Please take one moment to view Shelvis’ “Introduction Video” of his time in Kenya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF0C7WShydQ
Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga (3rd from R) shakes hands with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki (3rd from L) as former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan (2nd from L), and several prominent African Leaders stand beside them during a press conference on January 24, 2008 in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting between the two rivals is the first since the disputed presidential election that led to violence in the country. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images News)
Each week, FECCLAHA’s staff participates in a Bible Study on the book of Nehemiah. The scripture offers considerable wisdom about overcoming conflict and rebuilding our communities. Within the narrative, the reader encounters characters who have suffered years of ethnic genocide, political manipulation, cultural devaluing, and physical exile. The story offers a message of hope to us all because every community knows the sting of division, the results of poor leadership, and the importance of honoring each others gifts. Furthermore, the Nehemiah story reveals how obstacles are overcome when communities unite.![](http://nancyandshelvis.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/photo-grandma-and-boy.jpg "\\"Generations\\" photo by Henry Coates")
The entire community contributes to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s regardless of age, gender, or economic status. The community’s radical solidarity was birth from an understanding of each person’s ability and gifts. The scripture’s examples of solidarity, faith, and work ethic go a long way in any community.
“Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we may longer suffer disgrace…”-Nehemiah 2:17
(photo by Henry Coates)
Posted on February 28th, 2009 by Shelvis
Filed under: Uncategorized