But God…
Fact
The following was found in the archives and was probably written on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of RVA’s founding:
“The Rift Valley Academy was begun in 1906 to provide an opportunity for missionary children to receive quality education in a Christian setting reasonably close to their parents who were called by God to help establish and build His church in Africa.
Today we look out upon a school set on a hill, a school that is larger in size and far greater in ministry than any of its earliest workers could have imagined. We look back and realize that RVA has grown to its present size and ministry in spite of the problems it has seen. Through two world wars, a worldwide depression and a national struggle for independence, RVA has grown. Situated in a developing country of a third world continent and coming of age at a time of unprecedented international conflicts, the Rift Valley Academy has had every reason to fail – BUT GOD!
There is no way to explain the history of RVA or its present ministry to MK’s, nationals and expatriates apart from BUT GOD.
- BUT GOD has provided a constant stream of dedicated staff even when it seemed unlikely that such would be available or that sending countries could support them.
- BUT GOD has sent young people over the years whose lives He was preparing by His Spirit to be reached, influenced and molded by the people and programs of RVA.
- BUT GOD has provided facilities to care for those whom He has sent. Despite constant international recessions and the ever-present question of availability of supplies and material, still RVA has grown.
- BUT GOD has protected from external harm. When the world was at war, the school was at peace. When the nation was in a struggle for freedom, RVA was able to safely proclaim real and lasting freedom in Christ.
- BUT GOD, day after day.
- BUT GOD, spiritual blessings, strength, outreach, food, ministry, health, safety, facilities…BUT GOD.
Because Rift Valley Academy cannot be explained apart from God, it is necessary in the midst of rejoicing over what is around us, to recall and record for the present and future some of those people and events that can only be expressed with BUT GOD. To Him be the glory! Thus, this book of praise.”
Family
- We have just a few weeks to go in the term and there seems to be some students and staff that are really struggling with weariness, stress, and discouragement. For three months at a time we live as a 600+ member family doing life together 24/7. Good – but challenging too. Pray we would all finish well, looking to Christ as our all-sufficient strength and not just get by to the end of term.
- Jonathan will be preaching at a local Kenyan church this Sunday – from James 5:7-12.
- In cooperation with a couple students we are inviting RVA (and you?) to join us in skipping lunch on Wednesdays to seek God together. We aren’t skipping a meal to show how holy we are, or to twist God’s arm to do something for us. Our goal is not even revival, though we would love to see it. It’s God Himself. Our small fast is an exclamation point to our prayer, “This much, O God, we want You!”
- Our school unreached people group focus right now is the Alagwa of Tanzania. The Gospel of Luke is being translated however there is a need for a new consultant so the project can continue.
- We have eight students preparing to be baptized at RVA on November 18.
- Jonathan’s family is in the process of preparing to auction off a majority of their farm equipment. Not only is this a lot of work for his mom Sue, it will be a hard reality for the whole family, especially his dad Gene.
Photos
