Jackson Feb 2020

“ACCEPT”

Every year I meditate and pray for a one-word goal for the new year. The Lord placed on my heart the word accept and to stop running from the person he has equipped and called me to be because of fear, anxiety, or what it would mean if I accepted the role He called me to. Every day the Lord demands more of me, to give more of myself for His glory, to accept my circumstances, governing authorities, shortcomings, gift, talents, and more.

I am learning to live at the end of myself and in complete dependence on the grace, mercy, and love of God’s Word and Spirit. He has asked me to stand and lead, to train and teach, to be bold, have courage to speak, and to be vulnerable; all to glorify His name. This week one of the kids showed me her prayer and affirmation journal I asked her to start. She wrote, “I know that God loves me, because He sent me you.” I could not be here without all of you. Know that the Lord is using you in more ways than we can comprehend.

Here are updates on the work:

Teacher Training: I have been asked to assist with the teacher training college and I love it! Our students are eager to learn and grow professionally, spiritually, and personally. I meet with students and we discuss their goals and strategize about their growth as classical Christian educators and as spiritual leaders.

Kenya teacher training college building

Sports Programming: This has been a slow and steady process. We have started basketball, handball, and athletics (track and field) this term. Our big push has been to get local schools to agree to start a league. This provides the opportunity for students to play a series of games versus just playing in one tournament. Here in Kenya, there is a national tournament that starts at sub-county level, then county, regionals, and then on to nationals. However, if you lose in the sub-county tournament, then you are done for the season. Students miss out on the opportunity to learn the many lessons that are taught through failure, striving with others, skill development, and the many other character revealing aspects of participating in multiple athletic competitions. Furthermore, I have been training the coaches, and it has been fun to watch them grow. Practices are more structured, and they utilize the resources they received to teach the skills necessary for coaching their respective sports. It has been an answer to prayer to see them be intentional about implementing a Biblical worldview in their practice plans.

Bible Study: I am teaching twelfth grade Bible study. It is a small class and every day we get to talk about Jesus. Students are engaged and give very thoughtful responses. They love when we pray out loud at the same time for each other and competing in Bible trivia.

Christian Community: I found a church, Emmanuel Baptist Church. I love attending and I have met some awesome people in the local community. We meet weekly on Thursday. We sing worship songs, pray for each other, share how the Lord is at work in our lives and community, and discuss the truths we learned from the previous Sunday’s church sermon.

Other Duties: The Lord by his grace made me assistant to the Headmaster. It has been so good, challenging me to get uncomfortable for the Gospel. This position also allows me to come along side the Headmaster and be a help to him in running the school.

Children walking to class on our beautiful campus

Prayer Requests:

• Comfort and peace in times of loneliness.

• Wisdom from the Lord to train teachers and coaches well according to the Lord’s will and mission of Rafiki.

• Favorable response from local schools to participate in sports programming that we will offer.

• Continued growth in the love of God’s Word.

• Discipline to continue reading, learning, and stretching my education in classical Christian education.

Join My Support Team: I currently need support team members who will commit to:

• Prayer

• Monthly Giving

• Annual Giving

Donation Link:

https://www.rafikifoundation.org/missionary/nichole-jackson-245

Due to security reasons, my name on Rafiki’s website is Nichole Jackson. My picture will not be posted on their website. If you have any questions, please contact me.

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