McKeighen September 2024

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).

In a world of sin and corruption, confusion and chaos, it is good to be reminded of the message Paul gave the Philippians. His letter is a treasure chest of encouragement and counsel. In Chapter 1 we are reminded that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). We are also reminded that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). We might make the application today, in America, in Africa, in China, in Russia, in life, in death, in eternity.

Well, in Africa, Liberia to be specific, we are striving to raise up a new generation that will be among those who have knees to bow and tongues to confess Jesus to the glory of God. And our starting point is to display and praise the true, the good, and the beautiful. That is the focus of a classical Christian education; whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. I am excited to announce that we have graduated our second class from the Rafiki Classical Christian School of Liberia. Our graduating class consists of eleven young people all of whom have been students with us since kindergarten. Five are day students and six are residents. We are proud of them all for their hard work and commitment to stay the course and complete the work. Two of our students have been accepted into local colleges, two have chosen to attend our own Rafiki Institute of Classical Education, one is attending vocational school for auto mechanics, and five are in a transition period of vocational training until other universities open up. We are also excited to be able to announce that all of our eight students from our previous graduating class have finally been accepted into the college of their choice for this coming academic year. What a joy to see these young people step out having maintained their integrity thus far and continuing to trust God with their futures. Please pray with me for them.

Salutatorian Rachel Johnson

Valedictorian Jehu Kere

Graduates 2024

As we continue to dwell on “these things,” we look at what God is doing in Africa. We now have 320 students in our school. In addition, we have our teacher training college with twenty students and we have recently reinstated our Widows Program to aid needy women. We are thankful that we are able to employ over seventy local workers to care for, cook, teach, and protect our Village. Rafiki is now offering the Rafiki Classical Curriculum to other schools both in Africa and the U.S. We also offer Bible Study and Sunday School material. In addition, Rafiki is partnering with Crossway Ministries and Ligonier Ministries to distribute Bibles throughout Africa. 

My challenge to you this month is to read Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Be encouraged by God’s promises there and always remember to “dwell on these things,” the true, the honorable, the just, the pure, the lovely, and the commendable. To the Gory of God.

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