Estol and Kristen Bathurst

Estol and Kristen Bathurst both grew up in Kansas and have been members of the Zion BIC congregation in Abilene for 20 years. They are grateful to have grown up in homes that taught them the love, forgiveness, and grace of Jesus.

Estol encountered Jesus Christ during a Sunday evening church service. His relationship with the Lord continued to grow in youth group and the Navigators college campus ministry at Kansas State University, where he graduated with a degree in agriculture technology management. He enjoyed growing up in a farming family. Aside from several years as a youth pastor at Zion BIC, he has spent most of his career in agriculture-related fields, including farming on the family farm.

Kristen put her faith in Christ at a young age and experienced a time of spiritual growth during her college years at Kansas State University. She spent several years working in health care as a dietitian. Her faith in God’s Word has grown through her life’s experiences, particularly through parenting, adoption, and homeschooling.

When Jake and Nancy Shenk, World Missions missionaries in Zimbabwe, preached at Zion BIC, Estol felt a distinct call from the Holy Spirit to be open to serving in Africa. To clarify that God was directing him, Estol told the Lord he would only ask Kristen once if she felt a similar leading. Kristen confirmed that during the sermon she, too, had experienced a desire to serve cross-culturally. Through the Lord’s strength, they took an exploratory trip to Malawi and Mozambique a year later where God gave them direction to return to Malawi.

In 2019, Estol and Kristen began serving with BIC missionaries Doug and Barb Miller in Mangochi, Malawi, teaching the word of God among the unreached Yawo people group with the goal of seeing a movement of multiplication among new Christ-followers. After the Miller’s retirement in 2023, they have continued the ministry, working together with local believers.