Leaping with Joy and Thanksgiving

“Extremely mentally stimulating and challenging.” Jack’s description of his time last week in a consultation for theological leaders of Africa organized by the International Orality Network. Those of you who know Jack well, know that this is high praise as he avoids meetings whenever possible!

Jack surprised me by taking photos from the roof of the building
where the consultation was held in Nairobi's city centre!

He added, “I realized the principles of orality are essential in every aspect of training and teaching. I also recognized that KBTC is a unique college as our methodology is already guided by these principles. I know because four different professionals who minister through Storying, Evangelism, Reaching Muslims and House Church Methodology covered my absence last week in my Intro to Evangelism and Missions classes.”

Upon his return to class this week, he recognized that the students in Class 537 (Diploma of Theology) had grown in maturity. All eagerly shared what they had learned through comments such as:
- “The Creation to Christ Story is what I needed as I witness.”
- “By developing House Churches/Groups, I can now spend quality time ministering better to individuals and manageable sized groups.”
- “Now I have the right tools to talk to Muslims.”

When students are late for morning chai (tea with
milk), they are truly excited about their studies!

Jack was astounded when he returned to class on Monday morning as students answered with practical lessons learned from all four colleagues. This led to a decision his students enjoyed – No exam at the end of his teaching sessions yesterday as all had excelled and were adapting and using the lessons taught AND they received A’s in the class!

Three of the campus kids playing earlier this week.

While Jack was teaching this week and in lectures and discussions last week, I was not ‘in class’, but it was also a time of learning, reading and studying for me. I learned better ways to share photos with you (including the slideshow below and as soon as I recieve needed files, I can add music to these); read lots and lots of newsletters and Facebook/blog posts from co-workers and helped them share their stories; as well as ‘studied’ lots and lots of great views and took lots and lots of photos to share with you!

Pray for me as I continue learning what God is doing among Sub-Saharan African Peoples and how to share these stories with you and others who pray for us and enable to us to be at work in our Father’s Harvest Field by giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and other ways of giving to global missions. Pray for me as I challenge more people to desire to proclaim the eternal Gospel to all peoples in our world, such as: Does your life show evidence that "The Lord is YOUR strength and YOUR shield?"  Do others see evidence that "YOUR heart leaps for joy and YOU ARE GIVING thanks to him?"

Pray for Jack during these next few weeks as he catches up on administrative work at KBTC. Pray especially for him and the team who are actively pursuing accreditation of our college. Pray for wisdom and guidance as KBTC strives to bring glory to our Father and train, equip, strengthen and encourage qualified and capable workers in His Harvest Field.

Kenyan pumpkins are usually shades of yellow and
green, but thanks to a new friend, I received this one
grown with American seeds to use in pumpkin pies!

Please continue joining us in claiming Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” for our coworkers accepting the IMB’s Voluntary Retirement Incentive due to limited funds. Prayers for guidance, wisdom, and peace is also needed by those of us who are staying as we adjust to the reduction of staff and as new plans are put into place to guide us as we seek to more effectively share the Gospel with our lost world. BERT YATES

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