Nelson June 2024
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalms 119:11).
With the Village at twenty-three years old, updating and improving our facilities has become part of our routine. Currently, the early childhood building is undergoing a renovation. Hands-on learning is key in our youngest grades, and the configuration of our early childhood school classrooms was not ideal. The update could have been accomplished by knocking out some walls and repositioning them, but some of the walls were holding up the roof. So, the roof was removed, demolition began, new walls were installed, and we are looking forward to the completion of a needed update of the oldest school building at the Village! Please thank God with us for a Home Office leadership team who are always seeking ways to improve the learning atmosphere and instruction in our schools. Please also pray that Scott and his staff will continue to have the wisdom and knowledge to oversee and assist in small and large facilities projects.
The Early Childhood School renovation in process.
Studying through 1 Kings as a Village has been sobering. The Israelites thought a king would be the end of their troubles, but 1 Kings paints a different picture. The human heart continues to be the problem, but our God is so faithful and patient in calling and preserving his people. An essential aspect of the work we do here is discipleship. Every week of the school term, across all our program areas, we study the same passages of the Bible. Daily in the school, the teachers take their students through an in depth Bible study. Additionally, the students memorize a weekly verse, doctrinal focus, and catechism question. And did you know the same Rafiki Bible Studies are available in the U.S. for small groups, Sunday schools, and schools or homeschoolers?
For example, the week we are writing, we are studying 1 Kings 17:1 - 19:21. The memory verse is: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” from Job 42:2. The doctrinal focus is: The Lord God of Israel as the one true God, and God’s sovereignty in providing for His servants. And the catechism is: (Question) Are there more gods than one? (Answer) There is but one only, the living and true God. Please thank God with us that He did not leave us in the dark, but has given us His Word to light our path. Please also pray that the Scriptures and truths our students are hiding in their hearts will lead to true repentance and godly service throughout their lives .
A local pastor comes once a month to encourage our Rafiki youths with practical biblical truths and fellowship.
Ian wore cap and gown for a graduation meal and short farewell program with the Village.
As a family, we are entering a new phase with an empty nest. We are so grateful God has trusted us to be Grace’s and Ian’s parents. God has used the role of parent to sanctify us all these years, and we have seen God’s faithfulness so clearly as we raised them. We are looking forward to what God will do in this next phase of all our lives. Please join us in thanking God for the privilege to raise children in His nurture and counsel. Please also pray that Grace and Ian will continue to grow in their faith and shine the light of God’s gospel wherever they go .
Early Childhood students lined up and ready for breakfast.
At a recent youth group meeting, our resident youths divided into two teams to race to put the books of the Bible into order.
We thank God regularly for you and your faithfulness to pray and give as we follow God’s call here in Ghana. Is God calling you to be involved in discipleship? The Rafiki Foundation is seeing much fruit in people’s lives at the ten Rafiki Villages. Perhaps God is calling you to come and join the harvest!
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