McKeighen November 2021

Happy Thanksgiving! So often as we prepare for family gatherings and feasting we forget the purpose of Thanksgiving. If we are thoughtfully considering what we are thankful for, we may neglect to recognize to whom we should be thankful. But this Psalm makes it clear we are to give thanks to the Lord. Why? He is God. He made us. We are His people. He is good. His loving kindness lasts forever and He is faithful to ALL generations!

In this tumultuous generation I find great comfort in knowing that our Lord has promised to be faithful to future generations as well. In Christ there is hope for our children’s children and their children. God has promised, “ A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish ” (Isaiah 42:3 NASB).

As we strive to live the gospel and proclaim it from day to day, it sometimes seems a giant task for such small people. Yet God has promised that though we and our faith are as small as a mustard seed we will see a mighty tree take shape (Matthew 13:31-32). A tree that provides shade and a resting place for His creatures. Here in Liberia, our day-to-day life is filled with day-to-day activities that in themselves do not seem grand.

Yet God is using this work and we have hope for an impact that will affect our children, our children’s children, and their children as well. “ Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (Psalm 126:5). What a day that will be when we see the fruit of the work in our eternal home.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving in Liberia. Our children celebrated by creating artwork of gratitude. What were they grateful for? Food, shelter, teachers, mothers, security guards, sponsors, and missionaries. All made possible by people (you) moved by God.

I am thankful today that in this Thanksgiving season we will see several more of our children experience baptism, having decided that they wish to live their lives in service to the Savior.

Four baptized at the Baptist Church

Adele

George S.

Eight that were baptized at the Lutheran Church

I am thankful for our new missionary, Catherine Upton, who arrived the end of September. I am praising God that my dear friend and fellow missionary, Christie VanKuiken, is successfully recovering from cancer surgery and will be back on the field within a matter of weeks. And I am thankful for the privilege of representing you and the Lord here in Africa. I thank God for your faithfulness to support this work for His kingdom.

Please pray for:

- All 250 Rafiki Day Students to have sponsors and be fully funded soon.

- For generous giving to the Africa Expansion Campaign. Rafiki is entering a season of exponential growth. We anticipate the thousands that Rafiki is currently ministering to across our 10 countries will turn to tens of thousands. To meet these new opportunities, we are asking God for a 25% increase over Rafiki’s current annual budget which could increase Rafiki’s impact 10-fold.

Note : Rafiki is now able to accept non-cash gifts such as real estate or estate bequests. Contact Rafiki@RafikiFoundation.org for more information.

May He give you a blessed Thanksgiving filled will life, love and gratitude.

“ I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders ” (Psalm 9:1 NASB).

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