Honegger June 2025

“Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

Prayer is essential in a believer’s life and in the ongoing work of a Rafiki Village. Despite the many challenges we face, we have also seen answered prayers for which we thank God. Below are a few.

Senior Spotlight

The first answered prayer is seen in the life of grade twelve student Gelane. A quiet young woman who faced many personal challenges in high school, Gelane has taken on the mantle of a high school senior and actively sought out opportunities to lead this year. For example, she asked me if she could sing a solo during our annual Good Friday service. How beautiful it was to hear the voice of someone who usually remains in the background sing the first verse of “My Jesus, I Love Thee” with all her heart! In her student survey, Gelane wrote, “I dream of helping people who are not able to do things, like the disabled or elderly. I want to be a manager in an organization that helps others.” God is answering prayers to strengthen Gelane and help her share the hope she has in Christ.

Me with some of this year’s Grade 12 class. Gelane is on the top right in glasses.

God is also answering prayers for our students to have musical opportunities. Last month, short-term missionaries Dave and Karen Dennis gave guitar lessons and directed a choir for interested students. The choir got to share their music at local churches, while the guitar players have led special devotion times at the Village. It has been a delight to see so many students devote themselves to learning new skills and to point others to the truth, goodness, and beauty of Christ through music.

The Rafiki choir presenting at the missionaries’ church.

Yeabsira leads the Village residents in an evening group devotion.

Finally, God is answering prayers to guide our secondary students and help them determine their path after graduation. Students in grades ten through twelve recently had the opportunity to visit a nearby polytechnic college. They were fascinated to learn about vocations in fields such as metalworking, textiles and fabric design, auto mechanics, and information technology. Having these options to consider has both broadened their imaginations for the future and encouraged them that university is not the only available path after high school.

High schoolers learn about automotive engines at Adama Polytechnic College.

Prayer Requests

• God’s wisdom, patience, and strength as the Headmaster.
• Grade twelve students to do their best on national exams and have peace throughout the process.
• For the processing of my new work permit and residence ID to go smoothly this month.
• More missionaries to join Rafiki, including one to be Headmaster in Ethiopia.

Please click here for a printer-friendly version of this newsletter.