Adumo April 2024

“And he said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these’” (Luke 12:22-27).

It may be too late to say, “Happy New Year!” but I pray the first half of yours has been fruitful. Most people enter this time of newness with plans and expectations for the future. I was reminded this week that although plans establish a sense of order, which brings God glory, we must be willing to hold on to them with unclenched fists. Jesus reminds us that anxiety stands in complete opposition of the unity God has promised us in himself. Let us cling to it.

During our Home Office visit this year, there was incredible favor. Rafiki donated thousands of Bibles to missionaries from one of our partner churches. There was a supernatural wave of rejoicing as the missionaries sang in unison their thanks to God for Rafiki, Crossway Publishers, Ligonier Ministries, and all others who played a role in their receiving his Word.

ECWA Bible distribution

I, Shakiyla, have spent the last month and a half in the U.S. and have finally made it back to Nigeria. This year’s deputation was like no other. I was able to travel to different states, visit multiple churches, and engage with public and private schools. These visits led to new monthly partnerships and sponsors for our day students in need, as well as monthly partnerships for me and Ishaku. We—as always—are humbled with the unique provision of God. Pray with me that over time, I will continue to follow up and make lasting connections with our new contacts.

Lake Charles Charter Academy

Mercy Christian Academy

While I was Stateside, Ishaku worked constantly in Nigeria. The guys have been converting multiple cottages into classrooms that will soon house elementary students eager to learn. They have changed ceilings, demolished walls, repaired flooring, painted, re-painted, and much more. These classrooms are like a second home for many of our students, and the care and intention of the maintenance team is admirable.

Cottage conversion

One of my favorite parts of the work we do in Rafiki is watching those being trained go from dazed and confused to educational powerhouses. We were able to celebrate alongside over forty graduates of the Rafiki Institute of Classical Education. Each person pictured has gone through the 3-year program and learned what it takes to be a classical Christian educator. 90% of them have gotten jobs in education. Please pray with us that the Lord will do the same with the remaining 10%.

RICE graduates

We are grateful for the way you have supported the work being done. Lives are changed by the gospel daily, and God is being made known in marvelous ways. I pray that during this season, you would consider partnering with me and Ishaku monthly. If you are already a partner, I pray God gives you the words to share this ministry with a friend.

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