Nelson June 2021

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Reaching a new normal with our schools remaining open since January is something we are grateful for. We are relieved that COVID-19 cases are on the decline again in Ghana after a spike in March. And since we last wrote, the students enjoyed a two-week school break. Please join us in thanking God for providing ongoing good health and safety as we have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the break, residents and Rafiki parents stayed busy deep cleaning our dining halls, playing volleyball and basketball, getting haircuts, reading, celebrating at an honor roll party, and many more pursuits which are set aside during the busy school term. One morning, Kiley and Andrea planned a creative challenge for the residents. They were tasked with designing a usable ball with only an assortment of supplies they were given—plastic bags, egg cartons, rags, rubber bands, string and more. Our youth are very creative—and competitive—and worked hard to come up with viable designs. At the end of the allotted time the teams presented their balls. One team even had a fictitious phone number to call to order their ball. After presentations, they put their balls to the test outside with drills and distance kicks. Everyone had a lot of fun and learned a lot. (We think they appreciate their store bought balls a bit more now, too!) Please join us in thanking God for the interests He’s given the Rafiki youth, and a break from their regular classwork to pursue other activities and hobbies.

Here you see the “trash” balls on display.

At the end of the break, while the teachers were on campus for in-service training, we hosted an exhibit for the drawing club. It was an opportunity to train the residents about gallery etiquette. We displayed as many of their drawings as we could, enjoyed refreshments, played classical music, and viewed the fruit of the kids’ labors. Twenty-six of our sixty-six current residents displayed drawings in the show. Showing their artwork to teachers, parents, and friends was a thrill for them. A few of our residents who struggle with regular classwork beamed as they showed their skillful drawings to their teachers. Now the club is back to work and hopes to have another show in the future. Please join us in thanking God for the creativity He’s given the young people in our care.

Here’s just one of our talented artists and his drawing.

The teachers were excited to see so many skillful drawings done by the Rafiki residents.

In the Rafiki Bible Study, we have been studying the life of Joseph in the Genesis lessons. His life is a testament to God’s faithfulness in the lives of His people. It’s not always easy to serve cross-culturally, but we are thankful God is with us and giving us grace for each day. As we wrap up our sixth year of service in Ghana, we are planning to spend six weeks in the U.S. visiting with family, attending Rafiki Enrichment at the Home Office, looking at colleges for Grace, and connecting with our home church family. Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for us and supporting us financially. We are thankful for your partnership in the work God is doing at Rafiki Village Ghana.

Grace turned 17 in March, and Ian turned 15 in May. Where did the years go?

In May we celebrated the school’s seventh commencement ceremony.

Our commencement speaker is a long-time friend and local board member of Rafiki Village Ghana. He delivered an inspiring message about integrity.

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