By ICC’s Kenya Correspondent

12/08/2016 Washington, DC (International Christian Concern) – On July 6, 2015 al-Shabaab militants assaulted Soko Mbuzi market in Mandera, a town close to Kenya’s border with Somalia. At least 14 quarry workers, many of them Christian, were killed and several others wounded during this terrorist attack that left many families vulnerable and in despair.

Maina Justus was one of the victims who survived the incident, but was severely wounded.

“As usual, we had come back from work in the quarries, had supper and slept. That night we had no electricity,” Justus told International Christian Concern (ICC). “At around 2:00 a.m., we heard two loud explosions at the gate. Then, shortly after, the door to our sleeping hall was shot and opened. It dawned upon us that the al-Shabaab has attacked,” he added.

Amidst the fear and chaos, quarry workers ran for their lives in all directions. Unfortunately, not all were able to escape and some even died in their sleep.

Al-Shabaab has publicly declared war on Christians as they aim to purge them out of what they consider to be Muslim lands in northern Kenya. Hence, Christians continue to be targeted and persecuted constantly in this region.

The Mandera attack that took place in July 2015 left at least seven Christian families without their breadwinners to sustain them. Therefore, ICC delivered food packages and medical assistance to these families immediately after hearing about the incident. Through further interaction with these families, ICC was able to discover other needs that they had and figure out a way to help them not only in the moment, but in the long-term.

This year, a project was developed and implemented to help the seven families that were victims of the Mandera attacks last year. The project was executed in two phases which consisted of building seven cow sheds and giving each of the families a dairy cow, so that they could sell the milk. The income earned from these cows has helped the families pay for school expenses for their children, provide food, and cover other basic needs.

Esther Njiri, a widow who lost her husband during the Mandera attack is thankful to God for remembering her in such a vulnerable time.

“The Lord has remembered us,” Esther told ICC. “We are so excited to see [ICC] again. This time with great news for the year. It has not been easy providing for the family through working in the quarry. Before the cow gives forth a calf I will be waking up early to feed it, and then come down here to break stones. I know this will be for a short time.”

Joyce Karumba, another victim who is not only a widow, but a mother, expresses her gratitude for being able to sustain her family with the milk she sells.

“This is a milestone to our family because once [we] start selling milk, we will have money for food and school fees,” Joyce shared with ICC. “The Lord has remembered His people. The Lord has remembered the Karumba family.”

Many Christians in Kenya continue to be persecuted due to their faith, but it is important to remind them that they do not have to go through it alone. The Lord certainly remembers those who suffer and are persecuted in His name. He continues to provide comfort and work in ways that we do not understand. Remember your persecuted brothers and sisters by praying for their physical and spiritual needs as they continue to share the good news in such a dangerous region.