Meet the Petersons from Nigeria

Pictured are Dave and Gretchen Peterson, who live and work in Nigeria with the Rafiki Foundation. They both teach orphaned children ages five to 16 at a Christian school in the village of Jos. They are retired and kind of close in age to my wife and me.

We first met Dave and Gretchen about a year ago at a church dinner hosted by another Koskella (yes, there are others with our name, albeit spelled slightly differently) when they were last home. They had previously completed two years in Uganda, and at the time had been in Nigeria for almost a year.

Both Kay Lynne and I “resonated” with the Peterson’s story. After retiring, they felt called to use their gifts to help kids in Africa. They were led to the Rafiki foundation, which provided a perfect fit for the work they felt God was leading them to.

At the time we both commented how totally committed the Petersons were to leave family, friends and country to live out the rest of their lives helping others on another continent. We marveled at the grace God had given them and at the strength they had found once in Africa.

We had lunch with them again today at church following the late service, and I mentioned to Dave how much their lives had affected us. “Well what’s keeping you here?” he asked. “Why not come visit us on a “mini” mission (short term)?”

And you know what, Lord willing? We’re going to think and pray about that. A lot has to happen before such an excursion could take place, but all things are possible, the Good Book says. After all, we do have time, now that we’re retired, and is there a better way to invest it?

“It really doesn’t matter where you die,” Dave mentioned, almost casually, as he talked about their living overseas. And you know what? He is so right.

Click here to get a little better acquainted with these wonderful people who are genuine examples of true followers of Christ. Once at their web site, follow the links to their newsletters, especially, for pics of some of the cutest kids on earth.