Unexpecteds, Memes and Our Rear Guard

I will admit it! Before taking a photo, I am already composing a Nudge to Prayer in my mind! As Jack walked to his office at KBTC through a cloud yesterday morning, I was thinking that he had all he needed for the day – his hat, briefcase, computer, umbrella (it poured moments after he left for his office) and he had even remembered to take his cell phone (but he had forgotten to charge it).

I also knew that his day would be filled with unexpected/ unplanned phone calls, emails, visits and events! Being truly prepared for his day, especially during this time when God is definitely at work around KBTC, must also include a quality prayer time/devotions before leaving the house and truly seeking God’s guidance for the unknowns! Thus, the full story behind this MEME.

Created this MEME from a photo captured as we returned
to KBTC last Monday to share  as a 'Bit of OurHearts"
and as a new tool in Mission  Toolbox. 
Links found in 'tabs' at the top of this page.

Recently after I gave permission to a co-worker to use one of my photos as a MEME background, a friend laughed when I wrote asking, “What is a MEME?”  I quickly learned that I had been designing these photos with catchy/ to be shared wording, but simply thought I was being creative with photos!

No 'pet peeves' or stresses from this photo
This unexpected encounter after church last
Sunday only brought joy! Peter had just
completed speaking during worship and
was now enjoying time with his little one!

Which brings me to one of my pet peeves – often feeling that I have to find new ways to ‘catch the attention’ of those who follow our work. Yes, I’m usually tired or stressed when I feel this way, but my desire is not to offer entertainment, but lead others to prayer. Our God is at work and is allowing us to join in His work and we need you to be knowledgeable about what is happening. We need you to be savvy pray-ers because our Father hears your prayers and answers and we need your prayer support!

Another great attention getter?  Animals.  Rains are finally arriving
in Nairobi and further south where the Maasai graze animals,
but herds of cows and goats, as well as flocks of sheep were
spotted all over Nairobi as we travelled to church last Sunday.

Then I remember that you are as busy as we are, thus I must share things worthy of your stopping your busy life to pray for us. MEMEs work at the moment, so I will continue creating these. I’ve also learned that posting things as they happen gets your attention!

Visit KBTC's page to view the photo taken during the
announcement.  This is yesterday's view of the men's
dorm, which is in a classroom.  Women sleep in a
smaller classroom just down the hall.  Toilets are on
the completed floor, but showers are upstairs in a
covered corner.  Better arrangements are definitely
needed, especially as enrollment increases and
the classrooms are needed for classes!

During yesterday’s chapel, I posted a photo of Jack announcing that construction was to begin in the afternoon to complete Baraka Hall, the newest building on campus which provides student housing, classes, dining and a place for chapel. As usual, Jack learned later in the afternoon of an unexpected/ unanticipated bit of news. This is the explanation he prepared this morning to share with you:

“Yesterday’s intent to start building the unfinished part of Baraka Hall had to be delayed until next week. Sometimes that is how God works! There are two major parts of the project. First, structure support will require closing the inside ‘atrium’ appearance. The good news is that this will allow the upper floor to be reconfigured and better designed for our current purposes. Second, the structure will be roofed and the process of being water tight begun. Future steps will be windows, exterior finishing, utilities, walling interior, floors, painting and repurposing the space. Parallel needs are to develop housing for men and a dorm for women, as well as a School of Missions office and classroom complex.”

My prayer is that this photo taken yesterday before morning classes
ended and students headed to chapel, will be the last photo
taken of a building with a roof only over the small shower block!

Hopefully, I’ve already offered many nudges to prayer for this week, but I will offer these specific ones. Please daily claim Isaiah 52:12 for Jack as he seeks to keep up with God! Pray that I will be alert to the best ways to share our and our co-workers prayer needs. Pray for me as I encounter unexpected events, which often provides opportunities for me to strengthen and encourage others. And remember always that when you pray for us, you are definitely strengthening and encouraging us. THANK YOU! BERT

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Remember to also view the daily Nudges to Action for Sub-Saharan African Peoples, a part of Bert's work as the Prayer Networker for Sub-Saharan African Peoples at  https://www.facebook.com/SubSaharanAfricanPeoples.

For more from KBTC, visit https://www.facebook.com/KenyaBaptistTheologicalCollege. 

Like the daily Bits of our Hearts posts at https://www.facebook.com/bitsofourhearts, it can be viewed by non-FB users. TABS at the top of this page make viewing extra easy!

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Last week's Annual General Assembly of the Baptist Convention of Kenya at Ridgeways Baptist Church (Nairobi) left many excited about the future of the Baptist Churches of Kenya and ministry opportunities.  It was a great time for KBTC to share what God is doing and opportunities for training of those with a heart for serving.

One more sign that KBTC is now a real college - KBTC mugs!

Staff were busy sharing about new classes at KBTC.

Posters and flyers for KBTC Day in BCOK churches arrived
just in time on Thursday for Jack to announce it before the
lunch break.  Donations will go towards the high costs
required for accreditation of the college and new degrees.
More will be shared later about this special day on June 7th.