Julie and David Pederson

David and Julie Pederson have been serving with Rafiki for over two decades. They first served in Madagascar with Bible Study Fellowship/Rafiki in 1997. In 2000, they helped start the Rafiki Widows’ Center that would later become the Rafiki Girls’ Center. They then served in Nigeria in 2003, and they have been serving in the Rafiki Village Kenya since 2013. Currently, David is the Rafiki Institute of Classical Education (RICE) Dean. Julie is the Village Administrator and Orphan Care Administrator. The couple was married on August 19^th, 1989. Being of one mind, they discussed missions on their very first date. 

Before they began serving with Rafiki, both Julie and David were teachers. As Bible Study Fellowship leaders, they felt God had prepared them to teach the Bible to others. They chose to serve with Rafiki because they valued the opportunity to teach others biblical truth, train educators, and help provide holistic care for orphans. Having been on the field for years and raising their four daughters there, they can hardly remember life before Africa!

The Pedersons say that living in Africa has taught them how to be more grateful, deeply care for others, complain and worry less, and value relationships. Through their experience, they firmly believe that home is wherever God calls one to live. Their definition of “family” has become much broader throughout their years of ministry. To this day, their “family” consists of hundreds of children and countless Rafiki staff in Nigeria and Kenya.

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Daily Prayer Topics
SUNDAY — Family: growth in holiness (Leviticus 20:7-8), rest, and renewal
MONDAY — Work: Wonder and confidence in God (Isaiah 55:10-12)
TUESDAY —Lauren, Amelie, Anica, and Olivia: spiritual growth and protection (John 17:15-17)
WEDNESDAY— Rafiki Village: Exemplify the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24)
THURSDAY — ROS: a full measure of joy in serving, safety, and humility (John 17:13, 23)
FRIDAY — Home Office: wisdom in directing field operations and resources (James 3:17)
SATURDAY — The Kenyan people: a biblical worldview lived uncompromisingly (Romans 12:2)