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Personal Greeting

Talitha Kumi:  Little girl, I say to you, Get Up! Mark 5.41  This is the scripture given to Sylvia when we were considering a name for our school and these words have become a cornerstone to our ministry in Namibia.   We quickly realized that God’s intent was not just for the physical child but for the emotional and spiritual child in all of us.  He was not just talking about the children who are young in age but He was speaking to the child in all of us!  Get up! Take a stand!  Live an intentional life for Jesus! God counts on us to reach outside our comfort zone and to rise up to declare His power, love and glory. God has the power in Him to give life! It is this life giving power that is at the heart of all our lives – the power of new life, new hope, and new being.   All of us have said yes to God’s call to His children in Namibia.  We have said yes in prayer, finances and manpower.  We have listened to His heart in this ministry and responded by “taking a stand”.  Thank you!  Thank you!  As we are standing together through 2012 may God receive the glory!

What’s Next

• School started on January 17^th and God provided the teachers on January 14^th!   His timing is always perfect but it can leave us with some stressful moments. Three Zimbabwean teachers were hired to assist the two American volunteers and the six Namibian teachers we have on staff.
• TKCA has 96 students in 2012 from preschool through sixth grade!  We have expanded into two buildings and are trusting God to provide sponsorships for all of our children so that we can meet our monthly operational costs.  An afternoon program is mandatory for our public school students to assist them in closing the gaps in their academics.
• Charmaine and Buezetta have been offered an opportunity through an NGO to complete their 12^th and 10^th grade certificates with improved marks over a nine month period.  Our public school system is so lacking that many of our children do not have a chance.  We are working on the details of this opportunity as they will be in another town and we must provide room and board.
• I will be in NJ during February and my children will be having an adventure with dear friends in VA.

Specific Needs

The majority of our families are now in Arandis.  We have many teenagers in the high school and are challenged to keep them on target socially, emotionally and academically.  We specifically need prayer for the parents to have wisdom and for the children to realize that boundaries and self control are part of life.

Auntie Sylvia and Ms. Nan have a tremendous responsibility on them as I remain in the states.  May God give them the energy needed to keep going.

As TKCA has grown to 96 students from pre-school through 6^th grade with a staff of nine paid teachers we are trusting God to provide sponsors for all the children and monthly income to meet the operational needs.

Teacher Anna is still awaiting a work permit.

Ms. Cheryl, long time friend of Ms. Nan, has offered to extend her stay for two months and she needs a work visa.

I am still waiting a renewal on my work permit which was submitted in June 2011.

As my children spend time in Virginia without me may they adjust, learn, and absolutely enjoy!  My friend and devoted ministry partner, Cheryl, whom I will be with during the month is fighting a fierce battle with cancer.

Thanksgivings

• The week -long camp at the beginning of  January was a HUGE success.  We praise God for providing manpower through a group of African Inland Mission volunteers and our own local staff.
• We thank God for the finances provided by our worldwide partners.
• Sylvia held training for all CPMN parents as well during this time.
• TKCA started with a full complement of teachers for the 2012 school year.  Praise God and Hallelujah!
• I am so grateful for the time that my children and I have in the states this year to care for others and to visit with many family, friends and partners.  My family was greatly blessed with the gift of time with friends during January.
• Arandis had visitors in January from Germany.  The godparents of two of our children spent an extended period of time in Arandis with our foster families.  We are grateful for the support of our German, American and UK partners!
• Thank you, Lord, for the endless list of blessings!

Personal Prayer Request

May God’s word penetrate my heart and change me into the woman that He created me to be.   Thank you, Lord for your constant companionship! In His love, Brenda

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Personal Greeting

Happy New Year ! May your year be one full of God’s blessings!  2012 means the beginning of year 13 for me in Namibia Africa.  As I have reflected on pictures and long past newsletters I am reminded how close God has been through all!  My family is growing up.  This year may be the last year that we are all able to travel to the USA together.  It is my heart’s desire to see as many folks as possible while we are here.  God alone knows the plan.  The children and I have been with my Mom in Florida since our arrival and we will remain with her another month.  A real purpose of our journey was to serve her this year.  Eventually though we will move on as I will also take an extended period of time with my friend, Cheryl, in NJ who is fighting pancreatic cancer.  I am so grateful for devoted friends who are willing to help with my children!  God provided for us financially this year through a need for a “new” used car, Toivo’s tuition and this trip to the USA.  I remain humbled and grateful that there is always just enough.  We just about broke even at the end of 2011 and I thank you for your generous and faithful heart.  My opportunity to serve in Namibia is dependent on your “yes” as a partner in prayer and finances.  May God bless you!

What’s Next

The new year has begun and as it seems with each new year we have our share of changes.

• The children will enjoy a week long day camp the first week of January.
• School begins January 17 for students and January 12 for the teachers.
• Ms. Nan needs an incredible amount of God’s vision for this year.
• Ms. Anna arrives from NH to be part of the TKCA teachers team for the 2012 school year.  Praise God for her servant heart.
• We are readjusting some children as the Araeb auntie decided she did not want the responsibility of her five great nieces and nephews.
• Also, Denis and Zuelery are returning to Arandis to attend TKCA and they will be placed with an auntie.
• All the children who were in Otjiwarango have returned to Arandis to live with their families and attend school there.
• Charmaine still awaits her 12^th grade results and in the meantime auntie Sylvia has put her to work in the ministry.
• The children and I will leave Florida towards the end of January.  Our plans are not yet clear but we are trusting God for clarity.

Specific Needs

Ms. Friedell continues to heal and become whole again after her surgery for breast cancer.  Thank you for keeping her in prayer.

Ms. Sylvia needs some rest and restoration.  May God clear a way for her.

Ms. Nan is starting the school year with fewer teachers than expected and will need a God miracle to make it happen.

Toivo starts his second term at Presbyterian College with a much heavier class load and a job!  Please pray him through.

My children are missing four months of school this year and I ask God to help me “school” them in order for them to return to TKCA in the appropriate classes in May.  Stefanus can only return to school with one on one teaching which we currently do not have.  May God show me a clear path forward for Stefanus.

My work permit is not yet approved and Ms. Anna still needs approval for her work permit.  We praise God that He has a plan and we wait patiently for it.  We are desperate for teachers.

Teachers who are willing to come as volunteers for 11 months from January – November are welcome! Please contact me –bgaylejohnst@msn.com.

Thanksgivings

• We praise God and thank you as Toivo’s tuition needs were met for another term.  He got a 3.1 for his first semester in a USA College.  He realizes the importance of maintaining a 3.5 in order to get into medical school and has set that as his goal.  We are also grateful that he will have a job on campus starting in January which will help with his book costs and pocket money.  Thank you, Lord, for what you continue to do for this young man through your people!
• The Benz family was safely moved from Rehoboth to Arandis.   Most of their children will now be able to attend TKCA.
• Auntie Likkie moved with Asser and Anna back to Rehoboth.  She has decided to adopt this sibling set who she has had in her care for the past 12 years.  CPMN will continue to be a financial support monthly as well as an emotional support and resource as needed.
• A plan has been made for Denis, Zuelery and the Araeb children for which we thank God.
• Charmaine and Buezetta, both finished with school, are now working and getting training from the ministry.

Personal Prayer Request

As God reveals His plan for our time in the USA, may we remain ever alert to His call and obedient to His will.  May I walk without fear, trusting Himj for all our needs to be met.  “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.”

Brenda

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Personal Greeting

Many greetings from all of my family!  By the time you receive this Janis, Stefanus, Hailey and I will be in Florida.   By God’s grace we will be able to spend five months in the USA most of it with my mother and visiting other friends and family.  As the children get older we will not be able to make as many journey’s to the USA  so I am taking advantage this year of the opportunity to still spend time with family and friends.  For December and January we will be at my mother’s home: c/o Alice Johnston, 670 Biscayne Drive, Orange City, Florida 32763.  I will use the same cell phone as last year: 856-7455855.  Though this trip is about serving family and friends who need help we will be greeting our church homes and other sponsors as God allows.  My entire family praises God each day for all those He has brought together to allow us to serve Him through His children in Namibia.  I pray that your Thanksgiving was full of yearlong miracles to be thankful for and that your Christmas holiday will be full of Christ’s love.

What’s Next

• First and foremost we have summer holiday here.  A break from school and a break for all the mommies from their jobs this is the time of year that allows some rest.  Mid- December to mid-January is a time that the majority of Namibia closes down.
• Our children will finish school on December 2nd.
• All the children from Otjiwarango are returning to Arandis for school in the upcoming year.  We are urgently trying to get social services to assist us by placing any children who are not yet officially placed.  The process can be very long and drawn out.
• Mommy Likkie’s health is getting worse and because of arthritis she can barely move many days.  Likkie has had Anna and Asser since Anna was only months old so she is the only mommy they know.  We are prayerful that God will make a way for Likkie to continue to raise the children.
• A team from African Inland Missions will organize a “kids club” for our children before school resumes.  They will be arriving in Arandis just after Christmas.

Specific Needs

December has arrived and Toivo still needs support for his second term tuition.  Please send your donations to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Toivo’s Ministry, 530 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210.  Thank You!

As the Benz family prepares to move to Arandis we pray for God’s mercies on the process.  A move is always traumatic and one that takes time, energy and money.

Housing continues to be an issue in Arandis and we are experiencing difficulty as we look for a home for the Skrwyer family to move to.  It is our intent to turn their current house into a ministry center in Arandis and a place especially where our mommies can gather to work on BOP/SOH items.

Our new teachers will also need accommodations.  May the Lord open the path to places to live.

Ms. Friedell is recuperating from her cancer surgery.  Please remember her.

A returning volunteer needs a work permit to join our TKCA teacher team for one school year.  May her papers come through unobstructed and may I receive mine also before it is time to reenter Namibia.

Our teenagers are struggling with identity crisis which has lead to some dangerous decisions.

May God grant us wisdom, empathy and compassion as we trust Him for protection.

Thanksgivings

• Ms. Lea has left us until the Lord’s plan is for her to return.  She was Stefanus’ sole teacher for the term and he was blessed by her dedication.  Additionally, she had a very positive influence on Seth the youngest member of the Skrwyer family.  All of us will miss her greatly band praise God for her commitment to His work here in Arandis.
• Charmaine completed her 12th grade.  She will not receive her marks until January 2012.  The Matrix Farewell was held in Arandis and Ms. Charmaine was beautiful!
• Lea brought Revival to Arandis for a few days to visit with us.  I praise God that she is doing very well at her new school and is growing up so fast!

Personal Prayer Request

I am exhausted mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  I pray that by God’s grace the change of environment will do the children and I all some good.  May your Christmas be filled with Christ’s light and be a time of peace and joy in Him!  In Christ’s Love, Brenda

Download Prayer Calendar as PDF

Personal Greeting

Praise God for His never ending provision through His people.  Thank you for another year of faithful support.  The Lord has burdened my heart with a trip to the USA again in the next couple of months.  I am trusting God to make a way for the children and I to return to the USA for an extended period of time.  A suggestion was to request for frequent flier miles on UA or DL so that possibly one or more of us could travel that way.  Thanks for letting me know if you have ideas!  My family and I are so  blessed to have so many folks who cover us with prayer, time and finances.  Even recently as I asked the Lord is this really the end of the journey for me (meaning Namibia). I laughed at myself and said “possibly” and certainly I have been blessed greatly by this piece of the journey.  Someone recently shared Psalm 91.4 with me and it is my heart that I claim it and trust it!

What’s Next

• Oh my goodness, as we look at November we realize that another year is coming to a close.  Our school year will end by the end of November and our end of year activities will be celebrated.
• Our friend and fellow ministry partner, Ms. Lea will return to Germany.  Another friend and fellow ministry partner will arrive from the USA – Ms. Cheryl.
• Sylvia will move to Arandis before the end of the month, Rosa Skrwyer and her family have to find another house, and the Benz family from Rehoboth will relocate to Arandis.
• Auntie Emily’s house will have some minor renovations.
• Our children will be returning from Otjiwarango to their families in Arandis.
• Erwina and Milkiero will return to their birth families.
• Auntie Likkie will move to another house in Otjiwarango.
• New board members will join the board and get to know the heart and work of CPMN.
• Our ministry partners in SC will have a Christmas Craft open house on behalf of BOP/SOH!
• Adoption of Elizabeth continues and prayerfully Janis and Stefanus will be given into Brenda’s full custody!  May God pave the way for this process to be “painless”.
• We continue to look for teachers as we have a need for a minimum of one by January.  May God’s will be done!

Specific Needs

December is quickly approaching and we still need Toivo’s second term tuition.  Please send your donations to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Toivo’s Ministry, 530 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210.  Thank You! His recent update indicates that he continues to stay above 80% in all of his courses.

Let us ask God’s favor on volunteer, Daniela, as she returns to Germany and must look for a job.

Our teacher position remains open and we need God’s intervention to bring just the right person for just a time like this.

Anna Gdanian needs work papers to join us for the entire 2012 school year.  May the Ministry of Home Affairs look at our application favorably.

Brenda also needs a renewed work permit or a permanent resident status before she can leave the country again.

As we look for houses in Otjiwarango, may God bring the right landlords and properties to our attention.

Thanksgivings

• We were so blessed by Ms. Daniela during her six weeks with us.  We praise God for His continued provision of volunteers who are willing to sacrifice their own agenda to assist His children.
• Ms. Lea returns home later in November after her fourth trip to us and this one for three months.  We ask God’s mercy and blessing on both of these young German women.
• Auntie Emily, (birth great aunt of Smithley, Ismael, Riaan and Queen) committed to raising the children to adulthood.  We praise God for this family member who has brought a sense of stability and security to these children!
• We are grateful to Ms. Anne and Uncle Peter who are with us in Arandis from the UK during November.
• We praise God for three new board members willing to sacrifice time and energy to help us discern God’s course for CPMN.
• We also praise God for those who have been dedicated board members the past two years and are now moving off.
• We had a young guest who visited Arandis to speak to our youth about choices, consequences and living positively for Jesus.  She, herself an orphan, could identify with our children and she brought a strong message.

Personal Prayer Request

His faithful promises are my armor and protection.  It is so easy to lose focus!  May I remain under the wings of His protection and guidance.

In Christ’s Love, Brenda

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Personal Greeting

Hailey asked me the other day, “ouma why do you read your Bible so much?” Her observation and question made me think, though of course, I answered her right away with “ouma needs to know what God wants her to do and she hears God through His word”.  What hit me the most about this is that, as a parent, we are observed 24/7 whether we think our children are watching or not.  With my children there is nothing I want more than for them to know their Savior.  Do I reflect His Spirit and Light in our everyday living – not always!  I am so grateful for Grace and God’s merciful way of distributing it!  Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support!  God uses you mightily in my life!   Look how my children have grown!

What’s Next

• Whew, what is next?  We recently received a call from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare advising that Ms. Nan and I should move forward with adoption of our children.  Namibia has not had a positive approach to international adoption but in our two cases it seems that they realize the children are in the best possible situation.   We have already completed our application and returned them to our local magistrate.  Convinced that if this is God’s will it will come to pass, I am moving forward with the process.  Though I have no intention of ever moving to the USA with the boys, I strongly believe that if they know they are permanently part of my family their emotional self will be more secured. Thank you for your continued prayers.
• Sylvia’s trip to the USA has been postponed until sometime next spring.
• We are busy screening applicants for our open teaching positions for 2012.  Additionally, we have started accepting applications for students of TKCA and we are off to a good start.
• Charmaine graduates high school at the end of October.  We are prayerful that she will qualify for one of our local universities.  It has been a long desire of hers to become a social worker.
• We have been contacted by an American, Austrian and German who would all like to come to work alongside us in 2012.  I am busy with the necessary paperwork for their extended stay.
• As a ministry, we would like to offer a family camp after the holidays and before school starts.  This is an idea that has been on our agenda for a long time that we have not been able to bring to fruition.
• Our friends at Grace Community Church in Boca Raton are holding a Celebration Sunday on behalf of CPMN the second Sunday in October to refocus our current sponsors of TKCA students.
• We continue to monitor our families who have birth family involvement again.  We pray for Gods hand of grace on these families.

Specific Needs

December is quickly approaching and we still need Toivo’s second term tuition.  Please send your donations to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Toivo’s Ministry, 530 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Thank you!

Health issues are taking its toll on our current and past staff as well as some of our worldwide partners.  We are asking God to protect and to bring to full health all those who are fighting different diseases.

As Brenda prepares necessary papers for permission from the Namibian government for our volunteers may God clear the path and open the doors.

May God bless the efforts of Grace Community to find tuition sponsors for all of our children at TKCA for 2012.

May the adoption process for Elizabeth, Janis and Stefanus be an easy one!

Continued prayers for our teenagers who struggle with current and past demons!

Mommy Evelyn lost her brother and her mother in one month.  As she and Ephraim attend funerals and commune with their family may they be a light for Jesus.

Thanksgivings

• Uncle Mike and Ms. Nan received their work permits for another two years!  Praise God.
• TKCA celebrated the different cultures of Namibia one morning in September!  Our children did a great job of representing through music and dance a number of different culture groups.
• Anna, visiting from Otjiwarango, had a great week with her friend, Elizabeth.
• Our high school students who returned to Otjiwarongo in mid-September have adjusted to their schedule away from their families.
• Ms. Lea is working one on one with Stefanus on a daily basis working to find his best method of learning.  As the Mom, I am more than grateful for her sacrifice of time and talent for three months.
• Irene and Mcshal had a nice visit to Arandis during the school break, allowing them time with their extended family.

Personal Prayer Request

May my thoughts be focused on praising God, thanking Him and trusting Him allowing my mind to be in His presence and my feet planted in peace.   In Christ’s Love, Brenda

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Personal Greeting

The quickest way to bring my mind back to God is to whisper his name!  This is so true!  I realize that on a daily basis, I quietly begin to pray when the disturbances of the world begin to take control.  What a blessing.  I do not always think about it in the midst of the trouble but when I reflect back that whispering of God’s name does take the fear and trepidation away.   God is our constant companion even when we are having sleet storms in the middle of the desert in August! Life is difficult no matter where we are…and our peace can only be an eternal peace found in the presence of the God who loves us – unconditionally!  Some days I am so overwhelmed with my life in this foreign land. And I realize that difficult times are pervasive everywhere.  Humbled and in trust we  manage each day.  With thanks and praise, I give God honor for His love and faithfulness demonstrated by your love and faithfulness to me and my family!

What’s Next

• Third term is approaching quickly and a need to look towards 2012 and our needs to operate TKCA while bringing back all our middle school students.  Finding qualified, committed teachers is no easy task.
• Planning a camp for our children during summer holiday has become a priority as we see the lack of spiritual encouragement.
• Sylvia has been asked to participate in a fact finding mission to Ethiopia.
• A trip to the USA may also be on the horizon for Sylvia in the next two months.  More on this as it develops as she will be available to speak.
• More volunteers arriving before the end of the year including our partners from the UK, Peter and Anne.

Specific Needs

Continued prayers for our teenagers as it relates to personal decisions concerning relationships and school are needed.  The majority of our high school students in Otjiwarongo and Arandis had a disappointing second term! We live in a world where uneducated girls are used and abused.  May God open the hearts of our children to realize the importance of education.

Auntie Emily, a birth great aunt, of Riaan, Ismael, Smithley and Queen has taken over the responsibility of the children.  May God grant these children a lasting relationship with her.

We continue to trust God for Toivo’s tertiary education.  Second term funds will be needed by mid-January.  Donations to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Toivo’s Ministry, 530 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

As we look at the direction of our future as an organization we ask for God’s insight and wisdom.

Ms. Friedell and other of our partners around the world are suffering with health issues including cancer.  May God hold each of them in His hands.

Thanksgivings

We had a busy month and we are grateful for it.

• A team from Manchester Community College visited us for two full weeks giving of themselves to our children and families.  Our children were blessed and staff were blessed!
• Toivo’s financial needs were met by a myriad of people!  We Praise God and thank you for your continued commitment to Toivo’s future which will be part of Namibia’s future!
• Lea arrived safely in Namibia and will join us in Arandis by the end of August.
• SHOFAR ( Swakopmund Church) continues to support us with donations of furniture, clothing and shoes.
• Our third, fourth and fifth graders all learned their time tables!!  This is a huge success for the children and Ms. Nan held a celebration at her house for all their effort! (as an aside, in our public school system probably 60% of the children do not know their times tables when they graduate!)
• Janis participated at an entry level in a horse riding competition and won third place!  Nothing like a ribbon to build self-esteem!
• Generally, the children at TKCA did well with their marks second term.  Teachers Ilanda, Shelly and Nan are working hard to help every child learn.
• Toivo is going to play soccer for Presbyterian College which was a dream of his!  He worked hard and has made the team.
• Dorian, who has been in Ute’s temporary care for over a year, has finally been placed by the court with his family from his father’s side. (father died)
• Ms. Jackie arrived back in NH safely.  She finished her three months with us and we praise God for her heart for His children.
• The students in Rehoboth continue to excel at school and we praise God for that!
• We found the perfect car after a generous donation allowed me the finances needed to replace my 15 year old car with only a 6 year old one!

Personal Prayer Request

May I daily refocus my mind and heart on God, my constant companion. Praise God for His gift!   In Christ’s Love, Brenda

Download Prayer Calendar as PDF

Personal Greeting

Hope is a golden cord that connects you with heaven!  Praise God for that visual as I too often allow myself to get caught up in the trials!  Though I never have second thoughts about God’s calling on my life, I sometimes do lose sight of my source!  Thank God, He does not lose sight of me!  This newsletter comes with greetings and love from my entire family here in Namibia.  On a daily basis we are aware that God uses you to sustain us! Thank you and may your blessings be more that you can imagine!

What’s Next

Whew, the what’s next question is always a good one.  Just when we think God has us on the right track then something else comes up to challenge us.

• We welcome a small group of youth from NH the first week of August to work alongside our team at TKCA.
• As we have another school break which begins August 26 our children will be facing exams the first weeks of August.
• Our teenagers who are 16 and upward are participating in a mission/leadership camp for 10 days during the school holiday.
• Ms. Lea returns to Namibia to work with my Stefanus for the entire last term of school.  Ms. Lea is studying education for special need children and will work specifically with Stefanus in life skills.  I am very grateful for her help!
• Ms. Jackie returns to the USA on the 16^th.  We are so grateful for her sacrifice and service
• An auntie of Riaan, Ismael, Queen and Smithley who lives in Arandis has offered to move into our house with the children.  She has kept a relationship with the children since they came to Arandis and we have agreed to give her a chance with the children.  Of course, it is our desires to have family take care of family children as they can.
• Our first school building on the new school property is in the process of being built.  This building donated by AREVA, a local uranium mine owner, will serve as a meeting hall until we get water on the property.

Specific Needs

We need prayer and insight as we face an unforeseen challenge with our teenagers.  Namibian law dictates that foster parents are caretakers of a child but that the government is still the decision maker for the child.  A court of law also accepts a 13 year old child as a child able to make a decision for themselves about with whom they want to live.   Of course, a teenager anywhere in the world will generally choose freedom over family rules.  We have two young girls who have already taken this route and despite the disapproval of social services in the end the social worker allowed it to be their choice.  Pray with us for discernment and wisdom so that we can best help our children to become contributing adults and not children reliving a cycle!

Toivo needs funding for his studies – currently, $5200  needed before August 15.  Checks can be sent to:

Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church
Toivo’s Ministry
530 Saint Andrews Road
Columbia, SC 29210.

Thank you to all who have given or will give!  Praise God that He has a plan!

Specific Needs for the Ministry include but are not limited to: lower and upper primary school teachers, hostel parents for our children who attend school in other than their hometown, craft designer for BOP/SOH, foster parents.  These positions are volunteer posts and require a one year commitment from January – December.  A perfect opportunity for a “retired” couple with energy to spare or a young adult before entering their fulltime fast track job!  God will provide your funding!  When God speaks to you send me an email!

Water and electricity for the new school property is a challenge that needs prayer.  The cost is exorbitant and though the town should get these basic utilities to the property they have just said they do not have the money to do it!

Thanksgivings

• Our friends from Boca Raton, Florida joined us in July.  While some were busy assisting with practical repairs others we busy with dental check ups.  We remain grateful to Grace Community Church as they support us spiritually, physically and financially!  See this YOUTUBE connection for a video of our kids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1gk67v9ejY .
• Toivo had a successful but stressful summer session at Presbyterian College.  We praise God for a myriad of folks in SC who give him emotional, physical and spiritual support.
• Our fourth graders had an educational and fun though cold field trip to a desert research center.   Uncle Mike, Ms. Nan and Ms. Julie accompanied the children on a science field trip to Gobabeb.
• A parent’s meeting at TKCA gave our children an opportunity to show off skills learned from teacher Julia, especially in music and art.  Teacher Julia taught our children to read music, play the recorder, and to design art.  She is greatly missed already at TKCA!

Personal Prayer Request

May God grant me the wisdom to meditate on his word day and night instilling it in my children through actions and word.

In Christ’s Love, Brenda

Download Brenda’s Calendar as PDF

Personal Greeting

Thank you!  This year seems to be much tougher on my friends and family.  Taking its toll are health issues, job issues, relationship issues!  And yet, God continues to use all those who have been called to this ministry through prayer, finances and time to remain faithful.  I can never express enough how much I appreciate you! As God calls on us to serve His children may He remain our center, our Savior and our light!

What’s Next

• SHOFAR, a church in Swakopmund, has been faithful to CPMN for years through donations in kind,  This year they have offered up small teams coming to Namibia from South Africa.  July 1, we will welcome to Arandis a team who will varnish our playground at the school.
• Later in the month a small team from Grace Community, my partner church in Boca Raton, Fl will join us.  Also one of the board members from our partner ministry in the USA, His Promise Ministries will spend a week with us.
• Teacher Julie, who has been with us for a year as a music and art teacher and a tutor will return to Germany.  This talented young woman will be missed!  We are grateful for her commitment to her work while here.
• The fourth grade class will travel to a desert, research center the beginning of July.
• We have applied for a full scholarship for Macdonald in order for him to attend a good high school for his next 5 years.  We should hear whether he made the first cut in the next few weeks.
• Sylvia will be part of a train the trainer seminar as it relates to foster care in Namibia.   We are still uncertain what part CPMN will play in the new government approach to foster care.

Specific Needs

Brenda needs a car.  My 1997 Polo needs to be sold now in order to get any money out of it.  I thank the Lord in advance for his plan to replace my current car with a different used car – financial need of $4000.

Toivo has arrived in South Carolina and his summer school financial needs have been met.  His first school year tuition is in need.  We have about $5000 towards a total need of $20,000.  Toivo’s support should be sent to:

Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church,
Toivo Thomas Ministry,
530 Saint Andrews Road,
Columbia, SC 29210.

After a social worker arranged a home visit for Delmine with her Mom, Delmine did not return to her CPMN family.  After some time and visits by the social worker with the family it was decided to allow Delmine to remain with her Mom.  Please pray for Delmine on every front!

Pray for our parents as they are faced with more and more issues with their children stemming from their tragic backgrounds.  All of us need wisdom, insight and an incredible about of grace and mercy!

Ms. Jackie is only with us temporarily and we await God’s intervention for the best set of parents for Riaan, Queen, Ismael and Smithley.

Thanksgivings

• We survived snow in Namibia!  Yes, the south had snow in June!
• Four of our children participated in the Science Fair and two of them will go on to Regionals!  Toivo spent countless hours with Riaan, Grace, Anna and Smithley in preparation.
• Norbert and Markus from Kinder und familienhilfe Namibia visited in June.  What a blessing.  Our German partners continue to look for new creative ways to assist us with current needs.
• The children from Thornwell Children’s home in America gave us a generous donation through our USA partner,  His Promise Ministries!
• God continues to use his people from all areas of the world to support His work in Namibia!  We give thanks for our partners around the world but especially those in the USA, Germany and the UK.  We cannot continue with the financial support of others!  Thank you!

Personal Prayer Request

Speaking with a friend this past week, I mentioned (once again) how God has minimized my life in some areas and complicated it in others.  An awareness that comes from time to time, please pray with me that I will be up to the responsibility as I keep my eyes on Him!   With love from Namibia, Brenda

Download Brenda’s Calendar as PDF

Personal Greeting

As I face the challenges of each day I am always reminded that it is by grace that we walk from one day to the next.  I look at my children and then at me and wonder how can it be that God has entrusted them to me?  With my follow up question being, and now how can I best help them!  Being blessed to have so many who share in my challenge is a gift from God.  I cannot do it alone!  I lose my peace, power, protection and provision when I allow my focus to move from He who brought me here. He uses you to encourage me and to remind me that it is through Him that I am here.  News from the USA as it relates to the recession and the very hard economic times highlights God’s hand in my life and in that of the ministry.  Month by month all of our needs are met – you continue to give sacrificially.  “Your gifts are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4.18-19. Thank you!

What’s Next

• During June, Natalie, our short term volunteer will be working with our children individually on how to look at life and oneself through God’s eyes.
• We are already looking at plans for the 2012 school year as it relates to the physical building and do not presume to have all the answers.
• Mommy Rosa has asked to take on full responsibility for her family (Charmaine, Salome, Chriselda and Seth) and we have agreed.
• Mommy Celeste by mid June will become a relief mom as she continues to work as a preschool teacher at TKCA.
• Toivo will leave Namibia on June 28^th and will be welcomed by his host family Dave and Alice Odell in Columbia, SC!
• A visit from our German partners is expected the first week of June!

Specific Needs

As we continue to seek new areas of funding for not only our children but for the growing operational costs that we have, may God grant us wisdom and insight.

We have had our share of challenges as it relates to getting our books properly audited in Namibia.

May God open a window for each door that seems to close.

Ms. Friedell will have surgery on June 8^th – may God give her peace and the doctor steady hands and an insightful mind.

Mommy Rosa seems to be adjusting to her life and responsibility in Arandis.  May God give her the strength and dedication, one day at a time, to remain faithful to her children.

Pray for Jonathan who will be placed in a children’s home and for his mommy to realize the havoc that alcohol is causing her and her children.

Chandre and Salome had extremely poor results during first term – pray for them specifically on this front.  May all of our high school students realize the importance of their education and focus their efforts on learning accordingly.

Continue to pray for Victor who has still not been diagnosed on his limp , left arm.

A reminder that funding for Toivo should be sent to: Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Toivo Thomas Ministry,  530 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Thanksgivings

• Give a Child a Family, working in South Africa for the past 20 years, with a very similar mission and vision has offered to help us as we grow.  They are willing to share with us all of their best practices learned over years of trial and error.  We are so blessed by this opportunity and give God thanks!
• Toivo received his four year visa with no issue. Our AIM volunteer, recently graduated from college and about to be an Admission Counselor when she returns to PA in July is helping Toivo weed through all the pre-arrival paperwork and decisions that have to be made.
• Ms. Jackie arrived in Arandis and will be with us until mid August.
• Sylvia and Amanda are doing well with their Montessori training and Teacher Amanda will incorporate some of what she is learning during second term.
• Our children all returned to TKCA refreshed and ready for second term though a bit cold the first day.  With our official registration through 7^th grade we are able to bring Riaan back to TKCA where he can receive the individual attention he needs.
• We remain so grateful that God’s people around the world are faithful to His work in Namibia.
• Our friend, Roland, visited with us for some days in Arandis along with some of his Namibian children who joined our children for fun!
• Sylvia finally has some help with BOP/SOH as her daughter and a friend help in the creation of items to sell.
• God is so faithful to us and we remain humbled by his love!
• A small team from SA joined us offering a fun afternoon for our children.

Personal Prayer Request

May I remember to give my mind a rest in order to relax my body regaining my awareness of God!  With love, Brenda

Download Brenda’s Calendar as PDF

Personal Greeting

HE IS RISEN!

We celebrated a wonderful Easter in God’s beautiful creation by the Khan River not far from Arandis.  Ute’s family, Uncle Mike, Ms. Nan’s family and my family prayed and played together as we camped, explored and relaxed in a part of our desert that has come alive with the unending rain! No matter where we live in this world we worship, adore and love the same creator! I read something recently that said if I continue to look at my circumstances, I become confused and dizzy – the example used was a ballerina!  Thus, the command of God many times over to keep our eyes focused on Him.  Something so simple that I have heard and said a thousand times became a truth seen from a completely different perspective.  We are so blessed to live in the family of our creator who uses each of us, each day….we are unique and have a purpose which God continues to perfect on his potters wheel.  I remain grateful to God for you and your continued sacrificial giving of your love, prayers and finances!

What’s Next

• School holidays are upon us. This means one month of trying to find activities for our children in a town with few options.  We praise God though that the majority of our children continue to do well.
• My boys are back horseback riding and love it!
• The enclosing of the new school property is complete!  Next will be a basic building in which to store sports equipment that has been donated to us.  Already our partners in Germany have begun a campaign to raise funds to build our first classroom!
• We received full approval for TKCA in April!  This means that we are fully recognized by the government and that ideally we will have a much easier time finding teachers to work with us.  It also means that we can operate through grade 7 allowing our children to remain in a safe and caring environment until at least high school.  We are all very excited about this.
• For the remainder of 2011 we have a decision ahead of us concerning the children who entered the public school system for the first time as their first term results are low – do we leave them there to adjust or do we bring them back to TKCA?

Specific Needs

Obtaining a student visa for Toivo is in God’s hands.  Pray that the people with whom he speaks will already have hearts prepared to say yes.

My boys, Janis and Stefanus and I need lots of prayer –many unhealthy issues from their past are surfacing and Mom needs God’s perspective to handle them.

Mildred, a staff member, has a one year old who is going through a number of health uncertainties – his name is Victor.

Pray for the details of Ms. Jackie’s return trip to Namibia – she will be coming soon!

Lots of vehicle problems are surfacing including my own car – may they be fixable.

A number of my friends in America are facing health issues, death of family members and job insecurities. May God grant them a peace and even an understanding which only He can provide.

Our teenagers are giving us a run for our money on a personal level and on an academic level.  Pray for God’s protection over them and that His viewpoint might become a part of their thinking!

Thanksgivings

• Presbyterian College has waived the proof of finances requirement in order for Toivo to start school on July 6!  Contributions for Toivo’s education can be sent to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Toivo Thomas Ministry,  530 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210 – mark the memo TOIVO.  The check itself is made out to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church.  Thank you for your help!
• A two month volunteer from Pennsylvania arrived in Namibia on the 29^th. We look forward to welcoming her on our team for the months of May and June.
• We praise God for a donated frequent flier ticket donated to Toivo taking him from Windhoek to Columbia!
• Looks like I am online for Skype!  Still getting the technicalities worked out but I have found that it does work!!
• God uses a local church in Swakopmund as an in kind donation point which is more than helpful in keeping our families and children clothed and in shoes in Arandis.
• Ms. Sharon arrived back in New York after 3.5 months with us.  We so appreciate her dedication to our children and especially their future!
• And the rain continues!  Our rivers continue to flow long past our normal rainy season.  The desert is in bloom!

Personal Prayer Request

As I sit in His Presence may I rest in peace.  With love, Brenda