Pederson Dec 2018

A year ago we were jumping into the new role of Village Administration, eager to see how God would use us in new ways, especially as we considered our own very limited abilities. But God is able to do far more exceedingly than we ask or think. As we have continued to live as the body of Christ in this place called Rafiki in Nairobi, Kenya, we have seen God’s goodness and faithfulness. Even though much of our work seems to be administrative, we continue to be deeply involved in training up children in the way of the Lord, and training others to do the same. Allow us to share …

We had prayerfully desired music to become a greater part of the children’s lives here. God sent us Joyce Anne Wilder for ten days to jump start the program. She taught piano to little ones, flute to others, and gave RICE students and teachers some intensive teaching on music in the classroom.

We had also desired that our students would have opportunities to participate in more athletic events. Even though we are just a little school, we sent teams and individuals to county, regional, and national events in track, soccer, badminton, and table tennis. Some got to try out lawn tennis for the first time and basketball became a new favorite for many!

Our first eight resident graduates waded into post-high school life in a wide variety of courses and schools. They have learned to trust God in new ways.

We do still have “little kids”, if you count our three youngest in second grade as little! All of them, from youngest to oldest have taken on a greater responsibility in the gardens and they are flourishing (both the gardens and the kids).

Really though, our population is ageing and last week, eleven of our residents graduated from high school!

Also celebrated that day were the first RICE students who will graduate this month from the Presbyterian University of East Africa with a certificate in Christian Classical Education. What a long prayed for happening! They also received Bibles from the Rosemary Jensen Bible Foundation. Seven of this group below are now employed as teachers at the Rafiki School.

…And one more that day…

Curtis was a day student who graduated from Rafiki in 2013. By God’s grace and provision, he is the first Rafiki graduate to obtain a university degree. He has a degree in public health and a heart to help others.

So, how does all this work get done? With the hands and feet and hearts of the over fifty employees at the Rafiki Foundation of Kenya, trusting the Lord and loving Him enough to serve the least of these. It is work worth doing and we are grateful for this team!

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