by Donna

September 21, 2013 a day to remember, and try to forget.
Absolutely terrifying is the only way to describe the attack on the Westgate Mall. All thanks to Almighty God that we were not in the mall that fateful Saturday as Westgate was not a mall that we frequented often. It was heart wrenching to listen to the hourly news reports and follow the siege by radio transmission only to hear that so many innocent people were suffering so much trauma, many eventually losing their own lives or those of friends and loved ones. We and everyone here are still fighting a great battle in the spirit after the attack, hoping to understand the truth of what really happened, and how. Two children at the local Christian school that Gloria and Ben attend were injured in the gun battle, one still in hospital, and both children lost one of their parents in the attack. The Christian community rallied together in prayer during three days of national mourning as the nation buried it’s many dead and the wounded began the process of healing both physically and emotionally. The whole experience is definitely drawing us closer to Him as our refuge and strength and our only source of protection. Claiming the promises stated in the Word of God , we are fighting against fear, one of the enemies main tactics. But God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7. We continue to pray for this nation, it’s government and people. They desperately need repentance and a return to God. 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 – ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’

Inside the mall after attack.

by Joana
I was able to volunteer with the Red Cross during this period to help with the aftermath of the Westgate attack. They had set up a recovery centre where victims could go for first aid and counseling. It was heart wrenching for me to talk to some of the people who had been eye witnesses to the attack. One young man lay down on one of the cots provided trembling as he waited to be seen by a psychiatrist. He shared with me his experience in full detail. On Saturday he had just arrived at work in the surveillance room of Westgate when he heard the first explosion. He ventured out to investigate and spotted the assailants heading for him. He managed to hide in a store room with a young lady and her baby, he described the fear which engulfed them for the 4 hours that they were trapped. Hearing the gunfire and the footsteps and praying their last prayers. Eventually they were rescued by army officers. But the fate of his colleagues was not so fortunate. Now he could no longer sleep at night because of nightmares. I was reminded that fear is so real. The only way to fight it is to claim God s promises. (For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7 ) And by fighting fear is the only way to overcoming the power of terrorism in our lives.
I was immensely touched by the overwhelming numbers that turned out to donate blood. And singing groups came from all over the country to perform songs of inspiration. I felt that the outpouring of love and concern was beautiful and I cherished the chance to be a part of it. If only the world could be united through love at all times like that. But unfortunately, that will only happen the day that Jesus comes back to rule the world.
All did not end well in the attack. Many people are still missing and feared dead, and there are many questions that need to be answered. There is only the sobering reminded at the fragility of life. That none of us have any idea when our time will come. Hence, it is important that we always be prepared, we never know when our time will be up. (The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. Prov 21:31)

Joana with Red Cross