When Nick Wanyoike was about to sit his O-Level examinations at Lenana School, a classmate invited him to a rally outside the school. The prospect of getting out of school for the afternoon was exciting enough. On the day of the rally, he noticed that the person driving them was not a school staff member — it was a Navigator missionary named Ove Tinggaard.
At the rally, the Gospel message made sense to Nick for the first time. “I had heard the Gospel before, but I believe that was the day that in His goodness the Holy Spirit brought it to life — and I acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour in faith and in repentance.” He knew a change had taken place, and that he would complete Form Four a different person.
A Test of Faith Before University
Nick returned to Lenana for Form Five and Six, and that is when Ove became part of his life — meeting regularly for Bible study and one-on-one conversations. Before starting university, Ove suggested that Nick move into his home during the nine-to-ten-month transition period for deeper training.
Nick’s first real test of faith was telling his father. He was certain his father would refuse. Ove encouraged him: “Nick, your part is to ask your father and trust the Lord to work through your prayer when you have the courage to ask.” Joshua 1:9 was especially meaningful to Nick in that season. When he finally approached his father, the answer did not come right away — but in the end, he was granted permission.
Nick moved into the Tinggaard home, which was devoted to high school ministry. He and another friend experienced life in a Christian household, became part of the family and their ministry, and regularly rode bicycles back to Lenana to lead Bible study with younger believers.
From Campus to National Leadership
After graduating and beginning his career, Nick continued meeting regularly with students at the university. Less than a week into his job, a Navigator leader approached him: “We feel the Lord is calling you to leave your job and join ministry as a National Trainee.” Part of him resisted — he loved his new role, and this leader had prayed with him through the hardships of finding it. But having lived at the Tinggaards’, another part of him was drawn to the idea.
After prayer and seeking advice, it became clear that the Lord was calling him. In August 1981, Nick became a National Trainee, beginning a two-year training programme alongside Mutua Mahiaini, Dennis Tongoi, and International Trainees. One of their earliest assignments was a trip to Western Kenya to set up locations for Operation Joshua.
He later joined Bruce Van Wyk on a six-week fundraising trip to the United States for the Kindaruma Road property purchase — a memorable experience for a man in his mid-twenties. After training, Nick was posted as Navigator point-person at University of Nairobi Medical School at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The God Squad — a group of about eleven young men on motorcycles — was formed during this period to meet the practical challenge of reaching high schools and campuses across Nairobi. On one occasion when the university closed due to student riots, Nick rode across Western Kenya for a week, visiting students in Lanet, Kisumu, Maseno, Kakamega, and Cherangani. “Those efforts deepen relationships and strengthen bonds by showing up in their world.”
Co-Leading with Dennis Tongoi
In 1995, Nick and Dennis Tongoi were called to co-lead The Navigators Kenya — a season that taught them both the humility of working together. “I am forever grateful to the Lord that in His wisdom, Dennis and I enjoyed a common history, not only in the faith, in high school, and Navigator training, but also in the joint responsibility of leading the ministry for five years.”
Sensing the Lord’s leading, Nick transitioned from national ministry in 2000 to serve on the Africa Regional team. He has remained available for national advisory work and as a supportive presence ever since.
Florence’s Story
Florence’s life-changing encounter began when she met Esther Waruiru at university. Until then, she had thought God’s calling was mainly for church or formal ministry. When Esther began personally mentoring her — alongside Bible study — Florence was surprised by her genuine care. “I soon realised that this smart, gentle young woman was simply living out 1 Thessalonians 2:8: sharing not only the Gospel but her own life as well.”
By the beginning of her second year, Florence was already mentoring other young women and leading a Bible study. By her third year, she sensed a growing desire to help others do the same, and realised she needed deeper training. After graduating, Esther invited her to live with her for focused equipping. Florence transitioned from a teaching job to serve full-time on campus at Kenyatta University — a step rooted in 2 Timothy 2:2.
Nick and Florence married in 1984, part of a generation of Navigator couples whose first weddings began with Mutua and Stephanie in 1982.