Irene Dafoe

Irene Dafoe
Irene Dafoe learned of the Rafiki Foundation as she searched for ways to serve God and live in community with other Christians. When she read Rafiki’s mission statement, she was running her own Christian bookstore. She quickly found that she agreed with the foundation’s mission and wanted to join the work.
Before starting her work with Rafiki in 2012, Irene was a secretary, saleswoman, homemaker, and caregiver. She currently works as the Child Care Administrator and Village Administrator in the Rafiki Village Zambia.
Irene says that living in Africa has made her more confident in God’s promises. Having experienced new, challenging situations each day, she has learned that God always faithfully provides for his children. She has seen firsthand how God continues to provide for everyone at the Rafiki Village Zambia.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Daily Prayer Topics
SUNDAY — Personal stamina, energy, and joy in serving the Lord
MONDAY — Understanding of Zambian culture—a good ear for hearing and understanding intonations and accents in Zambians’ speech
TUESDAY — Trust God for his provision and sovereignty
WEDNESDAY — Good, strong relationships with fellow missionaries
THURSDAY — Ability to build trusting relationships with the national staff
FRIDAY — God’s love would flow through me to the children and to all with whom I work
SATURDAY — Patience, humility, and flexibility in my daily work
Before starting her work with Rafiki in 2012, Irene was a secretary, saleswoman, homemaker, and caregiver. She currently works as the Child Care Administrator and Village Administrator in the Rafiki Village Zambia.
Irene says that living in Africa has made her more confident in God’s promises. Having experienced new, challenging situations each day, she has learned that God always faithfully provides for his children. She has seen firsthand how God continues to provide for everyone at the Rafiki Village Zambia.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Daily Prayer Topics
SUNDAY — Personal stamina, energy, and joy in serving the Lord
MONDAY — Understanding of Zambian culture—a good ear for hearing and understanding intonations and accents in Zambians’ speech
TUESDAY — Trust God for his provision and sovereignty
WEDNESDAY — Good, strong relationships with fellow missionaries
THURSDAY — Ability to build trusting relationships with the national staff
FRIDAY — God’s love would flow through me to the children and to all with whom I work
SATURDAY — Patience, humility, and flexibility in my daily work
Newsletters
29 Aug 25
Dafoe August 2025
We are thankful for our short-term missionaries who use their unique skills and experiences
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17 Apr 25
Dafoe April 2025
It’s been forty years, almost forty years, since Rafiki’s founding and we can say, like Moses, “Rafiki has not lacked.” On the contrary,...
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12 Nov 24
Dafoe November 2024
I am trusting you are well and thanking God for His sovereign care. It has been a while since I have shared news of the little ones here.
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21 Aug 24
Dafoe August 2024
A lot has been happening here since I last wrote. It is hard to decide what to tell you about without overwhelming you with too many...
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17 Apr 24
Dafoe April 2024
The Bible is an integral part of our lives in the Rafiki Village. The Lord enables us every day to participate in the great commission by...
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