Newton November 2021

We are at that time of year again when we focus on thankfulness. I am thankful for you and your desire to serve God by supporting me so I can be here working with our students. I am thankful for all the students, every individual personality, challenging and cooperative, God has chosen to be at Rafiki Rwanda to be educated and cared for. I am thankful for the Rafiki Mothers who do a great job providing the care and guidance in the cottages. I am grateful for alternative education in Rwanda where students can focus on their area of giftedness. And so much more.

I asked the students and moms to share one thing they are thankful for, the first thing that popped into their head after hearing the question. Here are their responses. Keep in mind many were redundant.

Someone who struggled with faith wrote, “I am thankful for God.”

“I’m thankful for Rafiki.”

“I’m thankful for my life.”

“I’m thankful I ended up in Rafiki.”

“Full belly.”

“Love and my dentist.”

“Sponsors.”

“I am thankful that I can learn, share, and practice God’s Word every day and freely.”

“I am thankful for the movie The Great Debaters I just watched.”

“I am thankful for the library.”

Many students are thankful for “a good school” and “a good education,” and many are thankful for family and friends.

Our church is beginning a children’s worship and Bible teaching time on Saturday mornings. Rafiki resident Diana volunteered to help with this. We are grateful for her desire to serve in this way.

“ All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations ” (Psalm 145:10-13).

Please pray for:

- All 250 Rafiki Day Students to have sponsors and be fully funded soon.

- For generous giving to the Africa Expansion Campaign. Rafiki is entering a season of exponential growth. We anticipate the thousands that Rafiki is currently ministering to across our 10 countries will turn to tens of thousands. To meet these new opportunities, we are asking God for a 25% increase over Rafiki’s current annual budget which could increase Rafiki’s impact 10-fold.

Note : Rafiki is now able to accept non-cash gifts such as real estate or estate bequests. Contact Rafiki@RafikiFoundation.org for more information.

Please click here for a printer friendly version of this newsletter.