McMahon July 2025

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

For the past week, I have been thinking a lot about the phrase, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Can you believe that I have just completed my first year as Headmaster at the Rafiki School in Rwanda? Truly, how has it been one year already? Sure, it has come with its challenges, and the last four weeks were almost non-stop. Yet, I love to stop to think about the meaningful moments that I have gotten to experience here—and you also get to be a part of it by extension. 

These moments include addressing the high school seniors at graduation, or talking to a roomful of fifth grade parents about the benefits their children are receiving at our school (and that they do not need to search for a “better” secondary school), or surprising a whole audience by singing Mozart for the school at our Celebration of Arts, or getting to give away seventy-six Bibles to third, sixth, and twelfth graders upon the completion of this school year. These have been deeply satisfying memories that have come from just this past month.

A quick snap at graduation with two of my lovely teachers, Aimee and Rehmah.

Third grade students proudly display their new Bibles. What a wonderful gift to receive after learning to read so well!

I am blown away by all of the things that were crammed into this year. I had hard conversations with students and teachers, dessert nights and singing afternoons with my missionary team, hugs and compliments from children, and daily morning devotions with my staff. In the midst of the mundane, connections are being built, and lives are being changed. How honoring it is to have been chosen for this job, in spite of my feelings of inadequacy. But also, it amazes me how every skill I seem to have acquired along my life is being used, from cutting cakes to putting positive spins on difficult report card comments. A year ago, I did not know I would say this, but I love my job, even including the hard parts. 

An unexpected operatic performance from the Headmaster.

And not ANY of this could have been possible without your many texts, generous gifts, guest beds, advice, love, support, and MANY prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Praise the Lord for

• A strong finish and all the memories listed above.
• Continued ministry going forth from our school and Outreach Programs. 

Please pray for

• Wisdom in few difficult situations in the school. 
• A strong beginning to the next school year. 
• A restful vacation with Esther (my missionary friend from Ethiopia). 
• More long-term missionaries to commit to the work we are doing in Africa.

Twelfth graders students celebrate completion of high school!

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