churches, he is always confident and excited, but last Thursday morning as we left home, the excitement was mixed with fear. Why? He was conducting a training among a strong-willed group with many more questions and opinions that his usual audience – his first training among missionaries!His fear soon subsided as he sensed the eagerness of the three Master’s couples (IMB programmes for “retirees”). All are in “support roles” – their work as our Logistics, Travel, Conference Centre Managers, etc., supports those working full time reaching the lost. Two of the couples have been in Kenya for over a year and are already using their free time to share their faith. The third couple have just arrived and are eager to find where they can minister on the weekends.
Yes, our friends did challenge Jack and he and I answered lots of questions, but we left the day-long meeting strengthened as we realized anew their desire to find where they could best
use their knowledge, skills, and witness in reaching the lost in Kenya and nearby countries. It is especially encouraging to us that we are now a part of a team that shares our belief that one of the greatest ways to win Kenya and Africa to Christ is through partnership with the established Baptist churches.Jack doesn’t usually add lots of exclamation points in his writing, but his weekend report is the exception: “Last Friday, Baptist Convention of Kenya leadership (Daniel Thiuri, Sammy Mbiti and Linus Kirimi) and I travelled to Maralal to assist Sandra and Charlie Daniels in ordaining five Samburu pastors. On Saturday, Linus and I went to a boma (homestead) where 11 women and 3 men) were baptized in a shallow mountain stream. We learned that 20 persons were baptized at the same place the previous week! The Convention Moderator, Rev. Thiuri, and Sammy remained behind in Maralal to teach and question the five candidates for ordination. Sunday was special beyond description! The Maralal church was packed as ordination was followed by singing and preaching AND 19 adults accepting Christ! Afterwards the leader of the baptism location told
us he had another 10 that wished baptism! We left that for Charlie and the newly ordained pastors to do.”I used my weekend to complete Strengthening and Encouraging Through Lottie’s Support for Education , my planned last “Thank You, Lottie” blog – but as Jack called during the trip (missionaries are especially thankful to God for cell phones!) and as he shared after his return on Monday, I knew I owed it to those of you who give to Lottie Moon and support us in other ways to share this story of how God is at work among the Samburu, one of Kenya’s unreached people groups!
So, I need your prayers as I complete this new blog before next Monday evening when our youngest daughter arrives for Christmas. We had anticipated Jessie remaining in the States this year with her older brother and sister, but after the post-election events of last Christmas which were still very unsettled when she left in mid-January, we felt that she needed to return home to refresh memories of the Kenya she loves. So pray also for Jessie as she travels next Sunday and Monday.
Thank you for being our prayer supporters – We depend upon you and know that you are a part of the incredible blessings we are experiencing in our work. Bert Yates
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