06/07/2018 Washington, D.C. (International Christian Concern) – On February 16, al-Shabaab militants attacked a school in Wajir County, located in northeastern Kenya. Seth Odada and Kevin Shari, both of whom were Christians, were teachers at Qarsa Primary School, the attacked school. The volatile region of northeastern Kenya has recorded a high number of killings due to al-Shabaab’s persecution of Christians. In the recent past, al-Shabaab has targeted Christian quarry workers and Christians riding on public buses throughout northeastern Kenya.

As a result of this attack, Kevin, Seth, and Seth’s wife, Caroline Odada, were murdered.

The attack took place at 1:00 a.m. when militants raided the teachers’ quarters of Qarsa Primary School, which were on the school compound. In addition to Kevin, Seth, and Caroline, another teacher was injured and reportedly sustained multiple bullet wounds to his hand.

Since both Seth and Kevin were the breadwinners of their families, their deaths left close relatives without any source of income. In the aftermath of this brutal violence, International Christian Concern (ICC) helped to stabilize the livelihoods of the affected families by developing two small businesses.

First, ICC helped Seth’s mother, Margaret, open a small clothing store in Ringa town. This started with looking for a vacant shop in a nearby market, renovating it, erecting shelves, and stocking it with clothing to sell. The business will help Margaret generate enough income to support her family and educate her youngest child, Mary, who is studying Early Childhood Education in college.

Margaret Odada said, “This act of concern is very unique and we cannot believe that within a short time after visiting us you have come again to help us open a shop. We feel loved by ICC.”

Additionally, Mary Odada, Seth’s sister, said, “I am amazed at the work the ICC has done for us. We feel like we already belong to ICC because of the love and follow-up after the death of my brother Seth. Thank you very much.”

To support Kevin’s family, ICC helped his mother, Beatrice, open a home goods shop. She used to sell clothes and is an experienced businesswoman, so the store was an endeavor that would help her return to doing what she knows well and provide a stable income.

ICC’s team, along with Beatrice, decided to open a home goods store to help meet the needs of the community. The shop supplies items such as thermoses, flasks, cups, plates, pots, pans, and buckets, among other items.

Beatrice expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am speechless today as I officially receive a fully stocked shop in our local market. Many people promised me many things in vain; ICC never promised but they have come to assist me. Praise the Lord.”

“I am so happy to know that strangers looked for me and now they have helped me for free,” Beatrice continued. “I will work hard to see my business succeed.”

Both Kevin and Seth’s families feel very supported by these efforts. While this will not heal the wounds caused by the deaths of Kevin and Seth, these projects will allow the families to continue to survive and sustain themselves. ICC encourages supporters to continue to pray for God’s healing as these families cope with the loss of loved ones and for them to be successful in their business endeavors.

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected]