McKeighen June 2025

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).

Jesus said “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). That sounds pretty appealing to me today. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Today my soul needs rest being bombarded with the duties and cares of the world around me is sometimes overwhelming. I need to step away from it all, as Jesus went to the mountain to pray. I need to just obey Him and come, come to Jesus the healer, Jesus the comforter, Jesus the Savior.

Just, COME. Revelation 22 is about coming. Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming soon…and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy” (portions of verses 7 and 11). God grant us the grace and courage to keep on.

This is a busy time in the life of the Rafiki Village here in Liberia. Our school year is ending this month. Thirteen resident students are graduating having just completed their national exams, a testing ground that will determine their ability to attend university. College entrance exams and moving out of the Village are all next for them. This leaves my staff and me scrambling to make sure all the boxes are checked in the process of this transition. Meanwhile the rest of our 300+ students are finishing their school year, a container is set to arrive with next year’s supplies, another cottage will be remodeled, and school will begin again in July. In addition to all of that, we are still awaiting the accreditation of our bachelor’s degree program at the teacher training college. My head is spinning.

Early Childhood students at play

Our maintenance staff is working hard to maintain our forty-eight acre compound. Our kitchen staff labors to provide the 500+ meals served daily in our dining hall. Our 24/7 security team keeps our compound safe and makes sure there is electricity throughout the day and night. (The grid is unpredictable, and generators are sometimes needed.)

The hard working ladies of the kitchen staff

Our security guards keep us safe

There is always work to be done for the maitenance crew!

In the midst of it all, I am thankful to be able to look to the call of Revelation and the promise of rest. For to us He says, “Come.” Jesus, the descendant of David, the bright morning star says, “Come.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” Let the one who is thirsty “Come.”

“‘Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done’” (Revelation 22:12).

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21).

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