Wilson June 2025

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ).

Some say that it is hard to see anything grow when you are staring at it all the time. There is truth to this statement, but it is also true that stages of growth are captured in a glance, in reflections, and in moments of praise. Whether as missionaries, parents, or part of the community of prayer warriors at large, it is always wonderful to witness God’s Word taking root and growing in the lives of others.

Since 1985, the vision of the Rafiki Foundation has been to cultivate a multitude of godly contributors through Bible study and classical Christian education. This vision is carried out in each of its (10) Villages through six programs: Bible Study, Education, Teacher Training, Orphan Care, Outreach, and Widows. This month, we will highlight the Orphan Care Program, which is proof that all growth occurs in God’s timing.

Rafiki Village Kenya, established in 2004, has been home to 100 orphaned infants, toddlers, and young children. Each was raised here by loving cottage parents who modeled Christ to them on a daily basis. The children attended the Rafiki Classical Christian School (RCCS) within the Village compound, where they studied God’s Word first every day. They were taken to church each week and shared devotion time nightly with their cottage siblings. Then, when their studies were completed, they were lovingly launched out into the world.

Our former GL3 teacher dons traditional Maasai clothing

School staff gather for training

Students engaged in a lesson on insects

Since our connection with Rafiki began in June of 2021 as short-term missionaries, we have observed some of the fruit that God has brought forth through this faithful work. Because of the many missionaries who planted and watered over the last twenty-one years, we have gotten to meet many RCCS alumni who spent their formative years as residents of this Village but who are now continuing their growth in new soil.

You may recall us sharing the accomplishments of alumni such as Aaron and Abel in our previous newsletters. But this month, we would like to introduce you to some hardworking young adults who are destined to become the godly contributors of Kenya’s future.

• Faith, a 2020 graduate, is working on a degree in film production at St. Paul’s University—an institution which grew from a 19th century settlement for freed slaves, established by early missionaries.
• Ann, who graduated in 2021, received her diploma in accounting from the Regional Center Training Institute and is now working on her CPA certification.
• David, a 2022 graduate of RCCS, has received his diploma in law with honors from the Catholic University of East Africa. He is currently working as a paralegal while preparing to “top off” for a bachelor’s degree at CUEA.
• Peter, class of 2023, will complete his diploma in accounting this year at the Regional Center Training Institute and plans to continue his studies in preparation for next year’s CPA exam. You may remember his baptism from our report last year. Now, he is serving as an usher in the church.

Alum Peter, from baptized believer to faithful usher

• Michael, a 2024 graduate, is studying computer science at Chuka University.

Their futures are bright, not because of their academic pursuits, but because they understand the One who has made them, protected them, and sustained them thus far. It is wonderful to see their radiant smiles and clear eyes when they return to visit and reminisce about their childhood home. These students, and many others, have blossomed in God’s perfect timing!

Music, music…

In May, our Village was blessed by a visit from the Wheaton College Symphonic Band. In 1943, before he was a world-renowned evangelist and “The Pastor to Presidents,” young Billy Graham graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. During the course of the 20th century, this humble, direct, preacher became one of the most recognized and admired heralds of the gospel—even in Africa.

The three conductors at the Wheaton Band concert—Dr. McNeil, Teacher Felix our “maestro,” and resident orphan Virginia

Eighty-two years after Reverend Graham left Wheaton, the institution continues to send out ambassadors who share the gospel message through their God-given talents. Dr. Brady McNeil, professor and conductor at Wheaton’s Conservatory of Music, brought his Symphonic Band to Africa to serve short-term, perform concerts, and share their testimonies with audiences in both Kenya and Tanzania.

Beyond the cymbals, tambourine, and flute, mentioned in Psalm 150, the students and faculty also blew harmonious sounds on oboes, French horns, tubas, clarinets, alto saxophones, and trumpets! These winsome and disciplined students hailed from California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Washington, Virginia, Hawaii, Iowa, and Oregon.

And more music!

Last year’s National Vocal Music competition was held in Eldoret, the capital of Uasin Gishu County, in western Kenya. It is an area known for its cold weather and for fog which often hovers close to the ground. The 97th Kenya Music Festival will be held in Voi, the largest town in Taita-Taveta County. While the 327km drive from Rafiki is a slightly shorter distance than last year, the list of competitive schools that our logic and rhetoric students will face is formidable. Our students diligently prepared for their first round of performances. As of today, we can joyfully report that they have taken their first step on the journey to Nationals again, by placing first and second in the local “mixed choir” competition. To God be the Glory!

Praises

• Two of our recent graduates have accepted God’s free gift of salvation!
• We have been able to fill the teaching vacancies, which occurred this term, due to teachers’ health issues.
• The school continues to grow, as more families hear about our Christ-centered curriculum.
• Lastly, we continue to thank God for all of you, who make our service here in the school possible. Have a safe and blessed summer season.

Prayer Requests

• For our remaining residents to accept Jesus as their Lord and the Savior of their lives.
• That all of the Rafiki students from needy families will be sponsored.
• For those in our Village family who have recently been injured or are experiencing illnesses to receive healing.

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