York Association of Atlantic Baptist Churches

TIM & DIANE BANNISTER

NEWSLETTERS

March 30, 2003

Dear Friends,   

    First of all, our abject apologies for being so silent over the last little (?) while. Our computer decided to have a minor nervous breakdown - nothing diagnosable, but it managed to shut us out of our email program. We were able to access to check our inbox and write emails from another computer,  but couldn't access to our address lists. Hence the silence since mid-February. Let's hope this one makes it!

     It has been a very eventful time for the Bannisters, for RVA, for Kenya and for the world. Here at RVA, we have had little direct concern about safety, but since a huge percentage of our students fly in from countries all over Africa (and even a few from the Middle East), our big concern was borders and airports closing as a result of the war. Because of this, we closed the school down about ten days before we normally would have, and sent all students home for an extended vacation. Normally, April is our vacation month, and students are gone for about 4 weeks, but this time the students will get almost six weeks of vacation time (Imagine the outpouring of grief!). Take some time and pray for the school. Every time something like this happens, students start worrying about the safety of their parents (and vice versa, I'm sure), many of whom live in extremely remote and potentially hazardous situations.

      We also, unfortunately, had a fair bit of trouble with discipline in our dorm this term, and we are now down by two students who have been expelled. As well, we lost another six students, suspended for two weeks. This all stemmed from an incident on a free weekend. It has cast quite a cloud on the Grade 12 class, and has cast the immediate future of two boys into doubt. If you could
take the time to pray for these two boys, whose names I won't mention, we would appreciate it. Please also pray for us as we deal with the anger and disappointment that has resulted in the dorm. The last thing we need is more discipline trouble, especially as these boys are so close to graduation.

     So, now we are on an extended vacation. Diane and I will be going to a week-long seminar (March 31 - April 4) which we hope will make us better dorm parents and staffers. As well, I have to do a fair bit of curriculum development work, and get a new English teacher up to speed in a hurry. We'll get a bit of vacation time in as well. We have been advised not to go too far afield this vacation, because of concern over travel in troubled times. We are hoping for a trip to a lovely nature reserve not too far from here (Gilgil, for those who know the topography here). This is one of our favourite getaway places. There is a very rustic and hospitable lodge in the reserve - the perfect place to get away from it all - and there are lots of wild animals and a great swimming hole as well!

     Things at the children's home are going very well. Please pray for Patrick and Emma, the Kenyans who are managing and developing the home. There is a fair bit of opposition to what they are trying to do, mainly from people who wish to exploit these children for their own benefit.  Patrick and Emma have been a real inspiration and example of grace under fire. Pray that they will be able to keep their eyes focussed on Christ and the goal of a home where children can feel safe and can develop into the kinds of men and women God created them to be.

     A number of you have asked about our car fund. It is coming along quite well, although it is not where it needs to be for us to purchase another engine. We are still in considerable need for more funds. Any amount you or your church group could contribute would be greatly appreciated.

     After rereading what I have written, I do want to assure you that we do not feel a threat arising in Kenya as a result of the war in Iraq. The decisions taken by RVA are in the nature of prudent planning, not as a result of a perceived threat. We appreciate your prayers for our safety, and encourage you to pray for us often and fervently. But don't waste valuable energy worrying. We feel very safe here, in fact, and have always felt that we are exactly where the Lord wants us to be. The Lord has protected RVA through almost 100 years of operation, and we trust Him to continue to be our ever present help in time of trouble.

     As I am writing the final draft of this letter, a gentle, steady rain has begun to fall. It's about two weeks early for the rains, but they have appeared anyway, and it's always the right time for rain. Praise the Lord with us for the rain, and for the security it brings to everyone here.

     We know it's early, but Easter will have come and gone before our next letter, so Diane, Chelsea, Connie, Cody, Caleb and I pray that you will know the peace and presence of our risen Lord Jesus Christ at this time. God's blessings to each and every one of you. Thanks again for your prayers and letters. Take good care. Drop us a line if you get the chance.

Tim, for Diane and the crew