Finding Joy

This is Bert's work space. The red bit
hanging in the window is her phone
which provides internet as she works.

Jack returned home yesterday afternoon more than a bit down as most things he had anticipated happening during the day were delayed – Things such as the deferral of an approval needed by the Kenya Baptist Theological College, the arrival of books (Jack had looked forward to having new textbooks to peruse), and his cell phone ‘eating’ 2000 KSh ($20) of internet time, which resulted in his having no internet due to a mis-behaving phone! Add to these happenings the fact that he had been keeping up with current world news, you can understand why he was discouraged!

I decided this morning that he needed to begin the day thinking of happy thoughts! So I handed him a piece of paper and pen and asked that he share his greatest joy of the past week.

This photo was taken two weeks ago as the
volunteer and some of the staff began
demolishing KBTC's old chapel/ dining hall.

JACK’S JOY:
The highlight of the week was the salvaging of the old Kenya Baptist Theological College chapel and dining rooms. We were blessed by the Holy Spirit last Friday as He brought together our staff, a volunteer from Arkansas and Kenyan Baptist men from the our local Kiambu Association. The work was done with amazing zeal and joy. In one day:

As the joint work project began last Friday.

- We finished demolishing the OLD building.
- Transported the materials to a new site.
- Began rebuilding a new structure to serve KBTC.
- Separated/ recycled materials to be used in needed renovations of staff housing.

Not carrying YOKES, but tresses from the old building
up to Baraka Hall for the new building

Many people count blessings in things, but this week proved the greatest blessing and joy comes from Believers joining together to serve the Lord.

Last Friday’s activities symbolized the revitalization of KBTC over the last few years with the local community coming to join our incredible staff to accomplish unity among us all.

The new building beside Baraka Hall rises from the ground.
OOPS... this was Jack's picture, not Bert's!

BERT’S ADDED NOTE:
As KBTC's male staff are all members of local Baptist churches, Jack said they could skip their usual work and be a part of the Baptist Men of Kiambu's retreat/work project. But after devotions last Friday, the female staff followed the men out to the work site and joined in the work and the joy!

BERT’S REMINDER:

One of many views captured this week
as we were 'out and about'.

If you want more ‘Bits of our Hearts’, take time to view my daily Devotional/ On Mission posts. You can view these on my FB page or by clicking the BITS OF OUR HEART tab (above). These posts always include recent scenes I’ve viewed, what God is teaching me through His Word, and current prayer requests.

OUR PRAYER REQUESTS:
As our world continues to be filled with chaos, pain and discord, will you join us in praying that we will make Psalm 73:28 active and alive in our lives? Will you pray that we and other Believers will be fully committed to sharing of our source of refuge and of the one who offers “mercy and … grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)?

JACK AND BERT’S CLOSING WORDS:

This view of  last night's full moon was a bit
of strenthening and encouraging for Bert
as she remembered that her friends across
the world would view the same moon!

Thank you for all the ways you strengthen and encourage us. Your support allows us to join our Father in the work He has called us to do. Your support enables us to strengthen and encourage our African Believers and missionary co-workers as we engage lostness together (Acts 14:22; Revelation 14:6).