LAST LESSONS #128 – LAST THINGS – PART 17 – STORIES – PART 1

 “For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10

I am thrilled that some of you have responded to my request for you to share how you got into Rafiki and why. Below I have told (edited!) a couple of your stories. I hope to share more in forthcoming blogs.

• I first heard about Rafiki through BSF. I remember going to the Rafiki Exchange and purchasing my first Rafiki bag while Rafiki was still located on the BSF land. I still have that beautiful bag. My friend Norma and I began to pray about going on a short-term mission trip. By the time I decided to go to the training Rafiki had relocated to Florida. Meanwhile Norma’s life situation had changed so I went to training alone. Rafiki already had the land where headquarters is located today but were still a number of steps away from doing anything with it. It was intriguing to walk the land and hear the vision that God had placed on Rosemary’s heart. 

I did not go on my first short-term trip for a few more years. But I still remember getting on that plane heading to Liberia alone, yet realizing I was not alone. God was very present. It was a life changing journey. The missionaries, the children, and the country. You fall in love. They gave me opportunities to serve in many ways. I was blessed to go back on short-term mission trip to Liberia a few years later and also Ghana. I will always feel a special connection to these places.

I have been involved as a level writer for the Rafiki Bible Study. What a treat to shrink these wonderful lessons and great doctrines down to the level of a preschooler. I learned so much and am humbled at the opportunity. Today I have the pleasure of leading a RBS. I highly recommend these studies; the women in my group love them. The lessons engage and challenge us weekly. “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

• Hi Rosemary, I am involved with Rafiki as a donor and as a customer of the Rafiki Exchange. I became involved with Rafiki because I care about children and was so impressed with the Villages that Rafiki built and offered for orphan children. I trusted Rafiki to spend my donations wisely and for the glory of God. I knew that Rafiki would honor what God commands in regards to caring for orphans and widows. Blessings.

• I have attended BSF for years and I heard about Rafiki through them. I joined a prayer group and still am in it after all these years. I have met three different missionaries and their families...David & Julie Pederson, Tom Maggio, and Scott & Andrea Nelson. I help support them and pray for them regularly as well as the widows and have purchased some of their products. I also help support a fellow in Malawi and a walk-in-student in Ghana.

I hope these stories encouraged you as they did me! More to follow!