Dear Friends,
What a trip it has been so far! We have been so busy with ministry, we regret that we have hardly had time to keep you all updated. We imagine we are feeling something similar to what Paul did when he wrote “I am being poured out as a drink offering” (2 Tim. 4:6). We all have been broken by God and are offering all of ourselves to him as we serve. Our days have been long, our nights short, our emotions are spent and our bodies are worn. We have been making the most of every opportunity, but are growing weary. Please lift us up as we continue serving our Lord and helping those in need here in Kenya.
Darren and Jessica Clark have been busy teaching the theology, principles, and practice of evangelism and missions to pastors and church leaders ravenous for the Word of God. They have been richly blessed by their students’ respect, good spirits, and insightful discussion. Their course at the Kenya Baptist Theological College will end this week. Outside of the classroom, Jessica has been involved in women’s ministry in one of the local slums and Darren has been preaching and preparing for other teaching opportunities.
our group at Little Eden Orphanage near Kinangop, Kenya
Unfortunately, Chad was not able to teach his course at the KBTC. School and travel fees are a heavy burden for these African students. Because of this, none of Chad’s students were able to attend the seminary during this term. But God has provided other opportunities for Chad to serve. He has been teaching about Spiritual Formation to the leaders of a local church every evening. He has also been busy coordinating various ministry opportunities for the group and meeting with local pastors and ministry leaders.
Stacy has been teaching the women of two local churches each day. She began teaching the biblical principles from Henry and Richard Blackaby’s Experiencing God, but it has since expanded to lessons on fundamental Christian doctrine and matters about general Christian living. Like all the others we’ve encountered, the women are so hungry to learn the Word of God and grow in their faith. She too has been blessed by her fellowship with the women and has had a pleasure leading them through the truth of the gospel.
We all have been very involved in making house visits with some of the local pastors and ministering to those that suffer with HIV/AIDS within the community. We have also spent some time with some day schools and orphanages ministering to the students and helping the staff with their daily tasks.
We said “Kwaheri” (“goodbye”) to two great friends on Tuesday as they headed back to Houston from Kenya. We have been serving alongside Jimmy and Jessica Parks, friends of Chad from HBU who also taught at the KBTC. We were encouraged and comforted by their service and fellowship together and were sorry to see them go so soon. And tomorrow, we will be saying “Tuanane” (“see you later”) to one of our own, Stacy, who will be heading back to Houston to get back to work on Monday. We also have been richly blessed by her time with us and were so grateful for her participation in this ministry.
Africa’s need is great. And though many offer help, it is not enough. Still, those that do help need training and resources in order to serve faithfully and productively. Please pray for us as we assist Kenyan ministries here and now and look forward assisting them even after we return to Houston.
Please be praying with us about the following matters:
- Stacy is returning to Houston today; pray for rest, relaxation, and safe travels
- We are coordinating a pastor’s conference for this weekend in a rural village of one of our students; pray as we prepare for the trip and teach the pastors, lay leaders, and women of the churches there in that area
- Darren and Jessica’s course at the KBTC is ending this week; pray that both the students and teachers remain steadfast and that all will learn from one another
- We will have various opportunities to meet with and assist ministry leaders and pastors; pray that we would be encouraging and helpful to these people and that we would have discernment regarding potential ministry partnerships
Again, we’re very grateful for your prayers and encouraging words – keep them coming!
WBC Team Kenya
