It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of one of our missionary pastors in Kenya. Pastor John Akeyo was sent out by Grace Baptist Church Eldoret, under the oversight of Pastor Naphtally Ogallo, to establish a church in Nakuru, Kenya’s fourth largest city. John was assisted in the work by his co-elder, Joseph Okech, and the church has consistently grown.

On the Sunday morning before I traveled to the Middle East, I was shocked to receive an email from my friend Naphtally, informing me that John had gone to be with his Lord. Just a few days earlier, John had visited a local medical clinic, thinking that he had covid, but the test came back ‘negative.’ Upon further testing, it was confirmed that John had suffered a stroke.

John was taken to a hospital in Eldoret and admitted into ICU. At that time, his medical emergency quickly grew in complexity. Another covid test came back ‘positive.’ John needed surgery on the blood clot in his brain, but doctors were hesitant in his weakened state. They tried to manage his symptoms and allow time for his body to strengthen for surgery, but on Sunday morning, September 6, John left this world and entered his Master’s presence.

Please pray for his wife, Precious, and their young daughter. Pray for the grieving church and for Pastor Joseph, who now steps into the role of primary leadership.