Essie sailed for Africa in the Princess Victoria from London England December 1966 at the age of 26 years, having completed General nursing, and Midwifery training, and Bible school. The Lord had called her to serve with the Africa Inland Mission, amongst the Turkana Tribe. She started out working with Dr. Anderson on the Lokori mission station, and later at Kalokol for a period.
In April 1971 Wayne Herrod arrived in Kenya, and was asked by Dr. Anderson to fill in at the Lokori mission station while he and his wife were on home assignment. Wayne and Essie met at Lokori and celebrated their wedding there with the local people and a few other missionaries on August 9th, 1972. They served at Lokori until their home assignment in 1974. In 1973 and 1975 God gifted them with two children, Andrew and Heather. Both children were educated at Rift Valley Academy, Kenya.
On return from home assignment in 1975, they were asked to move to Lokichogio, a new center close to the Sudan border. While there Wayne was responsible for the building of a church, health center, missionary residences and school buildings, and put in a number of bore holes, for safe water. A World Vision sponsorship program enabled them to provide education for hundreds of students, and assistance for the poor in the community. During a severe drought, when many animals died, “Food for the Hungry” provided funds to meet this need.
Their underlying ministry was to present the gospel to the Turkana, in the school, in the health center and Sunday services. They also invited several other ministries to help with evangelism where the semi-nomadic tribe people live. This was done through open air preaching and showing the Jesus Film.
They moved to Lodwar, the government Center, in 1988. During their time in Lodwar they sought to focus on evangelism, church planting, and training. Over the years they were blessed with a number of very good volunteers to help with the work.
They returned to Canada in August 1995. While at home, they decided to remain in Canada for the sake of our children’s transition and adjustment. They were asked and agreed to be Provincial Mobilizers in Manitoba. God provided Wayne with employment to meet their financial needs until retirement.
Their son, Andrew, is married to Heidi, and they have two daughters. Their daughter, Heather, is married to Jared, and they have three sons. All of their grand children are doing well.
Since returning home, they have served in their church; Essie served as a deacon, and Wayne on the Church’s Missions and Outreach Committee. He also coordinates prayer ministries for our Church, AIM, and ISMC.
He also ministers to needy marriages, mentors new Christians and the unsaved. In all of these it is God working through them.
They are privileged to serve God and His people.
Posted March 2022
