YWAM Mourns Death of Kenya Missionary

On Friday, Charisma News reported that a Youth With a Mission (YWAM) missionary was murdered in Kenya. At approximately 1 a.m. on Feb. 25, armed robbers broke into a YWAM orphanage on Kenya’s Athi River about 50 kilometers outside of Nairobi.

Now, YWAM is offering additional details on the murder of 36-year-old Ebel Kremer, a Dutch national that was managing the orphanage.

YWAM reports that Kremer’s wife, Lora, was also assaulted in the attack, which took place in their home on the orphanage property. The Kremer’s two children witnessed the attacks, but were spared harm. However, a night watchman was also injured. YWAM reports he is recovering.

Tamara Neely, a spokesperson for YWAM, tells Charisma magazine that there is no reason to believe the attack was motivated by anything other than robbery. Police are investigating the incident as a robbery and have increased security in the area. YWAM has also increased security.

“Our hearts are hurting as we are all in shock and disbelief that Ebel has been taken from us so suddenly, and in such a cruel and heartless manner,” says Karin Kea Sued, the leader of YWAM Athi River center. “We have lost a fellow missionary and friend who beamed with energy and determination serving the One we all know to give perfect peace, comfort and eternal life. Our prayers and sympathy remain with Lora and their families in Holland.”

The Kremers began volunteering with YWAM’s Kenya operations in Feb. 2008.  In addition to the orphanage, the YWAM center in Athi River operates Christian training schools and a pre-school. Ebel was heading a project called the Maanzoni Children’s Village, which was working with Homes for Hope and Healing to open eight village homes for foster families caring for up to 12 children.

Sued says it’s too early to determine how Ebel’s death will impact those plans: “Ebel was overseeing the building of the second of the eight homes. We were waiting for the homes to be completed before accepting more children.”