Honegger March 2025

“Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us” (1 Kings 8:56-57).

This new year has brought with it new roles and responsibilities. Doug and Carolyn Koepke moved from Nigeria to Ethiopia in February, allowing me to hand over the reins of “Acting Village Administrator” to Doug. I then took on the role of “Interim Headmaster” over our four Rafiki Schools, ranging from early childhood through grade twelve. This is quite the challenge for me, as I am responsible to oversee the schools and train our teachers despite not being a trained teacher myself.

Senior Spotlight

Something I enjoyed recently in my new role as Rafiki School Headmaster was reading surveys in which our high school students provided information and questions that will help us better prepare them for the future and guide them to next steps following graduation. When asked about her dreams, career goals, and influential life experiences, grade twelve student Betty said, “My dream is to be successful in my hard work (education and career) so that I can help others who are needy of love and other physical and spiritual needs. In the future, if it is God’s will, I want to be a doctor or helper for old or disabled people. One experience that influenced me is being at Rafiki Foundation. It influenced me to be a hard worker and to help those who are hopeless.”

Betty and me with our new tie-dye shirts, an annual Christmas gift tradition.

Kalkidan, Abraham, Wesen, and Beniyam (holding Africa) presenting some of their woodwork art at family visit day.

Growing Graduates

A recent visit by some of our graduates also encouraged me as they shared how well Rafiki has prepared them for life and the challenges of university. Hana described how writing considerations papers in language arts has made it easier to compose ten page long papers for history class. Rafiki’s well-ordered schedule has also equipped her to be much better than her peers at managing her time well. And lastly, that she has used skills learned in student leadership to improve cooperation and productivity in group projects as she directs others. She even recalled an individual research project about emotions she did during COVID school closures. Hana said it was the easiest unit of her Psychology course, and she was able to help others. Isn’t it amazing that an independent eigth grade research project during school shutdowns enabled her to succeed in a college-level course? She and the other graduates praise God for all He has provided through Rafiki and His faithfulness to them in this new life chapter.

Graduates visiting the Village while Home Office was here.

In these and many other changes, God has been with us and has not failed one word of His promises found in scripture. He gives us rest as we trust in Him despite new and varied challenges and responsibilities. As Solomon dedicated the temple to the Lord in worship, may we dedicate ourselves to Christ.

Prayer Requests

• Wisdom, patience, and strength as the Headmaster.
• Grade 12 students to continue working hard in preparation for national exams.
• Graduates to persevere when they face discouraging situations at university, and to continue shining Christ’s light.
• Me to have a restful and refreshing time in the U.S. this month.
• More missionaries to join Rafiki (especially one who can be a headmaster in Ethiopia!).

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