Brian Rensford - The Faith Must Be Kept
When founding Principal Adam MacFarlan chose the motto Fides Servanda Est—The Faith Must Be Kept, it gave expression to the founding vision on which Saint Kentigern was established. He was also known for living out that same conviction in the way he led the College, shaping countless students, including one young man who would never forget it.
Brian Rensford arrived at Saint Kentigern in 1959 from a family with little connection to church. His father, a hardworking earthmoving contractor working on the College's expanding campus, developed a deep respect for Principal Adam MacFarlan, prompting Brian's enrolment.
By Brian's own admission, he was more likely to test rules than follow them. More than once, he found himself in the Principal’s office.
Summoned to MacFarlan's office during his senior years, Brian expected to be expelled. Instead, MacFarlan said to him: “Laddie; I think you have some qualities that, if you promise to conduct yourself appropriately, I would like to appoint you as one of our Upper Sixth prefects!” More than sixty years later, Brian still describes that conversation as the moment that changed the way he saw himself, moving him from the rejection he had experienced growing up to an extraordinary expression of confidence, recognition and advocacy.
Image: Saint Kentigern Prefects 1963, complete with over-70's relics.
As a young adult, after travelling throughout New Zealand in search of a deeper life of prayer, Brian committed his life to Christ. Following the completion of his Bachelor of Commerce, he enrolled at a theological college in Melbourne, beginning a lifetime devoted to Christian ministry and service.
Together with his wife, Elizabeth, Brian has since spent more than six decades serving across North America, Europe and, most significantly, throughout Africa. Zimbabwe has become a second home, where he serves as Board Chairman of Lifeline International Ministries, mentoring leaders and supporting ministry development. His work has also included helping establish Sparrows Nest Orphanage in Mozambique, alongside decades of leadership, teaching and pastoral care that have touched countless lives across cultures.
Looking back, Brian sees a clear line from his years at Saint Kentigern to the life God called him to live. The faith upon which Saint Kentigern was founded, and which Adam MacFarlan so faithfully lived out, continued through Brian's own life and ministry as he carried that same faith across decades and continents into the lives of others, where its influence continues—in service of others and for the glory of God.
Brian kept the faith. Truly, FIDES SERVANDA EST!
Images - Top: Victoria Falls monkey raid and old lion at kill at Hwange. Bottom - Brian at Beira Mozambique teaching session and Namatanda Mozambique graduation of trainee teachers.
