McMahon February 2023

“Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Security. It is a word with many meanings and implications. Maybe it is as simple as locking your front door at night or keeping your passwords secret. However, at a Rafiki Village security is taken very seriously. Meet the guard staff at Rafiki Ethiopia! As a compound of almost 40-acres, a fence around the property and a locked gate would never suffice for good security. Security is a full-time position with many façets. There is always a guard carefully monitoring everyone going in and out of the gate every day—including students, employees, and visitors. At night, there are patrol guards who walk the perimeter of the Village and around living quarters and school buildings with the guard dogs to ensure nothing is out of the ordinary. Thanks to the guards here (and every Rafiki Village I have lived in), I always feel very taken care of.

Some of our faithful guards here at Rafiki Ethiopia

Another wonderful benefit is that any full-time employee receives priority enrollment and reduced school tuition for their children. This means that a simple guard, who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to send his child to a high-quality school, gets to do just that at Rafiki! Not only that but he is also cared for spiritually by the daily Rafiki Bible Study every morning with other national staff. I just love how any simple job becomes a high calling from God here at Rafiki.

A 2nd Grade day student who gets to attend Rafiki because her father is a guard here

Now, we have just started the second semester of school which will run until early June. Last semester finished strong with a recitation for students in grades 1-5. It included cultural elder blessings in the regional language Afaan Oromo, a science song about the states of matter (“Oh Dear! What Can This Matter Be?”), and a very creative math skit about the order of operations. I love how our students are finding fun and innovative ways to present what they are learning using whole-brain activities.

Grade 3 students sing about states of matter

Grade 4 students demonstrate math concepts with a skit

Grade 1 students present traditional elder blessings

As for me, I will continue with the classes I was teaching in first semester—art, music, phonics, and penmanship. It is a joy to watch my 1st-3rd graders grow in English fluency, artistic expression, kindness for each other, self-control over their own actions, and, ultimately, love for God through this muti-faceted classical approach.

Lastly, I want to thank you all for your love and support. I am always glad to receive a text or email. Let me know how you are! Also, I was recently informed that my support levels have dipped below 100%. If you are able to give financially, please prayerfully consider a monthly or one time gift. It’s always appreciated.

Prayer Requests

• Maturity and spiritual growth for the resident students to resist temptations and strive for what is right and good.
• Emotional and spiritual encouragement for my teammates and myself.
• Our shipping container to come soon without any more delays or hassles.
• My funding to return to 100% soon.

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