May Newsletter

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19)

Dear Family and Friends,

What a delight to see how God’s children have developed over the past year. It hardly seems possible that it was nearly a year ago when our first children came to call Rafiki Village Rwanda home. We are so blessed to have the privilege of being a small part of their lives.

Bev’s teaching of the eleven children in the Three Year Old Class and the Kindergarteners has been the delight of her heart. In our last newsletter the Three’s Class were learning to use binoculars. The Kindergarten lesson in April included memorizing the poem “Grandmother’s Glasses” for an In-School Recitation held on April 28th. It was simply amazing how much better you can see to read when wearing spectacles!

Ken and Sam have made many trips to the villages in Bugesera District doing background inquiries on possible new children coming to Rafiki. After weeks of interviews, paperwork and medical exams nine children will be coming to live at Rafiki on May 10^th. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

As part of personnel restructuring Ken has taken on the kitchen oversight duties. Only God knew that Ken’s Culinary Arts training back in the 60’s would come into use 40 years later. New equipment has been added to the kitchen, thanks to a generous donor, which will make life a little easier for the kitchen staff to be able to put out more meals in less time.

Special thanks for the generous donations for playground equipment. Very soon the children were having an absolute wonderful time learning to slide and swing for the very first time. Also we thank the donors for funding earmarked for the drilling of a well for the village.

One last news item is we are being transferred from Rwanda to Rafiki Village Zambia. We are sad to leave these dear children and the friends we have made in Rwanda, but as we pack for this move we are looking forward to the new challenges God has for us in Zambia. If God has touched your heart with a burden for these Rafiki orphans and you would like to help keep us on the field please contact the Rafiki Home Office with your donation or pledge. Our name and ROS # 176 has to be on the paperwork for pledges and donations to be appropriately credited to our account. We are ever grateful to God for your love, prayers and support, which undergird as we serve the Lord with Rafiki.

Pray for-

· Mama’s and children as they adjust to a new team of ROS.

· Sam, Ken’s Assistant, as he encourages the new village director and team.

· Nationals to continue to work well, mindful of safety and with integrity of heart.

· Each ROS transitioning, those who leave and those who come to Rwanda.

· As we prepare to hand-off our responsibilities here in Rwanda.

· As we adjust to a new village and new responsibilities in Zambia.

·
All who are preparing to come to Rwanda will be excited and blessed of God.

Praise God for-

· The time for overlap of ROS to afford a smooth transition

· He is the Blessed Controller of all things, His will and His ways are perfect.

· Our time in Rwanda, the privilege to know and love these precious children and people.

· The opportunity He has given us to serve here.

· You who uphold, encourage and support these children, this work and us as we serve in the name of Jesus.

Lovingly in Christ,

Ken & Bev