September 28, 2011

As we traveled around our city yesterday, I had my camera to capture scenes such as the view (below) of our street where one can buy clothing, food, puppies, toys, flowers, curios, car parts, and lots more! But, I can only share one set of viewed scenes in words as taking photographs would have been, simply said, disrespectful. In an upper class housing area, a woman sat along the road weaving bits of sisal into strips. A ‘shop’ of mats, baskets and purses were scattered around the woman as she watched the driver of a costly car purchase flowers at a stall across the road.

On our return trip, I spotted the basket weaver again – this time walking with her handiwork on her back in a large plastic bag which had doubled as her ‘display mat’. She looked so dejected and so tired. After having read/heard this week of the escalating cost of living in Kenya, which in August was 17.1% for the poor in our city – 4-6% higher that the inflation rate for the middle and upper class (1), many scenarios passed through my mind.

Had the woman made any sales at her ‘shop’ today? Did an evening meal for her family depend upon her returning home with a few shillings to purchase a bunch of greens? Had she eaten today, even drank a cup of chai, sweet milky tea which has recently become less sweet and milky in many homes? Was she sick, but unable to pay for needed care? Did she have kids, possibly grandkids who are AIDS orphans, who would not complete their homework after dark (always 6:30-7 in our equatorial part of the world) as she had no money for her kerosene lantern? Or had her kids been at home today as she has not paid their school fees and they will be home again tomorrow if her purse is empty. Their fees may be less than one restaurant meal for the lady buying flowers, but more than the basket weaver has.

None of my thoughts may explain why the woman looked so sad, but as I shared in yesterday’s, September 24th Prayer Nudge from East Africa (2), “… for the third time in three outings, a Kenyan salesperson suggested a less costly option as I sought an item on my grocery list. This puzzled me until I remembered that the … costs of foods and services are skyrocketing … millions of people in Kenya with limited or no income are doing without and … suffering.” Would you pray with me for the basket weaver I spotted yesterday. Pray that business and government leaders will find ways to halt the financial problems occurring also in other parts of East Africa and our world. Pray that decisions will be made that are good for all economic groups rather than leading only to increased money/power for a few.

I asked you last week to join us in praying for missionaries (national and international) from East African Baptist churches ministering to the hunger, thirst and illnesses in one area affected by Horn of Africa Drought (3). Prayers were answered and three groups that traveled to northern parts of Kenya, reported people receiving physical and spiritual food and healing! Please continue praying for safety, sensitivity, good health and that relief efforts will go smoothly. Pray especially for spiritual strength and wisdom as God’s children minister in His name. (Photo in today’s 2011 Prayer Nudge from East Africa is of a Turkana child who received food last week.)

Thank you for praying for Jack as he taught the 3rd year Youth Ministry class at Kenya Baptist Theological College last week. Pray for these 11 students and other men and women from East Africa as they study amid difficulties. Pray that the problems will be resolved and KBTC will be faithful in preparing God’s children to serve as His witnesses, teachers, leaders and shepherds.

Pray for Jack and a colleague as they travel tomorrow to teach in a Bible School in central Kenya. Pray also as we travel next week with this colleague and his wife to ‘gather information’ on Bible Schools inn western Kenya. Pray for safe travel and that we will see/ sense/ experience what God wants included in future plans. BERT YATES

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(1) “Panic as shilling hits lowest level” – DAILY NATION, September 27, 2011 – http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/Panic+as+shilling++hits+lowest+level+/-/1006/1243546/-/wkmykkz/-/index.html

(2) 2011 Prayer Nudges from East Africa found at: http://easternafrica2011prayernudges.blogspot.com/

(3) For more on how you can minister in our Father’s name to the Horn of Africa Drought Crisis, go to: http://www.baptistglobalresponse.com/projects/view/horn_of_africa_drought_crisis

September 21, 2011

Yes, I’m running late again today thanks to multiple frustrations! First, the electricity is off at our house, so when Jack left to teach at our seminary, I packed up and came with him knowing that the neighboring Brackenhurst Baptist Conference Centre has a generator to use if their electricity is out – ONLY to discover that my speedier internet does not work in this area outside Nairobi. So, bear with me as try to complete what I began at home now that I’ve switched internet set-ups, which was complicated today (I rely on three types) and dealt with a few more frustrations!

This has been a week of praising God for how East African Believers are serving our Father, beginning with a story Jack heard from a third year student at Kenya Baptist Theological College (all items in quotes was added by Jack): “For the last two years I have travelled every month to the southern coast of Kenya to teach pastors of all denominations and tribes (an area where there are few Christians among the major People Group – most follow Islam and traditional beliefs). They invited me because I was a student at KBTC and I was willing to go. They pay for my travel (less than $3.50 per pastor, but a sacrifice for most) and I have a sponsor who paid my hotel arrangements. After a few months I realized that staying at a hotel separated me from the pastors. I asked the sponsor to give the money to the pastor who hosts me each session, so now the pastors rotate hosting me. I teach my sponsor’s curriculum, which is not Baptist, so whenever I find a section I don’t agree with as a Baptist, I leave it out! Since I am the only one trained at the simplest level, all the students are interested in attending KBTC someday – one even joined a class this year.”

Jack’s response to the story: I shared my CPM training manual with him and will mentor him when possible. During a survey trip to identify Bible School needs on the coast in October, we will look into the possibility of starting a Bible School in the area.

Now for Jack’s prayer needs: Pray for him as he continues teaching Baptist Beliefs, History and Practicethis week to the 3^rd year Youth Ministry class at KBTC. He continues to be impressed by the hearts and minds of these 11 students (from Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan/ 8 men, 3 women) and asks that you join him in praying that they will be strong and capable sharers of our Father’s love and salvation with the youth and children of East Africa. Pray for him as he helps plan the survey trip to the coast in October and prepares for the completion of the Baptist Beliefs course in November.

Another great story was shared in today’s 2011 Prayer Update from East Africa.* This prayer nudge was seeking prayer support “for a group of missionaries (national and international) from East African Baptist churches who will travel tomorrow to minister to the hunger, thirst and illnesses in one area affected by famine. Pray for safety, sensitivity, good health and that their work will go smoothly. Pray especially for spiritual strength and wisdom as they minister in the name of our Father, the giver of the greatest HOPE.” It is a joy for us to watch our younger missionaries partnering with pastors and members of our Baptist church as they serve our Father.

Yet another story was spotted this morning in a FACEBOOK message posted last night by a second generation Kenyan Baptist pastor: Thanks all for your prayers and encouragement. Our day started well at 6.45 a.m and went out for a journey that would take us to the remotest parts of Turkana were we see poverty but also the Joy of the Lord. Whenever we went, mainly under trees where they have churches, we were welcomed. We fed about 1200 people. Tomorrow we expect over 2000. Continue to pray.”

My response: “Great news! Thanks for being our Father’s Heart, Hands and Voice among the Turkana, an area with many unreached people who are in need of physical food and water as well as Spiritual Food and Water!” Those of you who are already preparing for this year’s International Missions/Lottie Moon Emphasis will recognize the 2011 theme: “His Heart, His Hands, His Voices.” I have begun preparation for helping our staff and other Believers in East Africa share how we are serving as our Father’s Heart, Hands and Voice. Pray that I will stay focused and productive as I work. Pray that I will be sensitive to our Father’s guidance, as well as sensitive to those who have a story to share. Pray that the new blogs, FB pages, newsletters, etc., I prepare to promote this year’s Southern Baptist International Missions emphasis will strengthen and encourage my fellow workers in East Africa as well as those who will be celebrating the upcoming Lottie Moon.

Thank you once again for being a part of our support team – especially for your prayer support! BERT YATES

* 2011 Prayer Nudges from East Africa - http://easternafrica2011prayernudges.blogspot.com/

September 18th Prayer Nudge from East Africa

Sometimes I am so focused on praying for the needs around me (this week's list included the Horn of Africa drought, the deadly ferry accident in Tanzania, and the horrific fire in a Nairobi slum), that I overlook taking/ making time to praise God! A volunteer reminded me of this as we corresponded about my using photos taken while she ministered among the Samburu People. My question: "How should I credit the photo?" Her answer: "I believe God should get the credit for the photo. He created it, I just held my camera up and clicked." Join me today in taking/making time to praise our Father and I promise you that two things will happen: 1/As we give Him the praise He deserves, we will find joy. 2/ When we focus on praising Him, we will likely become so excited and joyful that we will want to "proclaim his salvation ... declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:2,3).

Daily PRAYER NUDGES FROM EAST AFRICA can be found at: http://easternafrica2011prayernudges.blogspot.com/

September 14, 2011

I will begin as I did last week: “Running late today, very late … I have the best job. I do have to share some negative/ discouraging things, but my focus is usually on sharing the incredible positive…” Today’s delay is not due to a positive, but a negative. Yesterday’s headline in our local Daily Nation was “100 die in fuel fire” (1) and todays, “Nation in mourning as toll rises” (2), sharing that “the death toll (is) at between 100 and 120” with hundreds homeless and injured and thousands suffering and traumatized. (Look at the following two posts for video news clips of the tragedy.)

I can share some ‘positives’ related to this fire. It is has been amazing how people are responding/reacting to the fire. We know that many ministering to those affected are doing it in our Father’s name. One Kenyan Baptist pastor/teacher shared with Jack that his concern is for the emotional healing from the trauma as well as for the meeting of physical needs (medical, housing, and finances) of those affected. We heard this morning that one friend, a Kenyan Baptist women’s leader, runs a school in this area and others are joining with her in ministry in her area. Please join me this week in praying for God’s comfort and the meeting of the physical needs for those suffering.

After today’s Prayer Nudge from East Africa (3) was posted, I added this comment: “Debated whether to post the Prayer Nudge prepared for today, but realized that especially in the time of trauma and pain, we must claim and share the joy we have as Believers.” I have become very aware of this as I’ve shared prayer nudges for the ongoing Horn of Africa Drought Crisis (4) and the fire in one of Nairobi’s slums (5). I expected someone to comment on two ‘conflicting’ emphases in last week’s prayer update – the drought and the slideshow, “Satisfied Souls at Ridgeways Baptist” (6). One shared prayer needs related to famine and the other shared the ‘eating’ part of the celebration/ dedication of a new sanctuary. This is an issue faced often by those on mission with God! We do experience heartbreaking situations as we celebrate the ‘positive’ things our Father and His children are accomplishing. It is often hard to do both at the same time and to continue praising God in all situations – thus a prayer need for balance, strength, and wisdom for all of us serving as our Father’s co-workers.

I do have positives to share this week. Jack has begun another two week session at Kenya Baptist Theological College teaching Baptist Beliefs, History and Practice to 3rd year Youth Ministry. His prayer request is that these 11 students (from Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan/ 8 men, 3 women) will be strong and capable sharers of our Father’s love and salvation with the youth and children of East Africa.

My positive this week was finding time to create a Psalm 84 slideshow sharing a view of how God is at work among the members (past and present) of Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi. PRAISING GOD WITH RIDGEWAYS BAPTIST CHURCH (7) is a true Lottie Moon story – a story of how the desire of an IMB missionary family for a church in their community has resulted 23 years later in a church needing a sanctuary seating 1500. Another way to define Ridgeways Baptist: A story of how the investment of Believers on mission with our Father has resulted in incredible returns!

I know that once again that I have given you a lot of things you can view/check-out. I’m not apologizing, but another comment I made this week on Facebook shares my reasoning: “Sharing a lot today… but there are many things in need of prayer and I know that as God created each of us to be unique individuals, our hearts and minds are attuned to praying for different needs.” Thanks again for being a part of our prayer team! BERT YATES
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(1) “100 die in Fuel Fire” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/100+killed+in+Nairobi+fuel+fire/-/1056/1235082/-/ysld31z/-/index.html
(2) “Nation in mourning…” http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Nation+in+mourning+as+toll+rises+/-/1056/1235964/-/item/0/-/g026p3z/-/index.html
(3) PRAYER NUDGE FROM EAST AFRICA – http://easternafrica2011prayernudges.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook
(4) Baptist Global Response/ Drought Crisis – http://www.baptistglobalresponse.com/projects/view/horn_of_africa_drought_crisis
(5) For a look at the realities of the Sinai and a some of the other slums in Nairobi, check out Slum Profiles – http://www.citiesalliance.org/ca/sites/citiesalliance.org/files/CA_Docs/resources/Nairobi%20Inventory/SlumProfiles3_MakadaraDivision.pdf
(6) Satisfied Souls at Ridgeways Baptist – http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150421710975130.452322.685050129&l=85cd4b7384&type=1
(7) Praising God with Ridgeways Baptist Church –
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150431846150130.454598.685050129&l=02c5ca8309&type=1

Sinai Slum Fire

Viewing this video will not be easy, but it will offer many Prayer Nudges as you listen to Witness Accounts from the Sinai Slum Fire prepared by a local TV station (NTV)

URGENT PRAYER NEED from Kenya

From a Baptist pastor in Nairobi: Yesterday fire claimed over 100 people who were burned to death and 100 plus who are receiving medical attention at various hospitals in Nairobi, 1000 people are homeless after the fire tragedy. A gas pipe had some leak and exploded as people were trying to siphon the gas. Please pray for the affected families.

For more information on the fire in a slum area go to:

100 Killed in Nairobi Fuel Fire - http://www.nation.co.ke/News/100+killed+in+Nairobi+fuel+fire/-/1056/1235082/-/ysld31z/-/index.html

Prayers and questions after Nairobi slum fire - http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Prayers+and+questions+after+Nairobi+slum+fire+deaths+/-/1056/1235454/-/ovt7iu/-/index.html

Special Prayer Nudge

Where were you on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 8:49 AM (New York, EDT/UTC-04)? It was afternoon in Nairobi, Kenya, and I had just returned from work and was in our kitchen planning our evening meal. The first bit of news to interrupt our youngest child’s pre-homework TV break was without sound or any explanation – which meant we didn’t know the what, when or where of the scenes. Join me in praying today for peace, hope and comfort for families whose lives were changed ten years ago today. Pray for peace in our world - Peace that will happen if an event experienced this week by a friend occurs more often: "Got out of the car ready to shop and the first voice I heard had a message for my spouse: ‘Tell Mtumishi (Servant) to come tell us Neno (Word)!’" Join me in claiming God's Word for our world: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, THAT your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations … O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth … THEN … God, our God … will bless us, and ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH will fear him." (Psalm 67:1)

September 7, 2011

Running late today, very late, BUT I do have a good reason for being late – I’ve been too busy enjoying/participating in exciting ways God is at work to prepare ahead for today’s Prayer Update. I told a coworker yesterday: “I have the best job. I do have to share some negative/ discouraging things, but my focus is usually on sharing the incredible positive, encouraging things that God is doing in East Africa!”

A negative moment was reading the newsletter of co-workers and learning of their discouragement. My prayer is that a positive will come from their negative being shared in today’s 2011 Prayer Nudge from East Africa as others join God’s work among the Kuria People of Tanzania in prayer!

A positive was sharing in a Urban Community Development Training this week with missionary co-workers AND the most encouraging part was those attending included missionary co-workers from our organization (IMB) as well as our church and others in Nairobi, plus leaders of the Baptist Convention of Kenya! Pray that 30+ who attended this training will be a part of helping their communities solve their problems. Pray also that these men and women will be strong ambassadors of their Savior’s love and salvation in all that they do. For more prayer items for praying for Nairobi (and guides to praying for other cities), go to: PRAY FOR NAIROBI at http://www.facebook.com/PrayforNairobi .

The ongoing drought crisis is both negative and positive. Negatives include the “Unrest, anarchy complicate Africa famine relief” shared this week by Baptist Global Response. Reading this article will not be easy, but it will help you respond as a Christian. Positives come from watching East Africans respond to the drought, which leads to a prayer need: Pray for East African churches (many represented at the this week’s training) as they seek to minister in our Father’s name.

If you enjoy the music of our younger generation, check out a song done by a Christian young man from South Sudan, a new country very affected by the drought. Once again, the content of “We Want Peace” will affect your heart, and although it is not a ‘Christian’ song, it includes lots of prayer nudges.

I’ve save the best positive for last – last Sunday’s Sanctuary Dedication at Nairobi’s Ridgeways Baptist Church as members celebrated God’s fulfillment of their claiming Daniel 11:32b (NKJV), “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Jack had the joy of speaking for the Baptist Mission, who were part of the beginning and growth of this church through the dreams and membership of our missionaries and through funds in the early days – thanks to the Lottie Moon Offering. Only one of the many albums that I will prepare based on photos captured that day is ready, but you can view it at Satisfied Souls at Ridgeways Baptist Sanctuary Dedication. But you should know before you view this slideshow that I added this warning: Prepared for those whom it may make homesick and for future guests to East Africa! BERT YATES

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2011 Prayer Nudges from East Africa - http://easternafrica2011prayernudges.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook

PRAY FOR NAIROBI – http://www.facebook.com/PrayforNairobi

“Unrest, anarchy complicate…” – http://www.baptistglobalresponse.com/news/view/unrest_anarchy_complicate_africa_famine_relief

Baptist Global Response – http://www.baptistglobalresponse.com

We Want Peace / You Tube – http://youtu.be/H_sV07DbJ9U

Satisfied Souls at Ridgeways Baptist … –

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150421710975130.452322.685050129&l=85cd4b7384&type=1