Earlier this year, a gift of 18 million Kenyan Shillings from the American Bible Society arrived for the IDP (Internally Displaced People) program. Wanting to be intentional and wise with what has been provided for their ministry, IDP sent members into the Rift Valley Province to discern what are the greatest needs and how they could most effectively use the money. The IDP members came back with reports that outside of food, there were significant needs for seed and fertilizer to help farmers return to their farms or to begin work with what land they now had.

From late October to early November, 18 staff and volunteers with the IDP program journeyed back to the Rift Valley Province on a trip they named Msafara II. They brought with them over 12 staggering truckloads of food, fertilizer and seed. Between people still living in camps and others who have settled nearby, IDP served roughly 60,000 individuals throughout their trip.

Pastor Faith Mugera of Nairobi Chapel's Social Justice Ministries describes their response: "It was an emotional experience as men walked us across what they call their Promised Land."

Throughout their trip, IDP kept their eyes and hearts open to continue to discern the deepest needs of the communities. In some camps they felt a sense of peace and described the environment as lively and filled with hope. But in many of the camps, IDP realized that insecurity, fear and restlessness still thrive. Pastor Mugera commented, "We gave donations but sensed a silent cry for a resolution to issues that caused displacement. Peace and reconciliation are initiatives that must take place for them to fully settle."

Even as IDP met the immediate physical needs of food and a means of living, they knew the deeper need for hope must also be met. Members of the group prayed with the sick and broken-hearted, sharing the truth about Jesus Christ with those whose hope had been shattered.

The group's desire is to be able to return for a third visit, Msafara III. A medical supplies facility, books for children, including Bibles, are all on their list of things they would like to share when they return.