Honegger December 2023

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Monthly after school clubs resumed a few weeks ago and we had our first Photography Club meeting of the semester. I loved seeing my students using unique angles to view common objects from new perspectives—though sometimes the photographer looks silly while doing so! Look at the below series of photos; can you tell what the final picture will be?

What will the final picture be?

Surely you can tell by now?

So that’s what they were trying to capture!

Did you figure it out, or did the photographer’s strange choice of angles only make sense when you saw the final image?

Sometimes this is what God’s work in our life feels like. He is at work to renew and restore us, to shape us more into the image of Jesus, and He can see the big picture of our lives and the outcome He’s going for. But all we see is weird angles that do not make sense and the uncomfortable positions we are in.

Sometimes youth do not understand why a school subject requires them to evaluate certain questions thoughtfully; they see only the challenging homework and strict teacher, not the scholarly mind and godly heart that will result. Sometimes missionaries are discouraged when they cannot see how their efforts are making a difference; they perceive only the challenges, not the inner work God is doing in their own hearts and the hearts of those they serve. Sometimes local governments oppose Rafiki’s biblical worldview or classical curriculum; they notice only the deviation from the national curriculum, not the students (future leaders) of their country who are developing critical thinking and sound moral judgement. In all these instances, we have an opportunity to trust that God is at work and in control.

This is the time of year when we tend to reflect on what we’re grateful for. Over the summer, resident youth and mothers had the opportunity to use a disposable film camera to take pictures of what they were thankful for. I want to share a few of these with you; may you see how your support makes a difference!

I am thankful for Ms. Zemen [childcare assistant] because she is like our mother and teacher in Rafiki Village. ~Biruk

I am thankful for Mama Ebise because God has given me a person who loves and cares for me. ~Hana

I am thankful for my special classmates because God gave me fellow friends to be with me throughout the hard Grade 8 school year. ~Feraol

I am thankful for myself, that I am healthy. There are many who have physical problems because of war in my country and there are many children who don’t go to school because of war but I do. Because of that I thank God and because I know about Him when there are many who don’t know about God. ~Negassa

I took a picture of the Rafiki Village Gate because it is the first thing anyone sees before they view the wonderful environment and atmosphere inside. It is also a symbol. I am thankful that God has given me such a wonderful place to grow up and to call home. I am thankful for everything it provides—especially the loving people and the Bible study and education. ~Mehiret

Prayer Requests

• For additional financial support to cover my deficit.
• For resident youth to understand and appreciate the value of their many blessings and opportunities at Rafiki, and to be willing to be trained by discipline and reap a peaceful harvest of righteousness.
• For missionaries to persevere and be strengthened by Christ in the face of obstacles.

I thank God that He is shaping the hearts of these young men and women to recognize His provision in their lives and express it. And I am thankful for you. My work and Rafiki’s ministry could not continue without your prayers, encouragement, and financial support! May this Christmas be a time of grateful reflection for you as well. Melkam Gena!

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P.S. From the Home Office: Esther has less than 50% of her funding needed for 2023.