Wilson February 2024

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13).

Although the ideal ‘partnership’ for a child’s holistic growth is: (1) biblically-sound teaching from the church; (2) godly instruction/modeling by parents at home, and (3) the inculcation* of true, good, and beautiful facts, ideas, and ideals at school, the verse from Isaiah reminds us that God is ultimately the one in control of their education.

He knew each student before they were formed in their mother’s womb. He developed a personalized lesson plan/purpose for their lives, and He has provided—through Christ—a Master Teacher for them to emulate. But He also allows us to take part in this process, through the biblical worldview integration in the Rafiki curriculum and the classical methodology of teaching children in accordance with their developmental stage. [*Our new word this month, inculcation: “fixing/impressing upon the mind by frequent repetitions.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary]

Headmaster counsels primary boys

Our newest preprimary students

Updates

As we write this newsletter, we are enjoying the seasonal, swarming spectacle of white butterflies in the Village! Everywhere we look, hundreds of belenois aurota appear to be dancing to their own silent symphony. It was impossible to capture them on a cell phone camera; such a rabble requires higher quality equipment. But observing their graceful, cloud-like motion was enough of a reminder to “be still and know that God (the Creator) is God.”

One of the white butterflies

Along with the roles of school administrators, we love the opportunities we have to guide, encourage, and disciple Rafiki students outside of the traditional classroom. We spend time coaching the younger students about honoring God through their deportment, manners, and love of neighbor. For the older ones, we resolved to start the traditional “Saturday School” just a bit earlier than last year. These supplemental study sessions from 8am-12pm weekly help students to catch up/get ahead in the subjects they will face on the National Exam.

Saturday school attendees

In addition, we recently welcomed back the top two students of form four (2023 graduates) as “Sankofa” speakers, to encourage this year’s seniors about the importance of diligent and consistent study. We are pleased to report that this well-deserving pair—the president and deputy president of their class—have qualified for university studies, at no cost to their families!

With our “Sankofa” speakers

In January, we hosted (three) tea gatherings, where parents from the school community gathered to receive 2024 school updates, information on how to support their child’s learning at home, as well as piping hot tea and “mandazis” (a local confection which tastes like a donut but is shaped like a puffy triangle). Those in attendance were able to share their questions and identify areas of interest/expertise which they would like to share with the children of Rafiki.

Biology class

As our student population has increased (passing the 400 mark this year!) so, too, have the opportunities for student involvement in co-curricular activities. This term, we are launching clubs for chess, math, and a Model United Nations, while receiving submissions for the next The Imani Standard newspaper and holding try-outs for several sports teams.

Scouts are ready!

Praises

During our visit to the States, we met with individuals and groups who were interested in short-term mission trips to Kenya this year! These Short-term Missionaries are always a blessing when they visit—serving as additional hands, feet, and godly role models for the day students and residents.

Substituting in second grade

The ultimate administrative assistant

Plans are also being finalized which would allow some of our school curriculum to be printed locally starting next year. This will save Rafiki a great deal of time, shipping expenses, and hefty customs fees, which are customary when school materials travel to us in shipping containers.

Ball donation received for the kids at the Rafiki Village

Please pray for the Lord’s guidance and protection over the day students at all ten of the Rafiki Classical Christian Schools on the continent of Africa, as all of our new school years begin .

Prayer Requests

• all the Rafiki orphans to develop a strong self-esteem, knowing that God is a “Father to the fatherless, who will never leave or forsake them.”
• the 2024 seniors, specifically, to be receptive to the Lord’s counsel for their lives and to redeem the time leading up to their examinations.
• the Rafiki graduates to choose to glorify God in word, thought, and deed—through the power of the Holy Spirit—despite the temptations of the world and the challenges of the current job market.
• those who are considering short-term mission trips to Kenya; that they would complete the application process and acquire the time and resources necessary to serve here with us.
• the physical and emotional healing of the 200+ Kenyans who were wounded in the recent gas explosion/fire in Embakasi—a village about 10 miles from the Rafiki Village; peace and consolation for the families of those who lost their lives.

We are grateful for the prayers and encouragement of our ministry partners kila siku (everyday). You are the ones who make our service in this vineyard possible and joyful! If you would like to share our updates with others or if you know someone who would like to support the missionary work that we do with Rafiki, please share our webpage address with them.

Website: https://RafikiFoundation.org/missionary/theodore-and-crystal-wilson-ii-258

Donations by check with our name and missionary number (258) written on the memo line can be mailed to:
The Rafiki Foundation
P.O. Box 1988, Eustis, FL 32727-1988

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