McMahon July 2024

Just as James 4:13-15 mentions, we can do all the planning we want, but actual events are ultimately in God’s hands. After I visited many of you this spring and sent my last newsletter, I have my own big update. Instead of Ghana, I will be moving to Rwanda to be the headmaster of schools there. I am thankful to the Lord for this change for many reasons. I am resting in His providence as I trust that His ways are good. I can be confident that no matter where He sends me, it will be for my good and His glory. Additionally, I have already made connections with the teachers and students in Rwanda from when I was there in 2022. They are already very excited to receive me. What a gift.

The third grade recorder performance at recitation. I am so proud of their hard work!

However, this also meant I needed to leave Ethiopia. On July 10, I left the home I have known for the past three and a half years. My work here has been so rewarding. What a joy to teach what I love to students who have so much fun learning it. It was very hard to tell the news to everyone here that a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend was leaving. Truly, I left a hole there at the school in Ethiopia and there is no one slated to fill my positions of music teacher or teacher trainer. However, we keep praying for more people to come and we trust that the Lord knows our great needs. If this sounds like a position for you or someone you know, you know who to ask! I would love to give you more details, or you could contact Rafiki directly.

Some of the residents sang “Be Thou My Vision” for my good-bye celebration.

With the 12th graders and some teachers after my good-bye celebration.

Selfie with two beloved day students on field day.

A last dinner and game night together with Esther and the 12th graders.

Please praise God for

• So many good friendships and memories in Ethiopia from the past 3 1/2 years.
• The joyful anticipation from the staff and students in Rwanda.
• The peace I have regarding all these major changes.
• Enough resources to make these changes without worry.

Join me in prayer for

• All the paperwork that is involved to leave one country and enter another. There are new requirements in Ethiopia that are causing extra hassle.
• Stamina and closure as I say goodbye to loved ones here.
• Uneventful travelling by myself with lots of very heavy luggage!
• More missionaries to come fill the many needs across Rafiki and specifically in Ethiopia.

Thank you again for all your love and support for me over the years. My life is a testimony of your generosity and prayers. If you need my updated address, it is listed to the left. However, my Rafiki email remains the same wherever I go.

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