Wilson October 2024

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

We are grateful for the assurances in scripture of an all-powerful God who is always at work! As we share this update with you, the people of Kenya are celebrating Utamaduni (Oo-tu-ma-DU-ni), a national holiday focused on uplifting their culture. In recent years it has also encompassed the idea of Mazingira (Ma-zin-GI-rha) or “environment.” This is to encourage active participation in environmental preservation, so that the pristine beauty of this land will remain for future generations. This desire is even illustrated in the third verse of their national anthem—which is written in the form of a prayer to God!

“Let all with one accord, in common bond united, build this our nation together. And the glory of Kenya, the fruit of our labor, fill every heart with thanksgiving.”

The home stretch for seniors

Mazingira Day is one of twelve national holidays in Kenya. On October 20, they celebrate Mashujaa Day (Ma-shoo-JAH)—Swahili for “heroes”—honoring those who led the struggle against colonial rule. But between these two school holidays, the countdown to the Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams continues for our Form Four (senior) students. They will be tested in the following subjects: chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, home science, geography, history, business, literature, music, and Christian Religious Education.

These exams, which span most of the month of November, are like taking a college entrance exam in the U.S., except: 1) they are mandatory; 2) they are comprehensive—drawing from content covered in grades nine to twelve; 3) the aggregate score for each student is published in Kenyan newspapers nationwide; and 4) receiving a low score has an impact on one’s ability to secure full-time work of any kind, due to the country’s high level of unemployment.

This year’s seniors have been working even more diligently than the class of 2023 did to revise their notes, review major themes, practice formulas, and sit for mock exams. They have awakened early and gathered after school for additional group study sessions. Most importantly, prayer for their own success has continued to increase, as they have willingly humbled themselves before God.

Guidance counseling

Life transitions are never easy for anyone. Teenagers can especially feel pressure and confusion when it comes to transitions, particularly when it comes to choosing a career path after high school. Teacher, guidance counselor, and “resident theologian,” Antony Waswa works closely with the students from grade seven to twelve to help them think soberly about their futures and the career options available in Kenya.

This year’s activities and career talks culminated with a presentation by the computer science and robotics experts of Tinker Education Center. The photo captures the engagement of the Logic and Rhetoric students—especially Class of 2026 student, computer enthusiast, and future captain of the Rafiki Classical Christian School (RCCS) Robotics Club, Athanus Mburu Kaniu (center back of the group pictured inside, wearing a navy sweater)! Whatever skills our students develop at RCCS and whatever they pursue after graduation, we pray that their greatest goal remains “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

Logic and Rhetoric students listen to a Computer/Robotics presenter

Form 4 students with Rhetoric staff (Guidance Counselor Antony is the second from the right)

Learning to lead like Christ

Since 1985, the vision of the Rafiki Foundation has been to “cultivate a multitude of godly contributors through Bible study and classical Christian education.” RCCS supports this vision through its curriculum and is deeply committed to nurturing future leaders by practically modeling servant-hearted leadership with our staff. RCCS was therefore honored to host the first Blue Sky Leadership Retreat for the senior class on a recent school holiday.

Facilitated by local pastor and RCCS parent of three, Billy Oyugi, the senior class learned about Servant Leadership and how it can be utilized in the “real word.” Through lectures and hands-on activities, they learned how this leadership model values the individual, prioritizes the needs of others, and directs them through service, rather than authority. Embodying Christ’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves, this leadership approach, which Jesus perfectly modeled for us on the earth, creates a culture of respect, service, and mutual growth for all involved.

This experience was especially impactful for this group of students who not only gained insights on how to become leaders that individuals want to follow but also how to discern which leaders they should seek to follow in the future. This training empowered the twelfth graders to lead and inspire others through humble service. We pray that God continues to develop both their hearts and their skills to be effective, godly leaders in their churches, communities, and workplaces in the years to come.

Blue Sky teamwork activity

Blue Sky Leadership Retreat participants

Blue Sky Servant Leadership activity

We continue to be encouraged and amazed at the way the Lord is working in the hearts of the students school-wide, through daily Bible study, personal interactions, and circumstances. Thank you all for being a part of this special ministry, both financially and through prayer. We would not be here without you! If you have any questions, or if you would be willing to host a Missions gathering when we return to the States next year, please email one of us. We would love to see some of you then!

Praises

• Students who registered for an optional KCSE computer exam have already received their results, which ranged from very good to mastery.
• We are grateful for a school/Village community who have remained united in love, compassion, and prayer for us as we experienced the vicissitudes of life (a health crisis, the birth of our first grandchild, and the recent loss of a beloved family member) over the past few months.

Prayer Requests

• Thorough preparation by our seniors and performance to the best of their ability on all upcoming exams.
• Continued healing as Crystal returns to the mission field this month.
• Discernment for Crystal and I as we evaluate staff members, adjust teaching assignments, and seek additional staff for the new school year in January 2025.
• The Lord will provide 20 more Rafiki Missionaries to go and serve.
• More day student sponsors so that we can bring Bible study and classical Christian education to more needy children.

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