York Association of Atlantic Baptist Churches
TIM & DIANE BANNISTER
NEWSLETTERS
January 5, 2002
Dear Friends,
It has been a while since I last wrote, and there is much to share with you and rejoice over. Diane and I hope that your Christmas season was a wonderful one. December was an eventful month in the Bannister household, and in Kenya generally.
Our Christmas school vacation started with the Africa Inland Mission - Kenya Conference. All of the AIM missionaries in Kenya attend, and it is held here at RVA. As dorm parents, Diane and I and the kids hosted five families in the dorm, and got to know several families whom we had not previously met. As well, we had a South African speaker (now a missionary in the Netherlands) who challenged us in a variety of ways, especially to pray that the Lord will cause our passion for Him to grow.
After the conference, Christmas activities started. We had a variety of get-togethers, a carol sing or two, church services, and of course, shopping for gifts and plenty of Christmas cooking (and eating!). Because the school term is so busy, especially in the dorm, we cram a lot of visiting into the vacation times as well.
We didn't travel far this vacation, as Kenya was preparing for national elections. Everyone was nervous about who would win and how the losers would accept the results. As it turned out, the incumbent president, Daniel Arap Moi, was defeated at the polls and very graciously accepted the decision of the people. The new president, Mwai Kibaki, is the first president of Kenya who is not a member of the former ruling party, Kenya African National Union. Already, within a week of taking office, President Kibaki has named his cabinet, which is greatly scaled down from that of Moi. I have not perused the list carefully, but the choices I have heard about are exciting.
Back when Kenya first became an independent nation, the then bishop of Africa Inland Church said, "If Independence fails, it will be because Christians have not prayed." This challenge continues, and I can assure you that Kenyans prayed long and hard about the election. I want to thank those of you who prayed, and encourage you to continue praying for Kenya and her leaders.
Many of you have asked about the orphanage, and especially about little Anthony Njenga. I was in two days ago, and saw him. He has been on anti-AIDS medication for five months, and the change is unbelievable. He still has traces of lesions, but they are clearing up and his skin is shiny and smooth. His ears, both of which were draining pus constantly, are now dry and clear. His eyes are no longer weepy, and they brighten when he smiles. The biggest change, though, is his energy level. A few months ago, the slightest exertion would have him coughing, and he would frequently have to rest. The day that I went in to the orphanage, the director had taken him on a 2 km walk, and had deliberately maintained a rapid pace to test Anthony's stamina. Anthony had no trouble and no hint of a cough. While I was there, he played football (soccer) with his buddies. To top it off, Anthony is now growing a bit. His younger brother is taller, but Anthony may yet catch up to him The staff at the orphanage are rejoicing and marveling at his progress.
One very frustrating incident is that our van has died. We were just setting out for Nairobi for some shopping when it gave up the ghost. Some of you may recall that while we were on furlough, we mentioned our car fund to do engine work. Few funds came in, so we had to finance the work ourselves. Now we are faced with the cost of a new vehicle and the debt from the old one. We are praying about what to do next, but feel that a new or newer vehicle is the best choice. We'll let you know.
I know that many of you must have
prayed for rain. I know this because, even though the Oct-Nov. rains were very
disappointing, rains began to fall shortly before Christmas and are still coming
daily. We have had about ten very intense rains, and many hours of light rain
and drizzle. All of Kijabe is beautiful and green, and the valley below us is
dotted with ponds and puddles
that reflect up the gold light of the setting sun every afternoon Well, when the
sun is shining, that is... It's such a delight to walk through puddles (no, Mom,
I never did outgrow that) on ground that only a week before was hardened and
cracked. So thank you, THANK YOU, for praying for rain. See what your prayers
helped to accomplish?
Speaking of your prayers, thank you also for your faithful prayers for Paul Richardson. Paul managed to get out to a few Christmas activities, and is looking better all the time. His speech and coordination continue to improve. He can't yet put much weight on his legs because of the pins in each femur, but should be able to by the end of January. At this point, his family has decided to return to the US for at least three months for some very aggressive rehabilitation. This is a good decision, and I ask you to keep praying for him and for his family.
So now we are looking forward to the new term. Tonight, Connie mentioned that it was time to get things going again. Kijabe can be very peaceful during vacation, but there is work to do and we are excited about getting started again. We do need your prayers, though, as this is going to be a very demanding term. We will be leaving the dorm at the end of this school year, and are anxious to make each moment count. Pray for wisdom and stamina.
Diane and I and the kids are so grateful for every letter and card we received over the Christmas holiday, and we thank you for the prayers and good wishes in each card. May God's blessings be obvious to each of you this coming year, and may each of you grow closer to Him as you work to expand and strengthen the Kingdom of God.
Take care.
Tim, Diane, Chelsea, Connie, Cody and Caleb