Upton November 2021

Happy Thanksgiving! May this season of reflecting on the goodness of God be an encouragement to you. I would like to share with you a few of the many things for which I am thanking the Lord.

• I am thankful that after months of anticipation, the Lord brought me safely to the Rafiki Village Liberia to begin my work here! My journey went smoothly, and I am so excited to finally be on the field.
• I am thankful for my work at the Rafiki Institute of Classical Education (RICE) teacher training college and the ten students who are part of our program here in Liberia. Though it is still a small student body, God has brought each individual to RICE for a reason, and I trust that He has a plan for using the education they’re receiving. It is such a privilege to get to be a part of their educational journey—to see them make connections and learn how to learn and teach.

RICE students

• I am thankful for the opportunity to lead the students in studying God’s Word each morning using the Rafiki Bible Study. We are currently going through the Gospel of Matthew, learning how Jesus came as the Messiah to fulfill the law and the prophecies of the Old Testament, to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, and to commission His followers to do the same. Most of the students seem eager to engage with the Bible study, and it is often hard to wrap up our discussion within the hour allotted—a good problem to have!
• I am thankful for God’s sustaining grace. Shortly before I got here, I found out that I would be serving as Acting Dean of the program while our Dean, Christie, is in the States on medical leave. Although stepping in to fill her shoes until she gets back has seemed overwhelming at times, the Lord has been so faithful to guide and help me keep things running in her absence. I am also very grateful for the medical care Christie has been able to receive. We are hopeful that she will be able to rejoin us soon.

Conducting a proctored exam

• I am thankful for my wonderful team members who have been very kind and supportive in helping me get settled into my new home and adjusted to life in a new country and who set an example of working tirelessly and faithfully. I am also thankful for the national staff members here at the Rafiki Village Liberia who understand Rafiki’s vision to help people know God and raise their standard of living and who play a crucial part in fulfilling the work that God has entrusted to us.
• I am also thankful for all of you who are faithfully supporting me through prayers and donations. Knowing that I am partnered in this work with a team of people who love and care for me makes a world of difference.

Please pray that:

• The Lord would use the Bible study to open the eyes and minds of the RICE students to the truth of His Word and to help them grow in their faith.
• The education that the RICE students receive would prepare them to be exceptional teachers who will influence the next generation of Liberians.
• Fellow missionary and RICE Dean, Christie, will recover quickly and fully from surgery and that she can come back to Liberia before the end of the year.
• The Lord would also restore the health of a RICE student (a very bright young man) who felt the need to take a break from the program to address some physical issues.
• 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

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

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