Prayer and Praise from RVA 26th May 1999 New Gnus or Gnu News from the Rift Alumni are starting to sift through and say their hellos. Congrats to all who've conquered another year in the sacred halls of learning. The Titchie musical was a smash hit. They took it on the road to a few local schools until the budget ran out. With a new sound system and lots of action and choreography - even if the local kids don't understand it all they love the energy. After three weeks the campus juniors and seniors look like war survivors after APs and O levels and assorted other tasks. Band tour is this weekend down at Naivasha among the ex pats. Fiddler on the Roof - the musical drama production has 90 plus people involved. That's next weekend. Then there's choir tour. The money from the Ruth Evans Memorial fund has been given towards a vehicle for the dorm parents and also towards a new sound system for the local AIC. Thanks to all who gave. If anyone is giving to the alumni scholarship memorial fund in honor of Miz please notify Deb Ort in Pearl River (AIM headquarters) or contact Bob Christian or Jack Taylor at RVA. This award is given to two seniors who have exemplified the faith among their peers in a way similar to Miz. The recipients are chosen by their classmates. AIM leaders from around the world gathered in Nairobi for two weeks and met with President Moi during this time. RVA was recognized for its valuable ministry - quite likely because of the fantastic alumni out there still pulling for us. Varsity rugby lost a squeeker to Alliance after wasting Strathmore last week. Volleyball is holding its own. There's an invasion of army worms devastating the crops that have finally almost reached maturity in some areas. The area surrounding RVA is coming under attack. These people haven't had a crop make it for years. There's need for big rains. First - with rain the crop will get the last boost it needs to make it and second the rain will wipe out the worms. Pray specifically. We donated 35 chickens to Kijabe girls school and they enjoyed a good meal. Our famine relief efforts from a 30 hour fast - a lock-in and work day - plus offerings have netted 100,000/ toward feeding 3500 kids in the valley. It doesn't go far but it helps. If anyone feels generous send donations through AIM for the Longonot famine relief fund or send them directly to Jack Taylor at RVA. As you've just heard crops are still a ways off but hunger is here today. The new classrooms are functioning great on the end of the library complex. New style desks help with the upbeat atmosphere in that area. Kiambogo is in the process of having the downstairs alumni side classrooms renovated into offices. Thirty-six staff are leaving shortly but new staff still need support and encouragement. The security gates seem to be doing their jobs well. If you come through you'll see Rufus from the arcade and Ernest from maintenance among others in the new squad of gatekeepers. Fourteen are scheduled for baptism so far on the last Sunday of term. You can pray for these candidates as they prepare. Baptism will be my last act as Chaplain of RVA and it'll be a fitting way to leave. ie Kenny Kuguru and Liz Imende's wedding at Nairobi Pentecostal June 5th - 12 o'clock Lots of weddings on Aug. 7th - there may be one near you if you ask. Fasses just adopted a little boy as a sibling for their adopted daughter Julie. The Eppy's are just about to move into a dream house they built for themselves in Calgary. Shirley Eppy has finished two chemo treatments and would appreciate your prayers. - Jack Taylor