Lord Teach Us to Number Our Days
As I sat in church for the Home-going memorial service for our friend Janis Simpkins, my mind quickly flashed back to 1985. 1985 was the year I watched as Janis was sent out to be a missionary to Kenya. Time goes by so quickly. It seems like it wasn’t too long ago that Janis left for Kenya. It wasn’t easy for Janis to leave Pittsburgh with her young son, to a country and culture unfamiliar to them. She went in obedience. She went by faith. It all started when Janis felt the nudge from the Lord to go on a short-term mission trip to Mexico. Janis then ventured to Guatemala and then to Kenya. Kenya is where she sensed God was calling her to serve.
In her early years, Janis sang in Catherine Coleman’s choir and earned her Master degree at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She got involved in literacy and served with Literacy Evangelism Fellowship. Little did she know that the Lord would use her teaching skills to serve in another country. Janis became the founder and director of the Literacy Council in Kenya where she taught instructors who conducted the classes. Janis was also instrumental in establishing “Eternity Missionary Bible College of Kenya”
where she served as principal for a number of years. Due to health issues, Janis had to return back to Pennsylvania in 2008. While in Pittsburgh, she continued to work on her PhD. Her desire was to go back to Kenya as soon as possible, but her health declined. She would never make it back to the country she loved and called home.
When I visited the Bible College in Kenya, the students told me that they so loved and appreciated Janis. I would hear similar words from the members of the Eternity Gospel Church where Janis served. Her son, Damon, spoke at her memorial service. He said that he had not wanted to go to Kenya. He struggled for years being there, but he said, “I had no other choice.” “Looking back today,” Damon said, “Kenya was the best thing for me. My mom taught me to be a warrior for Christ.”
Janis’s simple act of obedience left a legacy in Kenya. Is God calling you to take a step of faith to start your journey by going on a mission trip? Realize that life is short. Pray “Lord, teach us to number our days” Psalm 90:12 and step out today!
Ed
2011 Short-Term Outreaches
September — Tibet
October — Haiti
TBA —Arkansas: Hispanic Training Center, Construction & Evangelism
TBA — Laos
