October 29, 2014

We did not share two weeks ago that we would be
making a long trip as it is not wise to announce that
your house will be vacant!  But we always need you
praying for safety as we travel.  The blur in the photo
is Jack's hand - which means these animals were
beside the road.  We did stop many times on our
trip for donkeys, cows, monkeys, etc., on the road.

Today’s update is Jack’s response to my request to share what was accomplished and how we have seen God at work during our recent trip to western Kenya and since our return. He may be a bit offended, but I laughed when I read his notes as they definitely prove that he is in the mind-set of reading/ writing scholarly documents as he titled his report “Vision Enlarged, Vision Defined, Vision Strengthened.” Here is his “VISION” report with added queries, answers, explanations and prayer requests.

 There was also lots of people walking along the road and lots and lots of
people travelling on various kinds of vehicles and we were always
on the look-out for broken down vehicles and those passing unwisely!

Travelling is never boring on African roads thanks to
sayings found on buses, trucks, matatus (public vans)- as proven
by the wise comment (but lousy spelling) on the back of a truck!

---   ---   ---   ---   ---

VISION ENLARGED: To interview potential students from the Kisumu area for the class beginning in 2015 on our main KBTC campus and hear their call to ministry was exciting, but to experience an expanded vision for the KBTC center in Kisumu and what God is doing was totally invigorating.

Some of those in a KBTC class meeting at the Kisumu branch were
among those to be interviewed.  A student led the class and guests
in prayer before the interviewing began.

-  (Bert’s editorial query) One or two examples needed of the expanded vision.

The applicants took completing the
KBTC application forms very seriously...

-  (Jack’s reply) Kisumu Branch can become a full blown college campus with faith that the Lord will provide the necessary requirements. Students would not have to travel to our main campus to receive the highest level of theological training. (Bert: Travel costs is a major problem for students.)

...and they became extra serious
during the interview which followed!

-  (Bert) One or two examples needed of what you saw God doing that was invigorating.
-  (Jack) Kisumu is blessed with wonderful servants dedicated to evangelism, church planting and devoting their energies to training future leaders and pastors. God is doing amazing things through these folks.

Photo shared a month ago with this caption:
"Hopefully one of the last photos
 of KBTC's incomplete building."

VISION DEFINED: The main KBTC building has remained unfinished since 2007. We knew time and weather had taken a toll, and as I met with a Structural Engineer last Saturday evening for his report, he shared distressing news. Then God took over and blessed me to know that mistakes can be corrected and the building made safe. (Bert: This is the building students began using in April 2013 after termites destroyed the old chapel/dining building and student housing was in need of major repairs.)

Another project that is taking longer than expected.
Mole traps (with small potato baits) are still
being placed around campus.

Bert: Pray for fresh eyes and minds as Jack and others look at what KBTC has and is using. Pray that they will truly see what God wants done and how to use and develop their resources for His use.
Jack: Pray for faith that God knows much better than us and that all issues will be resolved.

Thankfully the numerous moles have not
hurt the beautiful flowers around campus!

VISION STRENGTHENED: Seeking accreditation is a long and tedious job, nothing to be relished! As I began the task however, I discovered that much of the work was begun by my predecessors. I also was encouraged (Bert’s note: As he read pages and pages of government guidelines) to see more clearly the directions God intends for KBTC to follow. Much is to be done, but as I looked through the applications, requirements, and process; in my mind, God just filled it all in!

Another beautiful view on campus -
wildflowers on the fence separating
KBTC from nearby tea fields.

Bert: Pray for wisdom and insight as Jack works through the many forms and requirements and as he seeks the right answers and persons to help complete everything.
Jack: Pray that the college will have the determination to see accreditation reached within the next two years and that all our plans and goals will bring glory to God.

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Thank you for being our partners as we serve among Sub-Saharan African Peoples and YOU ARE our co-workers as you pray, send volunteers/ career workers our way and as you give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Cooperative Program.  BERT YATES

One of the incredible views spotted at the retreat center
where we worked last week.  I did not spot the white-headed
baby Colobus Monkey in the Mom's arms until I edited my photos!

Added Note: Don't forget to view the past week's Nudge to Action for Sub-Saharan African Peoples at  https://www.facebook.com/SubSaharanAfricanPeoples.