Cicone June 2025

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

Mid-year merriment

God created us to enjoy work; He created us to enjoy rest. We have reached the half-year mark of the school year, which gives us time to reflect and to celebrate.

Gwen and several of the students involved in the Rafiki Institute of Classical Education (RICE) Post-Graduate Program celebrated completion of two terms!

Everyone is ready for a break!

Here in Tanzania, we start the school year in January, therefore June is our mid-year break. Reflecting on the progress of this year so far makes me rejoice in God’s great provision. We see children and adults growing each day in their knowledge of His Word through the Rafiki Bible Study and the classical Christian learning resources that Rafiki has provided for us. God has given us a wonderful opportunity here to share His love and plan for each one in our daily work. It is not the only thing we do each day, but it is the sweetest and most long lasting.

Here is John as the Headmaster acknowledging student achievement in one of his many roles on campus. Daily, we balance our many roles. Without the guiding light of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, we would easily topple over. God is teaching us to trust Him. When we do not see a way, He shows us the path that we should take. Sometimes He provides for us by sending visitors. During the Spring, Mary and Jim Hooper came to assist us in several departments. Short-term missionaries are often called upon to share their gifts here, but sometimes need to fill a role that stretches them too! In that way, they reflect what John and I do every day—serve, offering our gifts and weaknesses for His kingdom. He can do more than we can imagine.

Mr. C in his role as the Headmaster announcing awards

Mary Hooper sharing her gifts of music during the EC2 (PK4) mid-year recitation

It is a joy when our graduates return to give us updates on their progress in the next level of education. This student is midway through her advanced level secondary education. She is looking forward to one more year before applying for a degree program. She is hoping to continue studying God’s Word and serve His people in the church. Keep praying for our day students who often face great challenges when they graduate. Pray for them to use all God has gifted them with to serve their families and communities.

A recent graduate came back to give us an academic update

We are blessed by many visitors, both new people and returning friends. This month our former colleague Laurie Eastup returned to the Village to visit and catch up with old friends—and meet new ones too! Pictured to the right is Laurie meeting the Assistant ChildCare Administrator’s new baby boy!

Laurie was able to visit and meet new friends

God has created us to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We have our tasks that He has given us, yet we know these acts of service do not provide us with a place in heaven. It is only on the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus that we are seen as righteous, but it is our great privilege that He invites us to participate in this great work of calling all creation back into His loving arms. Some days it seems an impossible balancing act but amazingly He provides what we need even in the most frustrating and seemingly impossible situations.

John “balances” many things while he works at the Village

Keep praying that we will rest in His salvation each day so that we can work for His ultimate glory.

Thank you for all your support in prayer. We have been supplied beautifully through your gifts. Praise the one who makes it all possible!

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