Wilson September 2024

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

“Habari” (Hello) friends and family,

In Africa, it is the season of the Great Wildebeest Migration—the world’s largest. Every year, over 2 million animals (wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle) migrate clockwise across the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) ecosystems. The herds move in response to rain and the growth of new grass, following a natural instinct to find food in order to survive. The temperature in Kenya between July and October is similar to the early days of fall in Midwest America, when the temperature is cooling, but not yet cold.

Some of our seniors heading to a study session during the recent school break

However, as we write this update, Crystal and I are in the southern U.S. anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first grandchild with our daughter and son-in-law! We are also at peace, knowing that our Kenyan teaching staff was well-rested, re-invigorated, and encouraged to begin Term 3 of the school year when I departed. And the term is off to a great start!

Teacher development

While I was still in Kenya, Crystal and I conversed daily (across the miles) and she organized a program that would be encouraging, thought provoking, and challenging for our teachers. Materials were drawn from the Rafiki Bible Study and Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) Conference Talks and included topics such as:

• “How to Teach Anything to Anyone” - Andrew Kern
• “Stamping Eternity on the Eyeballs: Seeing Through Eternal Lenses” - Jason Valley
• “The Improvement of the Mind via the Educational Vision of Isaac Watts” - George Grant
• “Filling the Unforgiving Classroom with 50 Minutes of Distance Run” - James D. Waldy
• “How Persuasive Technology is Both Addictive and Distracting” - Mary Fletcher

When the training week arrived, I began each day studying and discussing portions of 1 Kings with the teaching staff. We explored how God had blessed—and will bless—the obedience of His children throughout human history. Teachers then took part in sessions on biblical worldview integration, teaching strategies, and methodology. Below are a few of the insights they shared afterward:

• “The best teaching comes out of those who are striving to imitate Jesus, the Master Teacher, within.”
• “In order to develop lifelong scholars, we must lay a foundation for understanding repentance. This can only be achieved by having a thorough knowledge of our subject matter and a heart that manifests true humility.”
• “Persuasive Technology changes mindsets and attitudes in a very ungodly way. It undermines true worship and fellowship with other people.”
• “Consistent affirmation helps students believe in themselves and set higher goals for themselves.”

As we strive to train the students’ affections toward the things of God and build dynamic classroom culture, senior tutor Angeline’s presentation reminded her colleagues how a “balanced education” should address a student’s whole being. This includes developing their Intelligence Quotient (mind), Emotional Quotient (heart), and Spiritual Quotient (soul), which equips them to better fulfill the command in Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

On the last afternoon of training, they took part in team-building competitions between the RCCS staff and the Village staff. The events celebrated the adults who utilize their various gifts for the benefit of the Village, the resident orphans, and the community students year-round. A fun time was had by all who participated. There is no doubt that we are blessed to work with such a dedicated national staff.

As we work to disciple our teachers, they are seeing that their greater calling as educators is to disciple their students—to shape and fashion them into godly contributors of their society. Hearing them discuss how teaching the Rafiki curriculum is developing them spiritually, along with their students, is genuinely exciting.

School sponsorship possibilities

Rafiki Classical Christian School in Kenya has made a connection with Covenant Classical Christian School in the U.S. The nexus? Katie Mayberry, a recent short-term missionary at the Rafiki Village. As the crow flies, the distance between the two institutions is 12,638 km. But the thoughts and prayers of the grade one teachers and students has brought their worlds much closer together.

During the second term of the school year, Katie had a major impact on the students, teachers, and school newspaper journalists. Her helping hands provided classroom support to all four school levels. She also arranged games for our residential students and assisted our Imani Standard editor. Like so many other short-term missionaries, Katie’s joyful service reflected the light of Christ from Covenant Classical and First Presbyterian—her home church.

Covenant Classical Grade 1

Grade 1B on the left, and Grade 1A on the right

Now that she has returned home, there is discussion about her classroom sponsoring a student or classroom at the Rafiki School in Kenya. What a wonderful way to learn more about their global neighbors!

God-given talents

Stellah, one of our seniors and a Rafiki resident for the majority of her life, has been blessed with an exciting opportunity! Observation of her athleticism, drive, and quick foot skills by soccer scouts at a local tournament has led to a contract offer with a professional women’s soccer team in Kenya.

Senior soccer prospect, Stellah, with Coach Teacher Curtis

In the words of one of our Rafiki coaches, Teacher Curtis, “This opportunity might open bigger doors for her than we can imagine. With a strong mentality she might end up playing for the national team, or even in Europe. It is an opportunity that only about 1 in 1000 girls get in Kenya. If she signs, she would be playing in the equivalent of the National Women’s Soccer League. Rafiki Kenya has never had a female student considered for selection on this level!” We pray that God’s will be done in the details of this matter.

Your part in the mission

Our work in Kenya is made possible by your prayers and financial support. Your contributions cover the cost of our basic needs on the field, allowing Rafiki to direct other donations to Orphan Care, day student tuition, and other Village programs. All contributions are fully tax-deductible. If you know of others (church, mission board, prayer group, friends) who would like to be a part of impacting Africa with the gospel and Christ-centered education, they can access our webpage for more information and easy online giving (one-time or recurring) by visiting https://RafikiFoundation.org/missionary/theodore-and-crystal-wilson-ii-258, or mail donations to Rafiki Foundation Inc., PO Box 1988, Eustis, FL 32727-1988. Please specify “Missionary #258” in the subject line of your check.

God uses a community of willing hearts and various abilities to carry out His purposes. And His timing is always perfect. Please consider whether God might be calling you to missionary service with Rafiki, whether Short- or Long-term. “Asante sana” (thank you very much) to each of you who have committed to partner with us in any capacity. We are deeply humbled and always grateful.

Prayer Requests

• God will raise up more missionaries, both Long-term and Short-term, to serve in all ten Rafiki Villages in the coming year.
• He will provide more day student sponsors so that we can bring Bible study and classical Christian education to more needy children in the surrounding community.
• The foundational repairs on our Grammar School building can be taken care of soon.
• The Form Four students will continue to review and prepare diligently for the national exams.
• Our daughter and her baby will have a safe and healthy delivery.

“Mungu akubariki” (God bless you).

Please click here for a printer friendly version of this newsletter.