August 28, 2013

Thanks to a busy schedule, my plan was for today’s update to be short and concise and it almost became even shorter!  While uploading a video to share with you, I realized that I shared a very similar one with you in early July.  After a bit of thought, I continued with the upload of a video made last Sunday during Men’s Sunday at our church in Nairobi, Parklands Baptist/Mombasa Road.

The video?  Another recording of Kenyan friends singing, “Bwana Mungu, Nashangaa,” which you will recognize as “How Great Thou Art” in Kiswahili which is shared below!

It was true happiness and joy last Saturday as
we celebrated the wedding of  one of our deacons
with our church family and other friends.

WHY?  Because God has challenged me this week to not focus on the problems, frustrations and disappointments we encounter, but to remember that the work we do is not OUR work, but His.  He has reminded me that I need to spend time praying rather than worrying and being discouraged!

It was a joy to watch the young daughter
of friends enjoying the wedding flowers
and obviously doing a bit of dreaming!

As I read His words during my devotions and listened as His Words were read at a wedding of friends last Saturday and at our church on Sunday, I realized how seldom I focus on celebrating my relationship with my heavenly Father.  My focus must be on responding with happiness, joy and gladness (Esther 8:16) – the happiness, joy and gladness that comes from allowing Him to be “my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:2). 

It is always a time of gladness when we
visit with our church family!

Thus this week, join us in praying for wisdom, strengthening and encouragement for Jack, me and others serving in our Father’s Harvest Field of Sub-Saharan African Peoples.  God IS at work, but as always the devil is also at work discouraging and frustrating God’s workers.  The devil wants us to lose focus of the day when our Lord’s salvation is proclaimed, His glory declared among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples, the day when all peoples accept our Lord’s greatness and offer praise and honor to Him and only Him (Psalm 96:1-4)!  

Another source of joy in Africa:  People watching...

Pray for Jack as he teaches Baptist History and Church Planting next week (5 to 6 hours of teaching most days) at Kenya Baptist Theological College.  Pray for me as I seek to strengthen and encourage coworkers among Sub-Saharan African Peoples and help them share their ‘how God is at work’ stories and how others can join His work through praying, giving and serving. 

... and enjoying the walking shops along the roads!

Our last prayer request?  That you join us this week in living Psalm 100 – “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” BERT YATES

Happiness also comes from viewing herds of giraffe not
only in the game parks, but in dukas along the city roads!

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Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples, one part of Bert's work, can be found athttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl or at the blog
SSAP Nudges to Action – Praying, Serving and Giving.

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And one more photo - a great source of joy for Bert
at lunchtime today - Swahili Coconut Fish,
Sukumawiki (greens) and Ugali (thick cooked corn meal).

"Bwana Mungu, Nashangaa"

13-08-25 PBCMR Men's Sunday from Bert Yates on Vimeo.

Claiming the happiness, joy and gladness this week of serving our Father in our weekly update, which included joining the men of our church (Parklands Baptist Church/Mombasa Road - Nairobi, Kenya) last Sunday in singing "Bwana Mungu, Nashangaa" - "How Great Thou Art" in Kiswahili.

Chorus:    Roho yangu na ikuimbie, Jinsi Wewe ulivyo Mkuu (x2)

August 25, 2013 SSAP Nudge to Action

“We found them!!! They do Exist!” Shared by workers who located the Gbeka people of Guinea – a people many said did not exist!  Will you join others in praying “that the Gbeka will have the opportunity to hear God’s Word… that God will send His laborers into fields white for harvest (John 4:35).” 

More Nudges for the August 2013 Prayer Emphasis: Gbeka of Guinea at  http://subsaharanafricanpeoples.imb.org/pray/view/08-13-emphasis-gbeka

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Daily Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples are found at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl (non-Facebook users can view this page).

August 21, 2013

To celebrate our birthdays, on the 16th
(between my special day and Jack's),
we visited the home of a group of artists/
craftsmen/women on the edge of Nairobi.

Jack and I both turned a year older last week and we’re celebrating our wedding anniversary today (our 42^nd and although we are very thankful for all your greetings, I’m skipping the birthday numbers), but I’m not too old or mature for God’s Word to still be “sharper than any double edged sword” judging “the thoughts and attitudes of MY heart” (Hebrews 5:12).

A constant prayer need for workers in Africa
- safety as we travel on obstacle course roads!

As I read in the book of Nehemiah this morning two phrases, “We also assume responsibility for…” (10:32, 35) and “We will not neglect…” (v.39), led to my using the Word of God to ask myself many questions.  And possibly because we have acknowledged that we are a bit older, I also found myself reassessing why Jack and I continue to feel that our place of service is among Sub-Saharan African Peoples (SSAP).

If one knows where to look and are not
too picky, they can find almost anything
they want in the city of Nairobi!

During this morning’s devotions, I found myself reading several familiar passages as questions, such as:

- Do I “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day” (v.1), not just sometimes, but EVERY DAY, EVERY OPPORTUNITY? Do I believe that I can be a part of DECLARING “his glory among the nations”?

Many of the photos that I take each week are
'saved' for later slideshows , such as this one
which will be used later in social
networking presentations.

- Do I truly believe that Believers around our world can “Declare… his marvelous deeds among all people” (v.3) – not just to some but among ALL people? (The theme verse for our SSAP affinity.)

- Do those around me, my friends as well as the man who chooses vegetables for me at the market or the beggar I often pass, the woman whose kids play at a busy intersection, know that I believe that my Lord is “great… and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods” (v.4)?

Many people in Kenya are self-employed,
such as this man who walks around our part
of the city selling real LOOFAHS at
a greatly reduced price from the prices
at spas in Europe and the US.

- Do I know how to begin and how often do I take time for conversations with friends of other faiths, such as the friend who sells Bhajias (spicy, battered deep-fried potatoes) or the one who sells bread at her shop, and share that “all the gods of nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens” (v. 5)?

This is the type of bed frame which is on my wish list!

- Have I clearly made known to others that my heavenly Father is the true God; the one that “families of nations (should) ascribe glory and strength;” the one we should “Worship… in the splendour of his holiness;” the one and only one that those of us on earth should “tremble before” (vv. 6-9)?

Kenyan national schools are on holiday during
April, August and December. Pray for God's
blessings as many churches offer
Vacation Bible Schools this month.

- Do I fully use my time, energy, possessions and talents to obey my Saviour and “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything … commanded” (Matthew 28:19-20)? Do I believe and live as though my Saviour is always with me?

- Am I doing all God has called me to do to proclaim the “eternal gospel… to every nation, tribe, language and people” (Revelation 14:6)? What am I doing to help others do this?

Bert also uses Social Networking
to share things on FB sites for those
who are a bit homesick for Africa!

I wish I could report that I answered all these questions with a firm YES, but my YES’s varied in degrees of strength and I had to acknowledge a few more in the NO category.  I ask that you pray for Jack and I as we seek to share our faith with those who lack our Father’s love and salvation, those who lack the affirmation of eternal life.

Pray also for us as we seek to strengthen and encourage others (including our Kenyan church family, our IMB coworkers, and Jack’s students) as Believers prepare for the day when “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9,10). Bert Yates

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A new slide show, “Colours and Activities Viewed Last Week” can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152116448180130.1073741834.685050129&type=1&l=145511baec . (Non-FB members can view this slideshow.)

Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples, one part of Bert's work, can be found athttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl or at the blog
SSAP Nudges to Action – Praying, Serving and Giving.

An added photo showing Jack's special buddy who appears almost
every morning at a bedroom window to watch him as he exercises!

August 18th - SSAP Nudge to Action

Asked by new worker among an Unreached SSAPeople: “What makes a church? Cushioned pews, stage lights, sound systems, musical instruments, central air/ heating, video screens and simulcasts, stained glass windows? What if you took all of that away? Would you still have a church?” (Eph. 2:19-22).

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For daily Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples visit
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl (non-Facebook users can view this page).

August 14, 2013

Viewed during the EID (end of Ramadan) sales
last week at my favourite grocery store
- specials on nuts and dried food. And YES,
I always stock up at this time of year!

“Every day is probably adventurous in Africa” – posted by a friend on my Facebook page last week. My first reaction: If anyone says they are bored in Kenya or bored when they are serving God, they are simply not paying attention to what is happening around them! So today, which begins Jack's and my week of celebrations (today is my birthday, Jack’s is on Sunday and our 42nd anniversary is next Wednesday), I’ve prepared a new photo album, “What the Yates saw last week,” my way of sharing with you the things we see and experience that keep us smiling!

There are also things we spot each week that do not bring us joy – Things such as families on the side of the road with their little ones who've learned to hold out their hands begging for alms before they can walk, the poor housing that many accept as the norm, and street persons sleeping on the street with no protection. There are also views that touch our hearts each time we leave our home, such as spotting those of other faiths, who lack the love, peace and joy that we claim as Believers.

Family begging in their regular spot
on a busy city corner.

We also view things that lead to fear such as the mothers begging along city streets with their children playing within inches of passing cars. We are concerned as we watch street boys shimmying down into covered ditches, with a river roaring inches below, trying to find a safe place from the wind and rain, as well as the police.

I first spotted a bit of red above (centre) the trees...

And yes, we do also see things that we find unbelievable – such as passing Jack’s current favourite neighborhood building-in-progress and watching a woman high up on the scaffolding, washing windows, in a skirt! To be honest, I was rather thankful that the protective covering on the building hid her descent down the scaffolding as I know I would likely dive head-first if I tried this even in slacks!

... only to realize that one of the workers (left)
was a woman AND she was wearing a skirt!

Why am I sharing all of this today? Because we need your prayers and we know that you have to understand and experience our lives to pray most effectively for us! Yet, like many of our colleagues, we cannot always freely share all of our needs with you, often the very ones in need of the greatest prayer power.

I asked last week if I could take a photo
for our blog of the Green Grocery where
I buy fruits and veggies each week.

BUT it never fails that when the times come when we need a boost, we soon realize that some of you are praying for us. We know that it is not a co-incidence, but a God-incidence when the strengthening and encouragement we need is found during our devotions, during worship and fellowship times at our church, or even through a note from a friend.

The Asian shop owner, said, "YES."  He then
added, "BUT the men who help you will
want you to also take their picture!"

At the bottoms of our e-mails and letters, Jack and I always include these words - “Strengthening and encouraging as we engage lostness together” (Acts 14:22; Revelation 14:6). So today I want to thank you for all you do to strengthen and encourage us as we serve our Father among Sub-Saharan African Peoples. Thank you for your notes which do encourage us, for your prayers which strengthen us, your financial support through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Cooperative Program which provides the funds for the work God has called us to do, as well as your sending new personnel to help do the work in our Father’s Harvest Field.

One scene shared in "What the Yates saw last week"
which may one day be a Nudge to Action
for Sub-Saharan African Peoples!

Please join us in praying that we will focus on the blessings, gifts and joys that God sends our way and stand strong against the devil’s tactics. One thing we continually learn is that the more we desire to obey and serve our Father, the more crafty the devil becomes! And please do know that as you strengthen and encourage us in through your prayers and in other ways, you are joining us in engaging the lostness in our world together. BERT YATES
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“What the Yates saw last week” can be viewed at   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152097241550130.1073741833.685050129&type=1&l=2d8b0e89df . (Non-FB members can view this slideshow.)

Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples, one part of Bert's work,  can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl or at the blog
SSAP Nudges to Action – Praying, Serving and Giving.

August 10, 2013 SSAP Nudge to Action

“We decided to stop worrying and start praying.” – Baptist volunteers delayed in returning to the States after last Wednesday’s fire that disrupted flights from Kenya’s major airport.  Pray for peace for those who are ‘caught’ in the chaos and wisdom for those seeking to redo thousands of flight schedules.

More information on the fire and nudges to prayer at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23622991.

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For daily Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples visit http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ or
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl (non-Facebook users can view this page).

August 7, 2013

One thing we celebrated this week:  A great School
for Bible School Principals held at KBTC, as well
as one finishing today at the coast.

Celebration – the word I noted over and over during my devotions last week.  I took time yesterday to edit lots of views of the last week to share today in a ‘celebration’ themed update, hoping that I could finish writing a bit earlier today! Yet once again, things began changing.  I’ll begin this story of change with last week’s devotions.

As I read Ezra, I was challenged and even reprimanded.  As the Israelites returned to Jerusalem, they were fearful of the work ahead (3:3), yet as the house of the Lord was rebuilt, their mood switched to praise and thanksgiving (3:11).  Discouragement, frustrations and delays came, but the building was finished, followed by a time when the people of Israel “celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy” (6:16).

God did create lions with hiding skills!

Newly added questions in my Bible include: How often do I stop and praise God for what He has done? Have I ever wept for joy about an action of our God?  How often do discouragements to cause me to lose focus and my joy? Do I believe that God can and will change the hearts (1:1; 6:22) of both those He calls to do His work and those who thwart His work? Do I claim the power shared in Ezra7:28, the power of having “the hand of the LORD my God.. on me” and do I act courageously as I serve my heavenly Father?

Inquisitive Ostrich

What changed today?  As I completed by usual early morning FB/e-mail work, news appeared of  a fire at Nairobi’s international airport.  As my day’s schedule was delayed, fear, sad memories and lots of questions crept into my mind and heart.  Was this an accident or a planned action? Today is the 15th anniversary of the US embassy bombings in Nairobi and in Tanzania, which lead to the deaths of more than 250 people and hundreds injured.

But as I did my morning devotions, a bit later than usualm and reread Ezra, I felt God reprimanding me again and asking:  Do I trust Him to take care of this situation?  Do I choose to allow the negatives to keep me from praising Him and celebrating what He is doing? Will I allow myself to worry about things, such as will volunteers who have been working at the Kenya Baptist Theological College be able to return to the States on time?  Do I trust God to give the guidance and peace in this situation? 

Spotted a queue of zebra passing on our left...

My choice?  To trust God and celebrate today as I pray for the guidance and peace needed by many in Kenya.  A bit selfishly, I’m praising God that our daughter, Jessie, flew out over the weekend and was safely back in the US before all this happened! AND I will share in this update and in a new album, “Celebrating God’s Creation,” celebratory photos taken last week at the School for Bible School Principals at the Kenya Baptist Theological College and photos captured during a safari to the Nairobi National Game Park last Friday. 

... and then realized another line of zebra was on our right
waiting for us to pass and allow them to join the queue.

Please do join us in praying for those affected by the fire at the airport and those who will be affected in coming weeks, as you to celebrate lots of good/GOD things with us! Pray that Jack and I will be courageously seek to be a part of making sure that every People Group in our part of the world will have an opportunity, like Ezra, to study and know of our Father’s words, love and salvation (Ezra 7:10). BERT YATES

Can you find the Serval cat?

Lots of photo of our 'safari' to the Nairobi National Park at “Celebrating God’s Creation,” - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152080082710130.1073741832.685050129&type=1&l=9cda711b4d. 

Fire destroys Jomo Kenyatta International Airport arrivals unit - http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Fire-destroys-JKIA-arrivals-unit-/-/1056/1939786/-/4ctk15/-/index.html

Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples can be found at  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl or at the blog
 SSAP Nudges to Action – Praying, Serving and Giving.

August 4, 2013 SSAP Nudge to Action

Africa - a continent where giraffe, impala and lions are spotted along the roads in rural areas AND in or near cities!  Africa - a continent where many are still waiting for someone to come to their village, town, or city to “Declare His glory… His marvelous deeds” (Psalm 96:3). Will you help shatter THIS silence?

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For daily Nudges to Action - Praying, Serving and Giving for Sub-Saharan African Peoples
visit http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ or
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl
(non-Facebook users can view this page).