Run With Endurance

In the humdrum of routine, it is easy to forget the privilege of holding the baton and sharing in the race of life and work for God and His people. 

I do not run alone. Behind the scenes my wife, Lydia, and our three children, and son-in-law. There are cousins, nieces, and nephews spread across Kenya and Uganda. We are a varied bunch from a beautician and a DJ in Kenya to a politician and aspiring beauty queen in Uganda, and research scientists in Denmark.  

Since I became the head of my extended family five years ago, I have learnt to share responsibilities: estate matters, clan issues, birthdays, and keeping track of the latest baby. This makes the race easier, and when mine is done, they will be the victors along with me, while theirs is still unfinished. 

In the race that God has for me at EMAS Canada, Ellen Watson passed me the baton. She’d served for over 30 years, and she knew endurance. The relationships she handed over and the office procedures she established keep us serving.  

Here too I do not run alone.  

Sandy Rumford has been our bookkeeper since 2017, she came to us with a rich background in missions in Haiti; and board membership of missions in Canada. In addition to being good with numbers, her knowledge of Canada Revenue Authority regulations is a bonus. She is the kind of bookkeeper mentioned in Ezra 8:34. 

All EMAS publications and newsletters are edited by Melony Teague. 

She does the layout for our posters and promotional materials and chooses images that tell our story. My blogs were her idea, in the beginning, she helped select the topics, over time she has guided, encouraged me and waited patiently when I had writers block. I continue to rely on her editorial skills and counsel. She has saved my audience much embarrassment from outdated words and ideas, and bad grammar. 

A year ago, Chishuvo Mandivenga, having volunteered on the Zimbabwe teams for ten years, joined the team as administrative assistant. Now that we are launching out on a new strategic plan, her proficiency in project management and background in global health are timely assets. Through her organizational skills we had a successful strategic planning summit meeting in May, 2025. 

With all this support, it is easier for me to keep going. Everything depends on Jesus who initiated the race, and it is His gift of teammates that will win the battle. When my race is done, they will be the victors along with me, while their race continues.