Solomon Dec 2018

I am excited to finally write to you and share what has happened during my first week of working with the Rafiki Foundation in Nigeria.

Initially, I was consumed with anxiety about travel and immigration processing within Nigeria. Thankfully, God went above and beyond by softening the heart of each person I encountered. I was not only welcomed by immigration, but was welcomed “home.” It was the kindest gesture and a fantastic way to begin this journey.

I have only visited a few places, primarily because today marks day number eight, but I fully intend on seeing as much of Jos as God and my energy will allow! I have gone to the market a few times, and have also been able to shop for fabric to have clothes made locally.

More than anything though, I have been so full of thanks for being granted the opportunity to serve. It is looking as though I will be working within the RICE Program (Rafiki Institute of Classical Education, Rafkis Teachers College), which is something I didn’t think I was equipped for until I began the work. I am able to not only teach, lead, and encourage, but to do so as students complete post-secondary level work. I am still able to help with the primary and secondary school, but my heart is definitely in the young adult educational division. Since I am working with the RICE Program, I can spend most of my free time with the school children. Here is one of the girls’ cottages, “Derbe Girls.”

Each of these young ladies has something unique about her. They invited me to have dinner with them and join them for their nightly devotion, and when I say I went home overwhelmed with joy, I mean every word of it. The girls reminded me so much of my girls back home, and it was a sweet reminder that God’s service is not limited by place and time. It is exceedingly more than any change of location or culture could ever negate. His power reigns over my ability to serve the people of Nigeria, and I am thankful for your partnership and His sovereignty that allows it to be so.

Many people have asked if I am fully funded, and I waited until I was settled here to clarify that I am not. If you or someone you know are interested in financially supporting me, please go to the website, www.rafikifoundation.org, search my name, choose recurring information, enter the amount you would like to give, click to make it a recurring donation, and prayerfully go forth. I miss you all more than I could ever put into words, but, He has prepared me for action and I delightfully obey.

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).

If you are viewing this on our website, please click here for a printer friendly version of this newsletter.