February 24, 2009

Yes, I am sending this a little early, but there is a good reason – one of those “be careful what you wish” reasons! Jack mentioned on Sunday that he needed a break after a week of meetings last week and he is getting it – unfortunately it is at the hospital as he waits for a kidney stone to finish its journey! He awoke Monday morning feeling great and an hour later the pain hit. Thankfully the doctor was able to see him within two hours and immediately placed him in the hospital. He has been pain-free since the first massive injection, but the stone is being slow, so the doctor kept him overnight again.

Our praise is for the great care that he is receiving! Our Ethiopian doctor is excellent and Jack is receiving expert/quality care at the Aga Khan University Hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from our home – when the traffic is reasonable. Our request is that the stone will move quickly and painlessly and not require further treatment. Jack would also like it all to be finished quickly as he had several trips planned with our convention leadership to check on the needs of those affected by famine in the country.

Do continue praying for those facing starvation in Kenya. Pray also for wisdom and patience as Kenyans deal with reports almost daily of new forms of corruption related to the government. It is a discouraging time, but the good news is that unlike past times, Kenyans are speaking up, asking for change, and many groups – churches, companies and churches – are taking positive/peaceful steps to confront the problems. Pray for us as we seek to do our part in meeting the needs of those that are starving – Jack as he completes forms, works with others planning feeding projects, encourages others, etc, and for me as I try to raise prayer support. Pray for me also as several missionaries and Kenyan Baptists have asked for help this past week in setting up their own prayer support systems. Pray that I will be able to help them build the perfect blog/facebook group/etc. to meet their needs and increase their prayer support.

Thanks for your prayer support – we do depend upon them. Thank you also for giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Cooperative Program. Your support means we don’t have to worry about finances (thankfully medical care is one thing that is less expensive in Kenya compared to the States) or receiving the best care when medical emergencies arise. At this moment we are extremely thankful for this confidence. Bert Yates