Celebrating 10 years

 The 19th of July 2014 was the date chosen to mark the 10th anniversary of Amano Christian School. 10 years already! Having set the date a committee was formed with Mr Kirk, Miss Millard, Mr Pflaum and Mrs J. Grove to plan out a day's activity which would welcome former staff and students back, give opportunity to reflect on the past and think forwards with excitement and have a time of thanksgiving. After lots of ideas and plans the day of celebration came about all too quickly.
 The day began with fun volleyball games where existing students, past students, past and current staff and parents could get together and play. It was a great time to catch up with people chatting in between games and having an entertaining time watching the staff teams defeat all their opponents!

Volleyball games in the morning

 Former students that came were: Nambao soon to move to Finland! Luther who will be starting an engineering course in Ndola. Ivwananji and Tawonga who are still enjoying their gap year. Josh Kangamba, Jaymie, Dennis (with Caitlin his wife), Patience Mwale from studying in India, Chileshe, Lusa studying Law in Lusaka, Yone and Arthur. Given the number of students that have passed through already this isn't a lot but that is because most were unable to come.

Former student Nambao with current Head Mr Kirk

 Students who weren't able to be here physically sent a lot of testimonies in by email. It is remarkable to see how far apart everyone is. Many students are in the USA, and Europe. Brazil, Ukraine, Russia, China, India, Malaysia, Australia and South Africa are all countries that we know have former students and there are probably more. It is exciting to think that those who have left Amano as Christians have the opportunity to bring the Gospel to others and in some cases quite closed countries. Former staff who were able to make it back were Mr and Mrs Raymond who were a secondary headmaster and primary teacher, Ulfert Andresen secondary science and Marina our kitchen supervisor.
 In the hall there were a number of displays. Six computers ran slide shows on the development of buildings, sport, staff, testimonies of former pupils and events. So much has been accomplished since the beginning and God's provision was clearly displayed. The primary kids had placed prayers on a board at the entrance. Old picture books and trophies were also on display.
There was a lot to take in just for ten years.
 After a very good lunch we had a formal meeting in the big mulitpurpose hall to celebrate God's faithfulness. All five trustees were involved in the service. Mr Konstantinou opened and closed the meeting with prayer. Mr Pflaum chaired the meeting, Mr Samwata interviewed staff on their views of Amano. Dr Beene revisited the mission statement. Gwen Amborski led the singing with songs such as "Wisdom Seekers", "His love endures forever" and of course her own specials like "Oh happy day". Mr P. Grove gave the thought from 1 Samuel Ch 7 when Samuel raised up a stone and called it Ebenezer saying, "Thus far has the Lord helped us." What an excellent thought to leave with and remember for the future.

Gwen Amborski

There have been many volunteers and help from businesses and church groups like JCB, Chinese road builders, Brass Tacks, Help for the Brethren, Laing Trust and others. Looking at the progress of the school through the 10 years and seeing how our needs have always been supplied we cannot but remember, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord." Zech 4 v 6.