McMahon October 2025
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:11).
Isn’t it true that spending just a few minutes reading about current world events in the news or on social media can cause the ubiquitous reaction of heaviness and despair? Understandably, we do not want to dismiss the hurt or needs we see everywhere around us. It is especially important for Christians to demonstrate compassion and care for those in need. However, we can feel overwhelmed when we assume that the weight of responsibility rests solely on our own shoulders.
At my school in Rwanda, we are currently studying the book of Job in the Rafiki Bible Study. What a poignant example of someone who understood suffering—having lost all his possessions, children, and even his personal health. But what strikes me is that in the midst of his suffering, he spoke often of the decision to keep his hope in the Lord. That is the key, isn’t it? Without ignoring harsh realities, we make the decision to put our hope in God; not relinquishing our responsibilities but still remembering who is ultimately strong enough to take care of the whole world. It is precisely this hope that allows us, wherever we are and whatever our task at hand, to continue in the work that has been prepared beforehand for us to do!
A snapshot of our school
Here at Rafiki International School in Rwanda, we have a very active student body after school. On any given day, you might find students on sports teams practicing basketball or volleyball, dancing gracefully in traditional dance club, honing valuable reasoning skills in debate club, or receiving extra tutoring in more difficult subjects. I am happy to support the diversity of interests and needs in our ever-growing school. Please pray with me that my teachers and I can build a sustainably maintained organizational system to ensure that all 440 students go where they are supposed to go after school to avoid chaos and maintain security.
Personal update
Term one has just ended in a flurry of exams, report card writing, parent-teacher conferences, recitation performances, and field day. I write now during our term break between terms one and two. It has been great to sleep in and catch up on both work and rest that I have been neglecting. While this term was still busy, it was a bit easier than last year’s experience. I am happy to see how the Lord is working in me to be a good leader in this position. Most notably, I have grown in my delegation skills and will hopefully continue to strengthen in this area. Thank you for your continued prayers for wisdom. They are being answered every day!
And now, enjoy some pictures from the last three months!
It is typical to see students hard at work practicing their basketball skills after school, or on Saturday mornings.
Students enjoy a variety of activities on field day including a rigorous game of volleyball.
The traditional dance club girls dancing gracefully at Celebration of Arts.
A nice opportunity to spend time with Esther in Italy this summer and explore new sights for both of us.
It was so sweet to reconnect with the students in Ethiopia when I went for this year’s high school graduation.
An exciting snap of an elephant on last weekend’s overnight safari with the resident mothers.
Praise the Lord with me for
- Memorable trips to Ethiopia and Italy this summer.
- Good resolutions in those difficult situations at the end of last year.
- A much-needed break between terms during which I can rest and catch up on neglected tasks.
Please pray with me for
- Friends outside the Village.
- Prioritizing the many tasks and requests that come my way.
- Continued wisdom, specifically in how to support students who struggle academically.
- More willing men and women to join the work God is doing overseas!
Soli Deo Gloria!
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