York Association of Atlantic Baptist Churches

TIM & DIANE BANNISTER

NEWSLETTERS

November 3, 2002

Dear Friends,

     It's a quiet Sunday evening at the Bannister's house. We just fed five boys their "birthday supper" (barbecued chicken), as we do once per month for any dorm boys who have a birthday that month. It's always a fun time, and a chance to get to know the boys a bit better. Now most of the boys are either working on homework, or out at the youth group worship time. Our family, for the most part, is quietly enjoying the evening, except for Chelsea, who is at the youth group meeting as well.

     This is a letter with some good news and some bad news. We'll start with the good news.

       I know that quite a few of you have prayed for Rev. Githongo, our local church pastor. He was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour quite a long time ago, and the tumour had already spread into his spinal column. He has had two rounds of chemotherapy, and, against all expectations to the contrary, seems to be thriving. Not only has he outlived the prognosis by well over a year, he has done so with determination and constantly-renewed energy.

There was a time shortly after we returned from furlough that he appeared to be nearing the end, but rallied dramatically after chemotherapy. This morning in church, he and an
elder sang a praise song in the Kikuyu language, with Rev. Githongo singing and accompanying enthusiastically on a drum. It was a song of joy, especially under the circumstances, and our hearts were joyful along with his. Please remember tonight before you go to bed to thank the Lord for Rev. Githongo's health, and to pray for total healing from the cancer.

He is a fine man of God, who has worked hard to bring healing and good will to a congregation split by infighting and lack of trust. Praise the Lord for the turnaround in the congregation. We had the added pleasure this morning to hear a report on the ordination of a Kenyan missionary, plus the testimony of another missionary who is supported by the Kijabe congregation. Pray that the congregation will continue to grow in its sense of responsibility to the community around and beyond the Kijabe region.

     The sad news is that one of our dorm boys has had to leave. A student that we have worked with for quite some time, even well before he moved into our dorm, has been indefinitely suspended. Although it isn't automatically an expulsion, it will most likely be so in this case. The fact is that this is not his first suspension, and this offence is a significant one. I had to drive him into his guardian's home yesterday and it wasn't a happy trip.

The discouraging thing is that he has had a significant change of heart lately, and has really
tried hard to change his pattern and his focus. I have been meeting with him for about six months, and lately have seen his attitude change, especially since our Spiritual Emphasis Week a month ago.  I have seen him spending more time in Scripture reading and prayer. As well, he has begun to reach out to those around him, which is unprecedented for him.

I feel that this discipline can be a great benefit to him, getting some hidden things out into the open where they can be dealt with. Conversely, this could make him very bitter. Please pray for him, and for his parents who are flying into Kenya first thing Tuesday morning. Pray for us as well, and for Administration. Anyway, that's the sad news, and we'd sure appreciate your prayers. We are very discouraged by it.

     The rainy season hasn't really materialized yet. There have been some good rains, but nowhere near the intensity and duration that we need. This is not a big problem for RVA, as we have a good well. However, it could be disastrous for the country, as it will mean scarcity and expense of food. Most of these families manage to scrounge enough money for rent, or school fees, or clothes. When money is needed to buy food, something else has to give. RVA can help by providing drinking water, but there is nothing available for irrigation, nor any means of distribution even if there was enough water. Please, PLEASE pray for rain. Daily. Thanks.

     One last item for prayer. Kenya's national elections are scheduled for December 27th. At this point, there are two major candidates, and the election could go either way. Please pray that the man of God's choosing will win. Kenya is so much in need of good governance and visionary leadership. Kenya could be such a prosperous and exemplary nation, but suffers for lack of vision. Please pray for God's hand on the election, and on the country of Kenya.

     Thanks for your prayers, your financial support, and your encouragement via letters and emails. You have no idea what a joy it is to receive word from you. Thank you. God's blessings to you from us.

Tim, for Diane and the rest of the crew