Martin Nov 2018

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians 1:2).

Where does the time go? I know this is the question on both sides of the world but here in Moshi Tanzania, it seems to go especially fast. We have completed our first four years on the field as of October 31, which was yesterday and what a joyous four years it has been. Not without some sorrow and hardship but mostly full of joy. When asked by our friends when we announced our desire to serve with Rafiki Foundation in Africa, “How long do you hope to stay,” our usual answer was “five to seven years”. At this point, we are now committed for year five and hoping that God will allow us at least up to seven…we will see.

The physical beauty of this place remains breath-taking even after four years! We continue to praise our God for placing us here where the surroundings, as well as the work, is vibrant. When we began, our oldest children were in Standard Four and now they are in Form One, which is grade level 8. These children are now teenagers. We had eleven in preprimary school and now all of our children are in primary and junior secondary school. What changes we have seen in education levels and in maturity of the children! It has been a blessing to be a part of all this work here at the Rafiki Village Tanzania.

We are now in the construction process at our Village, building three freestanding science laboratories to comply with new government regulations for secondary schools. Our hope is to complete one by the end of 2018 to be able to register the secondary school. Pray with us that the construction will go well and the task is completed even before schedule. Also please pray that the registering officials will quickly give us our registration documents to have our children in Form One (8) and Form Two (9) able to be in school here on our Rafiki campus in January 2019. 

The science labs under construction

As much as we desire to live and serve here, our existence here relies on the generosity of the Immigration authorities. Currently Peggy’s visa has expired so please pray that a new work permit and visa will be granted soon. Kent’s permits will expire in March 2019, so it is not too soon to pray also for his permits. Please pray that our ages will not be a factor in getting the permits as this can be the case here. 

Kent continues to enjoy his work with RICE (Rafiki Institute of Classical Education), Rafiki’s Teacher College, and making disciples of the students that come into the program. He enjoys teaching them God’s Word for an hour every morning and is also working with those students who want to learn to be disciples to bring others to Christ on Saturday morning. In his “spare time,” he enjoys working to make our yard a show place. The RICE Program now has more than thirty students and they are all working hard on their studies to learn how to be the very best preprimary and primary teachers. A few of the students are now nearing completion of the three-year long program. We also continue to pray
for the accreditation and registration of this program in Tanzania.

We spent most of September and part of October in the States and were able to see many of you while we were there. Peggy had cataract surgery on both eyes and now is seeing amazingly well. I, Peggy, do not think you appreciate your vision and how good it can be until you have experienced a reduction in your vision. I am so thankful for modern technology and the quickness and ease of this surgery, but I am most thankful for the results! I am now able to read and see distance without glasses and without annoying blurring in my vision. I must add that our team of two missionaries left behind was exceedingly glad when we returned, plus we brought with us one new team member who will soon be the new headmaster of the schools. Laurie Eastup has been a much prayed for addition to our sweet team here. Laurie is single and in her early 30s and has a degree in accounting and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. She comes with much experience and many skills. We are so happy and blessed to have her here with us. We met her in Amsterdam and made the flight to Kilimanjaro together. She is settling in quickly and we are thankful and grateful for her presence here. Laurie is also in need of a permanent work permit and visa so please pray for these to be granted quickly.

We must remind you how grateful we are for your participation in this ministry that God has set before us. We really do thank God that you are willing to pray for us and support us in this wonderful work. We are blessed beyond measure in so many ways. 

Click here for a printer friendly pdf of Peggy and Kent's November newsletter.