to the States with a new family member, Jennifer, and plans to quickly return to Kenya as appointed career missionaries. Miraculously this happened in less than ten months. Many things have changed in those years. We have lived in 12 houses in four places (Nairobi-Limuru-Mombasa-Nakuru-Nairobi); survived multiple “paradigm” shifts with our organization including a change of name to the International Mission Board; added a second Kenyan born daughter to the family, Jessie; learned to appreciate a fourth meal in our daily routine – afternoon tea; and our kids have grown-up and all three now live in North Carolina!
Jack’s résumé has stretched to headmaster, church planter/builder, water project manager, relief coordinator, Bible School starter/principal, administrator, urban church evangelist,
and volunteer coordinator among many other chosen, assigned, or inherited jobs! His current assignment is Legacy Work - encouraging and strengthening the established Kenyan Baptist work and churches as he serves as the liaison/trainer with the Baptist Convention of Kenya.Over the years, I have served in many capacities with Baptist Communications/Kenya Baptist Media (trainer, board member, writer, editor, and administrator). My hardest work, yet greatest joy was being the Media missionary during the nationalization process – transferring the organization to the Baptist Convention of Kenya from the Baptist Mission of Kenya. I now serve as a Prayer Advocate and have the fun of sharing my love and concerns for Kenya as hopefully others get excited about being a part of God’s work through prayer support, joining us as short or long-term co-workers, and providing the needed financial support to do the work.
Jack shares these special memories: “At each change of jobs, some naturally, some imposed, some desired and some not at all desired – God allowed me a new experience, a challenge to my skills and talents, a blessing of new gifts and overall a sense of great personal growth. Through it all he has allowed me to partner with Him
in church planting and growth. My greatest blessing has been to see the growth of individuals God placed in my work and life. My special memories of each stage of my experiences are of the people who matured in Christ during that time. There is nothing like discipleship that produces fruit!”Our plans for tomorrow include visiting with LifeWay volunteers training Kenyan Sunday School teachers – a great way to celebrate as we are with Kenyan friends and volunteers who are striving to obey our Saviour’s commands to make new Believers and strengthen disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Exactly what we hope to continue doing in Kenya for many more years! Bert Yates
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