Andrea and Scott Nelson

Andrea and Scott Nelson have served at the Rafiki Village Ghana since 2015. Currently, Andrea is the Orphan Care Administrator and Widow’s Program Coordinator. Scott is the Village Administrator, Plant Manager, and Finance Manager. God guided the Nelsons to the Rafiki Foundation after they read an interview with Rosemary Jensen in Tabletalk Magazine. 

The couple believed in Rafiki's commitment to in-depth Bible study, the discipleship of orphans and national workers, Reformed theology, and classical education. Specifically, Andrea was excited to see on the Rafiki website that there was a need for artists in Rafiki Villages. When the Nelsons came across Rosemary’s interview, they were considering mission work for after their children, Grace and Ian, were grown. God revealed to the couple through a short-term trip to the Rafiki Village Kenya that they could take their whole family to a Rafiki Village. Living in Africa has given Andrea a deeper appreciation for life. It has also helped her slow down and take time to engage with those around her. For Scott, living in Africa has helped him grow in patience and compassion.

Scott graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and gained almost a decade of production experience at the Boeing Company in Seattle. He then completed courses in the medical field and worked as a medical assistant at a pediatric clinic for four years. He also worked as a laboratory analyst at a beverage production facility. Andrea has a BFA in Communication Design. She was a designer in a marketing design company before working in Christian book publishing. After building up a list of freelance clients, she started her own design company, which she managed for seventeen years before entering the field. 

Andrea and Scott have two children, Grace and Ian. Before moving to Ghana, they were homeschooled using a classical curriculum. Over the years at the Village, they have enjoyed a mixture of educational experiences: partly at home, partly at the Rafiki Village School, and partly through online courses. Now, Ian and Grace both attend Liberty University in Virginia. Ian is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Grace is in the midst of Nursing degree studies. They are beautiful examples of young people who love to learn!

Prayer Topics
DAILY — Focus on God: Pray that they will rely on God’s strength and wisdom (Prov. 3:5-6, 2 Cor. 12:9-10).
SUNDAY — Worship: Pray that their time at worship would be pleasing to God and refreshing to their souls (Heb. 12:28, 29).
MONDAY — Fruitful Ministry: Pray for the Rafiki children, that they will grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and they will be bright lights shining for God’s glory (Matt. 5:14).
TUESDAY — Family: Pray that their family devotions would be rich and that they will be joyful as our family serves in Ghana. Pray for their family in the U.S. (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
WEDNESDAY — Relationships, Communication, and Team Unity: Please pray that there would be unity among the missionary team and with the national workers (Psalm 133). Pray they would be clear and careful with their words (Prov. 25:11, Eph. 4:29).
THURSDAY — Thankfulness: Pray they will remember all the ways in which God has blessed them and that it is a privilege to serve as missionaries in Ghana (Colossians 3:17).
FRIDAY — Flexibility & Obedience: Pray that they will be able to adapt to all the challenges they face and seek to glorify God in all that they do (Ps. 40:8, Rev. 4:11).
SATURDAY — Faith & Peace: Pray that they rest and rejoice in God’s providential plans (Phil 4:4-7).