KIST Update July 2009

As all of you know, the economic crisis that has been shaking the foundations of America is not isolated to the our country alone.  It is in fact a world wide crisis that is impacting the entire world.  Food and fuel prices are up across the board.  Everyday it is more of the struggle for people to afford the basics.  This is just as true in Kenya as in the rest of the world and Kima International School of Theology (KIST) is no exception.   Prompted by the crisis, significant cuts have been been made for the coming year, including changes in the KIST policies on tutition/support for students.  Despite these changes, KIST is postured to not only survive these difficult times, but posed to move the next level.  As noted by Don Smith, KIST Principal:

We have been overwhelmed the last two months by what seemed a mountain of obstacles threatening the very existence of the school’s future.  But, I want to share with you that God is opening new doors and we are feeling very optimistic  about the future of KIST.  It is the devil’s trick to try to and wear us down and make us believe we are on the losing side,  But God has lifted the fog and showed us His true intent for the school.  We do have a very difficult year ahead of financially, but once we get through it we will be postured for an exciting new future – the next level.

Here are some of the positive things that God is doing at KIST even now:

• KIST’s  budget is sustainable for the coming year.
• While Don and Chris Smith will continue to be associated with KIST, they will be stepping it a new role in September 2009.  Details regarding the specifics are still developing and additional information will follow.
• In the meantime, starting in September 2009, God has raised up Dr. Ron Jack, with his wife Alta Ruthe, to fill the role of Interim Principal.  Dr. Jack comes highly recommended with previous experience at KIST in both teaching and administrative roles.
• In KIST ongoing effort to meet the needs of the Church, a Bible Certificate program will be added to the curriculum.  This will provide students who with a basic understanding of the Bible and Christian Theology.  This will broaden KIST’s reach to include those who may not have the academic background for the Diploma or Bachelor of Arts program, but still desire additional training.
• One the realities in Kenya, and the Two-Thirds world in general, is that, in order to survive, most pastors must be bi-vocational.  In addition, to the KIST’s traditional training, KIST is now offering computer training in order to help provide job skills that students can use to support themselves as they minister.
• New Staff Coming Onboard — In addition to the Baylor’s (David, Bonnie, Joshua, and Michael), we are ecitied to anounce that we will be joined by Ernie and Lori Nicholas.  Lori comes to KIST as registered nurse and be working as the campus Nurse.  Ernie is an ordanied pastor and will be teaching at KIST.  Pray that their funds will be raised quickly and that their transition to Kenya will be smooth.

God is not hampered by hard times or a lack of funds.  The current crisis was not a surprise to Him and He is continuing to work mightily on the contenient of Africa.  KIST is part of that plan and we rejoice in God’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of God’s servants at KIST.  Please continue to pray for KIST, especially over the next year it will be year of transition.