The Downing Legacy

The Downing Legacy is the story of a family dedicated to serving God as missionaries in Kenya. Their assignment to run Rift Valley Academy resulted in a multi-generational involvement with the myriad and diverse roles necessary to produce a successful school, and one that has met American accreditation standards, and gained recognition worldwide for quality and uniqueness. Lee Harper Downing, the patriarch of the family, led the way with his gift of teaching Latin and the Bible. He was known for his life of prayer and faithful leadership in Africa Inland Mission. His eldest son, Herbert, served as principal of the school for many years where he used his varied talents for teaching, building, and administration. The younger brother, Kenneth, was asked to fill in for a year while Herbert was on furlough. He found himself "filling in" for ten years, during which time he taught various classes and generally ran the school. Both men's wives shared in the teaching and responsibilities of RVA which included homemaking for children living in dormitories, cooking, laundry, nursing, and other duties that were gracefully taken on as the need arose. This is the heartwarming story of their love and commitment to their mission.