August 13, 2014

What keeps us and our co-workers strengthened and encouraged so we can “Sing to the LORD a new song… all the earth… praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples… Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name… Worship the LORD” (Psalm 96 – the guiding verses for IMB workers among Sub-Saharan African Peoples).

One thing that always brings us energizing joy is the things
we see as we travel around Kenya - especially the kids...

This question has passed through my thoughts many times in recent days as I’ve visited with co-workers in ‘real life’ or via the internet, learning about their lives, their praises and joys, and especially their concerns, hurts, problems, difficulties and frustrations. Yes, God is THE true source of our strengthening and encouragement, but a close second answer is the assurance we have of your PRAYER SUPPORT!

... and the colour and activity...

When we first arrived in Kenya (36 years ago in mid-September), it would take weeks to get a prayer letter to the States! But today with the internet, we can instantly share our praises and our requests and needs, whether it be concerns for a family member (on the mission field or back ‘at home’), security issues, the lack of rain/ or too much rain affecting the lives of those we minister among and our ability to reach them, the outbreak of a disease or war and so on – only a few of the issues ‘heard’ this last week.

... as well as the unexpected.  I have not a clue
what the kid in the centre is doing...

...other than possibly imitating Mom
carrying things on her back in a 'cut' tub!

And just as knowing people are joining us in prayers strengthens and encourages us, remembering and acknowledging ANSWERED PRAYERS also keeps us energized! Which leads to an additional prayer suggestion: When you pray for our needs, pray that we and our coworkers will recognize God’s answers to our and your prayers, especially when it is not the anticipated answer or at the expected time.

I always love passing one village where
rows and rows of bananas are sold...

... but we never stop as I don't want to have
nightmares of being attacked by bananas!

There is also another challenge that comes from answered prayers. As we and our co-workers are blessed by answers to your prayers, we must make sure that you know how God is at work and how you’ve been a part of His work! Which is why there are lots and lots of photos today as this is the best way that I can share a few of the answered prayers we’ve spotted this past week!

Another encouraging experience last week was visiting a training
for Regional Convention Moderators (21) and their deputies. Many
are KBTC graduates and Jack was impressed with their response
and desire to help in reviving TEE, Bible Schools and KBTC.

One thank you that we ‘owe’ you is for your prayers for the revival/ resurrection of the Kenya Baptist Theological College. God is answering! A new round of classes has begun and 22 of the expected 35 students have arrived WITH their fees! Pray that the students will learn much about their Father and how they can serve Him. Pray that the problems resulting in the delay (illness, lack of fees, etc.) of some students will be resolved and they will quickly join their classes. Pray for strengthening and encouragement for the staff as they serve and trust God to answer prayers for a full resurrection of KBTC! Pray also for a very productive first meeting of the new KBTC Board of Governors this Friday.

Last week's special joy was visiting with Will Jay and Marie Roberts,
retired missionaries, who sponsored and led the training
for the convention leaders

y that we will always be focused on trusting our Father as we join others in singing a new song to Him, praising Him, proclaiming His salvation day after day, declaring His glory and marvelous deeds among the nations, ascribing to Him the glory due His name and worshipping Him. Pray for us as we seek to strengthen and encourage our co-workers, missionary and African Believers, and others as they seek to obey, trust and serve Him.

Another special joy of the leaders' training for me was the
Kenya Baptist Media display which included books
I edited and/or wrote while on the KBTC staff!

Pray also that we will always recognize when God responds to our needs and requests. Pray that we will always have open hearts to knowing what He is doing so we can be a part of His work. Yes, I know I’m asking for a lot, but we serve a loving Father who hears our prayers and provides us friends like you to strengthen and encourage us as we find our place in God’s story! BERT YATES
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Remember to take time to view this past week's Nudges to Action for Sub-Saharan African Peoples at https://www.facebook.com/SubSaharanAfricanPeoples.

An added energizer for Jack and me is being a part of the church
family of Eastgate (formerly Mombasa Road/ Parklands) Baptist Church.
An added bonus last Sunday was that the very shy son of friends
not only allowed Jack to hold him during the early part of the
morning worship, but as I took photos of our new nursery class
he shared not just his toys, but everyone else's with me!

And the reason I'm posting today update very, very late?
The songbirds were chattering all day all around the
windows of our house and I spent time enjoying their antics!