Adventures in Namibia: 3 weeks left!!

Wow only 3 weeks left in Rundu then 1 week in Cape Town then home! I can not believe it has already been 5 months. How time flies when you are having fun! I wanted to give you a little insight into the ministries we have been involved in and how we have been working with the people.

First, Anna and I have been leading two bible studies out in the location called Ndama. The first study is with a group of girls from ages 10-15. We understand that this is a pivotal time in their lives and we want to send them on the right path. It has been hard at times because they do not always answer questions either due to fear or hesitation because of their english. It has been fun to watch them slowly open up over the past few months. They still do not always answer the questions but they look us in the eye and I think are a little less fearful of trying to answer. They are sweet girls who I think truly want to walk the straight and narrow. But life is hard and who knows what lies ahead for them. I want to ask you to pray for them and to bring someone else along in their lives after we leave to teach and mentor them. It is difficult to leave and not see anyone to take over but I know it is in Gods hands and he will look after these girls. I also want to lift up the church here as they do not nurture their young. There is nothing like the youth groups, young life or other organizations we have in America. It appears they do not see the value of investing in their young. Please pray for the church that maybe over time this can change.

The second study is for disciplining a group of young men ages 16-19. These young men are older brothers to many of the young girls we lead a bible study for, as described above. We thought it was important also to invest in these young men so they can be leaders in their village. We want them to be set apart from their peers because of how they live and act. Many young men here struggle with their identity and try to find it anywhere but in Christ. We want to build a generation of men who have only one wife and are faithful to her and love her as Christ loves the Church. It is rare here for men to be faithful whether in marriage or in a relationship. Anna and I want these men to be able to be an encouragement to one another as well as accountable. We are hoping they continue to meet even after we leave.

All three of us have been involved with campus crusade on the UNam campus here in Rundu. We have meet some wonderful men and women who are truly born agains and trying to live for Christ. They have a heart for reaching out to those on their campus. It is a small group for now but I know God will continue to work there and raise up leaders. It has been refreshing to find young adults who love Jesus and want to live their lives for him. They have a desire to grow and learn about Christ and how to serve him. Unfortunately, many people here do not understand the gospel. All they see is religion and a set a rules to follow not a relationship. I think if the people here truly understood the gospel then it would change them. Because if you believe in the gospel and what Christ has done for you on the cross you cannot stand idle, you will be changed. “ The gospel reawakens us to the beauty of God and overwhelms us with mercy. Our behavior changes because we change.” (JD Greear)

Lastly, has been our ministry at the hospital. Although this is considered our “work” we still are there as volunteers and servants of Christ. It has taken time to build relationships and for people to learn trust us. I think for myself it has been the hardest part of my ministry here. It has been a combination of factors which have contributed to it being difficult. But I do my best to go each day with a smile on my face and the love of God in my heart to serve my coworkers and patients. I thank the Lord that his mercies are new every morning. Please continue to pray for me to be Gods light there in these last few weeks. I want to finish well! My prayer is summed up in Hebrews 6:10-12 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope secure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Thank you for your support and prayers.