Wilson March 2026

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Habari, friends and family,

There is nothing like a trans-Atlantic voyage to remind you how vast the Family of God extends! Since our last newsletter, we have been transported from the warm weather of our Kenyan Village in the southern hemisphere to the cold temperatures of a U.S. winter in the northern hemisphere. In anticipation of our travel, we packed the winter clothing that we had with us in Kenya. But, once again, we underestimated the wind chill and snow that would greet us upon our arrival in Ohio! And we were quickly warmed—both in body and spirit—by our family members’ welcome and hospitality.

The days have been filled with prayerful preparation for deputations at churches and updates with individual supporters as we have traveled across the Midwest. This year our course was charted for stops in Ohio, Missouri, and Texas—before attending the annual Enrichment event at Rafiki’s Home Office in Florida.

Our first deputation in Ohio was at The First Baptist Church of Birmingham. The pastor (and our dear friend) had invited Theodore to preach the sermon that Sunday, so we were given time for the message and to share an update on our work. This was the first time since leaving for the mission field that we were able to worship and fellowship with this close-knit congregation. After the service, we were blessed to partake in a potluck lunch and to talk with many of the congregants, including one who had been praying about short-term missions’ service. 

Reuniting with First Baptist’s pastor—a dear friend and supporter

The next Sunday, we had a deputation at Faith Bible Fellowship. We were welcomed by the pastoral staff and the congregants and were reacquainted with a retired missionary couple who also has (family) ties to Rafiki. It was very encouraging for us to glean from their wisdom and wealth of experience. After the service, we met with a recent Education graduate over lunch, to discuss the process of short-term missionary service with Rafiki.

That evening we gathered with our son and daughter-in-love, and her family, who were visiting from Canada, in anticipation—and then celebration—of the birth of their first child! We were blessed to spend time with them during the hospital stay and once they brought the baby home. The rest of the week, we gave presentations to school representatives and church mission board members.

The following Sunday, we had a “double deputation” during the two services at Connect Church. We met briefly with the chairman of the missions board, and then broke bread the with pastor and his wife. Later that day, we said our goodbyes to family and extended family at a surprise farewell barbecue! The next morning, we set off for Missouri—where another presentation awaited us. We had the privilege of representing Rafiki at a classical Christian education conference, hosted by School of the Ozarks. It was a joy to share about mission opportunities AND to be refueled by the speakers, on that God-honoring campus. 

Connect Church pastor and his wife

Short-term mission candidate (front, right) and leadership from Faith Bible Fellowship

Mission-minded students at College of the Ozarks

Theo greets a recent college graduate who is ready for the mission field!

Throughout our trek, we have had briefings with the leaders of our national staff back at the Village (usually between 1:00am-3:00am, our time), since the first school term is still in session. Of course, we could not have accomplished what we have here without the help and covering of the Pedersons, our missionary co-laborers, back in Kenya. Rafiki is truly blessed to have such stalwarts as these, who have served in the mission field for over twenty-seven years! As we continue our journey, we look forward to a video call next week with Burr Oak Church in Indiana, and the upcoming visits to Westside Baptist, and Houston Northwest Churches.

The Wilsons and the Pedersons

Please pray that

• Many hearts will desire to see God’s glory declared among the nations (Psalm 96:3).
• Our students will continue to grow in their knowledge of the truth, through Rafiki’s daily Bible study and Christ-centered curriculum.
• Monthly donations will increase to cover our expenses.

[Note: a donor recently informed us that their automatic monthly gift-giving had lapsed. Since we have been falling short of our monthly support-raising target, would you take a few moments to check your records and confirm that donations are still being deducted?]

If you need to re-start your giving plan, feel led to increase the amount, or know someone new who would be willing to support our mission in Kenya, please use/share the link to our donation page: https://RafikiFoundation.org/missionary-detail/theodore-and-crystal-wilson-ii-258.

**To ensure that your monthly giving will not be interrupted, you can leave the (optional) “end date” box blank after you click “recurring donation.”

Praises

• We are happy to report that our Rhetoric boys and girls distinguished themselves in athletics (track and field) this year. Rafiki resident, Paul has qualified for the National competition in the 100 (10.56 sec), 200 (22.54 sec), and 400 (49.34 sec) meter races!
• To all of those who have hosted and cared for our needs, continue to give to this life-changing work financially, and pray for us without ceasing on our behalf—we send our deepest thanks and love.

Mungu akubariki (May God bless you).

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