidential elections in Kenya last month. As a result, many are languishing in hospital beds. At the same time, as Frida Mcharo, Program Officer at HOPE worldwide (right) Kenya, says, "The need for blood is acute. Due to the prevailing insecurity in Eldoret, it is extremely difficult to get key emergency services to this area."
In response to this, members of the Nairobi church turned out in good numbers to donate blood on Sunday 20 January. HOPE worldwide Kenya, together with the National Blood Transfusion Service, provided the blood collection service. Frida explains, "The blood collected today will be flown to Eldoret."
140 people donated a pint of blood each, 41 of whom were first-time donors. Despite the cold weather and light rain, disciples were determined to play their part in helping to bring hope, healing and recovery. Several of those who donated blood are disciples who are among those affected by violence in Nairobi who have in the last few weeks received relief food from fellow disciples.
Donor Austin Otieno said, "I want to help save a life." Rosa Wayodi (centre in the picture on the right, in black jacket) shared, "I was tempted to save my blood for when a relative in hospital may need it, but then I remembered that Jesus calls us to help immediately as the need and opportunity arise." She was donating blood for only the second time in her life.
James Amayi gave blood because of the stark reality that "there is need to save and to rescue." Anthony Mwanza felt a need to donate blood because on TV, and in the newspapers "I see that the need for blood is greater than the available supply."
Graham Kasindo said, "I may not have money to give people who've been affected by violence, but I have blood, and when I give it, it goes directly to the person in need." This is much like Peter at the temple gate called beautiful in Acts 3, when he said to a crippled man, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you."
In face of the dark and sad situation in Kenya, let us all give what we can. If we can give blood, let us do so. If we can give food, let us do so, if we can give comfort, let us do so. If the most we can do is pray, then let us all pray. Let us offer supplication to save a nation.
Other pictures from the event
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