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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

Page 1

Jesus was echoing this Psalm when He said we are to seek first His kingdom and everything else will be added unto us. I have found this wonderful promise to be true as I have tested it in my life. The part I felt the Lord highlighting, was verse 3: “Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.”

Is it OK to confess

Click here to read more of the Graham Family Newsletter in (PDF) format

I pray this finds you all well and at peace.

Yours in Christ,
Mike

————————-

New paint for the New Year…

This January, I provided a little work for a few of Arandis’ residents. We finally painted the outside of 476 Flycatcher. Bringing the neighborhood a little more class. We have the base color, Biscuit, and the trim color, Stone. I have discovered why the bottom of the house is trimmed in Bitumin. This is because of the high level of salts in the soil. For those who might wonder about the roof and it’s unique look, that is Asbestos It is remarkably good at insulating the house from the effects of the desert climate. Perhaps it is also the orientation of the house, front North and back South which makes good use of the prevailing winds to keep it comfortable year round without any heat or air conditioning. Y’all are invited to come and enjoy.

Click here to read more in Mike’s January 2012 Missive (PDF format).

Download Prayer Calendar as PDF

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

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” ~Isaiah 42:16

It’s officially holiday time now here. The schools have finished for the year. The shop owners are starting to close down and run off into the farmlands or to the coastline. The travelers are flooding through the town of Otjiwarongo like a flash flood of human faces, on their way to somewhere else. Some are tourists from foreign lands such as Germany, the UK, and of course our own homeland – with cameras ready to capture the images of beauty in Etosha. Others are the masses of people returning to their family homesteads, leaving their workplace in the city behind.

Click here to read more of the Graham Family Newsletter in (PDF) format

Download Prayer Calendar as PDF

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

Yours in Christ,
Mike
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A few pictures from TKCA Pre Primary…

Often people post things, and usually I read them and chuckle, cry, or find myself moved. I Found this to be funny in more ways than just the obvious. I decided to share it with you. The year is ending for the Pre-Primary and Primary schoold, and here are the current classes in the Pre-Primary school. Miss Amanda’s class; Miss Meldred’s class; Miss Celeste’s class; and Miss Sophie’s class. On the next page, you will find Grade 1; Grade 3; and Grade 4. We are praying for all these kids to do well on their upcoming exams…

Click here to read more in Mike’s Spring/Fall 2011 Missive (PDF format).

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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

Download Prayer Calendar as PDF

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

Download Prayer Calendar as PDF

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