February 27, 2013

“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date.” Not from the Bible, but from “Alice in Wonderland,” but the words are appropriate as it is 3:00 in the afternoon and I’m just beginning my ‘date’ with you. We spent the day with a group of Baptist volunteers from North Carolina. Thus, I’m exhausted before I begin writing, but it was a good morning as we took them on a tour of Kenya Baptist Theological College and shared our dreams and hopes for God’s work at the college (Jack’s work) and for the Unreached Peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa (Bert’s work).

These times always recharge us, especially as Jack shares his dream of the college training and preparing pastors, church leaders, and national missionaries to carry out the Great Commission on their continent and as I share the need for more churches and Believers around our world committed to reaching the Unreached Peoples of Africa.

One unexpected blessing God has sent our way in the last two months is visits by volunteers.  Some are those here for other mission projects and some, like Brian and Jeff Rouse, two brothers, and a long term friend of the college, Kevin Hoke, have been working at the college.  The brothers spent a week transforming two termite eaten/moldy cottages into suitable homes for guest teachers and Kevin is helping the college with long-term development plans.  So our first prayer item is a praise for the strengthening and encouragement we (Jack, I and the college) receive from the volunteers.

Last week I shared verses from 1 Kings 19 about the time that “Elijah… came to a broom brush, sat under it and prayed that he might die, ‘I have had enough, LORD’” (vv. 3,4). I then added: “No, Jack and I are not ready to sit down under a broom bush and give up, but we are exhausted by all the planning, moving between our home in Nairobi and a cottage at the college, and stressed by the magnitude of problems at the college.”

Well, that was last week and this past week Jack and I each had our “I’ve had enough” moments!  Thankfully these times were at separate times and we were able to help the other climb from under the broom bush!  When I say ‘thankfully’ I need to explain that we know it was your prayer support which gave us the strength and encouragement needed to realize that the “the journey IS too much for” us (v.7), but not for God when we are doing His work!  SO, THANK YOU for praying!

Please continue praying that we will depend totally upon God as we seek His will and guidance.  Pray for wisdom and patience as we await His answers and as we determine when and how to respond as many logistical, personnel and financial problems are faced – logistical, personnel and financial problems which are continuing to surface.  Pray also that we will focus on the answers we see God providing and totally trust Him and claim His promise that “If (we) do whatever I command you and walk in my ways and do what is right… I will be with you” (1 Kings 11:38).

One more prayer need this week.  Kenya holds national elections next Monday, the first since the chaotic 2007 elections when hundreds were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced, with some still remaining in displacement camps or fearful of returning home.  Many are fearful and projecting chaos again, and to be honest some chaos is already happening.  We are being cautious, but we have been very encouraged by three things we experienced last week. 

At our church last Sunday we heard a sermon on peace and all adults and a few kids (safety pins and kids can be a problem!) were given white peace ribbons as they arrived.  We know our friends at church very well, but we have never heard anyone say anything that led us to know how they will vote, instead we hear of their desire for peace during the elections and electing God’s chosen leaders!  Then after church last Sunday, we passed a giant peace rally at Uhuru Park in the city centre.  We spotted hundreds of the thousands attending the rally and once again this was encouraging!  SO please join us in praying for peace in a country where elections are not known for being fair and/or peaceful. 

The third thing that truly encouraged us was the joy of joining hands with fellow church members and singing Kenya’s national anthem as our benediction last Sunday.  I will close by asking that you listen and read the words of this beautiful prayer (which can guide your prayers) at the links* shared below.  Once again, thank you for praying for us and God’s work in our part of the world, BERT
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*Kenya National Anthem – “Oh God of All Creation”/“Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu” with printed lyrics in English and Kiswahili at http://www.kenya-advisor.com/kenya-national-anthem.html.  If you would like to hear the “Wimbo wa Taifa/National Anthem” sung in Swahili, go to http://complit.la.psu.edu/swahili/songs/anthem.html. 

“My Land is Kenya” is not the national anthem, but this song by Roger Whitaker, a Kenyan by birth, is a great tribute to the beauty of Kenya’s people and the country.  But I must warn you, if you are homesick for Kenya, you might want to skip this beautiful song with pictures at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RltL8xqaijg.

Remember to visit the daily Nudges to Action for Sub-Saharan African Peoples, one part of Bert’s work as the SSAP Affinity Prayer Networker which is found on a blog http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook (Bert Yates (https://www.facebook.com/bert.yates) or at Sub-Saharan African Peoples  ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl )

February 24th Nudge from SSAP

“Like milking an elephant.” How a Ugandan pastor described teaching Alur Believers to share God’s Word with their Unreached People! For this latest update from the training among the ALUR People of Uganda/DRC, go to today’s post on Sub-Saharan African Peoples Nudges to Action.* *http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/

SSAP Nudges to Action can also be viewed Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl.  Non-Facebook members can view this page.

February 20, 2013

“Nothing is too hard for you… O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds.” (Jeremiah 32:17-19). As a Kenyan friend quoted these verses in a prayer during last Sunday’s worship service at Parklands Baptist Church/Mombasa Road, I finally felt peace about Kenya’s future in coming weeks. She also prayed that we would claim God’s promise of His blessings, such as peace, when we obey and serve Him.

Believers in Africa are often challenged to claim our Father’s blessings. Yes, some in Africa preach ‘blessing’ promises that are not based on the Bible, but this is one area that I’ve learned a lot from my African Believers. I am learning anew that when I truly seek our Heavenly Father’s will and obediently serve Him, I should expect His blessings, expect answers to our prayers, and be ready to claim promises such as those He promised in Ezekiel 34:26 and Malachi 3:10. So our first prayer request today is that you join us in praying for true peace* during Kenya’s national elections on March 4th.

“Is there any hints of when the problems will be solved?” “No. God has made it clear that I’m not to worry."  This is His problem.” My question and Jack’s answer during lunch today as we discussed things such as our future housing. We do believe Jeremiah 32:17-19, that “Nothing is too hard for” our God. We also truly desire to know His great purposes and obediently join Him in accomplishing His mighty deeds...

BUT too often Jack and I (especially me) do worry and do try to come up with our own solutions rather than allowing God to show His might, power and glory! So our next prayer request is that you continue praying that Kenya Baptist Theological College will be “REVIVED/ RESTORED/ RESURRECTED/ REVISED/ RESCUED KBTC, RESULTing once again in a place where African Believers can be prepared to REFLECT the PRESENCE OF GOD and become qualified and capable workers in our Father’s Harvest Field.”**

“I have had enough, LORD.” “Get up… for the journey is too much for you… Go out and stand on the mountain… for the LORD is about to pass by.” Elijah’s words to God and God’s response which I read in 1 Kings 19 yesterday. No, Jack and I are not ready to sit down under a broom bush and give up, but we are exhausted by all the planning, moving between our home in Nairobi and a cottage at the college, and stressed by the magnitude of problems at the college. So pray that we will depend totally upon God as we seek His will and guidance. Pray for wisdom and patience as we await His answers and as we determine when and how to respond as many logistical, personnel and financial problems are faced.

“…the LORD says, ‘Do you see this vast army. I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know that I am the LORD.’” “But who will do this?” Quotes from 1 Kings 20 which I read during devotions this morning. Pray also that we will be alert and thankful for all the blessings He has already sent on our current journey. Yes, new problems are still being discovered, problems requiring lots of wisdom, patience, finances and total dependence upon God, but He is providing answers and has blessed us with co-workers to make the journey with us. Our co-workers are not kings and a future prophet (1 Kings 19:15,16), but fellow missionaries, volunteers from the States, and Kenyan co-workers. So include in your prayers: Ron and Jan Langston, our IMB co-workers; Kevin and Sheryl Hoke, long-term volunteers and James and Brian, our first construction team; and Zack Mahalanganga, a Kenyan friend who is serving as Jack’s Personal Assistant; and the very committed staff at KTBC.

“I need Thee, oh, I need Thee… Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.” The hymn that closed last Sunday’s worship service at PBC/Mombasa Road. Pray that we will never forget that our work is God’s work and that we do need Him, to depend totally upon Him and to be ready to claim His blessings, His help and His guidance! BERT
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*Those of you who like viewing videos and music, can use the following as additional nudges to prayer for Peace in Kenya during the upcoming elections.

- CHOOSE PEACE (Kenya) – a video of a 9 year old Kenyan girl’s “appeal for a peaceful Kenyan election” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAe2lRHg5AY

- DAIMA – A beautiful song by Eric Wainaina, who worked with “kids to make this video soon after the post-election violence of 2007… This patriotic song was used extensively to bring back sanity to a beautiful land that was rapidly consuming itself after the 2007elections.” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh3oKHJ7KZQ

** Specific ways to join Jack in praying can be found at: January 2nd Yates/IMB/Kenya&SSAP Update – http://bertandjackyates.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-2-2013.html.

A special urgent prayer request was added to today’s Nudge to Sub-Saharan African Peoples Nudges to Action – http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ .

February 17th Nudge from SSAP

Would you like “Reliable, relevant and real-time information to help you engage unreached people groups around the world”? Info on “11,000 people groups based on their affinity, geographic location, and resources… in their heart language” is found athttp://www.peoplegroups.org/.

To get you started, information on the People Group featured in yesterday's Nudge can be found at:
The Alur People of Uganda:http://www.peoplegroups.org/explore/GroupDetails.aspx?peid=15069
The Alur People of DRCongo:http://www.peoplegroups.org/explore/GroupDetails.aspx?peid=14473
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For more daily Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples, check out        http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ and at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl - non- Facebook users can view this page.

February 13, 2013

“What happened good today?”

“Something really good! Nothing bad happened!” 

My question last Thursday and Jack’s answer. We are very alert to the Spiritual Warfare all around us, but we chose long ago to keep our focus on the one who can counter the devil’s efforts, our God! And the devil attacked with special vengeance last Wednesday, likely because we were seeking your prayer support! One ‘bomb’ after another exploded around Jack as he discovered more and more people with grievances, bills to be paid and needs requiring further incoming bills, and other examples of the depth of the problems at Kenya Baptist Theological College. I also had trouble completing the week’s prayer update and finished later than ever due to weak internet and other frustrations!

BUT you were praying and we awoke Thursday morning to a gorgeous sunrise – We now live the African rural life of arising before the sun! The day that followed was not only a “nothing bad happened” day, but one when God constantly assured us that, as Jack said yesterday, “We cannot do the tasks God is asking us to do at the moment, but He CAN!” 

I wrote the previous paragraphs and the following ones before Jack returned for lunch - THIS Wednesday has definitely been a good day for KBTC. Jack was able to pay several bills, some outstanding for months this morning, AND a US Baptist church group made a visit this morning. They were staying at the Brackenhurst Conference Centre, KBTC’s neighbor, and as they left this morning to enroll members of their People Group focus at another seminary, a Kenyan friend told them that KBTC was not ‘dead’ as they had been told, but the best place for them to visit! Jack has a meeting this afternoon with this group to talk about their desire, which they thought was no longer needed, to be a part of KBTC’s revival! Jack also received messages from others this morning sharing their interest in assissting KBTC’s resurrection! YES, OUR GOD CAN AND IS accomplishing His work!

Do keep praying as Jack serves as the principal at KBTC with a goal of a “revived/ restored/ resurrected/ revised/ rescueD KBTC, RESULTing once again in a place where African Believers can be prepared to REFLECT the PRESENCE OF GOD and become qualified and capable workers in our Father’s Harvest Field.”* Pray that the Holy Spirit’s guidance will be very, very clear to Jack and his friends/ coworkers/ advisors as difficult decisions are made.

Pray for me as the final steps are in place for me to take on new responsibilities for sharing what God is doing among Sub-Saharan African Peoples and how you and others can join in His work. Jack and I have worked for many years on the Legacy Team, thus our ‘focus’ is on peoples reached by our Father’s love, rather than the Unreached/ Unengaged. But the latter is our ultimate goal as we focus on "Strengthening and encouraging as we – Jack, I, and African Believers – engage lostness together” (Acts 14:22; Revelation 14:6). Why? Because we know that African Believers are uniquely equipped to “Shatter the Silence of African Peoples.” Yes, I’ve worked on my 2013 work plans this week and the two quotes are our personal goal  and the over-all goal for IMB staff in Sub-Saharan Africa!

Pray for us as we continue living in the city on weekends and at KBTC during the week. Pray for wise scheduling during our weekend visits to our home in Nairobi as we do laundry, shop, plan meals, and other preparations for ‘camping-out’ during the week in our little country cottage. Pray also that a house will soon be me available at KBTC (currently a logistical/financial nightmare) so that we will not expend so much time and energy packing/ unpacking/ preparing to pack again.

One more very needed prayer request – a prayer for peace during Kenya’s upcoming national elections on March 4th. Some Kenyans expect peaceful elections, others are preparing for a difficult time, and all are praying. Preparing for elections in our part of the world requires stocking foods and other needs in case we cannot shop for a while and many from other countries have planned personal ‘exit’ strategies

I’m not sharing this to frighten you, but to seek your prayers for peace. Kenya has such great potential in many areas, especially in the ability of East African Believers to reach their part of the world with the love of Christ. Links are shared below** for “Mungu Baba/Father our God”, the song and the lyrics (Kiswahili and English), which was recently released by a Kenyan Gospel artist. The words and the photos are especially beautiful and a great prayer guide for peace during our elections – your prayers which we do depend upon! BERT YATES
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* Specific ways to join Jack in praying can be found at: January 2nd Yates/IMB/Kenya&SSAP Update – http://bertandjackyates.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-2-2013.html
** “Mungu Baba” is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw2wYuhXgM0; Lyrics (Kiswahili and English) are at http://www.ghafla.co.ke/lyrics/r/474-rufftone-lyrics/2573-mungu-baba
New "Sub-Saharan African Peoples Nudges to Action" are posted daily at http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl – which can be viewed by non-Facebook members.

February 10th Nudge from SSAP

Joy, pure joy! The reaction when IMB missionaries working among the Samburu People in Kenya distributed 700 KITS FOR KIDS to students from the Samburu, Pokot, and Ndirobo Peoples. If you want to share in the joy, take a few moments to view Kits for Kids at Longiwan Primary,*
* https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151416094750040.505184.693520039&type=1&l=9289d7104a. For more on Kits for Kids, go to http://www.bgrkitsforkids.com/new/.
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For more daily Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples, check out http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ and at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl.

February 6, 2013

This week's update includes lots of added photos.  As often happens, I run out of space and time before I can include all I want to share with you! So, the added photos are shared to show you how God answers your prayers by strengthening and encouraging us! The photos were taken during a visit to the countryside where one of the first pastors and one of the first women's leaders in East Africa, Daniel and Lois Mathuku, now live. Captions in blue will share explanations, but you will have to go to my 'work' blog,  "Sub-Saharan African Peoples Nudges to Action",  to learn why I value the photo above!

Our best friends, who once lived in Kenya, came for
a visit this past weekend.  They were the ones who
planned the trip to visit their first Kenyan pastor,
Daniel Mathuku.  These photos are of  Lois...

... viewing photos of their kids...

... and their  kids' children!

As always, Kenya chai (hot milky tea) was served.

As Jack has dealt with many complex personnel, logistical and financial situations in recent weeks, I’ve asked: “How are you going to do this?”  Jack’s repeated answer:  “I can’t.  God has to do it!” We have been overwhelmed many, many times since Jack took over on January 1^st as Principal at the Kenya Baptist Theological College (KBTC), but as God reminded me this morning during my devotions, this IS and WILL BE a definite lesson in truly learning to trust Him as David did in 2 Samuel 22:29-37.

There were lots of chickens roaming
around the Mathuku's home and...

... and lots of goats, including these two babies,
one who still wobbled as he walked!

We must trust Him to be our lamp and to turn darkness into light in the many difficult situations and relationships.  We must not depend upon ourselves, but upon Him to enable us to advance against and scale these impossible problems, especially as the number of these situations continue to multiply.  We must constantly remind ourselves that we can advance and scale these impossible-to-man and woman situations if we claim His gift of arming us with strength.  We must also confidently find and walk on the broad path only He can provide, the path where not only our ankles, but our physical, mental and spiritual energy will not give way!

A few of the animals we encountered on the
Mombasa highway as we returned to Nairobi!

Yes, that was a mouthful and may sound a bit too ‘preachy’, but we know that when His children are in His will and ‘the going gets tough’, He will enable us to be ‘the tough’ who can ‘get going’ and accomplishing His plans, His purposes, His work!  We cannot share with you all the problems, discouragements, and frustrations we are encountering in our work, but we know you are praying for us and trust me, that does strengthen us and provides incredible encouragement!

We spotted lots of giraffe, gazelles and zebra
going and coming not far from Nairobi!

So please do keep praying for us as Jack serves as the principal at KBTC with a goal of a revived/ restored/ resurrected/ revised/ rescueD KBTC, RESULTing once again in a place where African Believers can be prepared to REFLECT the PRESENCE OF GOD and become qualified and capable workers in our Father’s Harvest Field. *  Pray for me as I seek the best ways to share with you and others how God is at work in our part of the world and how you can join in His work. Thanks again for your prayers as I cannot say often or forcefully enough:  We do depend upon your support!  BERT YATES

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* Specific ways to join Jack in praying can be found at: January 2nd Yates/IMB/Kenya&SSAP Update – http://bertandjackyates.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-2-2013.html

New nudges to action are posted daily at "Sub-Saharan African Peoples Nudges to Action" at http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl  – which can be viewed by non-Facebook members.  

Soon after visiting the choo (outdoor toilet) at the
Mathuku's home, I spotted this critter climbing another choo...

It climbed above the choo door...

...where a friend joined in the safari.

It then climbed to the choo window...

... then rested on the window ledge, with its' long snaky
tail hanging inside the choo.  I don't think I need to add,
but I will - I am sooooo thankful that I didn't  spot this critter
while I was in the choo! But the visit to the Mathukus
was a great time of strengthening and encouragement!

February 2nd & 3rd Nudges from SSAP

February 2nd: Daily schedule of new worker among Unreached Peoples:  Morning jog; language study; chapel; pray with hospital patients;  language practice; buy groceries;  lunch; language class; tea  with Muslim men; Bible storying in witches camp; Missionary Kids time; time with wife; BED!

February 3rd: Daily agenda for another new worker among Unreached Peoples:  Devotions; teach junior high/ high school students; siesta; language study, practice and class; feed and play with orphans; minister in Tuberculosis village; women’s Bible study; time with MK’s; time with husband; BED!

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For more daily Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples, check out http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/  and at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl.

You do not have to be a FACEBOOK member to view the nudges on this page.  BUT IF YOU ARE a FB member, please HIT the LIKE under the collage of photos of the Sub-Saharan African Peoples. When you hit LIKE, your FB friends may also see the page - which increases the number of people who view what God is up to in Africa and how they can join in His work!