Have you ever read a scripture during your devotions and a few hours later felt that you were reliving the verses? As we visited Ridgeways Baptist Church last Sunday, I did feel as though I was experiencing 1Kings 6:31-32: “For the entrance of the sanctuary … he made doors with… carved … open flowers.” We wanted to worship with friends, but we also visited to give a partial update of a Prayer Nudge Photo Album that I shared last July: Bursting at the Seams Legacy Churches (1) - a “tour of three Baptist churches in north/east Nairobi, Kenya, whose sanctuaries are bursting at the seams, so they are building new sanctuaries. A great source of praise and an incredible sign of the continuing reaping of benefits from past investments to the Lottie Moon Offering and Cooperative Program!” 
It was an exciting day of making new friends and greeting old ones, AND a little embarrassing as we arrived an hour late due and were escorted not to the back row of seats, but the second row FRONT AND CENTER! As I settled in , I realized that we were sitting with two of the Wanje “boys,” the sons of one of our first Baptist pastors in Eastern Africa. Another son, Elijah, is the pastor of Ridgeways Baptist. Times like this do make us happy as we view how the work of past co-workers is continuing to impact God’s current work in our part of the world. To share the day with us, you can find more on how “God is at Work at Ridgeways Baptist” (2) at a new Prayer Nudge Photo Album – I think you will find it worth your time to view these photos/story! More about the history of this church which was begun by IMB missionaries and committed Kenyan Baptists can be found on an older blog, Bringing People to Christ- Ridgeways Baptist Church (3).
Jack was busy last week completing another teaching session at our seminary, Kenya Baptist Theological College – I would not enjoy grading the papers, but he does as it provides a glimpse into the hearts of our pastors and leaders. This week he has been attending meetings – a good one yesterday of Kenyan Baptist leaders as they discussed problems and dreams. Today, Jack visited another of church highlighted in the Bursting at the Seams Legacy Churches (1) Prayer Nudge Photo Album, Kahawa Sukari Baptist – yet another church begun by IMB missionaries and committed Kenyan Baptists. He returned home a little tired and very excited: Tired as the road work in the area leads to delays and cautious driving, but excited by seeing the progressing road work and viewing/ hearing a very positive update of Kahawa Sukari Baptist Church. The construction of their new enlarged sanctuary is progressing and they are preparing to plant a new church. Pray for the church as they dedicate new leadership on February 13th.
Next week holds more meetings as we learn more of how we can serve our Father and help others do the same. Pray for Jack as he attends a meeting with BARA (Baptist Aids Response Agency) and as I raise awareness of how people can join God’s work and assist others in using the internet as a Prayer/Missions tool. And once again: Thank you for all the ways you support us – we do depend upon you! BERT YATES
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(1) Bursting at the Seams Legacy Churches: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=256919&id=685050129&l=b7bdb367c9
(2) God Is at Work at Ridgeways Baptist Church - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=363345&id=685050129&l=3c51a48b03
(3) Bringing People to Christ- Ridgeways Baptist Church - http://ridgewaysbaptistchurch.blogspot.com/
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