– have resident Santas and Christmas special items are seen everywhere!But, as we shared a Christmas party last week with a new ministry, Sema Leatherworks,* I realized that one thing has not changed – Kenyan Christians celebrate not just the birth, but the life of Christ during Christmas. Sema Leatherworks was begun this year by the Business as a Mission Team to reach “the most challenging areas of Nairobi with the Good News”. A small group of committed Christian men produce leather products Monday through Thursday, providing a modest income for their families, and on the other days they share the gospel and disciple new believers – resulting in over 30 new Bible Storying groups in less than a year – and yes, this is happening thanks to those of you who have given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offerings and Baptist Global Response!
It was exciting to be with these young men and their families – many whom we have known over the years as active members of local Baptist churches. It was challenging to hear one young man’s story of how he and his wife decided early this year to move to an unsafe slum area to plant churches! They did this while expecting an addition to their family which turned out to be twin boys! They also made the decision BEFORE they knew of the planned Sema Leatherworks which would provide their financial support!
It was a reminder of the true joy of Christmas as we watched the kids of these Church Planters use the “cooking time” for our Christmas feast to prepare and present an
impromptu concert of songs about the joy of being our King’s Soldiers! I realized later that other than the banana leaf tree bearing Sema Leatherworks ornaments, there were no traditional Christmas decorations and we sang not one familiar Christmas chorus, but it was definitely a true celebration of our Savior!We will celebrate Christmas day by sharing a traditional meal of turkey, ham, cranberries (all now locally available, but the costs still make them a true
treat!), etc, with friends, but we will spend Christmas Eve at a Wienie Roast/Carol Sing with our fellow missionaries – a tradition our family began more than 10 years ago. Another unique part of this Christmas is that this is our first Christmas with no child at home. Pray for us and our children – all who are now in North Carolina – as we celebrate in our familiar and unique ways.Much has changed during our time in Kenya, but our assurance that we are exactly where God wants us has not changed. Another constant is our assurance of your prayer and financial support which allows us to be a part of our Father’s Work in Kenya! THANK YOU! Bert Yates--- --- --- --- ---
For more pictures, go to FACEBOOK page - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178245&id=685050129&l=ad36d63ed6
* For more on the Sema Leatherworks ministry, go to: http://www.semaleatherworks.com/
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