February 2012

The Cross and the Crown As we settle into our ministry of equipping East African church leaders for gospel ministry here and around the world, we have had the privilege of become a part of Emmanuel Baptist Church. In a recent Sunday gathering, Pastor Joel Weaver guided us through Peter’s call to humility in 1 Peter 5:5–7. He reminded us all that our own lives must follow the pathway of Jesus pioneered: without a cross, there is no crown:

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“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet 5:6).!

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Peter is speaking especially to young men in his audience. Often a lifetime of experience with personal failure and God’s deliverance grants believers a deeply rooted humility, so people who have not come up against their own shortcomings need a special reminder. But Peter’s call doesn’t exclude anyone, “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility” (v. 5).

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In a way that reminds me of Philippians 2, Peter motivates humility and submission to one another with end-times hope, “in due time” (v. 6) For those who are willing to clothe themselves with humility and eschew the worry that comes with pride, Peter promises us that God will grant grace (v. 5), that he will exalt (v. 6), and that in the moment of our deepest worries, “He cares for you” (v. 7).

Leading discussions is a major part of how my classroom duties are administered. Each week students study scriptural and theological readings and prepare projects to ready them for classroom interaction.

The Rains Begin The early rains have arrived in our region of the world and with them slippery, muddy roads, leaky apartment windows, and increased tardiness all around. Our kids thought it was absolutely hilarious when our car got a mud bath from a passing truck this week; Jenny and I were laughing out loud too. We’re grateful to live in a part of the world with a stable climate, for continued safety on the roads, and for every centimeter of crop-nurturing rain.

Recording insights opens an opportunity for me to organize the student’s collaborative work in the classroom, allowing us all to benefit from their efforts and wisdom. The Lord Jesus uses each of us to sharpen the others.

The process of making our home here, of learning a new language, and of adapting to a new culture is one that requires this hope-infused, grace-motivated, exaltation-seeking humility. Each day is a challenge to set aside my own agenda and expectations and listen for the way Christ is leading his Church to obey his Word here in Kenya and to reach his world even beyond these borders. As John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

Kids’ Corner Jamin, Jonas, and Josiah (right, from left to right) have been integrating bit-by-bit into our church and neighborhood. It’s neat to see them become less and less uncomfortable with their new surroundings.

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Thank you for partnering with us for the sake of Christ’s church in Kenya. As we invest our energy and resources in his mission now, his grace will work to bear glorious fruit on the day “when the Chief Shepherd appears” (1 Pet 5:4).

Jamin has enjoyed Jonas’s newfound interest in reading over the last few months. It’s always nice to add one more person who might sit down and read a book to you.

I have sent this newsletter to churches and individuals who have expressed interest. If you would like to receive updates like this through email, please email me: [email protected]. You can also keep tabs on me through my blog www.pittsspot.com or on the “Pittsleys to Kenya” Facebook page.

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For Christ and Kenya, Jeremy & Jenny (with Josiah, Jonas, and Jamin)

Praise and Prayer Reminders Please Pray for: • Continued progress in Swahili studies • Outreach plans in our neighborhood

In our last newsletter, we were in the final stages of clearing our container. In answer to your prayers, God has allowed that process to come to a conclusion. We moved our things into our new home in mid-January.

We’re grateful for the way you have continued to pray, and God has continued to answer your prayers for the college, East Africa Baptist School of Theology. He is guiding and providing leadership for his people in this region of the world for Jesus’ name sake!

• Plans for block classes and a theology conference this summ er • Full support ($500/mo still needed)