Some of you have been with us since the days of small beginnings. The year 2001 to be exact. During that pivotal year, Marcia and I transitioned into God’s calling to full time missions. We had never expected it. And presumably that is the way God wanted it to happen for us. Some people need to be thrown into the mix with scant notice...least we find excuses to avoid the turmoil of transition. And turmoil it was. God had us on a fast track to the mission field. From the time the calling was confirmed and announced publicly, until we arrived in Kenya...it was a nonstop sprinter’s pace. Resigning from our secular careers, reducing our possessions to six pieces of luggage and raising the necessary financial support. It was a whirlwind beyond description. We leaned on a lot of friends to whom we are eternally indebted. And two of them were Brent and Lynden Stoker.

Brent introduced himself after the church service when our calling was announced. Typical of Brent, he just walked up and went right to the point. “I was really moved by what you are going to do in Kenya. You don’t know me, but I believe I’m called to help you. So, I’m making myself available for anything you need done. Just call me at this number.” I had heard such offers before and knew better than to rely on them wholeheartedly. But then I had never met anyone like Brent before.

Brent didn’t wait for me to call him. He called me. Repeatedly. I was impressed...and encouraged. After all, I was neck deep in desperation. The list of “Must Do” items was longer than my arm. “Brent, can you possible try to find some Home Fellowships interested in us visiting?” He had a list of five within days. “Brent, we need some people to help us with a yard sale.” He gathered up a troop of faithful friends in hours. “Brent, can you...?” Whatever it was, Brent was on it like a man on a mission. All this while working a full-time job, juggling home responsibilities and serving at the church. To this day, I don’t know how he did it, or how we did it. But I know we wouldn’t have made it to the field in less than a year without him. Instead, we were completely deployed to Kenya in less than four months. Within our first year on the field, Disciple Support Ministries originated. More out of chaos, confusion and conflict than out of any profound plan of ours. We came off the field after nine months with a vision to disciple Pastors & Ministry Leaders in the massive urban slums of Nairobi. It was simple vision we couldn’t have constructed ourselves. It was from the Lord. And by His divine intervention, it has come to fruition. God works mighty and miraculous deeds today as He did in the past. Some with speed and haste, others over decades and lifetimes. Some with our involvement, some without. Some through the hands and heroics of people we know, and some through angels and strangers we’ll never see again.

In our case, Brent and Lynden were vessels of honor in the hands of God to take us to through the birth of the mission. Sometimes by pushing us, other times by pulling us, but always with loyalty to what remains God’s best practices and eternal purposes.

In 2003 we found ourselves back in the States struggling to lay a foundation for the new Ministry. I had never done any such thing in my life. Nor would I ever even consider such an endeavor. But when God grasp’s your heart, it’s time to trust in His directives...or admit your own “faith” is mere empty bravado. We threw all caution to the wind, stepped out in faith...and called Brent.

“Brent, how do we set up a 501(c)3 non-profit?”“Brent, we need to make a newsletter. Do you know who can help us?” “Brent, we need a car to use for a few months.” There seemed to be no limit to the number of objectives and obstacles before us. Brent was the “go-to-guy” for countless issues and agenda items. Very quickly we realized that Brent was more than a co-laborer, contributor and counselor. He was a friend to us...and to countless Pastors and Ministry Leaders in Kenya whom he had never met. And that spoke volumes to us.

It’s one thing to serve on the mission field, where you can “see” the fruit. It’s an entirely different thing to serve, support and sacrifice when you are called to “stay back.” Marcia and I have had the privilege and pleasure of seeing the miracles first hand, of witnessing the transformations, of receiving the heartfelt gratitude of the people we serve in the slums. Brent and Lynden did not. Neither do you. This is a fitting tribute not only to them, but you as well.

The “cast of characters” in this “reality” series is both marvelous and miraculous. People who have volunteered time, treasure and talent are the witness and testimony of God’s direct intervention in the affairs of mankind. The very newsletter you are reading is the work of a volunteer team that has stood with us for over 17 years: Dave, Gay, Sherri, Richard, Jana, Joe and Erin. The website, communications and Ministry videos are all volunteer efforts by many including Justin, Joe, Gator and Chris. The entire Stateside administration, from receiving and receipting contributions, to tax filings, phone calls and returned mail...is done by June Beckerich. Without any cost or charge to the Ministry...but with tremendous cost to her privately and personally. The Board of Directors: Dave, Jim, Tom and countless others before them...is a work few would endure doing for a year or two, let alone many years. Without fanfare or accolades, but with great commitment, care and consideration. Not to mention the selfless sacrifices of the Ministry supporters...in finances, prayers and involvement month after month, year after year. What a glorious tapestry God has woven in our very midst!

Brent pushed us through the 501(c)3 process. He became a founding Directors, serving for over 6 years through some of our toughest trials and tribulations. Like most of our Directors, he personally visited me in the slums of Nairobi. In Brent’s characteristic humility and self-deprecating way, he insisted “I’m not a Bible teacher, but I’ll be there to encourage, pray and do whatever you want me to do.” I would have none of it.

I insisted that Brent teach the Pastors of the slums in our seminars. As you might well imagine, he touched their hearts as only a true man-of-God can do. They simply LOVED Brent. A “salt-of-the-earth” kind of man, conveying the Words, counsel and countenance of Christ in a manner worthy of His Name. To this day, I have Pastors who remember Brent and how he ministered to them personally and individually. And I am one of them.

Last year, Brent passed onto glory. After a sudden and stunning diagnosis of cancer, Brent was gone in just a few months. Tear well in my eyes even as I write this. Not for Brent, but for his beautiful bride, Lynden, his sons, and his extended family.

If I had one verse to summarize our thoughts at the loss of our dear friend and brother Brent, it would be hard to choose just one. The loss for his family, the Ministry, the church, the world, and us, is truly too great to express. But perhaps I can get it down to these two...

Onward, brethren, for the end is glorious!