The Belgian Congo is the first country on the African continent where James Kester lived from the age of 6 months to 6 years old. In 1954, his Baptist missionary parents began serving the Congolese people until the US Air Force evacuated them during a coup d’etat in July of 1960.
The Kester family of 8 then lived in Accra, Ghana. They fell in love with the Ghanaians, and served them as well.
Jim’s father’s heart attacks in 1967 prevented the family’s return to Ghana, so his father began a church plant in Takoma Park, Maryland. Jim matriculated at Baptist Bible College of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. He served in youth ministry for 17 years in Pennsylvania and Michigan. In April of 1981, he was ordained to the gospel ministry by the First Baptist Church of Oxford, Michigan.
Serving as a senior pastor in Indiana, Ghana, and Michigan has been a joy and delight for Jim over 29 years!
In July of 2013, Jim began serving the believers as pastor of the Sahuaro Baptist Church of Tucson.
In February, 2024, Jim was privileged to serve on a team with two other preacher/teachers in Liberia.
In his presentation, Glimpses of Joy in the Jungle, Jim reports on this ministry trip.
Some scenes from our October 4 meeting.
1-Dessert!
2-Matt Matthewson & Bob DeLaney are the friendly faces at the check-in table
3-Catalina Rotary Club President B.J. Cordova leads the meeting
4-Sharyn Felton updates us on service projects
5-Paul Harris Fellow Matt Matthewson explains his support for The Rotary Foundation as Anita McDonald & B.J. Cordova look on
6-Foundation Chair Anita McDonald presents Matt Matthewson with his next level Paul Harris Fellow pin
7-Sergeant-at-Arms Tom Robertson raises some cash for the club
8-Bob DeLaney gives Pat Egbert a shot at the Queen of Hearts
9-Pat Egbert pulls the Ace of Diamonds – no winner this week!
10-Today’s program
11-Jim Kester begins his presentation
12-Jim Kester describes his recent experiences in Liberia
