Anica Pederson December 2025

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

I thank God for reaching the end of the year and the end of our term as well. We recently reached Isaiah in the Rafiki Bible Study and I have been reminded that God is constantly calling us to Himself, calling us to “reason together,” and what a beautiful reminder of the why behind Jesus’ journey down to us as we move into the Christmas season.

I asked one of my RICE lecturers some questions about his journey to Rafiki, and I have attached his replies below.

How did you come to Rafiki?

I first heard about Rafiki through a brother from my church and I was both amazed and deeply encouraged to learn of such a gospel-centered work taking place here in Liberia. I rejoiced at the opportunity to join the team at Rafiki Liberia, knowing that its mission is rooted in the truth of Scripture and the glory of God.

For years, I have been burdened by the evident gap between knowledge, skills, and attitudes in our society, and I have sought to understand how true education can address this. Before joining Rafiki, I served as a Learning and Development Officer, applying the competency-based education (CBE) model to develop curricula for vocational schools across the country. I came to see that while CBE offers valuable insights into human development, it ultimately falls short because it lacks the transforming power of the gospel. That is why I am thankful to be part of Rafiki, where education is not detached from theology but flows from it.

Paying attention to the arguments from the opposing team

How have you taken what you have learned and applied it?

My time here at Rafiki has enhanced my understanding of teaching, not as a neutral profession, but as a sacred calling to lead others into the knowledge of God and His truth. I have also immersed myself in the principles of classical Christian education. As a lecturer, I uphold the unity of truth, the authority of Scripture, and the formation of virtue rooted in the fear of the Lord. Through this approach, I have come to see how the pursuit of wisdom and virtue must begin with regeneration and be sustained by grace. In short, my time at Rafiki has deepened my conviction that all true learning is an act of worship, and that both teaching and studying must be done soli Deo gloria—for the glory of God alone.

Bible in hand, making his point

I am grateful for the leadership team that God has brought who want to be formed, and want to themselves help others be formed in the likeness of God. In January, the head teacher of the senior high will be moving over to RICE (Rafiki’s Teacher Training College) full-time as a lecturer, and one of my staff will be taking his place. Please pray that this transition will prove beneficial for all of the schools as well as these two gentlemen.

Helping out a newer student with math

Our application for a bachelor’s program was denied because of incorrect numbers of staff and students. We are planning to appeal this decision and ask for a provisional license. The president just replaced the head of the National Commission for Higher Education and some of our staff will be going to meet with her soon to introduce Rafiki and the program. Please pray that this meeting will be looked on with favor, and that having someone new in charge will speed up our accreditation process.

Beep! Beep! Pretending to be in public transport

Outside of this, I am so grateful that the Lord has blessed us with a calm term. I have seen older students take the younger ones under their wings to explain courses they have long since passed. They also have displayed very cooperative and helpful attitudes, stepping in to clean someone else’s area without hesitation if they are gone or busy. We have introduced a “Hot Topics” sheet to our students to see what (possibly controversial) ideas they want to discuss. After getting some answers, the students had a short debate on whether God can kill or not. It was so fun to see the students looking into the Bible to try to evidence their claims as well as hear from students that do not usually speak up. We will be working with them on proper debate instead of simply speaking at each other, but it was a good start!

Walking back from lunch

Thank you for your love and support as we labor to bring news of the Savior born in Bethlehem to our various corners of the world. I pray that this season leaves you lost in the joy and mercy of God sending His Son to live on earth that we may live with Him eternally.