July 2011 – Brenda Johnston

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! Read the rest of this entry

May 2011 – Brenda Johnston

Sunday, May 1st, 2011 at 4:29 pm

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! Read the rest of this entry

April 2011 – Brenda Johnston

Thursday, March 31st, 2011 at 7:59 am

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Personal Greeting

We have now been back in Namibia for over six weeks and the adjustment is complete. We are settled in, at least, physically in our home and village. Schedules are back on track. My children, as do I, remember fondly our wonderful time in the USA. As I look at my boys who have been raised in an institution by foreigners and now me, I wonder where will they ever fit in? Then I am reminded that it is ‘In God I trust’! In thankfulness for His plan I will walk through each day. “For I know the plans I have for you. “ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29.11 Praise God and Amen! Read the rest of this entry

March 2011 – Brenda Johnston

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 at 1:18 am

Personal Greeting

Whew, has my transition back into Namibia been difficult! Each time I return the entry is a bit different. Our trip over the ocean was uneventful and the children did incredibly well! They are already “world travelers”. All of our luggage arrived and the only thing missing seems to be a pile of old family pictures that I had packed. It is an odd thing to go missing knowing that I had computers, clothes, shoes, medicines, etc. that would have been much more interesting to take. I am grateful to God for all the prayers said on our behalf as God’s protection did surround us! Arriving back to a developing country is a bit of a shock. Nothing goes easily. Just trying to access unlimited internet in order to eventually get set up with SKYPE is proving to be an ordeal. My children and I were so surrounded by love while in the USA that the contrasts of our Namibian life and that of our life in the USA is massive. “ Grant me the grace to fulfill my pledge of loyalty and service…” Isaiah 61. We praise God for your prayers and loyalty in service to myself and my family! Read the rest of this entry

February 2011 – Brenda Johnston

Sunday, January 30th, 2011 at 5:47 pm

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Personal Greeting

“…not by man’s desire or effort but by God’s grace.” Romans 9.16 Before leaving Namibia my burden was feeling very heavy….I was trying to do much in my own effort. During my time here in America God has reinforced in me that it is His burden and it is my body, mind and soul that he needs. I praise God for the spiritual and emotional refreshment I received during our visits with family and friends. My life has been blessed by people over the years who continue to be part of my inner circle and partners in the ministry to which I am called. I missed visiting with many this trip and yet I saw and spent time with many as well. My children have experienced God’s creation from the warm to the cold! Life, as we know it, is a short sojourn on the road to eternity. As a new year begins, may God grant his grace and mercy in your life Thank you for remaining a faithful partner to God’s children in Namibia! Read the rest of this entry

January 2011 – Brenda Johnston

Saturday, January 1st, 2011 at 8:36 am

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Personal Greeting

My family and I send greetings in this newsletter from the soil of the USA! Janis, Stefanus, Hailey and I have been blessed by fellowship, prayer, and love from friends and family since our arrival the beginning of December. God is good. When in the midst of my every day responsibilities in Namibia, I do not realize how drained I am emotionally, physically and spiritually. Coming back to the embrace of ministry friends and family has, however, made me very aware of how much of a desert I live in physically and spiritually. I am so grateful to God for the encouragement and love that has embraced my family and me. On a daily basis God is giving me glimpses of His presence while my peace and joy are seeping back into my soul. I met Janis and Stefanus when they were 18 months old and now they will be 13 in March. You have been a partner and friend for all this time. Thank you for staying faithful! I praise God for the part you play in my life! I can not continue on any level without you – I need your prayers, your love, your fellowship, and your financial care. As I am overwhelmed in Namibia with the need, poverty, hopelessness that surrounds me, I am overwhelmed here with love! Praise God that His plan for His people is to care for one another. I am very blessed!! Read the rest of this entry

December 2010 – Brenda Johnston

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 at 9:52 am

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Personal Greeting

Over the years you have watched my African family grow up. You have seen pictures of Janis and Stefanus as well as Annetjie and Sannetjie since they were babies. Daniel since he was a boy. Hailey came many years later and now there is Dorian added to Ute’s family. Point being that time is moving forward and so is life. Catching myself losing sight of who brought me to Namibia, I must stop and reflect on what I have witnessed through God’s grace. Eleven years in Namibia and God has never left my side or let go of my hand. As I become caught up in fighting the battle “alone”, I am reminded that this journey on earth is NOT about me. And Praise God that that the burden is not mine alone! I so look forward to my trip to the states with Janis, Stefanus and Hailey. Our schedule is full and yet I will be refreshed by the change of scenery and spending time with family and friends. Read the rest of this entry

November 2010 – Brenda Johnston

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 at 6:41 am

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Personal Greeting

Ouma Kitty, Sylvia’s Mom, went home to be with the Lord at the beginning of October. We know that she is whole again and in the arms of the Father. She walked with Sylvia and I from the beginning as we founded HPOMN and she did more than her share of helping with the children placed under our umbrella. Her presence is greatly missed by all. Our prayers are with the Beukes family as they adjust to life without Ouma in their midst. We praise God for His plan for eternal life. Another friend from the community, a local business man, also died in October. No matter how often we speak about life and how precious it is when there is a death we are taken off guard. May God give us a heart that appreciates each moment of today – Today! Read the rest of this entry

October 2010 – Brenda Johnston

Friday, October 1st, 2010 at 8:16 am