Mother of children attacked outside Nairobi.
Photo: Morning Star News
On November 17th, a group of militant Muslims attacked three of the eight children belonging to a Christian widow whose residence is located on the outskirts of Nairobi. As a result, the two older children of those harmed suffered severe injuries. Hadiya, an immigrant from Somalia, had not yet returned from a trip to a funeral when the assailants -- also of Somali descent -- broke into her home at 5:30 in the morning.
At the time of the intrusion, Hadiya's 17-year-old daughter was asleep in her room, and the two boys were sleeping in the front room. Although these sons (ages 13 and 21) had asked who was knocking at the door, the militants refused to identify themselves -- proceeding instead to force their way into the home by smashing a window. While the three victims tried to escape, the intruders instigated attacks against them. Shortly thereafter, when neighbours of the family arrived at the scene, the attackers were nowhere to be found.
Due to the physical attacks, which left a trail of blood throughout the front room of the family's home, Hadiya's three injured children were rushed to the health centre. The youngest of the three sustained injuries to his left leg, neck and chest; while his elder brother, who was hit with a blunt object, sustained more serious injuries to his head, chest and back. Their 17-year-old sister, who also received heavy blows and kicks, bled from her nose and sustained a rib injury.
Unfortunately, this assault on Hadiya's family has not been the first. Since embracing Christianity, they have suffered much persecution. In another incident, which took place last year, one of Hadiya's other adult sons was beaten so badly that he was left unconscious. Please pray for this widow and her children.
Ask the Lord to provide Hadiya and her children much needed strength, healing, protection and courage so they can carry on as His image bearers in their community. Although living for Christ has resulted in numerous challenges for this widow and her children, may each of them experience the true peace and joy that comes from knowing the One who promises to be a 'Husband to the widow' and a 'Father to the fatherless.' Also intercede for the men who perpetrated the attacks. May they, too, respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is at work in their lives through the prayers of His people by drawing them with cords of God's unfailing and everlasting love.
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