Nelson September 2024
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).
After we are empty-nesters, that is when we might like to serve as full-time missionaries. That was our thought in 2013 when Grace and Ian were nine and seven. God had a different idea! He used that thought of ours to draw us into full-time service with the Rafiki Foundation much sooner than we expected. Now, here we are starting our tenth year of service at the Rafiki Village as new empty-nesters. Please thank God with us that His ways are not our ways. Please also thank Him for the opportunity we have had to serve and raise our children at the Rafiki Village in Ghana .
The Nelson family almost ten years ago and now
Shortly before our recent furlough, missionary Anica Pederson introduced Andrea to the widows’ groups in Bolgatanga which is near the Burkina Faso/Ghana border. Visiting with the women and watching them craft colorful baskets of meticulously split, twisted, and dyed grasses was inspiring. As they began work on a new Rafiki order, the ladies were filled with joy. Esther, the Methodist woman who is overseeing the groups, is providing trainers to improve several aspects of their craft—producing different basket shapes, creating vibrant dyes, and crafting with excellence. They are also going through the Matthew Rafiki Bible Study together. Please thank God with us that the two groups are thriving. Please also thank God that we are assisting the women through a new basket order, further training, and the Rafiki Bible Study.
Reviewing our mission and vision statements weekly as a missionary team and also with our staff, is an ongoing practice. Afterward, as the hymn writer suggested, we count our blessings and name them one by one.
Recent blessings (a.k.a fruit) we have noticed are:
- Three of our scholarship students have completed their university degree programs with excellence.
- A struggling student has been inspired to do his best and we are seeing improvements in his grades and attitude.
- Thirty-six three-year-olds have been admitted and will begin learning at the Rafiki School when the new school year begins in October.
- Two young adults were baptized in their churches.
- 350 Reformation Study Bibles, donated by the Rosemary Jensen Bible Foundation, were received by a representative of the Accra Trinity Seminary for pastors in training.
- Members of our ninth grade class had the opportunity to lead the 2 Kings Rafiki Bible Study for their peers and were able to lead with skill and biblical insight.
- A few area schools are in various stages of acquiring the Rafiki Christian Classical School curriculum and Rafiki Bible Study for use in their schools.
Before leaving for furlough, we celebrated with the ninth grade class the completion of their junior high exams, and we also celebrated one of our young men who was moving out of Rafiki
Three of our vocational students recently brought their practical projects to show us what they are learning about electrical and baking
Attending a former resident’s university graduation was a joy for the Rafiki Resident Hall father
Please thank God with us for the privilege to harvest fruit from His work here. Please also ask Him to prompt others to enter the field to assist in the harvest here at Rafiki Village Ghana.
Our recent furlough in the U.S. spent visiting family, friends, supporters, and churches was a blessing to Scott and me. Please thank God with us that we have the opportunity to serve in Ghana backed by the prayers and support of people and churches who are dedicated to the spread of God’s Word.
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