McMahon December 2024

“…[God] has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue…” (2 Peter 1:4-5a).

Merry Christmas friends and family!

Virtue and Worldliness

Not too long ago, I was reading a very disturbing news article about an infamous rapper who had been indicted for some very serious crimes. At the top of the list was human trafficking and sexual abuse. The article included a description of his sumptuous yet raucous parties as exemplifying “black excellence,” while, in truth, there was very little of any “excellence” as the Bible describes it. Instead, it was just the stereotypical prodigal worldliness of secular entertainers.

Contrastingly, I have been helping the Rafiki students in Rwanda consider personal virtue more deeply. I know there are several lists of virtues depending on the source, but few people would argue against building character traits in young people such as hope, diligence, humility, and respect. Just yesterday I received a note from one of our high school students. In it she wrote, “You encourage us to study hard and respect our elders. You have taught me… to be a godly young woman in Christ.” I can testify that she is a sweet, hard-working student who is pursuing virtue both in and out of school. And she is not the only one. Many students are making intentional changes in their lives to reflect what the Bible teaches about character. Simple things, such as greeting teachers on the sidewalk or honesty in schoolwork, really add up. Isn’t that truly what pursuing godliness is all about?

Our tenth graders receiving new classroom study Bibles. I also teach these students Theology once a week.

Life in Rwanda

I am amazed I have been in Rwanda for five months already! The transition has not been easy, and I have yet to be “all moved in” to my new house. However, the teachers, staff, students, and other missionaries here have been so welcoming that it really does feel like my new home.

Packed up and ready to go to Rwanda!

The new headmaster position has been the most unique challenge I have ever faced in my life. I pray for wisdom daily, and the Lord is faithfully answering! I am also glad that my job is so much more than discipline issues and paperwork. In fact, a huge portion of my week is devoted to being in classrooms, observing teachers, and coaching them to become better educators with their own set of virtues. Truly, the heart of the Christian teacher is discipling students to deeper love and obedience to Jesus, which is what I am trying to cultivate in my teachers here.

Enjoying the view at Nyungwe National Park in the southwest part of the country.

My new home in Rwanda.

Junior high students enjoying a water game during Field Day in October.

THANK YOU!

My thankfulness for all of you and the many ways you support me continues to overflow. I know it is because of your prayers that I have been able to joyfully and wisely continue moving forward in the roles God has put me in. It is because of your continued financial generosity that I have not, even for a moment this year, worried whether I would have enough for all my needs. It has been through the phone calls, emails, and even face-to-face visits that I know I am not alone and that God cares about my emotional as well as my physical needs. Many of you are incapable of overseas mission work and your partnership with me is mutually meaningful.

However, it is worth reiterating that any of you who are willing and able to come serve, do it! There is such a deep need for workers on the field no matter your age, skills, abilities, time limitations, or even financial situation. When God calls, He also equips. Furthermore, I have experienced countless times that working alongside the people you have supported from a distance is an immense blessing. Come try to prove me wrong!

Lastly, a quick PSA, that if you are in the Phoenix area and would like to see me while I am home, just ask! I would love to reconnect!

Thank the Lord with me for

• A smooth transition to Rwanda.
• Sweet, budding relationships with staff and students here.

Join me in praying for

• Continued wisdom as I learn to be a good leader of the school here.
• A community of friends outside Rafiki.
• More short- and long-term missionaries to come serve with Rafiki.
• A meaningful visit with friends and family in Phoenix for Christmas.

Soli Deo Gloria!

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