Nickels May 2019

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore” (Psalm 125:2).

Any mention of mountains instantly brings to our minds the image of our own Mount Kilimanjaro. While the verse above has in view a completely different geographical area, we can draw on our own experience with our tall and constant neighbor to understand the Psalmist’s point about God’s protection and care for those He loves. What assurance as we go about our daily work.

Our teacher college, the Rafiki Institute of Classical Education (RICE), is an exciting part of that work. While we are waiting for approval of our registration with the government, classes continue. These young would-be teachers study history and logic, theology and pedagogy. They also study art.

For most of these men and women, the RICE courses in drawing and art appreciation are completely new territory. It is easy to see their uncertainty when first-term students’ pencils hover over their blank papers, contemplating making the first mark. Through gradual steps they do gain comfort and eventually confidence and enjoyment in their artistic endeavors.

The nine students in the introductory drawing class recently worked to transfer designs they created on sketch paper to heavier drawing paper. They laughed together as they shared space at the windows so that the sunlight could help them see through the paper more clearly.

Jesca and Helen trace their geometric designs

The two young men who have reached our highest level art classes are gaining experience with mixing paint colors to achieve a range of intensities. Their pleasure in the process and in their finished works is evident. It is beautiful to watch how far the students can progress in skill and creativity over the course of just a few ten-week terms.

Charles experiments with intensities

Paschal painting his color intensity design

Intensity designs

We are so thankful for your support in this work. Please join us in praying that we will receive registration for RICE and for our secondary school soon. There is great potential in these programs for equipping young Tanzanians to live out God’s calling to use their specific gifts in the sciences, in teaching, in ministry, in business, or even in art. It is a blessing to be a part of it.

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