Honegger June 2023

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11 NIV).

The goal of the Rafiki School is to train virtuous scholars: students who love God and desire to honor Him with their hearts, minds, and souls. Becoming such a person requires a willingness to accept the training and diligence in learning to make wise decisions through the study of truth, goodness, and beauty. So, what might the fruit of this classical Christian education look like? Here are three examples.

In April, grade 11 students Nahom and Mehiret were selected to participate in the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Moot Court Competition. They researched national and international human rights laws, wrote essays defending both sides of the hypothetical case, and debated with teams from two other schools in front of a panel of judges. Their arguments were thoughtful and eloquent, and they represented Rafiki well, placing second by one point. Mehiret was also a blessing to other students who she met at the host school. In the course of conversation, they shared that they were Christians but were facing some faith-related struggles; Mehiret encouraged them to persevere and imparted some wise advice. Virtuous scholars, representing Christ’s goodness to strangers.

Mehiret, judges, and the other team listen as Nahom presents his argument

Recently, Theology students completed a final project summarizing key doctrinal truths they learned from the course. Each student memorized an entire chapter of Scripture, recited it to an audience, and described the main theological topics contained in that chapter. Memorizing a whole chapter of Scripture is not easy, nor is reciting it in front of an audience. However, the students now have more of the Word of God hidden in their hearts, ready for the Holy Spirit to bring it to mind when needed for “training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Other high school classes, Rafiki teachers, and Home Office staff also got to benefit from hearing theological truths and witnessing the example of others who value the Bible enough to commit it to memory. Virtuous scholars, sharing Scriptural truth with people of all ages.

Hana, Metsy, and Biruk share their theology presentations

A classical Christian education values not just the mind and heart, but the body as well. A few weeks ago, the Rafiki football team competed against another high school in its first competition in a few years. Players had good teamwork and attitudes, despite dealing with biased referees and ultimately losing the game. Though the scoreboard showed defeat, the team demonstrated good sportsmanship and willingness to learn from mistakes to improve in future games. Most importantly, I pray that the experience will remind them that “while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Virtuous scholars, demonstrating the beauty of honest playing on the field.

Rafiki footballers (in green)

I pray that you will choose to be trained by God’s discipline in your life, whether it comes through the structured requirements of school or work, a challenging life circumstance, or your relationships with others. May you desire to be virtuous in your choices and a lifelong scholar of God’s Word.

Prayer Requests

• I am beginning the process of renewing my work permit and residence ID. Last year this turned into a 3-month ordeal; please pray that it will go smoothly this time.
• Students to have soft hearts and willingness to be trained by the discipline involved in becoming a virtuous scholar.
• Additional financial support.

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