Vankuiken Dec 2018
“For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God” (1 Thessalonians 3:9).
Mustapha, Sampson, and Esther have been together for close to three years now. God brought these very different people together in our tuition-free Teachers College (RICE) and they have grown to care deeply about each other. Mustapha is a young married father who heard about our college through one of our employees. Sampson lost his wife in the war. He had a desire to be a teacher, but no way financially to make his dreams a reality. Esther’s husband is a pastor and they want to open up a Christian classical school and use the very methods of teaching she has learned. They were the second group of students that started RICE in Liberia in April of 2016. The students of the first group had to leave for one reason or another, but God has allowed these three to stay together as a class the entire time.
Some students must repeat coursework and others may drop out for a time to earn some money, but God’s faithfulness has been seen in keeping these three together for their entire course of study. It has not been easy. Many times, they have felt like guinea pigs. This is because they are the first class to go through every level. It is more difficult, because it is with them that we discover what is general knowledge to most Liberian students and with what they will need more help and assistance. They often are overwhelmed with the expectations for each new level. The amount of reading and time it takes to study our courses is greater than any expectation they have received in learning before. Many times, they have said they would be unable to complete it all, but they always have. This has set the pace for the other students who are following them. They know it is possible, because these three have passed every time. Now, exams are close upon us and this term is almost over. They will have one more term of practicum and then they will have completed their course of studies. In three years, we have gotten to know each other well and I will miss them very much. Even though I will be sad to see them go, I rejoice to see their academic and spiritual growth. It will be exciting to see the fruit of the program as they go out and take their place in classrooms, using their knowledge and making a difference!
I am so grateful for your support over the last eight years and thank God for the opportunity to serve Him in this way. May you experience God’s love, joy, and peace this Christmas season.
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