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?”