Full House
It’s been almost one year since we arrived back in Kenya, and we’ve only continued to grow in the conviction of our calling to be here as planters, nurturers, and multipliers of the local church. We are encouraged by what is happening in our own church, in men being prepared for ministry, and by gospel-centered partnerships among churches in this city that are beginning to take shape.
Our house is full. For the last month we’ve hosted a family of five and the last couple of weeks added a single man, with another young man joining us on occasion. The family has 3 young children, so it has made quite a busy household. We are sending this father (Kevin) and one of the single men (Mark) to Ethiopia in the next couple weeks to attend Pastors College for one year. Some of you might remember Mark as one of Jonathan’s students at Moffat Bible College in Kijabe. What a dream come true!
Kenyan Visa Update
Update on our visa situation. We began the process of applying for work permits almost immediately after arriving to Kenya last September. The first step required was finding an already registered ministry in Kenya that was willing to vouch for us, provide paperwork on our behalf, and literally to stamp it. Brian and Julia’s former church graciously agreed to do this for us. We were able to make the application by the end of December, and it was finally approved in May. We then immediately applied for Lilli’s dependent pass (connected to Jonathan’s work permit but cheaper since she won’t be officially working in Kenya). That was finally approved the middle of August. I won’t bore you with the number of meetings, texts exchanged, trips to immigration (both fruitful and not so much) and costs involved. Let’s just say it’s not a straightforward process. But even as we await her foreign ID card to be printed, both our passports are stamped and we’ll be able to travel in and out of the country for two years without applying for a tourist visa each time (which we’ve had to do for Lilli for the past three years) We’re so thankful!
Church Update
Sovereign Grace Church Nairobi continues to be such a source of encouragement. We’re now eight months old, and people continue to come! After finishing a series of sermons on church membership, we started preaching through the book of Acts in August. Our unstoppable God! In the coming week we’ll begin member interviews, moving toward the Sunday when we welcome the first official membership of SGC Nairobi! We’re hoping that will coincide with the first service in a new venue, which we haven’t found yet. We do have a couple potential options, but nothing that feels ideal yet. Please continue to pray with us about this!
In recent weeks Pastor Brian, Victor, and Jonathan were able to attend a couple encouraging gatherings. The first was a seminar put on by City to City Africa to about 16 Kenyan pastors. The goal of City to City is to bring like-minded pastors together in major cities across Africa, to plant gospel-centered churches in these cities. They are beginning an initiative to help smaller churches actually train a cohort of church planters in partnership.
Two weeks ago we joined hundreds of other pastors from around Kenya to attend the Proclaim Conference at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Nairobi. The theme was “Gospel Integrity” and included world class preachers from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa. The pre-conference opened with a message on witchcraft and closed with a discussion on the newly released, Africa Statement on Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith Theology, a set of affirmations and denials on these dangerous teachings. Interesting that each of these, witchcraft, the prosperity gospel and word of faith theology, are spread on the basis of one thing, fear. I would encourage you to read through and study this document, and if you’re in agreement, sign it and spread it!
Family Update
Henrik and Hannah – Sylvie is over 2 months old now and doing well – definitely aware of their constant need for God’s wisdom and strength. Pray as they pursue new job opportunities and enjoy parenting their sweet Sylvie Bea.
Tiana – has started a new school year of full-time college ministry at Bethel University. Pray she remains thankful yet dependent on the Lord’s grace to work in her and through her as she confidently places her hope in Him!
Josh – thoroughly enjoyed his 6-week ministry opportunity in New Zealand! He has recently begun his 3rd year of college at University of Northwestern. Please pray he would continue to look to the Lord to clearly direct his paths.
Sophie – thankful for her 2 months in Myrtle Beach, SC with the Summer Training Project (Campus Outreach)! She has recently begun her 3rd year of college at University of Northwestern. Pray she would trust the Lord to help her joyfully navigate new classes, new roommates, and a new schedule.
Prayer Update
See our recent praise and prayer updates here.
