Honegger June 2026

“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4).

The 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar) school year will come to a close on July 3. As in any educational setting, the final month of school is one full of activities and also when students tend to lose motivation and long for summer break. Please pray that students and staff will finish strong and press on, to God’s glory.

My grade eleven Rhetoric students are busy writing their persuasive speeches, which they will present to the class in place of a traditional final exam. They must craft arguments using logos, pathos, and ethos, prove and disprove ideas using authority, experience, and reasoning, and express their ideas with wisdom and eloquence.

Eyob recites Paul’s sermon at Mars Hill for his first semester Rhetoric final.

Our third class of grade twelve residents is studying earnestly for the national exams in July. Grade eight students are also preparing for regional exams in mid-June, while our nineteen graduates are studying for final exams at university or completing their terms in vocational school. Many of the graduates continue to display the fruit of their classical Christian education.

One graduate recently shared some of the differences he’s noticed between the type of students Rafiki’s style of education develops compared to public schools. He said, “I have not met one student who likes learning. No one is here to learn, they just want to pass their classes to get a degree [which often means cheating]. I want to actually understand what I’m learning and enjoy it.” Please pray with us that this mindset will change over time as more day students are educated at Rafiki and go out to impact their country for Christ.

A visit from the Class of 2024.

Another graduate shared that he engaged in a friendly debate with his professor during psychology class about whether God exists. He beautifully harmonized reasoning and critical thinking, rhetorical skills, and solid faith in Christ, each of which was cultivated as he grew up at Rafiki. Though he misses learning every subject from a biblical worldview, he continues to study the Bible on his own, and friends at his Christian fellowship remarked that he has a unique perspective on Scripture.

This fruit is not limited to students who attend university. Wesen, who is taking a woodworking and carpentry vocational program, was among students selected to make student desks and complete other projects commissioned by the government. When Rafiki’s guidance counselor visited the polytechnic campus in April, the department head and the vocational trainer stated that Wesen is “the most committed, disciplined, confident, punctual, and interested trainee we have ever trained.” To God be the glory!

Wesen demonstrating one of his creations: a table that unfolds into a chair.

Prayer Requests

• Smooth processing of my work permit and residence card this month.
• Wisdom in planning end-of-the-year programs for the residents amidst uncertain national exam schedules and other logistics.

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