God's gentle love in a harsh land

Circle of Light - Energy to lift the world's poor out of darkness

The Pokots, who live in a violent community, are now experiencing the peace and grace that comes with God’s love.

Kitelakapel has been called a snapshot of the Old Wild West, complete with cattle rustling, warring between ranching towns and the death and violent life that comes with a godless land. Neighboring regions hate the Pokots who are known for their meanness, revenge and outlaw ways, which aren’t regulated since the closest government agency is about an hour away.

Circle of Light’s first encounter with those of Kitelakapel was as intense as the Pokots’ reputation. The Pokots arrived at the launch of Marakwet’s Energy Store (in October 2004) in full warrior garb, insisting on participating in the event.

“But amazingly, upon witnessing the distribution of the lighting and cooking systems, the Pokot leaders decided they needed it in their community,” says Jeff Loving, director of donor development.

In fact, they were so determined that within two weeks, they had collected enough money for 250 homes—enough to launch their own Energy Store.

In most areas of Africa, the number of AIDS orphans is of concern. In Kitelakapel, they have “RAIDS” kids, Loving explains. While raiding villages to steal cattle, men often kill people and burn homes down. And violence begets violence. Seeking revenge, communities raid back and Pokots (both men and women) are killed in the process, leaving orphans to be cared for by other family members until they are 15 and enter adulthood—a passage commemorated by their own first cattle raid.

But even though Kitelakapel can be dangerous, the people still need modern, affordable energy delivered by CoL cooking and lighting systems, and they need the message of God’s love.

“God has not set a boundary for those who need his help. All are worthy,” Loving says. “We hope to demonstrate that we are reaching all types of social, political and tribal demographics.”

So on March 29, 2006, a CoL Energy Store was launched, and cooking and lighting systems were distributed throughout the community. During the initial training session (when participants learn how to use the lights and stoves) six of the village elders accepted Christ as their savior.

Damiano Septoi, one of those leaders, says he was encouraged by John Coors who said, “When a family turns on the light, they should remember that Jesus was the light of the world, and that when one cooks using the stove they should remember that Jesus was the bread of life.” Septoi was formerly involved in traditional Pokot rituals, healings and cures, but now he says, “I am son of God and God leads my life.”

Residents are learning about Jesus and are being discipled by International Christian Ministries at the CoL Communications Centre. About 18 leaders meet regularly to learn more about how to evangelize to their community, who mostly practice the traditional Pokot religion.

In addition, the Christian leaders are planning to establish cross-border peace committees to carry out face-to-face peace dialogues, cross-border peace activities and peace education in schools and colleges to curb cattle rustling and raids.

“The Energy Store has brought people together and this has encouraged them to be united in Christ under the CoL project,” says John Bosco Lopeyok, a Kitelakapel participant. “Many of us receive visitors in our homes during both day and night who want to know how these items operate.”

“This is the beginning of a new dream,” says Kitelakapel teacher Chepochikwa Losek, who emphasizes how much the lighting kits have helped improve education.

Kitelakapel has a long way to go yet. But with Christian leaders, the continued message of Christ’s grace, and your continued prayers and support, this turbulent community will someday be one that corporately obeys and loves the Lord.