Karen Elliott

Episode 23: From Mexico to Malawi: Leading the Teacher’s College at the Rafiki Village

In this episode, Karen Elliott speaks with Anna Liebing, head of school and principal of the teacher’s college at the Rafiki Village in Mzuzu, Malawi. Anna shares how classical Christian education is transforming the lives of students, parents, and teachers in one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. With stories of student growth, teacher formation, and…

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Episode 22: Beyond the Concert: Global Worship Through Music

Dr. Brady McNeil shares the story of taking the Wheaton Symphonic Band on its first international tour—to Kenya and Tanzania with the Rafiki Foundation. This episode explores the power of music education, global Christian fellowship, and cross-cultural worship as students performed, taught, and partnered with local churches and schools. Hear how music became a bridge…

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Episode 21: Deserts, Dante, and Discipleship: The Global Mission of Classical Education

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Brian Williams joins Karen Elliott to explore the growing movement of classical Christian education across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Drawing on his global experience and deep historical insight, Williams highlights how this ancient, holistic model of education forms not only the intellect but also the moral, aesthetic, and spiritual lives…

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Episode 20: Bryan and Alexis McDaniel from Suburbs to Service: A Missionary Family’s Journey to Rafiki

In this episode, Karen Elliott speaks with Bryan and Alexis McDaniel about their unexpected journey to the Rafiki Village in Mzuzu, Malawi. The McDaniels share how God led them—from suburban life to missionary work with their three young children—through Bible study, prayer, and trust. Their story highlights the joy, challenges, and purpose found in serving…

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Episode 19: Lori McDaniel on the Great Commission

In this podcast, Karen Elliott interviews Lori McDaniel the author of the Mission of God and You. It’s an excellent resource for mission statistics, inspirational stories and practical strategies to encourage all of us to engage all the more with God’s mission to be glorified in all the earth. Rafiki’s implementation of Classical Christian schools…

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Episode 18: What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem

Karen Elliott and Grant Horner discuss why Christians should read pagan texts and how this applies to classical Christian education in AFrica. For a full presentation on this refer to Rafiki Foundation’s YouTube channel featuring Dr. Grant Horner’s presentation at the Rafiki Foundation’s classical Christian conference in Kenya and Uganda October 2023.

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Episode 17: Robyn Burlew on Classical Christian Education and African Learning Traditions

In this episode, Karen speaks with veteran educator, Robyn Burlew, about the distinctive features of classical Christian education (CCE) and its particular challenges and opportunities in African contexts.

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Episode 16: Church Planting History in Sub-Saharan Africa

What does Athens have to do with Abuja? Classical Christian education in Africa is a part of church history. This episode provides stories from missionary work in nine of the countries where Rafiki serves with brief missionary biographies for both indigenous and expatriate missionaries.

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Episode 15: Training Teachers for Rafiki Schools

In this episode, Karen speaks with Becky and Richard, graduates from Rafiki’s teacher training college and current teachers at the Rafiki School in Uganda.

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Episode 14: The Student Experience at Rafiki

In this episode, Karen speaks with a Rafiki alumnus about her experience at the Rafiki school and what she has done since graduating.

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