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Rafiki Foundation  |  God's Word at Work
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Allinder Dec 2017

Allinder Dec 2017

Because there was no place for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

Merry Christmas from Zambia!

When writing a newsletter in December, the biggest problem is what part of the Christmas story to highlight: the angels? The shepherds? The star? The wise men and their gifts? I chose the familiar verse about Mary and Joseph not having the accommodations they expected. I know that some of you, especially in parts of Florida and Texas, can relate to this in a different way this year.

People in our community here in rural Zambia faced a similar situation last month. One afternoon a severe rain and windstorm blew through. Many homes, churches, and other structures lost their roofs which are corrugated metal sheets. These buildings are constructed of locally-made bricks and the combination of heavy rains and strong winds meant that several of them partially or completely collapsed that afternoon, resulting in loss of clothing, bedding, and foodstuffs, as well as an urgent need for emergency shelter with neighbors and family.

Replacing Bricks
Rafiki residents by one of the partially-collapsed
buildings with roof to the left side

Thankfully, the damage at our Rafiki Village was limited to the loss of a few tree limbs. But the resident children were very aware of the losses of their classmates and teachers. One of our long-term teachers lost the roof to her chicken house and saw another of her structures collapsed.

The oldest class of students were eager to go to the home of their former first grade teacher and assist in doing what they could to help her. While these ninth-graders are not masons, they could, and eagerly did move the fallen bricks so the mason’s work would
be faster.

Organizing
Students organized themselves to get the work done

Work project
Putting the roof back on the chickens house

Most students at Rafiki, whether residents or day students, do not have money to buy presents at Christmas. They certainly enjoy and appreciate getting brightly-wrapped presents, but having the opportunity to give a present of time, muscle, and thoughtfulness to their former teacher meant a lot to this group.

I pray that your Christmas is full of the receiving similarly thoughtful and meaningful gifts. I am very grateful for the gifts of support, contributions, and encouragement from you all.