Fore November 2021

Afternoon rays filled my office as Rachel sat across from me. She was recounting the ways Rafiki residents served in the community during the ongoing COVID school closure. Her eyes looked steadily into mine as she spoke: “Clearing the road; maintaining the community wells; teaching neighborhood children their letters; cleaning the local churches; helping our elderly neighbors with their gardens…” Rachel went on, “We have been given a lot and this is a chance to give back. It is not always good to be on the receiving end—it is also good to give.”

For 80 weeks now schools have been closed in Uganda. Those 80 weeks have not been lost for our students though. Like Rachel, many other residents have engaged in opportunities and gained skills that are further equipping them to become godly contributors in Uganda.

Take a look…

I was lured over to a gazebo walking home from work. The twins were practicing a violin duet. Later I asked them what they enjoyed about learning to play the violin. Their responses volleyed back and forth in soft but confident voices: “I can now sight read.” “I can play hymns to praise God.” “I have taught other people, including our younger sister Flavia.” “I have joined the orchestra!” “I didn’t know I would have this chance to learn and now I can play for others.”

Robert is training to be an auto mechanic, and during the COVID lockdown he has had the opportunity to intern at a local garage. While Robert’s hands have been busy his mouth has been, too. Robert has been sharing the gospel with those he works alongside. As a result, one of his colleagues got a Bible and now goes to church. When I asked Robert about this, he told me “When Jesus left, he told His disciples to go a spread the Word.”

Robert and Auntie Edith

Derrick’s hands have also been busy during this season—busy turning banana fiber into beautiful pieces of art. So beautiful that he was accepted to show his art with other Ugandan artists at an event in Kampala. Derrick shared his experience with me, “My art was different from everyone else. I had a style that was developed through a classical Christian education where I looked at styles and techniques from DaVinci, Donatello, and Michelangelo.”

Derrick creating his art

“To whom much has been given, much is expected” (Luke 12:48). I often think about this verse in reference to my own life; what a joy to witness our residents start to realize it as well. To see our students out of school for so long has been heartbreaking—but God! God is working all things out for good, and I am grateful for these testimonies of how He is doing that. And good news…school is scheduled to resume in January! Praise God!

Please pray for:

- All 250 Rafiki Day Students to have sponsors and be fully funded soon.

- For generous giving to the Africa Expansion Campaign. Rafiki is entering a season of exponential growth. We anticipate the thousands that Rafiki is currently ministering to across our 10 countries will turn to tens of thousands. To meet these new opportunities, we are asking God for a 25% increase over Rafiki’s current annual budget which could increase Rafiki’s impact 10-fold.

Note : Rafiki is now able to accept non-cash gifts such as real estate or estate bequests. Contact Rafiki@RafikiFoundation.org for more information.

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