Bronke Mar 2020

“Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him” (2 Samuel 10:12).

The above verse is spoken by a commander of King David’ army, Joab, as the Israelites prepare to fight against the Ammonites and Syrians. Though his enemies surround him on either side, Joab encourages his brother and second-in-command to be of good courage. I was recently reminded that the entire Christian life should be one of courage. This is convicting stuff, especially when it is tempting to fear. I keep imagining what it will feel like to soon board an international flight alone and join a Rafiki Village in Africa. I doubt I will naturally feel courageous in that moment. I pray I will remember Joab’s words and say, “may the Lord do what seems good to him in my life.”

Time is flying by, and now is the time for both joy and courage. Much has happened since I joined Rafiki’s Home Office staff in Florida, and my preparations for the field are coming along. I have gotten shots, documents signed, and more training for the teaching I will be doing. As I continue to raise funds, I see the Lord’s provision. I want to thank those of you who came to or contributed towards my fundraiser in Illinois in February. Your kindness, support, and prayers continue to overwhelm me. I am praising God because of you; you have been an abundant blessing!

Working in Rafiki’s Home Office this year, I have the privilege of learning about the work happening every day on the field, and I grow increasingly excited about joining this work soon. I would like to share with you that I will likely be assigned to one of Rafiki’s countries in West Africa, perhaps Ghana or Liberia. My assignment could possibly change before I leave, but I am so grateful that I may be returning to where my desire to serve began—West Africa!

I would also like to share a few recent updates from these two countries, and you can join me as I pray for them and the programs I may work in. The Rafiki Village Ghana has seen a recent increase in the students’ diligence and passion to learn, and the staff is grateful for willing spirits. The teachers college in Ghana is in the process of getting accreditation through the government. With accreditation, graduated students from the program will be officially recognized by the government as teachers and able to teach in church schools.

In Liberia, the Village is studying 1 Peter and 2 Peter using the Rafiki Bible Study, and they are encouraged as the Rafiki children continue to learn about God. The Rafiki School in Liberia began a library incentive program to encourage students in their studies and nurture a love of reading. Seven students will be graduating from the teachers college this month, and the students continue to work diligently at their studies despite the obstacles they face due to the country’s economic situation and a shortage of gas.

I hope you will join me in prayer for these two countries, the work of Rafiki here and in Africa, and continued courage to surrender to the Lord’s will for my life. May He do what seems good to Him.

Taking photos with students after an English lesson in Burkina Faso

A sweet Rafiki resident student from Liberia named Patience

Recent high school graduates in Ghana

To donate online:

• Go to www.rafikifoundation.org.

• Select “Support a Missionary” from the drop-down menu in the upper right.

• Find my photo and enter the amount that you would like to give. (You can make a one-time donation or a recurring donation.) Thank you!

To donate by check:

• Send your check to the Rafiki Home Office at PO Box 1988, Eustis, FL 32727 with my name and missionary number (#249) in the memo line.

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