Written by Steve Aloyo, Route 61 Team Member, Kenya.
I am a millennial, and while growing up, I saw Kenya as a peaceful, God-fearing country. Our citizens widely acknowledged God—the first stanza of our national anthem even starts with the words, “O God of all creation, bless this our land and nation”. We were known as a welcoming people, which was upheld by patriotic songs like “Kenya hakuna matata” (there is no problem in Kenya) and by the Maasai, who greeted visitors at the airport with their traditional jumping. Even warring neighbouring countries like South Sudan, Congo and Somalia preferred to sign their peace treaties in Kenya.
But now, my beloved country is experiencing nationwide anti-government protests fueled by the Generation Zoomers (Gen Z), which gives the impression that our country is going south.
There are specific issues and real needs that need addressing, and as a team member of The Route 61 Foundation (Route 61), we can be a movement that rises to the occasion and prays for our nation. We are positioned to seek God’s favour and to stretch his hand of blessing upon our land and nation. His presence can cover us in this turmoil.
Some of the problems our leaders encounter are due to their lack of sensitivity to God’s heart and desires. They have forsaken God’s mercy and turned to worthless solutions by not listening to their subjects. We need to get out of this situation and stop looking for a devil to blame.
Love Transforms
Route 61 carries a special and timely message: Let us nurture an intimate transforming relationship with God and seek His face, pray for His direction, instruction and wisdom of application.
We already have an open door to minister within the government’s children’s institutions, and we can also reveal God’s love and intentions for our nation.
It is also important to pray for our neighbouring countries so that they may learn and figure out how best to embrace and promote God’s love, peace, and unity.
In 1 Timothy 1.5, Paul taught the young man Timothy that “the purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” As I pondered with the Holy Spirit and asked God for a revelation of how I could realise these truths in the lives of children in Statutory Children’s institutions through journaling, I sensed God give me this simple reply: “Steve, build your faith on a sure foundation, believe in me, focus, and be conformed to my image. Allow me to pour my love into your heart. This is the only way you can develop a pure heart.”
Unity that heals
In conclusion, as Kenya navigates through these turbulent times, leaders and citizens must rekindle their faith and seek divine guidance. We can address the underlying issues plaguing our nation by fostering a deep, transformative relationship with God and aligning our actions with His will. The Route 61 Foundation stands ready to lead this spiritual revival, emphasising the power of prayer, love, and unity. Let us unite to heal our land and be a beacon of hope and peace for our neighbouring countries. We can restore Kenya’s legacy as a God-fearing, hospitable, and peaceful nation with a collective effort rooted in genuine faith and a pure heart.
