Upton February 2022

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

What a busy first four months it has been! My first term here at the Rafiki Institute of Classical Education (RICE) was a whirlwind as I ran the program in the absence of our RICE Dean, Christie, but it was very clear that God was the one sustaining me and giving me the grace, strength, and wisdom that I needed for each day. I am grateful for that lesson in depending on God in order to do the work he has given me, something that is easy to forget if I think I have everything under control. Christie returned from medical leave in mid-December, and we are all so thankful that the Lord healed her and allowed her to come back to Liberia.

After the term ended, we enjoyed a three-week break that brought much-needed rest and time for various projects, activities, and opportunities to spend time with the Rafiki children. Over the Christmas break, we enjoyed walks to the beach, movie nights, and a morning of playing games (our Spoons card game tournament was rather boisterous). We also took the kids on service projects around the community, including reading to children at a nearby learning center. It was sweet for me to be able to connect more with children over the break and get to know them better.

At the beach

Reading to children at local learning center

The new RICE term began on January 10, so we are back in the full swing of school. Christie and I now share the course load, which allows us to provide more academic support to the students. I have taken on the theology and church history courses and really enjoy getting to discuss the content with the students. I am also teaching music pedagogy, which walks the RICE students through how to use the Rafiki music curriculum for early childhood. We learn songs and activities together (which involves a good bit of laughter), and we also discuss the importance of the various elements of the music curriculum. With one cohort of students, I am leading a course for making classroom materials; so far, they have sewn pocket organizers and made sock puppets and bean bags. As part of Exploring Children’s Literature, I am reading aloud from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe each week. I am also teaching math, history, and English grammar and composition. Working with these students, getting to know them better, and watching them learn and make connections brings a lot of joy.

Having fun in music class

Making sock puppets

In previous newsletters, I have asked you to pray for the accreditation of our RICE teacher training program. Now I am very happy to share that the Liberian Ministry of Education has approved our accreditation up through the associates degree level. After two years, we can pursue the possibility of accreditation through a bachelors degree. We praise the Lord for answering our prayers and bringing us this far in the accreditation process so that our students can now receive a nationally recognized teaching degree!

Please pray that:

• As the Word of God is taught and studied here at the Rafiki Village Liberia, God would use it to transform hearts and minds and bring about revival in Liberia.
• As I lead a Bible study on Sundays for the older Rafiki girls, they would grow closer to the Lord and seek to live for Him.
• God would bring 18 new RICE students for our next term, which will start in April, and that He would continue to provide for our current RICE students.
• I would keep my eyes on Christ and press on with joy toward the goal of the upward call of God.
• 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.

Your prayers and support are such an encouragement to me. Thank you so much!

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