NEW WORK PERMIT

Last week I drove to Nairobi to the immigration offices to get my new work permit stamped into my passport. This permit allows us to legally live and do the work of missions in Kenya for another three years.  At times dealing with government regulations and requirements can be a hassle but it is necessary in order to be proper.

This is sixth work permit that we have been issued since arriving in Kenya in January 1998.  Our initial work permit was special in that it was our first and the beginning of our calling here in Kenya.  However, this current permit has a meaning that surpasses any others.

In order to receive a work permit you must be invited to work on behalf of an approved “society” that has been recognized by the government.  When we first came to Kenya there were very few options for an Independent Baptist to get a permit.  The government had for years closed the registration process which made it legally impossible to register any new “societies”.   We are thankful that the BBFI graciously allowed us to use their registration in order for us to be legal with the government.

A few years ago the government of Kenya re-opened the registration of societies.  When this happened we began the process of registering the Grace Bible Baptist Church with the government.  Final approval was given to the church in late 2011. Upon receiving this approval it also allowed the church to “invite” people to work on their behalf here in Kenya. It allowed the church to be the legal cover for missionaries to reside and do the work of missions in Kenya.

When it was time to renew our permit, instead of having it issued under our old paper work, we applied afresh under the registration of the church.  Last month we were informed that our permit was approved and we are now officially missionary/evangelists residing and working in Kenya on behalf of the Grace Bible Baptist Church. 

In these days of ecclesiastical weakness and compromise, we are excited that anyone desiring to do missions work in Kenya can if they so choose use the registration of the Grace Bible Baptist Church without fear of doctrinal shortcomings.

Our first permit will always be special because it was the first, but now they will have a new meaning because truly we are now working as a team with those we love the most.