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The proposed
Nairobi Bible School would run from February to September in 2004. Wendy and I had to make some very
important decisions regarding my job and our home. Regardless of any consequences, we decided we should commit to
conducting the Bible School.
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As I was
preparing to speak with my supervisor to request a leave-of-absence, I
received an email from corporate headquarters describing a change in
policy. Leave-of-absence requests
would be granted for up to 2 years instead of only 3 months, and even for
personal reasons. Praise the
Lord! I would not have to sever the
relationship with my employer to go to Kenya. We also decided it was not reasonable to attempt to make mortgage payments while overseas. We put our house up for sale, and had a buyer within the week. Praise the Lord again! He was ordering our steps. |
Wendy on the balcony of our apartment |
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It was quite a
challenge to move all of our things into storage and prepare for our new life
in Kenya in such a short time, but we had much help from family and friends. On February 6,
we left Detroit Metro Airport with 13 footlockers bound for Nairobi,
Kenya. We were carrying a portable
P.A. system, student outlines, books and supplies, and of course, all the
personal items we could fit. Pastor George met us at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and accompanied us to our downtown apartment, across from the University of Nairobi. The location turned out to be a tremendous blessing, as we were close to markets, transportation and communication—everything we would need during our stay. Our apartment was clean and safe, and in some respects nicer than our home in America. Karsten and Elizabeth had to share a bedroom, but they managed. |
Karsten and Elizabeth ride in a
3-wheeled |
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Our students at P.A.G. church / school building |
The Nairobi
School of Theology was held in the P.A.G. church in Madaraka. We had pastors, church workers, and church
members from many different denominations in attendance. Our family was
blessed during our stay in Nairobi.
We met so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ, and became
very close to many of them. Most of
our students lived in the Kibera slum.
Attending Bible School was only a dream to them because of the high
tuition fees at traditional schools in Kenya. We heard many students testify that this school was an answer
to their prayers. This free Bible
School was nearly a “miracle”. Our teachings
were well received. Many students
were surprised at our simple logical teachings. They were so excited to finally understand God’s Word on sin,
redemption, free will, the Holy Spirit, healing, end-times, and much more. |
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We heard many
testimonies from our students of how they had drawn closer to God. Some received the Baptism of the Holy
Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Others received healing in their bodies. One of our students preached healing by
Christ in an AIDS clinic; afterwards 8 AIDS patients tested negative for the
virus. Nothing is impossible with the
God we serve, and all things are possible for he that believes. Amen! God was also
meeting our needs in miraculous ways.
We received many financial gifts from our brothers and sisters in
America. We suffered no lack. God protected and delivered us from the
riots in the streets, late night break-ins at our apartment complex, and all
sickness and disease. He was more
than faithful to provide for us while doing the work He had called us to do. |
Brian teaching |
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Downtown Nairobi
Brian and Wendy at radio interview
At our favorite Nairobi diner
Wendy preparing for class |
Our time in
Nairobi passed very quickly. In
September, we graduated over 70 students with certificates and diplomas. We encouraged them to go forth and teach
and preach the things they had learned. We were sad to
leave our new family in the Lord in Kenya, but our work there was done. We exchanged contact information with our
graduates hoping to hear from them as to how God is using them in ministry. September 8th
we returned to the United States. We
were able to locate and move into a suitable apartment very quickly. God also opened up a position for me with
my employer 2 weeks later. We had
only just unpacked! At a time when
many people were being laid-off from my company, I was able to return to
work! Our faith in
God has been strengthened. We have
put His promises to the test, and He has never failed us! Glory to His name.
Elizabeth being water baptized
Karsten and Elizabeth at Fourteen Falls |
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And
the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. II
Timothy 2:2 |