Okoth November 2024

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24).

Waiting is not the easiest thing to do, whether you are waiting at the hospital, in traffic, or for your spouse to get ready for church. Impatience is something that all of us—some more than others—struggle with despite our best efforts. We can get frustrated and want to quit, but when the reason for waiting is worthwhile, we seemingly are able to withstand it. As Christians, we are encouraged by Psalm 31:24. This Psalm reminds us to be strong and courageous because we do not wait for uncertainty; we wait for the Lord. In the work He has set before us, we wait to see the fruit or the promises and gifts He will bestow. We can wait patiently without being anxious, for God is trustworthy, so our wait is not in vain.

Amber has been working with the teachers continuously, doing trainings and individual classroom observations to give them feedback about their classes. She continues to work with them on how to communicate the gospel, not only in the classroom to their students, but also in the communities that they live in. At times the wait to see the teachers transformed by the Word of God can get tiresome, especially since they are the ones who will have the greatest impact on the children’s lives. It is a sobering reality that when teachers struggle to flourish in their faith and teaching, their students’ spiritual and academic growth may also be hindered. Recently, a student who comes from a Muslim community went to his teacher asking if he could get a Bible so that he could share what he was learning and loving with his Muslim family. Fortunately for this eager student, the wait for a Bible was relatively short, thanks to the generous support of the Rosemary Jensen Bible Foundation. Students in grades primary four, seven and senior six receive Bibles from this foundation each year. This year’s Bible distribution was not only rewarding for the recipients, but also served as a powerful teaching moment. As they handed out the Bibles, Amber and her team took the opportunity to encourage those students still waiting for their copies, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and patient anticipation. They reminded the waiting students that their turn would come, reinforcing the valuable life lesson that good things often come to those who wait with hope and trust.

Amber handing out Bibles

Group photo after Bible distribution

Paul has been conducting school visits, carrying out observations, and providing teacher training. Our curriculum is currently implemented in nine Lutheran schools across nine different villages in eastern Uganda. Many of these schools are situated in remote areas where resources are limited, resulting in educational challenges. While some of the teachers in these schools may have limited formal education themselves, they demonstrate a commendable desire for professional growth and aim to provide students with opportunities they did not have. Recognizing that one cannot impart knowledge they do not possess, we are providing ongoing training to both teachers and administrators to facilitate positive change.

Outreach teacher training

Enjoying class outside!

Outreach school class

The process of transforming teachers’ perspectives and methodologies has a cascading effect on student outcomes. This transformation requires considerable patience and dedication. While we acknowledge our limitations in effecting change in individuals’ hearts, we trust in the Lord’s ability to transform hearts according to His will. Paul approaches his training sessions with patience and optimism, anticipating the holistic changes—physical, emotional, and most crucially, spiritual—that the Lord will bring to the children’s lives.

Currently, Paul is focusing on encouraging the implementation of daily Bible study. This practice not only allows teachers to engage with God’s Word but also enhances their English language skills. We kindly request your prayers for the acquisition of additional Bibles. Our goal is to provide these resources first to the teachers and subsequently to the students as their reading skills develop. Our curriculum implementation outside Rafiki has yielded significant positive outcomes for both students and teachers. We aspire to extend these benefits across Uganda. It is particularly gratifying to visit schools that have been utilizing the curriculum for a year or more and observe the evident enthusiasm of students under the guidance of dedicated and compassionate educators. We are grateful for the transformative work that the Lord is accomplishing in the lives of teachers and students through Rafiki’s initiatives.

We extend our sincere appreciation for your continued support. We kindly request your prayers for all schools implementing our curriculum and for God’s provision in their endeavors. Additionally, we seek your prayers for our teachers at the Rafiki school, that God may continue to shape their lives, enhancing their capacity to positively influence their students. Furthermore, we would appreciate your prayers as we anticipate the arrival of our daughter in January . Lastly, we are currently fundraising for a vehicle to facilitate Paul’s ongoing travels to various villages, where he continues to contribute to the education of Uganda’s next generation. May the Lord bless you all.

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