Needham Dec 2018
“ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven ” (Matthew 5:16).
The picture you see is of the Christmas trees just put up and lit at our Nigerian Village. As we consider the significance of the Christmas tree and its traditions, let me use this symbol to shed light and hopefully further your understanding of Rafiki.
The trunk of the tree stands for God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Everything we do is centered on God and His Word. He has given us all we need in His Holy Word and through sending His Son to atone for our sins and by providing His indwelling Spirit.
The branches on the tree can reflect Rafiki’s five programs and all the variables therein. First and foremost is our Rafiki Bible Study which daily enriches everyone at a Village and beyond. This study written for Africans by well known theologians is a systematic exposition of the Bible one book at a time. Since this study began with Genesis, many have studied the Law, the Prophets, poetry, history, and the story of Jesus and His people.
Teachers studying the Bible
The other programs also branch off God’s Word as we strive to train Africans to transform Africa for Christ. Those programs, Education, Teacher Training Colleges, Orphan Care, and Widows with their various components enable our mission to care for orphans, widows, and “the least of these”.
The limbs and foliage flesh out what the branches and trunk stand for. We could compare these to the people who serve with Rafiki. Beginning with our founder, Rosemary Jensen, and continuing with the Executive Director, Karen Elliott, and the Board of Directors, Rafiki’s tree is full and evergreen. There are missionaries, long- and short-term, the Home Office staff, and many volunteers and supporters.
The lights and decorations represent the people whose lives have been illuminated through Rafiki. They shine brightly in their families, neighborhoods, churches, cities, regions, and countries. These little lights of His include orphans who reside or have resided at our Villages, widows, Rafiki employees, day and teachers college students, and so on.
On a personal note, this particular limb’s role is changing somewhat. At this moment, I am in my new abode in Texas on medical leave (I know—again? This limb is aging.) I am awaiting back surgery and then recovery. After that, as God directs, the plan is for me to help out by doing work at home or to go on short-term trips to relieve other missionaries or temporarily meet a need.
At this joyous time of year, I am especially grateful for all of you who have supported me these thirteen plus years. I pray that you will continue to let your light shine before others for God’s glory.
Please join me in praise and prayer:
• Pray for more missionaries (we have added more limbs this year than in a long time) so the light of the gospel may spread.
• Pray for our ever-developing program needs such as the accreditation of our teachers colleges.
• Pray for those on the field to find joy in Christ, each other, and those whom they serve.
May your holidays be bright with knowledge of the reason for the season.
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