Andai's Boys

William, Jackson Andai, Wellington, Livingston (Andai's nephew), and Benson

Almost anyone who has been to Kenya with Canadian Baptist Ministries over the past three years has no doubt come to know our friend and colleague, Jackson Andai. We are blessed to serve with such a hardworking and humble man, who embodies the servant heart of our Lord in all that he does. Andai helps with many of the CBM staff and volunteers serving in Nairobi and throughout Kenya; often working behind the scenes, he is an indispensable part of all that we do here together.

This summer, along with his many responsibilities, Andai took a leadership role in coordinating an extensive renovation of the CBM Dadaab compound with a group of volunteers from White Rock, British Columbia. Together with the White Rock team, they transformed the sagging compound into a gleaming jewel within the Dadaab village. Because of their work, a new community meeting shelter has been erected within the compound that has been of great use to the people of Dadaab.

We encourage you to be praying for Andai and his wife Sarah, who is home in the Western town of Kisumu with their daughter. Andai and Sarah are expecting their fifth child this September, but like many families in Kenya, the husband and wife spend much of their time a part: Sarah keeps the small family Shamba running with the children, while Andai works far from home to support them. With only a few short weeks till the due date, Andai has brought his sons to the city to stay with him and give Sarah a rest.

On Thursday evening, we had the joy of hosting Andai and his boys for supper at our apartment. The boys were very quiet and timid at first, but by the end of the visit they were playing with Tristan's Hotwheels toy cars and making lots of their own "engine revving" sounds racing each other throughout the living room -- although none of the boys spoke much English, there are some sounds that transcend languages.

Please pray for Andai and his family:

* For Sarah and the healthy birth of their new baby.

* For the boys to enjoy a restful time of bonding and connected with their dad.

* For the ongoing safety of Andai and his family.