Maggio March 2025

“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt” (1 Kings 4:29-30).

The name of Solomon, the son of King David of Israel, is synonymous with wisdom. The Reformation Study Bible defines wisdom as choosing the best and noblest end at which to aim, along with the most appropriate and effective means of achieving that end. As we started this new year we considered applying wisdom in our lives. What does a life of wisdom look like? It is a life that is lived in light of God’s truth. The wisdom of Solomon in its incomparability points to Christ. He is the source of all truth, wisdom, and understanding. So in Jesus Christ we find true wisdom and by living according to His Word, by His Spirit, and for His purposes we will find the best and noblest end at which to aim.

We pray you have had a good start to 2025. We reported last year that there was a severe eight month long drought that affected the nation by reducing crop yields and the electric power supply (Zambia is powered by hydro electricity). By God’s mercy, the rains resumed in November and December and have continued steadily through February. Though the effects on the nation’s power supply will continue through the year, the prospects for a good harvest this year are promising.

Rafiki Institute of Classical Education

In the Rafiki Institute of Classical Education (RICE), we ended 2024 with nine students successfully completing their training. Education is a growing field in Zambia and seven out of the nine students found teaching positions at the start of this school year. Two of the students are the first teachers selected for a new school that was started in our area by our own Rafiki employee, Charles Munkomba, who also serves as the administrator of the Rafiki Early Childhood School. The Busoli Private School was inaugurated and dedicated by our serving Chieftaness Nkhomesha. This school is one of seven schools using the Rafiki Education System (RES). Rafiki’s school curriculum has its foundation in the principle that all truth is from God and points to Jesus Christ.

Students of Busoli Royal Private School

At RICE there are thirty students currently in training. The students enjoyed the wisdom of some experienced teachers on short-term missionary trips from the U.S. and Canada. Kevin Reid and Esther Klein-Brown presented in-services in music and math and provided valuable resources for the students to use in their future teaching. Diana Paul shared insights on addressing the emotional needs of children and also assisted with bringing much needed literature texts. Doris Anema, a former RICE Dean and forty-year career teacher, returned to assist with administrative responsibilities for a month. And lastly, Kevin French, a retired teacher and school administrator, is currently here also serving as temporary RICE Dean. The RICE Program is a wonderful way for mature teachers to impart wisdom to a new generation of teachers.

Teachers Esther and Kevin

Students with new books

Doris Anema with RICE staff and a completing student

Completing students with certificates

Outreach

Through the efforts of Dr. William Zulu, the Rafiki Bible Study and Sunday School Lessons are beginning to be used by schools and churches throughout Zambia. Dr. Zulu had conducted trainings with Rafiki’s Zambia Partner Church Denominations on how to teach the lessons. The churches in the Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) and the Central Church of Africa, Presbyterian are beginning to use the lessons. RCZ Mission schools, as well as other church affiliated schools, are beginning to make Bible study a daily event with their students. God in His wisdom has provided these materials to fill a great need for the teaching of biblical truth in Zambia’s churches and schools.

Outreach churches, Dr. Zulu in the yellow shirt on the far right

Thank you for your ongoing support and interest in our ministry.

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