John Chan, (CBM alumni) Chuck French, and Aaron
at Rosslyn Academy, Nairobi.
This past week, we have had the joy of hosting Rev. Dr. John Chan, Canadian Baptist Ministries' new director of international partnerships, on a tour of CBM's partners and programming in Kenya.
We told a lot of stories, as we shared with John the history of CBM's work in Africa. At times we got a little nostalgic as we remembered good times with past colleagues and dear friends. As a couple, we have lived most of our married life together in Kenya. This place and community have become home to us and our children. We are so thankful for the experiences of laughing under the umbrella tree in our backyard with friends, dodging through the chaos of Eastleigh streets, singing with congregations in village churches, and traveling with visitors through the beauty of this country. Life and ministry in Kenya are rich experiences.
It has been sixty years since CBM first began work in Africa, and in that time hundreds Canadian missionaries and volunteers have invested their lives in contributing to the redemptive story of God among his people here.
Our friend Rev. Jeremiah Ngumo says that we need to treat the past as a rear view mirror -- "you bounce a look from time to time, but you dare not stare into it. You must keep your eyes ahead on the road before you!"
More than good driving advice, Jeremiah's words remind us that God's story is not finished and that we must live expectantly. As the prophet Isaiah wrote of God -- "Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth."
John with ACC&S leaders, Julius, Jeremiah, and David.
As we work with emerging leaders like the new executive members of the African Christian Church and Schools, there is no question in our minds that the best days are ahead. There will be new challenges, new encounters, but also new growth, new joys, and new triumphs. God is continually leading his Church into new things. Living expectantly is about leaning into that hope and recognizing that in Christ the best is yet to come.
Patrick Ndugo and John in Kariobangi
In many ways, 2018 is a year of major transition within CBM. There are many changes in leadership and roles both within our Africa team and partners, but change is good and healthy. Growing things must change. We look forward with great anticipation for the fruit that will come as God moves through his people to bring transformation in areas of brokenness.
IN PRAYER
Please join us in praying for our colleagues Ken and Wendy Derksen, who will be concluding their work in Rwanda and returning to Canada this July. The Derksens have had a tremendous impact upon the Association of Rwandan Baptist Churches where Wendy has been leading them through a process of strengthening financial management and Ken has been supporting their ministries in community development. As the Derksens return for family reasons, they will be greatly missed by us all.
We pray for John Chan as he gives leadership and strategic direction to CBM's international ministries. We pray for him and his wife Ruth as they adjust to life and ministry in Toronto.
We give thanks for the work of our CBM colleagues Ruth Munyao, Laura Muema, Patrick Ndugo, Aisha Hussein, Andre Sibomana, Gato Munyamasoko, and Laura Lee and Darrell Bustin. Please remember the family of Ruth Munyao. Her husband and son were involved in a traffic accident this past week. We pray for the healing and recovery of everyone involved in the accident.
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