Could this be justified? Of course. Why did it take so long for me to remember what Jesus taught us: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Two days later another MAF flight, coming from that area, picked Edward up and brought him safely back to Nairobi.

While the anger of recent weeks has been triggered by the disputed tallying process and hasty re-inauguration of Mwai Kibaki as president, Terlouw also has witnessed the unveiling of deep tribal divisions.

“These divisions within the Kenyan society have existed for many decades, but have never been dealt with,” he said. “The confrontations between opposition demonstrators and police have been violent since the end of December, but we now see unconcealed tribalism; hatred over ethnicity and grudges over ownership of land, poverty and political power produce a volatile mix.”

Groups of young men control access to villages or areas of town. Kenyans are asked at road blocks for identification cards and are either given passage or perhaps beaten, depending on their tribal identity. A vicious cycle of revenge is spiraling out of control.

“Some days everything appears calm and almost back to normal,” Terlouw said. “However, you’ll be driving home on a normal afternoon and find yourself suddenly confronted by a contingent of riot police. Within seconds, trouble all around.”

During the initial days of conflict, MAF pilots evacuated threatened Kenyans as well as staff members from such organizations as Scripture Mission, International Committee of the Red Cross and Navigators, who were no longer safe in their homes. Things have calmed since then, but it’s far from quiet.

Jerry Dykstra, media relations director for Open Doors, said the outreach ministry so far has not been affected.

“We’re encouraged in that we hear of some positive signs,” he said, referencing the recent involvement of former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who is mediating peace talks between Kibaki and his chief rival, Raila Odinga. Last week, negotiators at the talks agreed to act immediately to end the violence. On Tuesday, they began discussing deeper political issues, talks they plan to complete within two weeks.

“We’re encouraging people in the U.S to pray for peace and stability and for the church to take a very active stand in Kenya,” Dykstra said.

Kenya is nearly 75 percent Christian, but there are pockets of persecution by Muslims in coastal and northeast regions, Dykstra said. The fear among some is that radical Islamic groups will see the current conflict as an entrance for extremist views that could influence the nation.

“We need unity among Christian churches. It is a necessity,” Dykstra said, adding that Christians should be agents of peace and hope during these uncertain days.