Harbick June 2024

“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest’” (Luke 10:2).

Greetings from Nigeria!

Here on the plateau rain is in the air! About every four to five days, the skies have darkened, and the thunderstorms rolled through the plateau. Bushes are getting new leaves, and the grass is turning a lush green. Our grounds personnel are gearing up for all the mowing, pulling of weeds, and trimming. Our farmers are getting the land ready for planting.

Both the Rafiki School and Rafiki Institute of Classical Education are finishing their third term. Students are into the routine of learning and are growing spiritually in their love for God and His Word. The seniors in the Rafiki School have started the national testing required for promotion to university.

Our maintenance department continues the transformation process of our cottages. The former homes of our orphans are becoming classrooms under their hammers, screwdrivers, and paint brushes. Since January the school has gained a new testing hall for exams and training, a new agricultural classroom, and an art building. Moving these classes allows for future renovation of the junior high building.

We will be adding a second fourth-grade class next year!

Rafiki has over fifty graduates who are currently in some form of tertiary education. Our assistant ChildCare director is constantly visiting them and their schools to see them and learn how they are doing and to offer our support to their teachers. All of our orphan/graduates have been placed.

Last fall Rafiki received a request for 2000 Bibles from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), one of our partner denominations. Because of the generosity of Ligonier Ministries and Rafiki’s long-term relationship with ECWA, 2000 Reformation Study Bibles were distributed to missionaries in the Evangelical Missionary Society. The missionaries and their wives were already coming to Jos for a conference and the Bibles were handed out at that event. This event also coincided with a visit from the Rafiki Home Office, so Rafiki Executive Director Karen Elliott, was able to personally attend and participate in the joyous occasion. Upon receiving the Bibles, the missionaries broke out singing in Hausa, “What shall we say unto the Lord? We can only say to Him we are grateful.” It was overwhelming to see everyone seated under tents, singing, and praising the Lord. We returned from a visit with another partner denomination in Benue State just prior to the end of the missionaries’ conference so we were able to participate in the time of prayer for those missionaries carried out by those who had retired! These men and women are on the frontlines of the battle for souls here in Nigeria. Many have faced physical attacks, lost loved ones, and yet they want to continue the fight for the gospel going out.

Below are some photos of the missionaries who were so appreciative of such a great gift.

Karen with our host

Prayer of retired missionary

Thankful missionaries

Praises

• God’s provision for the needs of the Rafiki employees and Village during this continued time of economic instability.
• Peace in the area surrounding Rafiki and for the military security which is just outside our gate!

Prayer Requests

• University of Mkar, Mkar to hear that the government has approved a degree program in Christian Classical Education.
• Rafiki Nigeria is hosting the New Old Way Conference on classical Christian education. Pray that we will reach and invite those who should be coming.
• We will have another graduation of the Rafiki School. Please pray for our three orphan graduates to have discernment of God’s plan and for us to follow.

Thank you for your prayers! They have been felt and so appreciated. Safety here is found in the center of His will. Thank you!

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