Jacob Beles
I am from the Nande tribe, related to the Pokots, but separate. I have been a pastor to the Pokot people for nearly 20 years. I speak their language, I understand their culture and the struggles that they face. Cattle and goat rustling has been a way of life for these tribes for years, and the conflict between them has been present for as long as I have been here.
However, as a result of my work in Nginyang, I have seen how a community can come together and resolve conflict. Nginyang was once a center of conflict over water and animals. But the presence of the church in this community, and the power of the gospel to change lives along with a water project to make water available to the whole community (thanks to our friends in the U.S. and a grant from the Kenya government) brought peace and stability, a sense of community. The homes have water now, and children are able to stay home long enough to attend school. We are hopeful that we may accomplish something equally miraculous in Kapedo and Akoret.
I hope to work with the pastors and churches in Kapedo to pray for and minister to the people around Kapedo so that enemies will stop fighting with each other and peace will be the result. I have seen that the Pokots have no access to church, yet they clearly desire this. With time, I hope to see us build a multi-purpose building at Akoret, near where we propose to put in a well. The building can serve as a clinic during the morning, adult education center during the afternoon or evening, and on weekends, it can serve as a chapel. My wife Ann and I are committed to this project. We see its tremendous opportunity to bring peace between the Pokots and Turkanas.
However, as a result of my work in Nginyang, I have seen how a community can come together and resolve conflict. Nginyang was once a center of conflict over water and animals. But the presence of the church in this community, and the power of the gospel to change lives along with a water project to make water available to the whole community (thanks to our friends in the U.S. and a grant from the Kenya government) brought peace and stability, a sense of community. The homes have water now, and children are able to stay home long enough to attend school. We are hopeful that we may accomplish something equally miraculous in Kapedo and Akoret.
I hope to work with the pastors and churches in Kapedo to pray for and minister to the people around Kapedo so that enemies will stop fighting with each other and peace will be the result. I have seen that the Pokots have no access to church, yet they clearly desire this. With time, I hope to see us build a multi-purpose building at Akoret, near where we propose to put in a well. The building can serve as a clinic during the morning, adult education center during the afternoon or evening, and on weekends, it can serve as a chapel. My wife Ann and I are committed to this project. We see its tremendous opportunity to bring peace between the Pokots and Turkanas.
