October 30, 2013

Principal's wife: How was your morning? 

Principal: I'm exhausted! Trying to keep up with God and all He is doing for the college is hard work! You're not going to believe all the doors He has opened this morning!

After Jack spoke at our church last
Sunday, a friend said, "I always
assumed that Jack was a preacher,
but he is a trained and gifted teacher!"

This is today's post on KBTC’s Facebook page of Jack's lunchtime report yesterday after a busy morning of meetings with a future teacher in the college’s music program, a teacher in the youth ministry program, and as he ‘linked’ a KBTC student working among the Maasai with a KBTC graduate, a Kenyan Baptist pastor searching for mission opportunities for his church!  Jack could have also said this on Monday morning as he met with a group of partners in theological education!  God is at work in truly amazing ways at Kenya Baptist Theological College. 

Our home in Nairobi is surrounded by tall buildings,
so we rarely spot a sunrise, but we awoke
to this gift yesterday morning.

Thank you for being a part of what is happening at KBTC through your encouragement and as you have prayed for things such as a past request for the staff to depend upon our Father’s guidance and provision. Please join us in continuing to pray for  KBTC to be REVIVED/ RESTORED/ RESURRECTED/ REVISED/ RESCUED, 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.

One of the stresses of life in Nairobi - roads are obstacle courses!
The centre bit of colour between the buildings is the mass of
people near a market and the country bus depot.

As I write today, I'm still surrounded by packing materials, suitcases, clothes, gifts, etc., but thankfully the’ to-do-before-we-leave’ notes are becoming fewer! Do keep praying for physical and mental strength as we prepare to leave on Sunday evening AND as we settle in the mission house of Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC.  Our ‘to-do-after-we-arrive’ notes include setting up internet and arranging for a vehicle so that we can visit many of you and your churches sharing what God is up to in our part of the world and how you can join in His work.  Pray also for us as we reset our ‘body clocks’ as Kenya is 8 hours ahead of North Carolina! 

The views along Nairobi's roads don't all lead to stress!
These are less than half of the the perfectly
balanced toddler shoes for sale along one street!

I will likely be without internet and too busy unpacking and enjoying time with our family next Wednesday to send the usual update, but please keep praying for Jack as his focuses during our Stateside Assignment (STAS, once called furlough) on sharing God’s work at the Kenya Baptist Theological College and how others can be a part of the needed restoration.  Pray for me as I seek to nudge more people and churches to action (prayer, serving and giving) for Sub-Saharan African Peoples.

I'm looking forward to views such as American churches filled with
potted poinsettias during Christmas, but I will miss daily views
of poinsettias and other flowers that grow year round in Kenya!

Thank you once again for all the ways you strengthen and encourage us as we engage lostness together (Acts 14:22; Revelation 14:6), which you do as you pray for us, serve with us and as you support us through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering!  We do depend on you and we are so thankful for you - thankful enough to take a break from packing to post a new photo album for you, Nairobi - A City of Obstacles; A City of Beauty. BERT

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Today’s post on KBTC’s FB page –  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=679748638710092&set=a.467093746642250.110685.466678516683773&type=1&theater
Today’s post on SSAPeoples FB page, with a view that you will not want to miss - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=539963782748279&set=a.389236874487638.90503.100173880060607&type=1&theater

Posts shared on the SSAPeoples and KBTC Facebook pages can be viewed by anyone(including non-FB members) who wants to catch a glimpse of what God is up to in our part of the world and how you can join His work!  
SSAPeoples Nudges to Action (Prayer/ Giving/ Serving) – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl

KBTC –  https://www.facebook.com/KenyaBaptistTheologicalCollege

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering - http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/default.asp

Nairobi - A City of Obstacles; A City of Beauty - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152286119510130.1073741845.685050129&type=1&l=ce88820f96 

Lots of Stripes, Lots of Thanks

As I considered what I could share today, I realized there is one thing that I don't say often enough: THANK YOU!  Thank you for all the ways you strengthen and encourage us as we engage lostness together (Acts 14:22; Revelation 14:6).

Photo selected for yesterday's post on the SSAP Facebook
page with a request for friends to share the Nudges to Action
(Prayer/ Giving/ Serving) for Sub-Saharan African Peoples.
God is at work in Africa and more workers are needed
in our Father's Harvest Field.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl

Yellow Snow - A Special Gift from God

I know that some of you were praying for me today!  Preparing to go on Stateside Assignment is hard work -  between packing our suitcases and preparing to 'secure' our house for six months - all while doing our regular work!  Plus, e are just to wired to 'shut-down' at night, which is resulting in only a few hours of sleep before the alarm goes off at sunrise!

I was excited about my plans for today (showing a new couple around a part of Nairobi where their 'heart' people own shops), but my usual huge mug of Kenyan coffee and a smaller mug of Kenyan tea didn't work and I was in need of a recharging perk! THEN as I waited for our friends to arrive, I looked out our bedroom window and spotted this incredible view.  Thankfully, the new couple were late in arriving and I got to enjoy this view every time the wind blew for almost an hour!

Unedited close-up photos of the SNOW OF YELLOW PETALS can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152269872390130.1073741843.685050129&type=1&l=3093f7359f

October 23, 2013

Not a photo of the chaos in our house, but the
beauty outside!  I spotted this yesterday and 

thought, "How can I describe this?" Then during
devotions, I found an answer: ""Sing for joy...
 for the Lord has done this." Isaiah 44:23a

As I write today, I'm surrounded by packing materials, suitcases, clothes, gifts, etc., as well of LOTS of to-do notes! We are excited about our upcoming Stateside Assignment, but preparing to leave Kenya for six months requires lots of busy-ness! Thus our first prayer request this week is for physical and mental strength as we check-off the items on our work and personal to-do lists!

I considered this view of the moon, spotted as we walked
last Wednesday night to the dining hall at the guest house
in Kisumu, a special gift from God. 

Missionaries joke that one doesn't mess with a co-worker at the end of a four year term as they are often tired and stressed! This does describe us, so we also need prayers for patience and endurance!

The next morning, He sent this awesome sunrise gift - another
great reason to "Burst into song... all you trees,
for the LORD.. displays his glory."  Isaiah 44:23b

One continuing stressor for many in Kenya is the Westgate terrorist attack. Many victims are still in the hospital, more bodies were found this week in the rubble, some people remain unsure about family and friends, and discerning facts and misinformation from the reports being shared is difficult.

View of Westgate taken this morning.  Shoppers' cars
are no longer spotted in the parking area.  The view is
now of trucks depositing rubble from the blasts and fire.  

We praise God for the opportunities to minister and to share our faith, as well as times to receive encouragement from others, as we continue to meet people who were in the mall at the time of the attack. Times such as when a young saleswoman took my hand as I made a purchase when she remembered that I purchased a similar item from her a few weeks earlier at Westgate. She shared that God was helping her deal with her memories of fleeing the siege. One young man selling items retrieved from another Westgate shop became too emotional to answer when Jack asked if he had been working at his employer’s shop at Westgate that day.

Jack viewing the rubble this morning.  Before they piled the twisted
concrete and metal last weekend, I thought my stress was reduced.
I was wrong!  Loud, crashing noises are still not welcomed.

Talking to the owner of a nearby restaurant, we learned that he had hidden with friends of ours during the attack. His comment, “Man can do nothing after such an event,” offered an opportunity to share with this follower of another faith that our Father hears and responds to our prayers for physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

As I shopped yesterday, completing one of my to-do lists, I heard someone call to me. It was a young marketing ‘expert’ who often worked at Westgate. As we hugged, I learned that she was working at another store during the attack and that she had also been looking for me and praying for my safety.

One of my favourite photos from the workshop -
Jack teaching as a chicken roams at the entrance!

Another encounter which brought us joy last week was the Bible School Principals Workshop. Thank you for praying. The meeting ended well and we are excited about the excitement of these men and women with a heart for teaching others in Bible Schools and in Theological Education by Extension (TEE).

The 'most' unexpected bit for a few students:
Finding their Bible School on Google Earth!

We do need your prayer support as we prepare for our work while on Stateside Assignment. Stronger internet and more dependable electricity will make my ‘Prayer Networking’ a bit easier. My prayer request is for opportunities to network with those who desire to know more about what God is doing among Sub-Saharan Africa Peoples and how they can join in His work!

One of the 'chefs' at the workshop, heading to the sink
outside the lean-to jiko (cooking) area.

Relying on e-mails, SKYPE and phone calls to connect with KBTC while in the States, Jack will continue serving as the Principal.  Pray for him as he shares opportunities, such as KBTC’s NEHEMIAH PROJECT, for others to participate in the seminary being restored and fulfilling God’s desire for His eternal gospel to be proclaimed to every nation, tribe, language and people (Revelation 14:6).

The sons of our cooks kept each other and the rest of us entertained!

Please know that we are very sincere when we say: Thank you for your support. As you pray, give and serve, you are our co-workers in our Father’s Harvest Field.  BERT YATES

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Photo Jack added this morning to KBTC’s Facebook Page with this caption: “The Principal, Jack Yates, stands on work being completed for the KBTC sewage system. It seems that every time bills are paid and plans are being made for the new work required, something breaks, or needs replacing. All friends of KBTC are invited to inquire about Project Nehemiah to see how you, your church, your group, your association can participate in finishing the building standing behind the Principal. God is faithful always. Is he speaking to you about this?”

Special Gift

Back home from the Bible School Principal's workshop in Kisumu (western Kenya) and still trying to catch up as we praise God for an incredible time of training, sharing and fellowship. I'll share more in next week's update, but I wanted to share the special gift that we received last Thursday morning when we awoke a bit earlier in order to pack for our return flight to Nairobi after Jack taught that morning.

If I had known what I was missing by sleeping until six each morning on the two previous mornings, we would have set the alarm for 5:45 each morning!  Yes, I am good a photo editing, but the colour is not enhanced in this photo.  This is what we saw that morning as the sun rose behind palms and other trees!  

October 16, 2013

Katana (left) using a tea time to hear
the news of a Bible School.

“Then I will give you shepherds of my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV).  This is the verse Evans Katana shared after being introduced at this weeks’ Bible School Principals Workshop in Kisumu as Kenya Baptist Theological College’s Director of Bible Schools and Theological Education by Extension (TEE).  During dinner last night at the guest house where the KBTC staff is staying, Jack asked if this was the department’s key verse.  Evan answered, “The verse was stuck to the wall of the Bible School office and it sounded right, so I’m using it.” 

Professor Langston teaching on leadership.

Yes, we did laugh, but laughter occurs often when the KBTC staff is together.  They are not just co-workers, but friends who share a commitment to carrying out 2 Timothy 2:2, KBTC’s guiding verse.  Their heart’s desire is to teach what they know, entrusting it to reliable men and women who are being qualified to teach others; training workers to lead others with knowledge and understanding. 

Getting a clear photo of Professor Chacha is almost
impossible as he gets so excited when he teaches!

God is truly blessing this workshop which is being held in western Kenya with 40 principals/ teachers participants. First God provided funds for a workshop held in August at KBTC for the Bible Schools principals and teachers in central Kenya (45 attended)  and one in Malindi (53) for Bible Schools along the coast, as well as this workshop – which until even last week lacked funding!

Moses Omollo (right), Music School Director,
was busy checking on the music programs
during the breaks.

This morning after a great discussion time as Jack taught Baptist Faith and History, he remarked, “We must always put these workshops as a high priority as we look at our budget.  We need more discussions like this, more times to learn from one another.”  Jack didn’t say this was an answer to prayer, but I know it is, another blessing from our Father as we hear the hearts, dreams and desires of the Bible School principals and see them responding by being strengthened and encouraged.

Jack and others from KBTC also spent time praying
with the Bible School principals and teachers.

Would you join us in praying for KBTC’s 70 plus Bible Schools in Kenya?  Pray that the weak schools will be strengthened.  Pray that Evans and others at KBTC will know how to assist, challenge and encourage these schools.  Praise God with us for the strong schools who are training workers to shepherd and lead others with knowledge and understanding, always with a goal of equipping all Believers to be bold witnesses of their Father’s love and salvation.

Bert in her 'office' at the back of the meeting.

I am writing today from the Bible School Principals’ Workshop; NO, I’m not on the KBTC staff.  My role is to use social networking to promote the college, thus I take lots of photos of KBTC activities for use in nudging people to action through prayers, financial gifts and service as volunteers at the seminary. 

Dennis and Christopher sharing their vision
for plans for training pastors and church
leaders in the Kisumu area.

If you haven’t already sensed it, like Jack, I love my job.  I love how social networking through blogs, e-mails, Facebook, etc., can be used  to share what God is doing in His African harvest field and how others can join in His work!  And I know social networking  works, including when at least 10,000 people viewed a Westgate attack prayer item posted on Facebook within a few hours, people whom we know were praying!  I also received this note this week: “I got a lot of encouragement from the Commission stories that you posted concerning the MKs.  My wife and I are praying through the call to overseas ministry. We have just sent in our application.  Please pray for us in the process.”

Meeting hall at the Kisumu Baptist Centre.

Our God is at work! Would you join us this week in thanking God for giving us opportunities to be workers in His Harvest Field!  Would you also pray for the Believers, such as the Bible School Principals and the young couple who are praying about their call to serve our Father!   BERT YATES
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Remember that Daily Nudges to Prayer for Sub-Saharan African Peoples can be found at   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl – Non FB users can easily view these prayer nudges.

Our mode of travel to and from the workshop - Tuk-tuks (three-
wheeled motorcycles). Two-wheeled motorcyles and bikes
with passenger seats were also used.

MKs' View of the Westgate Mall Attack

Take a few minutes this weekend to read two articles sharing how the Westgate Mall attack affected IMB Missionary Kids.  "It was like the whole world was praying" (1) is a testimony of prayer shared by an MK, who with her kids, were caught in the siege. 

"MK differentiates between the terrorists and Africans" (2) shares our younger daughter's reaction to the terrorist attack. These stories are also found at Baptist Press (October 12, 2013). 

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(1) http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/it-was-like-the-whole-world-was-praying
(2) http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/mk-differentiates-between-the-terrorists-and-the-africans

Serving an Awesome Creator

View from our backyard shared yesterday on Facebook. I planned on adding a Bible verse, but realized that this beauty shared all that needed to be said about our awesome Creator!

 A photo taken last week in our yard! We planted this rose vine 7 years
ago and year after year no roses appeared. Last year a few flowers
appeared and then this year these beauties! The wait was worth it!

October 9, 2013

Bert's devotion 'tools'.

All the notations and colourful highlights in my Study Bible prove that I have read my Bible through many times.  BUT once again, God’s word has definitely been living and active this week as I’ve read in Isaiah and ‘discovered’ new guidance, correction and encouragement. 

Two buibui clad women.

“Shout it aloud, do not hold back.  Raise your voice like a trumpet.  Declare to my people… Then your light will rise in the darkness” (Isaiah 58:1,10).  On my list of things-to- do last Saturday was visiting a Muslim friend who lost relatives during the Westgate Mall siege.  I also wanted to talk to her about purchasing a special wrap to use while on Stateside Assignment. My friend encouraged me to buy one (which I did, amazingly at an affordable price) and as we talked, I realized this purchase was giving me a chance to declare to my friend a bit more about my relationship with my heavenly Father.  Pray that Jack and I will always be alert to opportunities to reflect the ‘light’ of our Saviour.

A definite reminder to claim peace on a busy day...

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).  This was already a favorite verse, but with the recent terrorists’ problems in Kenya, preparing for our six month Stateside Assignment, and ongoing financial problems at the Kenya Baptist Theological College, I needed a reminder of this verse!  Pray that we will fully trust in our Father and claim His peace!

... and this nudge arrived a few minutes later.

“Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say” (Isaiah 28:23). Would you join us in praying that in all the busy-ness and stress of our lives, that we will take time to listen and hear our Father’s voice not just with our ears, but with our hearts and actions.  Pray that we will know and obey His instructions and teachings (v.26).

One thing we always miss during our time in the U.S:
REAL break with REAL ingredients, but it does lack the
preservatives, so we must watch for colourful mold!

“Caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is a cartwheel rolled over cumin; caraway is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a stick” (Isaiah 28:27).  I laughed as I read this during devotions last Sunday.  We had enjoyed a fresh whole-grain loaf of bread seasoned with cardamom and an omelet with cumin for breakfast and Jack and I had joked about how our taste buds had changed!  When we first arrived in Kenya, we DID NOT appreciate the addition of cumin or cardamom in so many local foods!

Our God has a sense of humour!  Last week I shared
a 'staged' photo of this cactus with a purple bloom.
This morning I spotted God's 'staging' - the Jacaranda
 bloom fell perfectly into the shorter bit of cactus!

This verse is a needed reminder for those of us who work among people groups other than our own.  Just as we learn the languages of others, we must also understand their lives and values, the way they do and understand things, which can include food preferences!  Would you pray for discernment and the guidance of the Holy Spirit for workers in our Father’s Harvest Fields as we learn of these differences and use what we learn to communicate what makes us different as God’s children! 

Stunning and amazing Jacaranda trees in bloom!

“Be stunned and amaze … I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder” (Isaiah 29:9,14). How often do I take time to truly be amazed by His wonders and His answers to my prayers?  Pray that as we focus on what God is calling us to do, we will not be so busy that we overlook what He IS doing! 

Spotted this yesterday outside our bedroom window -
not sure what the mousebirds were doing, but these
three are turning right and left as one tale 'goes' south!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’…Sing… celebrate… hearts will rejoice… The LORD will cause men to hear his majestic voice” (Isaiah 30:21,29,30).  Please pray that Jack, I and our co-workers, those from other countries as well as Kenyan Baptists, will always hear and obey our Father’s voice. Pray also that we will take time to sing, celebrate and rejoice, recognizing that this witness from our hearts can lead others to hearing our Father’s majestic voice, a voice sharing of His love and salvation. 

I chose to celebrate our Father's guidance and provision today by preparing a "Gift for Supporters of KBTC"  - Flowers spotted around the Kenya Baptist Theological College campus yesterday, ready for use as screen-savers,Power-point backgrounds, etc. Offered as thanks to supporters of KBTC and as a reminder for both praising God and prayers that KBTC staff and students will always rely upon God's guidance and provision.

Thank you for the assurance we have of your support.  Don’t ever forget that as you pray and give, you are joining us as workers in our Father’s Harvest Field among Sub-Saharan African Peoples. BERT

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"Gift for Supporters of KBTC" is found at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152235716525130.1073741842.685050129&type=1&l=c52eba47d0

Remember that Daily Nudges to Prayer for Sub-Saharan African Peoplescan be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl – Non FB users can easily view these prayer nudges.

Another 'fuzzy' photo which I love!  The kid on the ground
had not fallen down - he was trying to climb into the bucket!

What God taught a missionary today!

Sometimes people think that 'missionaries' are super Christians, but like others we are maturing Believers with lots still to learn! I should save this note for tomorrow's update, but what God taught me today was a reminder through the lens of my camera that I need to always be praising Him and not wait for a scheduled time or when I feel like it!  So, I shared this a few minutes ago on my Facebook page:

Not today's SSAPeoples Nudge, which needs the action of Believers, so don't overlook it, but a special nudge God sent my way as I worked today at the Kenya Baptist Theological College - Rather that focusing on the problems faced as the college is restored, we must praise our God and "Say... 'How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.'" (Psalm 66:3)

Sunday UPDATE of Urgent Prayer Request

Thanks for your prayers support for Thursday's urgent request. One need has been temporarily solved, the other financial problem has not been solved, but God is at work and solutions are on the way! Pray for patience and wisdom as Jack and the staff await God's answers to your prayers.

The photo? Hot chapati which I bought on Friday from a 'restauranti' on the side of the street (beside Westgate Mall) as a 'gift' for Jack! Hot and greasy and oh soooo good! Yes, some would worry about germs from 'street' food, but the chapati was too hot to touch, which is our 'safety' check!  No, this may not be a 'healthy' food as the best are prepared with lots and lots of mafuta (oil/grease), but this is true Kenyan soul food!  

URGENT Prayer Request for KBTC (10-03-2013)

In yesterday’s weekly update I shared that Jack’s focus is on the restoration of Kenya Baptist Theological College.  

Today is another frustrating day as financial obstacles appear insurmountable.  Pray for the staff as they seek our Father’s guidance, trusting that His purpose and plans for KBTC will not be thwarted (Isaiah 14:27). 

October 2, 2013

One of our joys of the week -
It's Jacaranda season...

Once again, my desire to have this update completed early and posted before my friends in the States arose for the day did not happen!  But I do have a good reason!  During my morning devotions, I began ‘thinking prayer nudges’ (Jack’s accusation) as I read through Isaiah 12.

... which leads to 'jacaranda snow'.

This led to my wanting to share more than the already chosen photos of flowering blooms in our yard, which meant selecting and editing more photos. This new photo album, Make Known Among the Nations - Isaiah 12 (NIV), is my way of saying thanks to all of you “for calling on our Lord's name on our behalf and for those in need of physical, emotional and spiritual healing after the Westgate Mall siege.” 

One of the reasons that I spent lots of
time in our yard last week and continue
to do so - the beautiful flowers!

Then as I worked on the photos, I wanted to share the excitement we experienced last Sunday as we worshipped with our Parklands Baptist Church/ Mombasa Road church family. This led to my uploading a video to share with you!  As a Kiswahili translation was shared and the choir sang in English and in Igbo, a language of Nigeria, IMELA - PBC musical group at PBC-MR 09-29-13 shares a unique view of what it means to “Make known among the nations what he has done.” (Isaiah 12:4).

I still find it amazing that a view can look
so normal, but nothing about Westgate
(top-centre cream flat roof) is now normal!

We are so thankful for your prayer support in recent days.  Life is almost back to normal for us, but occasionally the stress still surfaces, such as the ‘event’ I shared last weekend on Facebook:  “Awoke this morning thinking I was over the recent stress, only to realize that I ran out of Kenyan coffee yesterday morning and didn't notice - which I've not done in 35 years in Kenya! A bag of flavored 'World Market' coffee prevented a whole new stressor - A morning at our house without a huge mug of good kahawa!”

Nor is having international news reporters
on nearby street corners the norm!

Many memories of the last week do not bring joy, including recognizing faces of those who died during the Westgate Siege.  It was disheartening to call a Muslim friend, who often works at the mall, and learn that she was safe, but two of her relatives were killed.  While visiting my doctor, I learned that five of his patients died in the attack, which he described as “Not only patients, but two were good friends.”  We have also been discouraged by the many reports now appearing in our local news about looting and why we continued hearing firing and blasts for hours after the first announced ‘end’ of the siege.

 WONDERFUL memory of the last week:
the first graduation of a MastersLife
class at our new church.

But we thank God that there is also much encouraging news.  People of all faiths, nationalities and people groups worked together throughout and after the attack, including thousands who donated blood for the injured without any questions about what religion or colour the recipient would be.

Another great memory - friends from Parklands
Baptist Church thanking God for His goodness in
English and in the language of a People from Nigeria!

There is also a new unity in the country; wherever one goes friends and even strangers ask if you’re OK and share praises for God’s control of the situation, though some are using the word ‘god’.  It was especially touching to visit my favourite bakery on Saturday and learn that the owners, who are of another faith, had been waiting for me to affirm that Jack and I were OK.  The son of the owner of our favourite Asian restaurant also shared that his Mom and Dad would be glad to know we were safe. 

Reading the Bible and taking notes during church
last Sunday on a Kindle, iPhone and from a bound
Bible as others used  iPads!  Life is changing!

With all the recent ‘unexpected events’ in our lives, I’ve delayed sharing some important news, very important to us!  We are headed to the States in early November for a six month Stateside Assignment.  We will stay in a mission house in Raleigh, North Carolina, until our return at the end of next April.   

Jack insisted that I share this photo of the
new sign at the entrance to KBTC!

We are eagerly awaiting time with family and friends.  We are also excited about opportunities to share what God is doing in Africa.  Jack will focus on sharing God’s work at the Kenya Baptist Theological College and how others can be a part of the needed restoration.  My emphasis will be on nudging more people and churches to action (prayer, serving and giving) for Sub-Saharan African Peoples. 

A fuzzy photo, but I love this scene viewed last week!

Though Stateside Assignment does not mean being on vacation, but working in a different locality for a while, we do plan on taking a bit of needed rest.  Our first hoped-for-break, even it if is a quick visit, is a trip to Calabash, along the Atlantic Ocean, for seafood prepared the American way!  BERT YATES

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Make Known Among the Nations - Isaiah 12 (NIV) - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152219971775130.1073741841.685050129&type=1&l=8dd52b5e9e  (Non-Facebook members can view this slideshow.)

IMELA - PBC musical group at PBC-MR 09-29-13 –  http://vimeo.com/75948910

Daily Nudges to Prayer for Sub-Saharan African Peoplescan be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?ref=hl – Non FB users can easily view these prayer nudges.