Upton June 2021

“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday” (Isaiah 58:10).

What a busy May I had! It started off with a bang as I finished my last semester at Reformation Bible College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. I am so grateful for the sustaining grace of God which carried me through all the ups and downs of my time in college. A week after graduation, I headed out west to spend time with my sister and brother-in-law in Oregon and then with some dear friends in Utah before I leave for the field. It was a blessing to have a break and be with loved ones. Now that I have returned to Florida, I am diving headfirst into the many legal, medical, and practical preparations I must make before I get on a plane for Africa!

With my sister at Crater Lake

At the end of June, I will be participating in Survival Camp, Rafiki’s basic training for long-term missionaries, held here at the Home Office. We will attend meetings and training sessions, but also have the opportunity to serve in various ways around the Home Office. I am looking forward to learning a great deal, serving, and connecting with my fellow “survivors.” Please pray that Survival Camp will be a fruitful and beneficial experience for us as we seek to grow in our knowledge and understanding of our future duties and lives in Africa.

It is fitting that our missionary training includes service, not only because we are preparing to serve at a Rafiki Village, but also because Rafiki’s hope and desire is that our students have a heart for serving God and others. Our prayer is that every child becomes a godly contributor in their country. At the Rafiki Village Liberia, the resident orphans regularly participate in service projects in the community. They have tutored children in a nearby orphanage by assisting them with homework and reading books to them. The Rafiki children also led a chapel service at a local Christian school. They’ve assisted with painting projects and created encouraging signs for staff and patients at the local hospital. These opportunities to serve the Lord by serving others help them learn more about what it means to love their neighbors.

Rafiki students in Liberia tutoring at a local school

I’m deeply grateful and humbled by your service to me through all your prayers and financial support. God is providing abundantly, and I am very excited to say that I am now fully funded! Thank you for partnering with me in serving God’s kingdom.

Prayer requests:

• God will instill hearts for service in all Rafiki missionaries, staff, and students.

• The accreditation and registration of the teacher training program in Liberia will be finalized with the government.

• God will continue give me wisdom and direction as I prepare for the field.

If you have any questions or want to know more, please reach out! Thank you for your support!

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