“You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!” Psalm 68:35 NIV
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A view captured as we returned to KBTC
last Sunday afternoon. The number of people
along the roads of Nairobi always astounds us! |
“
I’m blown away” – Jack’s simplified version of Psalm 68:35 as he reacted to the happenings at the Kenya Baptist Theological College this morning, well actually every morning and afternoon in recent days! Just a few of today’s events which were definitely not coincidences, but God incidents: a visit by a former principal who also dreams of new ways KBTC can train and equip Believers; a call from a young missionary sharing a reproducible community development model that the college could use; and a conversation with a young man who is passionate about training Youth Ministers.
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Also spotted last Sunday afternoon -
An instant photo shop along the road! |
There was also a meeting with the pastor who is the new Academic Dean, who not only gets excited about Jack’s dreams for the college, but is adding to the dreams. Most of these events were unexpected, such as the return this morning of a house key, which is the end to a long-standing problem!
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Another view of God's blessings
at KBTC - the beautiful flowers! |
As Jack recounted the happenings of the morning during lunch today, he added:
“I know that I’m passionate and excited about KBTC and how I believe God wants to use the school to accomplish His work. I also know that not everyone understands and thinks I’m being too positive.”
My reaction:
“You are passionate and excitable, but you’re not just being positive. You are seeing and understanding that these happenings are not based on your power and strength, or that of any other staff member or supporter! You see that God is the one behind all that is happening. You acknowledge that it is His power and strength that is behind all the ways that KBTC is being revived and available for His work. Most importantly, you are giving Him the credit and praising Him for what He is doing!”
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Another blessing found at KBTC - an
incredible staff who keep things looking beautiful! |
Please join us in praising God for all that is happening, including events (often unscheduled) from the last week which include: news of student scholarship support from five sources; meetings with people committed to helping the school offer classes/ programs for training children’s workers, worship leaders, and counselors; offers from peoples desiring to teach or seeking classes in evangelism, Bible Storying, Chinese (language), apologetics; and a Facebook ‘chat’ with former students and Kenyan Baptists who want KBTC to offer a school of missions and short courses and programs to train those with a heart for cross-cultural evangelism .
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The God-incident (NOT a coincidence!) of our meeting
the chaplain occurred when he sat beside us as we
ate coastal pilau at the KBTC graduation in Malindi. |
The most exciting unexpected news was shared during a planned meeting. The head of the KBTC Malindi branch reported that a chaplain Jack and I met after their graduation service last November has received permission to begin a Bible School in the prison.
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Have to add one photo of a cute kid! My little friend
hid behind the wall before his Sunday School class
began. He then peeked out with a gift - His Smile! |
We do have lots of praise, but we also need you to continue praying for KBTC as the revival/ restoration progresses. There are still many difficulties such as problems with occupancy of another house, the need for more local support, and leaky roofs (I need a photo of how Jack prepares his desk each evening in case it rains and of his ‘personal’ mop which was needed after last night’s rains). Plus there is one negative (the unfinished main building) which is a major problem thanks to a positive – more students are coming and more opportunities to train arising, resulting in the need for classrooms and dorms have outgrown the available space in the completed one story of the needed three story building!
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Some of you may think this is nonsense, but
I know that one way God answers your prayers
for encouragement for me is by sending views
like this outside the window as I work! |
And we have one more praise/ thanksgiving – For how you strengthen and encourage us as we serve. THANK YOU for your prayers, sending workers our way and your financial support.
BERT YATES
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Remember to view the daily
Nudges to Action for Sub-Saharan Peoples which shares what God is doing among Sub-Saharan African Peoples and how you can join in His work through prayer, serving and giving! (
https://www.facebook.com/SubSaharanAfricanPeoples)
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