Hello from Namibia!

I hope you have been enjoying your “hot” summer! J We feel sorry for you, we really do! At least we don’t get the humidity here. We had some real intense heat ourselves, but have enjoyed cool temperatures of around 70 degrees here with overcast skies for the past couple of days. Sadly, after anxiously anticipating the arrival of winter (June-September) each year now only to be disappointed when the season comes and goes with not much cold, we have finally come to grips with the fact that winter here bears no resemblance whatsoever to winter as we have known it! (kinda like the waterless “rivers”). In Arandis “winter” means only that the nights are bearable and we can have the hope of a cool day or two once every two weeks or so. Still, we take what we can get and boy do we cherish those cool days!

The end of August here in Namibia marks the end of the third term for the school children who go on holiday (school break) beginning this Monday and lasting until the second week of September. Talitha Kumi celebrated the end of the term by having a “Fun Day” this past Friday. Adults and children alike participated in relays and other fun games. Next week a few of our short term volunteers from Germany will be hosting many activities for the children in our ministry including much loved trips to the beach. Read the rest of this entry

Not everyone can travel to Namibia. Some are unable to venture across the ocean and meet these wonderful children here in Arandis. This is not to say there aren’t wonderful children where you are, but these kids have become special to me. A teacher I met in Brevard County, decided to send along a hug for me to bring to these children. Thank you, Kate.

There was a catch, I had to complete the making as it would not fit in my luggage. I found stuffing and was able to sew, my mother would have been proud, to completion the hug. My sewing may be a little crude, but the concept and the enjoyment observed on the faces of those children who have had their hug from an American Teacher was worth my slight discomfort.

Click here to read more in Mike’s August Missive (PDF format).

Download Brenda’s Newsletter as PDF
Download Brenda’s Calendar as PDF

Personal Greeting

During a recent Sunday message I heard,  “When God asks you to do something, He moves people, places and things to provide for that request.”  Those words made me reflect on my own journey.  Certainly God has done just that.  God clearly asked me to do something in September 1999 and He has ever since then been providing for me and my ever growing family in miraculous ways.  Psalm 77.11 tells us, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; Yes, I will remember your miracles.”  God is ever faithful.  Each month I receive short notes from different folks who I think have long ago forgotten me.  These notes of love are such an encouragement to me!  Thank you for remembering me and my family for touching bases from time to time to let us know you are still there following our journey and praying for us.  I am so grateful to God for you! 

What’s Next

• After meeting with the social worker, Jonathan was placed in his father’s temporary custody and they have returned to the fathers’ family. 
• Hope’s Promise has finally begun the process of officially changing our name to Children of Promise Ministries.  As we assist the government with writing minimum standards for foster care., we are asked to be a Foster Care Provider in three regions. As a key stakeholder working in foster care we will probably take on this responsibility. 
• The Graham family’s move to Otjiwarango is materializing.  We will most likely also move one of our families with them who come from that area.  
• A team from the USA will arrive the beginning of August for 12 days with us. 
• We also will be welcoming a year long volunteer from Germany on August 1. 
• Kinder und Familienhilfe Namibia will hold their annual meeting in October.  Sylvia and I will both travel to Germany as ambassadors from CoPMN, God providing!
• Uncle Mike has started his program for the boys on a weekly basis.  May his efforts be blessed.

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Hello from Namibia!

“In all hard work there is profit, but merely talking about it only brings poverty.” ~Proverbs 14:23

This verse was the basis for my lesson to the children in our ministry on Friday afternoon. We brought all of our children that we have in Arandis (62 + onlookers) together on Friday in the Town Hall (multi-purpose building). We worshipped, prayed, played together, and memorized that verse – which I hope sticks with them for the rest of their lives. Read the rest of this entry