Dafoe Jan 2020

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

The Lord has given us another year! Will you join me in reflecting on His goodness to us in 2019 and the sure hope of His promises for 2020?

Reflections of His goodness in 2019:

• I believe I told you about the plan to train the moms and children to take charge of the kitchen and laundry over the weekends? They were trained and they have been doing a fabulous job for a whole year now! Every Saturday and Sunday, five families have been rotating through making the meals, washing the dishes, and cleaning the kitchen and dining area. All eight families take turns doing the laundry on the weekends.

Salvio preparing Nshima

Jack, Lemmy, and Salvio at the stove

Jack stirring Nshima

Mama Florence, little Patience, and Irene

• We are thankful for His goodness to us in providing strength, wisdom, and perseverance as we have handled the many situations that come with raising fifty teenagers! Whew!

• His goodness was seen in the faithfulness of His people in the continued provision of finances necessary for all the operations of the Village and its programs of education, childcare, teacher training, and widows.

• The wonderful times of studying the Scriptures with children, moms, the other national staff, and fellow missionaries have sustained us.

As we look forward to 2020, there are several things we are expecting:

• Our eleven oldest children will be in grade twelve, and preparing to move on to university. We know that God has a plan and purpose for each one!

• Every child will be growing in knowledge of God, His world, and His will.

• With the provision of the money needed to buy a much needed utility truck (praise the Lord!), we look forward to the Lord helping us find just the right one!

Here is the type of truck we have to now borrow until we can purchase one of our own

• Completion of a chicken house which will house the “Poultry Project”. With the raising of chickens our school lunches will be enhanced with chicken stew!

Digging the foundation of the chicken house

As a Village, we have been studying God’s Word in 1 Peter. I am reminded as it says in chapter 1, verses 6-7, to “rejoice…so that the tested genuineness of your (my) faith…may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Let your joy, too, be in the testing of your faith proving it genuine!

Picnic with Mama Rosa, Theresa, Jospehine, and Mapalo on Christmas Day

Will you please pray with me for:

• The young men and women who will be finishing their schooling at Rafiki this year. Pray for God’s equipping for whatever lies ahead for them.

• Wisdom in the search and purchase of a reliable utility truck.

• Genuine spiritual growth for our children.

• Wisdom, strength, and health for myself.

• Travel plans to come back to the United States for a visit in March.

Please know how grateful I am for your love and support. May God bless you more and more!

Jesus called and keeps me—eternally indebted to you all.

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