Missionary profile – Yusa and Neema*

By Mercy Kambura

Yusa and Neema*

Missionaries at the Kenyan Coast

I’m a missionary with CAPRO, pioneering church planting on a little Island on the Kenyan coast and mobilizing the coastal church to bless her neighbours with the life-giving gospel of our Lord Jesus.

My family was convinced I would be a medic and a wealthy man. My good performance in school confirmed these dreams through the years. When I finally graduated and being a missionary was my career, I lacked words to explain myself to my family and friends in the village. Only my two sisters quite understand what I do; the rest are still hoping I will sober up someday!

Growing up, I suffered a bone condition that threatened to deform my joints. I was also so weak that I couldn’t play any game; this left me with terribly low self-esteem. One Friday evening in High School, we had preaching in the Christian Union. I felt Jesus telling me to let Him deal with my deeper sin problem. I confessed to Him without the help of the preacher. I’m forever grateful for the grace shown to me that day.

Five years after my salvation, I learned of unreached people groups while attending the Commission Conference (by FOCUS Kenya). Later, I signed up for the Kairos course and couldn’t resist the clear promptings throughout the sessions. God was showing me vividly that He wanted me on the front line.

I attended a one-year mission and discipleship training, Angaza, offered by Missions Campaign Network. This is where I met Neema*, who later became my wife. She was very clear about serving God as a missionary; I had been trusting God for such a person who would share my passion.

I heard about CAPRO and joined their School of Missions. I felt God calling me to Mauritania and wanted to go soonest possible. I tried all I could, and all options hit a dead end. At last, I decided to head there through any North African or West African country, wherever the door would open. I caught wind of an Arabic School in Egypt and started pursuing that—support raising, paperwork, and applications.

My passport was delayed, and this too passed me by. I was so discouraged and disappointed. Where was God to push things for His ‘obedient’ foot soldier?

I was too fast; it seemed I wanted to reach all the unreached in my generation, alone! God slowed me down so we could walk together.

Church, there is nothing to lose by actively engaging in missions. There is everything to lose by holding back from the Master’s mandate. Justify your existence by engaging in what you should be doing; with more fire, fervour, and unction.

Please pray:

This work is challenging; pray that we remain on course despite the toughness.
This work is enormous; pray that we will see where the Master is working so we may join Him there.
The labourers are few; ask the Lord of the harvest to send us help.

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