October 26, 2005

Friends,

Rubate College is growing in many ways. When Rubate first opened its doors 11 years ago, it was a teacher training college to train teachers for Kenyan primary schools. Now Rubate offers three different programs: (1) one that prepares teachers for primary schools (2) a diploma course for secondary school teachers, and (3) accounting for business training. Computer training is compulsory for each student—this better equips them to teach wherever they go in the Kenyan schools.

The college continues to increase the number of students the number of courses offered. September’s enrollment increased by 245 students, and now the student population is almost 500 students. God continues to bless Rubate by sending students from all over Kenya to study at Rubate.

Recently a concerned and listening church learned about the water needs of the college and put words into action. Bob Andrews and Stanley Ward, from Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, spent time listening to the people who experience the hardship and struggles of getting water.

Although Rubate is only about 15 miles from the Mt. Kenya forest, water is not easily obtained from this source. A stream that originates in this forest—known as the River Lugoti—is located down along a steep mountainside from the college. The water source is not near enough for easy access. Thus the problem is getting the water from Mt. Kenya to Rubate.

They were true to their word. When I seemed to be about to fall one of them would hold my hand or grab my shoulder. Where the path seemed at first to be impassable, they would stop and show me where I could step safely.

When Bob and Stanley were with us going up and down the mountain my Kenyan friends were amused that I was able to go up and down the mountain about as fast as they did. This experience searching for water reminded me of how Christ is with us at all times and all places. My Kenyan friends were imitating Christ in showing me where to step and how to move in unknown places.

Looking for water is sometimes finding something else that God wants us to learn, that He is the source of living water, hope and faith.

Marion