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Personal Greeting

And our time has come to an end…..it is hard to believe that we have been gone from Namibia for 5 months.  God has given us a gift of time that is precious and uncommon.  Through friends, family and the beauty of God’s creation all of us have been filled.  Personally, I will return to Namibia with a soul that has been encouraged and filled, a physical body that is rested, and a mind that is ready to tackle the issues at hand.  From mid-March to the end of April, we traveled from the east coast to Colorado and back.  We saw friends and family along the way.

It has been 12 years since I have seen a Spring and of course we saw Spring at every turn.

We are a blessed family and I praise God for the people in our lives.

My children cannot begin to remember the places we have been but they do remember the people!  We will miss our family and friends deeply.  Thank you that you stay in touch through email and snail mail.  Thank you for your prayers, love and support. We will miss you!

What’s Next

• On Friday, April 4 we will depart Charlotte with 12 suitcases in tow on Jet Blue to JFK.  The following morning we depart for Namibia.  As we transition back into our life in Namibia may God grant us a peace and calm.
• School holiday is until the third week in May so all of our children are busy or not so busy with activities outside of school.
• Ms. Nan and Elizabeth are in the USA for a short respite.
• Janis, Stefanus and Hailey must return to TKCA after missing a semester and adjust into life in school.
• The Grahams continue with 10 children in their home and a ministry to the people who live at the Otjiwarango dump.
• His Promise Ministries and Kinder und Familienhilfe Namibia continue to explore new ways to assist us with projects needing financial support.
• Toivo completes his freshman year at Presbyterian College and will start summer school in Clinton.
• Our friends, Fred and Linda Knight will visit in May with Fred’s parents.

Specific Needs

Our journey to Namibia will be long and extend over three days.  May God take care of the details of so much luggage, motel stay in JFK, and our reentry into Namibia. I am returning without a valid work permit in my passport.

As Nan and Elizabeth spend time in Florida we ask that God will grant Nan rest and refreshment through her network of friends and family.

Annetjie, Sannetjie and Ute need prayer for God’s protection and peace.

The Namibian board will meet in May and we ask for wisdom and discernment.

Our German partners are seeking partners now to assist specifically with the expansion of TKCA and the teachers needed to do that.

Janis, Hailey and Stefanus need prayer as they return to a world without the support system we have come to appreciate and enjoy while in the USA.

Our volunteer teacher, Ms. Anna, had to return to NH as Home Affairs would not issue her a work permit. Please continue to pray for work permits for Brenda, Josh, and all Zimbabwean teachers who are still awaiting the outcome of their applications.

The adoption of Janis and Stefanus will progress upon our return and we ask God to clear the path.

A foster family is still needed for the sibling set of 4 who stay with the Grahams currently.

We have many teenagers in our care and we ask for daily prayer that they will remember the foundation on which they have been raised.

As we request further scholarship money for Toivo may our efforts be blessed.

Thanksgivings

• Oh my goodness!  As I have said to many there are not enough words to express my thanks for the gift of time that we have had in the USA.
• Friends and family have given us time and invested themselves in us throughout the past 5 months.
• My children have grown leaps and bounds both physically and emotionally with the investment.
• A specific thanks for my friends John and Sandy who cared for my children for 1 month.
• Sylvia had a successful visit to Germany with new ideas on the horizon.
• We praise God for His perfect plan, His protection and His provision.

Personal Prayer Request

May God protect us and go before us as we return to our home in the desert.

In His love, Brenda

May the God of all of our hearts be with you and find you well and at peace.

He is Risen indeed!!!

Mike

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Birthday for Miss Dax Parker…

The 13th of March marks the actual birthday of Elizabeth Dax Parker. She may tell you otherwise, such as her birthday occurs at least 365 times per year. In any event, this birthday marked an important milestone in her life. The Magistrate has concluded that all requirements having been met, she may now be adopted by Ms. Nan Parker. If all goes well, and in a timely manner, she will travel this Holiday between terms with her Mother. We pray this is the case. She also on this birthday received a guitar, and by next birthday, she will reward us with music and song. That we look forward to also.

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

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Personal Greeting

“Every good and perfect gift is from above , coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1. 17

My soul is full!  Though I arrived as an empty vessel, God has allowed me this extended time in the USA with family and friends and my soul is once again full.  Through people who love my children and me,  we have been filled with love, encouragement, appreciation, fun and rest.  Watching my children grow in their journey I am overwhelmed by God’s grace.  A time of rest and relaxation away from the

demands of Children of Promise Ministries is a gift.  Through God’s plan of provision and your willingness to say “yes”, my family continues to live and grow in Him and in our world in Namibia.  Someone recently said that they sensed I was ready to come back to the USA.  Surprised I responded that until such a time as God releases me my home is in Namibia where I have a family and 80 other children who God has entrusted to CPMN.  Our journey across America has given me a renewed appreciation for the beautiful country we live in.  Of course, we have our struggles in the USA but our nation is one of beauty – in our environment and in our people.  We are blessed.  Thank you for your faithfulness and love – they are gifts to me from above.

What’s Next

• Sylvia is in Germany for the annual meeting of our partner organization, Kinder und familienhilfe Namibia.  We are grateful for the endless work of our partners in Germany and the USA.
• School break is fast approaching – a much needed break for teachers and students.  A young Canadian is in Namibia to help occupy our children during the break.
• Ms. Nan and her family will have a much needed break from her intense responsibilities at TKCA.
• Our friend Lea who comes as a tireless volunteer to Namibia will be in South Carolina while we are there.
• Our meeting with Presbyterian College is in April about Toivo’s situation as a student and about the finances.
• I will have a number of opportunities to speak with mission committees and churches about existing partnerships or possible new ones.
• Be reminded that donations for the ministry should be sent to: His Promise Ministries, 1106 Old Mill Run,  Deland, Florida 32720

Specific Needs

School break is a long one month holiday and we are prayerful that our children will remain obedient and faithful.

As Sylvia and Richard travel around Europe meeting with ministry partners we ask for God’s mercy and grace on them.

As we have a slew of teenagers in our midst may God touch their Hearts and Minds in a manner that reminds them that He has a purpose for each of them.  Pray for our children as they face the challenges of the world at large.  Pray for our parents to have wisdom and discernment as they raise the children in their home.

May the adoption of Asser and Anna by auntie Likkie come to fruition.

May Presbyterian College be willing to assist further financially for Toivo’s education.

We are prayerful that Nan will receive official adoption papers for Elizabeth before they leave for the USA on April 24.

Work permits and work visas have been at a standstill since June 2011 when my papers were submitted.

Many of our teaching staff is awaiting proper work permits as am I.

Thanksgivings

• God continues to protect and provide!
• Ms. Cheryl remained in Arandis for five months assisting Ms. Nan on all levels of her professional and personal life.
• Volunteer Josephine, Anna and Josh are investing extended periods of time into the success and safety of our children.
• Volunteers who return year after year help our children to grow in self worth and confidence.

Personal Prayer Request

We have been blessed beyond words with our time in the USA.  As Janis said when asked what is the most fun – “it is being with the people”.  Our life is all about relationship and we continue on the journey of spending time with people who are important to us.  Pray for the details of our last month here to be full of His light as we continue to move across America.    In His love, Brenda

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Personal Greeting

Joshua 1.5  “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I have been encouraged by the story of Joshua as I consider my journey.  Wherever I am I realize it is important to remember that I am not alone.  Our time in the USA has been one of rejuvenation for me as I am surrounded by people who love the Lord and love me. We move from one environment of hope to another.  I witness my children being recognized as individuals of value.  As we struggle through the valleys in this journey of life I find peace in the knowledge that I am not alone.  God continues to provide and protect.  As I watch my children grow up, realizing more pointedly how unprepared I am for the role of “ouma”, I grab on to the promise that no one can stand up against me.  Humbled each day by my dependence on others I am reminded that my ultimate dependence is on God.  There are never enough words to express the gratitude I have in my heart that you said “Here I am Lord” when asked to be a partner in this ministry.  May your March be filled with the little miracles of life that take our breath away.

What’s Next

• Sylvia and Richard will be traveling to Germany to represent CPMN at the Annual Meeting of Kinder und familienhilfe Namibia based in Germany.  We are grateful to God that they can make this trip and share with our German partners firsthand how their support is vital to the ministry.
• My children and I will be starting a road trip about mid March to visit family, friends and churches.  I am so excited to have this time of refreshment and fellowship with so many.
• There is a desperate need for a foster family for a sibling set of four.  The Graham family is acting as a temporary place of shelter and overnight went from a family of eight to a family of twelve.
• I heard from the social worker in Namibia that she is busy processing the adoption of Janis and Stefanus in my absence.  As I see how well my boys are doing in the USA, I am glad to know that we could have the option of full adoption on this side of the ocean as well if needed.

Specific Needs

In an environment of hopelessness it is easy for our children to lose sight of the hope and salvation in Jesus Christ.  Pray specifically for our teenagers and by name for Annetjie, Sannetjie, Delmine and Minette.

As leaders – we are called to help our children see themselves to have value both in the earthly kingdom and in the heavenly kingdom.  May God give us wisdom that we may impart His love and value onto them.

As my children and I are traveling for one month may we have travel mercies.

We pray for our teachers to be consistent, encouraging and compassionate.

We pray for our children to hear the saving message of Jesus Christ.

We pray for Nan to have continued stamina as she leads at TKCA.

Thanksgivings

• The children of TKCA are working on the weekends to make a difference in the community of Arandis through a cleanup project.  Praise God for the leadership of our American volunteer, Ms. Anna who is working along with a youth leader from the church.  God is using this work to help each child to see they have value and can leave an imprint on a community.
• Nan’s adoption of Elizabeth is complete!  Praise God and Hallelujah!
• Sylvia was able to get some rest and restoration during the month of February as she and her husband spent time “secluded” from the ministry.
• A large percentage of the children at TKCA who need sponsorship have received it for the 2012 school year.  We praise God for the ongoing support of our partners.
• Janus, Stefanus and Hailey have thrived during their time with my friends, John and Sandy Gately.  I am so grateful for the love and support of this couple who went over night from being “empty nesters” to having three children in their charge. God has blessed me with an incredible support system in the US for which I am extremely grateful.
• Our teachers continue to do well at TKCA.
• We are grateful for the leadership of Ms. Nan.
• We pray in thanksgiving for our friend, Ms. Meredith who has helped us in a myriad of ways over the past 4 years.
• We are thankful for the board members in Namibia, Germany and the USA who give of their time and talents sacrificially to assist CPMN to meet their goals.

Personal Prayer Request

In my role of leadership at home and at CPMN may I teach, be a witness and be a warrior for Christ.

Thank you, Lord and Amen.
In His love, Brenda

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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

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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