Deborah and Stuart Bannan

Stuart and Deborah learned about Rafiki from a podcast and were immediately drawn to how God is using classical Christian education in Africa. They contacted the Home Office in 2025 about becoming missionaries. They have two young daughters, which added some complexity to the conversations. In February 2026, the Bannans were blessed to go on a short-term mission trip to Malawi with their children. After their experience, the Bannans committed to serving with Rafiki in Malawi, with the goal of going to the field in 2027.

Stuart has a JD and an MA in pastoral counseling. He has over 15 years’ experience in the non-profit industry and as an attorney practicing civil law. He was classically educated and shares a passion with his wife for cultivating in children a love for God’s Word and a thirst for truth. Stuart anticipates serving as the Village Administrator and Headmaster for the K-12 Rafiki Christian Classical School in Malawi.

Deborah has a PhD in Counseling and has been a university professor for 12 years. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience. She was classically educated and has a deep love for teaching about goodness, truth, and beauty. In addition to homeschooling her daughters, Deborah founded and teaches at Libertas Cottage School, a small university-model classical Christian school in Texas. Deborah anticipates serving as the Dean of the Teachers College in Malawi, helping to train both the lecturers and students to teach the Rafiki Curriculum.