Sanders December 2025

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).

On October 20, we received word that we could book tickets for Ethiopia. What transpired over the next thirty-one days has been remarkable, seemed impossible, (and was difficult!). On Friday, November 21, we stepped off a plane in Addis Ababa, cleared immigration with no issues, customs as well, and stepped out of the airport. By noon, we were at the Rafiki Village. Amazing!

On the road to Rafiki

Our being here is largely because of your faithful prayers and support. We praise God for you and your steadfastness with us in this journey. From July 17 to November 20, you have prayed us through some significant hurdles. On September 5, Marty retired from his job, and Jan completed her tutoring responsibilities. Then we began the process of packing up our belongings, selling our house, and raising support. In November, we secured our initial visas, put things in storage, packed thirteen tubs and/or suitcases, plus carry-ons to take; and then closed on the sale of our house (and left town the same day).

Sunrise at the Rafiki Village

We have found this country to be delightful. The weather is usually pleasant and sunny; our colleagues are welcoming, helpful, and encouraging; and our resident students are loving, friendly, kind, and super inquisitive. We are surrounded by a rugged beauty but with overwhelming evidence of how difficult it is for people to make a living.

Jan and resident children at our welcome celebration

As the sun rose on the week of December 1, Marty assumed his responsibilities, as Headmaster of the school and Village Administrator. Jan is getting our house ready to move into; (we are living in the guest house for the time being). Jan will be assisting the Widows Program, helping with in-services in the school, taking a weekly turn at leading the national workers’ Bible study, and exploring other areas where she can serve.

Marty leading his first morning assembly

While the tasks and responsibilities abound, our daily focus is on relationships with our fellow missionaries (short- and long-term), resident students, day students, teachers and head teachers, our team of guards, maintenance people, cooks, the Rafiki Mothers for the cottages, and the cleaning team—over 400 people, daily, on and around the Village; and each—like us—needs to grow more deeply in their relationship with God, to love Him with their whole heart, and to love others as one’s self, inside and outside of the Village.

Jan and Zelalem (National Worker) inventorying Widow Program crafts

Praises

• Praise God for His amazing faithfulness in getting us here.
• Praise God for Doug and Carolyn stepping in and leading the Village for the past twelve months.
• Praise God for Esther and her faithful, steadfast, and wise spirit.

Please pray

• A pressing prayer concern is securing our resident/work visas by December 19.
• for Doug and Carolyn Koepke as they return to the U.S. after twenty-five years of service with Rafiki.
• for wisdom each day as we begin to engage in a new culture.
• for our family as we missed being with them at Thanksgiving and will miss Christmas together.
• that our support will continue to grow. We are presently at approximately 59% gifted and pledged for our first year.

We say amen to the words of Paul from Philippians 1:3-5,

Thanksgiving and Prayer
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Your missionaries,

P.S. If would like to email us directly, you can email Marty at [email protected], or Jan at [email protected] These are our preferred, personal, email addresses.

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