The Tyler Family

Click here to read Shawn's Journal Letters

Shawn and Linda have two children (Noah, birthday 20 September 1987; Natalie, birthday 23 February 1992). They are the original Mbale Mission Team members, having moved to Mbale in February 1995 after thirteen years of mission work in Kitale, Kenya (1981-1994). Shawn has a Bachelors degree in missions and a Masters in Biblical studies, both from Abilene Christian University. Linda has completed two years of undergraduate study. Before going to Kenya, Shawn completed a course of ministry training at the Farmers Branch Bible Training work (1977-1980).  He and Linda served churches in Boulder, Colorado and in Irving, Texas between finishing their ministry training and beginning mission work in Kenya.

The first few years in Mbale, Shawn worked primarily in rural church ministry and in establishing a training program for leaders. From 1999 to 2002 he added urban ministry to the mix, overseeing construction of the Mbale town church building and helping lead Mbale Church of Christ from its birth through its first three years of growth. From 2002 to 2006, Shawn served as team administrator, intern coordinator, and overseer for the benevolence ministry.   During that time he continued to visit rural churches, teach courses for Messiah Theological Institute, and work with churches, a children’s home (supported by Christian Relief Fund), and a primary school in western Kenya.  Beginning in 2007, Shawn will continue to visit rural churches, but he will add a discipleship program that should touch dozens of church leaders on a regular basis.  Shawn will continue to encourage development of a new mission outreach in Nimule, Sudan, and teach at Messiah Theological Institute.  Linda describes her primary task as keeping her family and home functioning, and giving Shawn the support he needs to do his job. Additionally, she does some teaching of women in village churches, formats and prints the Mkristo (a monthly teaching bulletin sent to over 600 churches in East Africa) newsletter, keeps team records, and does other computer work as needed. She has served as the librarian and lunch-menu coordinator for the mission school.

Noah currently attends university studies in the Fort Worth area and lives with Shawn’s parents.  He is adjusting to life in America after growing up in Kenya and Uganda.  He hopes his current interests and schooling will prepare him for a return to Africa.

Natalie spent her eighth grade at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya, but returned to Mbale to join the Mbale Mission School.  She is completing her ninth grade, but says she wants to return to RVA for her junior and senior years.

Click here to write to Shawn and Linda

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