Africa may be reached by the gospel, but Africans say that Christianity “is 2000 miles wide and a centimeter deep.” In the next 30 years, one out of every two human beings will be born in Africa. Should we not be concerned? That explosive growth — combined with extensive poverty and great educational challenges — places the African continent in the unique position to benefit significantly from classical Christian education. This may be the singular tool to help the poor, evangelize the unreached, strengthen the church and disciple the next generation of believers. Participants will learn about Africa’s poverty, the continent’s educational challenges and the need for a response from the Church. Come learn about what’s being done in 10 African schools, as well as strategies for training up and sending out well-equipped educators to expand and indigenize the vision of classical Christian education.
Karen Elliott
Karen has served with Rafiki since 1990. Her service has included 12 years on the mission field, most of which was spent in Jos, Nigeria. Upon returning to the United States, she became the Director of Africa Operations for the Rafiki Home Office and was responsible for managing their ChildCare and education programs, as well as their curriculum development. She served in that role for 10 years before being named Rafiki’s Executive Director in January of 2012. Karen travels to Africa several times a year to oversee operations at each Rafiki Village, and considers herself to be an “American-African.” She’s comfortable talking to presidents of African countries, national church leaders and local tribal chieftains, but she especially loves caring for the children and students at Rafiki Villages. Karen is originally from Houston, Texas, and previously worked in commercial banking. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Southern Methodist University and earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Texas at Arlington. Karen is a member of St. Andrews Chapel in Sanford, Florida, and was a teaching leader for Bible Study Fellowship in Texas and Africa for many years. She views herself as a servant of Christ who desires to help others come to know God, become lifelong disciples of Him and become learners of all He has created.
