You're Invited to our Commissioning Service

We would be honored to have you with us at our commissioning service this coming weekend at The Father's House church in Chantilly, VA.

It is this Sunday (December 30, 2007) at 2pm. For more information, please download the pdf version of our invitation by clicking on this link: Invitation.

See you there!

It's Official!

We're going to be on our way to Africa on January 11th - just over 3 weeks away!

Though needs still remain, we've reached the level of monthly support needed for AIM to clear us to go in January.

Of course God deserves the biggest "thank you", but I also want to say thank you all for your prayer and friendship support. You've let us lean on you so much lately... and we will not forget that.

We appreciate your continued prayers as we prepare for our move.

Again - Thank you!

Another Support Update - 12/12/07

We recently reached another milestone in our support raising. We surpassed the 75% level (pledged) for our monthly support needs, and went over 100% (actually given) on our outgoing needs.

As of 12/12 we show 83% pledged. We really need this to go up asap so there's no delay in our departure (scheduled for January 11, 2008). Please pray with us that this goal will be reached. AIM is expected to evaluate the situation soon (literally any day now) to determine if enough is in place.

Thank you to all of you who have been praying with us through this journey. We're almost there, but we can't let up now!

Support Raising Update

First and foremost, we want to say "Praise God", because our Outgoing Support needs have been met. What that means is the funds are now (or will soon be - due to pledged support) in place, and the costs associated with 6 plane tickets, Africa-Based Orientation, setup in Namibia, etc. have been paid for! This is HUGE! :-)

Secondly, we want to say thank you so much for those of you that have committed to support us in sending us to Africa. God has decided to use His people to fund this ministry, and we are humbled by those who are sharing in the sacrifice.

Now, this is what is left -> We are still in need of about 45% of the required monthly support funds (we will be happy to discuss the exact figure on a personal basis, but will withhold mention of it here on our blog, since it's a rather public venue). Many of you have indicated a desire to support us. We would like to take a moment to encourage you to go before God and ask Him what He would ask of you. If you then feel led to support us by either regular prayer (more important than $$) or financially, we would ask for you to fill out a pledge form so we can track the support.

As mentioned before - on December 12th (or near to that time) AIM will review our monthly support pledges to see if there is enough provision there to send us off in January (our current target). It is our heart to go as soon as God will allow!

You can download a copy of the pledge form by clicking here: PLEDGE FORM with Instructions

And, in case you're curious, here's an estimate of what the monthly support will cover:

As always - if you have any questions, please feel free to email us at reachnamibia@yahoo.com

Update: Pictures to share

We have had a great past 2 weeks of conferences and missions presentations of various types. Honestly, we're exhausted - but excited because of the "fruit" that came out of those times. We had the chance to speak with at least a few people who feel called by God to go into missions service, and made many great connections with others who are praying along with us to see God do great things in Africa.

Well, now that the past 2 weeks are in the past, we've had several people ask if we had any pictures from our recent presentations to see. We do have a few that turned out (most didn't because of low-lighting), so we've decided to share them (see below). You know, one of these days maybe I'll have the time to reduce our multimedia presentation down to a smaller file size so that we can upload it for folks to see. The pictures and videos are worth seeing if you want to know more about the situation in Namibia and how well the children are being cared for by Hopes Promise. God is certainly redeeming the lives of those little ones, though there are many many left to care for.

Above: Our info/display table at Steve's workplace where we hosted a "Lunchtime Seminar" called "On To Africa".

Above: We fed over 40 people that came to our Lunchtime Seminar. We had Grilled Pork Skewers (recipe from Kenya), Seasoned Rice (recipe from Uganda), Plantains (3 different kinds - made with both Green and Yellow Plantains), "Safari Bread", a beef and greens dish, and more. And of course, as a backup, we had pizza.

Above: After the Lunchtime Seminar there were several who stuck around to talk further with us on our upcoming move to Namibia to work with a ministry to orphans and traumatized children. (Ashlan is helping me answer questions.)

Above: Karrie shares with others after the Lunchtime Seminar. We enjoyed hearing from others on their desire to make a difference.

Above: It was an honor to minister at the Dulles Family Life Church on Saturday night and NOVA Worship Center on Sunday morning! We want to say "thank you" to all of you at each church who opened their hearts to us before, during, and after the services.

Prayer Requests - 11/9/07

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" - James 5:16

The next few weeks will be wonderfully full for Karrie and I (which is a good thing). We will have the opportunity to serve in several ways in the near future - and we were hoping that you might take a moment and pray for these times of service. It is our heart that God be exalted and that we could bring glory to His name. He deserves it (and so much more)!

Please pray for us (and those we meet) with regards to these events/dates:

Friday November 9- Saturday November 10
New Wave 2007 Mission Conference in Maryland (sponsored by YWAM)
website: http://www.newwave2007.net/
We will be at the conference representing Africa Inland Mission. This will give us the opportunity to meet and pray with young people who have hearts to serve as missionaries (short or long term) and to answer any questions that they may have about AIM.

Thursday November 15 at noon
Lunchtime Seminar - "On to Africa" - at FGM, Inc., Reston, VA
Every Thursday at FGM (Steve's current employer) an employee or affiliate will host a seminar about particular interests, whether they be educational or entertaining. All employees are invited. Well, on 11/15 Steve will be giving a presentation on our upcoming move to Namibia. Please pray that folks will come. Please pray that God's heart for the orphaned and traumatized children of this world will be heard. Please pray that this will also open opportunities for ministry.

Saturday November 17 at 6pm
Presentation at Family Life Church of the Nazarene, Chantilly, VA
website: http://www.flcotn.com/
We will be ministering at this church, and presenting on what God is doing with us. We have had the opportunity to get close to many in this congregation in recent months, particularly through combined services (between our church and this one) and combined ministry efforts (Worship/Music Teams, Youth Services, etc.). Please pray that the people at this service will hear God's voice much more than they hear ours.

Sunday November 18 at 10:30am
Presentation at NOVA Worship Center, Chantilly, VA
website: http://www.novaupclose.com/
Much of the same could be said about NOVA Worship Center as was said about Family Life. Our church has worked closely with this congregation for years, and we have had several opportunities in recent months to minister side-by-side. Please pray that the people at this service will also hear God's voice much more than they hear ours.

++And we want to also ask that you'd pray for an important upcoming date.++

According to our Outgoing Checklist (list of tasks that need to be complete prior to departure) on December 12th AIM will evaluate our finances to determine if we are on target to have what is required to leave in January. At this point, we still have about 50% of our monthly support target that needs to be pledged in order for that target to be reached. Make no mistake, our hope is in God, and we know without a shadow of doubt that when God wants us to leave the provisions WILL BE THERE. We are ready to go, and ready to see that target reach 100% by December 11th. Please pray that God's will be done, and that we would keep our ears tuned to God's voice as this date approaches. And of course, please also pray that the finances will be there.

As always, we invite you to email us and let us know how we can pray for you. We would be blessed and honored to have the opportunity to stand with you in the same way that you stand with us.

Open Prayer Letter - October 2007

To Our Dear Family and Friends,

I just want to share a bit of my heart with you and express our great appreciation for all your prayers and support. Without you and your prayers, we could never do this!

Though I am generally filled with excitement about our move, at times as I lie in bed at night, the reality of the great change we are about to go through almost overcomes me. In the silence, worry sometimes threatens to consume me. I worry most about our parents. What must they be experiencing as they prepare to say goodbye knowing that it could be nearly two years before they see their grandchildren again? Maybe our timing is wrong. And what if there are expectations I am unable to meet and I fail in some way? After all, who am I? I’m unexceptional, quirky and have lots of flaws (just ask our friends who we have been living with!).

As a mother, I also worry about my children’s adjustment, health and safety. What if one of them gets bit by a snake (never mind that the likelihood of dying in a car accident is far greater than from a snakebite!)? Then there are the immediate concerns that maybe our financial target won’t be met or that our house won’t sell and our move will be postponed. Or that our house WILL sell but the finances won’t be in place and we will be homeless!

But my sweet Savior, through all of this, has taught me to look into His eyes and focus on Him. It feels like that point during the transition and pushing phases of labor when the pressure and pain become almost unbearable. But just as I think I’m going to lose control and panic, the Lord gently reminds me to turn my focus towards His beautiful face, to look into His eyes and to push when He says, “Push!” He reminds me that it was He who formed us and the desires within, and He who placed that deep, indescribable passion for Africa and its people in our hearts. He placed His very heart for Africa within us- a heart that compels us to go no matter the cost. We cannot do otherwise. He further reminds me that it was not we who chose the time or place. We would’ve chosen to go years ago and to East Africa- maybe Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania. We hadn’t even considered Namibia. Friends in South Africa mentioned two years ago how they just kept “seeing” us in Namibia. But we were clueless!

The Lord reminds me of all of this. He reminds me of all the prayers ascending on our behalf. You, our brothers and sisters in Christ, have prayed for the Lord to direct our every step. You prayed during candidate week that His Spirit would guide those in leadership at AIM as they recommended an assignment for us. He has heard every one of your prayers and is so faithful. And He will NEVER mislead us! So, what do I have to fear? We are co-laboring with Him to birth His purposes on the earth and He will accomplish all that He has set out to do. Nothing can separate us from Him and His purposes for us! And His purposes for us are ALWAYS good!

Thank you for being sensitive to His leading. Be encouraged to know that God has been hearing your prayers so please don’t stop! The Lord has led some of you to give financially and we are so grateful for your obedience. Of course we can’t go without the finances! Some of you may not be able to give financially or may not feel led of the Lord to give in that way but have prayed faithfully for us. Thank you too for your obedience. Words cannot express our gratitude for the sacrifices you have made to connect yourselves with us in God’s work. We love you all and are praying for you.

May the Lord richly bless you with every good thing and an ever-increasing revelation of His great love for you!

Praying for you too,

Karrie

On behalf of The Grahams (Steve, Karrie, Kailey, Ashlan, Jessa, Josiah)

P.S. We mentioned in our last newsletter about the family we are living with now as our house is for sale and we are preparing to leave. Well, here they are. Meet the da Silvas:

The da Silvas, from left to right: Brianna, Carissa, Robin,

Jameson (on Robin’s lap), Ron, Judah, Reilly, Addison

September 2007 Update (Newsletter)

We are nearing the home-stretch towards our target departure date of January. There is much left to be done, but we are in faith for the future. Our God's faithfulness is perfect and not wavering... so it's a good thing we depend upon Him!

We hope our September 2007 Newsletter is informative, fun, and at least touches your heart in some way.

BTW - Some of you may have noticed that we aren't answering our home phone very often anymore. Well, in case you missed it, we are moved into the basement of the da Silva family house in Ashburn, VA. Our house is up for sale, and this early move allows us to concentrate on team-building and preparation for leaving... and NOT daily deep-cleaning of our house as we keep it suitable for viewing. Thank you guys! Also, thank you to the Stock family who opened up their home for us for a few weeks while the da Silva's basement was being prepared. Wow, we have some GREAT friends!

You can download our latest newsletter by clicking here: September 2007 Newsletter

Address Change (Bump)

Repeating and reemphasizing a previous post...

We have a new mailing address!

Please send all future mailed correspondence to the Grahams (pledge cards, notes, etc.) to:

Steve & Karrie Graham
P.O. Box 223994
Chantilly, VA 20153-3994

(This PO Box will be kept even after we leave for Africa. It will be managed by the staff of our home church after we have left the US. )

Our house is officially for sale!

We officially put our house up on the market yesterday morning - just in time for the long Labor Day weekend. In case you're curious, here's the link to see pictures and details. Our house

Know anyone who wants to live in the country? :-)

Anyhow, we are asking that you pray with us for the swift sale of our house so we are freed up and ready to go when God's timing arrives. I am in faith that this will be accomplished by the hand of God when God wills... and make no mistake, His will is everything. Everything.

And, as always, we appreciate your prayer support.

Pictures from our children's message

We had a GREAT time with the kids at Young Saeng Presbyterian church in Centreville, VA.
Here's some pictures from that exciting time.

ADDRESS CHANGE

We have a new mailing address!

Please send all future mailed correspondence to the Grahams (pledge cards, notes, etc.) to:

Steve & Karrie Graham
P.O. Box 223994
Chantilly, VA 20153-3994

(This PO Box will be kept even after we leave for Africa. )

August 2007 Update (Newsletter)

Want to know what we've been up to?
Have questions about how to provide support?
Just love to do word searches?

You can download our latest newsletter by clicking here: August 2007 Newsletter

When? (Reposted)

** I'm "bumping up" this previously posted article (with just a few edits) just to get it back on the front page**

So, when are we moving to Namibia?

While we wish it was happening tomorrow, our target at this time is January 2008.

Why January 2008? Because our move will need to coincide with the "Africa-Based Orientation" that happens for all missionaries with Africa Inland Missions that is scheduled. Why not sooner? Because we will need to use the time between now and then to prepare (build Support Team, get our kids their passports, visas, etc.) And, BTW, the Africa-Based Orientation happens in Kenya (where our son is from!!!).

Where? (Reposted)

** I'm "bumping up" this previously posted article just to get it back on the front page**

So, where are we going?

To Arandis, Namibia - in the southern portion of Africa, right above South Africa. The following information was provided by Hopes Promise Orphan Ministry:

"Arandis is a rural town with a population of under 5,000. 65% of the town is employed by the Rössing Uranium Mine or entities that exist to support the mine and its employees.The town was built in the middle of the desert 60kms from the Atlantic Ocean by Rössing to support the mine. Since 1990 the town has been in the hands of the community. Over the past 15 years there has been a deterioration within the infrastructure of Arandis including in the schools. Though we do not know the exact amount of orphans and vulnerable children living in Arandis it is anticipated that this town fits into the general Namibia statistics of 50% of the population being children under the age of 14. Of course all of them are not vulnerable or orphaned. These children are living in child headed households, in circumstances of grandparents who have only a pension as a means of support and with extended family who may or may not care for them. The community of Arandis has determined that there are more children in the community than working adults who can care for them. Specific statistics are not available."

What? (Reposted)

** I'm "bumping up" this previously posted article (with just a few edits) just to get it back on the front page**

So what is it that we plan to do in Namibia?

As missionaries with Africa Inland Missions, we will be working with Hopes Promise Orphan Ministry in Arandis, Namibia. We will be part of the educational arm of this ministry that reaches the "orphan and widow in their distress" (James 1:27) by way of Foster Care, Adoption, Education, Crisis Pregnancy counseling and assistance, Scholarships, and by providing basic needs for orphans and unwed mothers. This is intended to be a long-term ministry.

How? - Reach Namibia Support Team (Reposted)

** I'm "bumping up" this previously posted article (with just a few edits) just to get it back on the front page**

We have had many questions asked of us regarding our support team and support needs. We look forward to speaking with each person who feels drawn by God to support this ministry. If you feel the desire to be a part of this ministry, then there are several ways to do so:

(1) PRAYER SUPPORT: First and foremost you can offer your prayer support. This is an undertaking that must happen primarily in the supernatural. Our battle is not against flesh and blood... and the blessing that we hope this ministry to be must transcend the natural or it will only be temporary!

(2) SERVICE SUPPORT: It is not possible for our move and eventual ministry to happen without a lot of hands-on, detailed preparation. There are many ways in which a person can be a part of this mission by giving of their time. Whether it be through assisting in correspondence, phone calls, photography, graphics help, spreading the vision, etc. - we believe that God does not intend us to go this alone.

(3) RESOURCE SUPPORT: To build a team of like-minded and like-hearted people who want to give towards God's purposes is an awesome blessing for us. We have had a blast already in seeing how God will move on people's hearts to give something of material value so that we can be economically able to give ourselves in service to the Lord. Team members who feel drawn to provide in a financial manner are encouraged to contact us to receive a pledge card and instructions on how to provide financial support towards this mission. Our email address is reachnamibia@yahoo.com . If you have already received instructions and wish to give online through Africa Inland Mission's website, please visit the following link: https://www.aimint.org/usa/online_giving.html

It is NOT our hope that this website/blog takes the place of our personal communication with Reach-Namibia Team Members. It would bless us greatly if you took the time to email us with your contact information so we can share of ourselves and stay in contact on a personal level. If you wish to support this ministry, or if you have questions please email us at (once again): reachnamibia@yahoo.com

July 2007 Update (Newsletter)

OK - so I know it's August and I'm just now uploading our July newsletter. I hope you can take a moment to download and read...

Click here to download

And in case you're in the Marshall, VA area this morning, I'm outside my house manning a huge yard sale, as we're trying to unload as much stuff as possible (except our nicer furniture) before we put our house on the market. Nice stuff for cheap!

Passports - Update

This is just a quick update to our prayer request regarding the kids' passports.

When we returned from being out of town (Texas & Kentucky for team-building) we had 3 of the 4 passports for our kids waiting for us in our mail. That took, quite literally 3 months from when we applied.

Two problems, though. (1) Obviously we still need the one other passport, but (2) one of the ones that arrived had a misprint that will require us to get a new one from the Dept of State. Here's the really weird thing - we called them about it, and it was clearly their mistake. That said, they still told us that if we wanted an expedited process for the re-do that we'd have to pay the full costs ourselves (in spite of the fact that the mistake was theirs)!

Please pray that God will provide a resolution - in His time and manner - for this, and that if He wants to use this obstacle to accomplish something else that we would be faithful, obedient, and walk it out in a way that is in line with His will. Lord - your will be done.

June 2007 Update - We have a Newsletter! :-)

Team,

Sorry it has taken so long for us to provide an update lately. We have been working hard to get a newsletter format together and we've finally sent out our first newsletter via email & snail-mail (please let us know if you don't receive one, so we can add you to the distribution list). We're still learning... so if you have ideas of how we can improve it please let us know.

Ultimately, the goal is to (1) bring glory to God's name by telling you about what He's doing with us as a team, (2) fill you in on the latest details, and (3) equip you as a team member for ministry... and, oh yes, (4) have a little fun from time to time.

In the meantime, if you missed it, you can download the PDF version by clicking on the following link: June 2007 Newsletter

Side Note - May 2007 - Everlasting God

I'm sitting here at my computer... it's mid-morning on Sunday, and we are preparing for our family devotional time. As I seek God's lead for our little bible lesson time that we do in between singing a worship song and praying, I am listening to Chris Tomlin's song called "Everlasting God". The words to the song come straight from Isaiah 40:28-31.

"28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

- ISAIAH 40:28-31 (NIV)

How appropriate for this time. Even the young folk get tired? Though 33, I feel like an old man right now. A really really old man. Must be that pain in every joint I feel after playing soccer (aka "football") yesterday like I was 15 again. I'm not.

Anyhow, the past month has been quite the marathon. Between the dance performances; special services at church (for which I assist or lead with worship); visits to the Young Saeng Korean Church (as mentioned below); sending out the latest round of prayer letters; meeting with Pastors, friends, family; medical physicals for our work visas; fixing up the house to get it ready to sell; assisting a young mother who needs us to watch her child while she's in the hospital for a long stay; and staying up late last night with some friends at our house... I am tired. And this morning, a call from my mom that reminds me of my dad's health struggles. I am weary.

BUT (and don't you love that in God the story doesn't stop there at my last paragraph) - my God is strong. The Bible tells us that in our weakness God shows His strength. We may be tired, we may be weary, but God's glory shines around and brightens up the path. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength". My strength needs a little renewing right now. That's a GREAT place to be. When that refreshing wave of God's power washes over me, that just simply FEELS SOOOOOO GOOD! When I find that God is carrying me with His strength is when I think I experience His touch the fullest. So, I rejoice in the struggles... I look forward to being worn out and tired. That's when I can most easily say that "I will decrease, that He may increase".

So, this morning, I think we'll just sit back and enjoy our Everlasting God as a family. He is good.

Update - April 2007

So, speaking of trusting Him, here's what we've been trusting God to lead us through lately:

(1) Our Visa applications and associated paperwork, physicals, etc. We are neck deep in getting those filled out and submitted. In fact, I just had my physical on Friday. Good news... I'm alive. :-)

(2) Info Packet - we've put together a packet of information about our family, our mission/vision, AIM, and the Whats, Wheres, Whos, and Hows of things. This portfolio-style packet of details is meant to give to Pastors, group leaders, and others who might consider supporting us through prayer and resources. If you'd like a packet for yourself, or would consider helping us by bringing the packet to a pastor or group leader for consideration, please email us and let us know. We appreciate your prayerful consideration with regards to helping us in this manner. To see a preview, click here.

(3) Cross-cultural Assignment - One of the things that AIM asks its missionaries to do while preparing to go to Africa is to gain experience in cross-cultural settings. This should, for example, give a person some insight into their own ability to relate and adapt in healthy manners to the differences between cultures. For this assignment we chose to visit a Korean Presbyterian church in our area several times. Yesterday (Sunday) was a our first visit to the church. They were amazingly loving and warm, and received us with open arms as participants. We were humbled by their welcoming reception, though certainly not surprised. We will need to visit there again at least four more times to complete this "assignment". That won't be a problem. In fact, since their service times are different from my own congregation, I actually think our pastor (who's also acting as a coach during this time of preparation), might bring his family as well. So far, this is fun. :-)

(4) Presentation Opportunities - we have been asked to give a presentation before a combined service with three congregations present. The exact date isn't nailed down yet, but Lord willing it should happen within the next couple months. Other opportunities are on the horizon, and we hope to have a list of our "engagements" to post soon.

Please pray with us on the development of the support team. I believe that the Lord is developing our support team in our very midst. The greatest testimony of this has been that, by and large, we haven't asked for a single thing from anyone except prayer and yet a great deal more has been given or pledged. We continue to believe that the source of needed provisions MUST be God and God alone. If someone chooses to support us, we believe that it's best when done out of obedience to the Lord. That said, if you feel that the Lord has asked you to be a part of what we're doing, we would love to speak with you further. Furthermore, you can download a copy of our pledge card to print out by clicking here.

Be Blessed in Jesus' Name!!!

Side Note - April 2007 - Listen and Trust

Have you had the chance to hear from God in a way that is clear and decisive? I have spoken with many a believer who would say "no" to that question. Though the Word of God says that the sheep know the shepherds voice (paraphrased from John 10: 1-4), I also know that many true believers are confused as to how to hear from God. Usually, unless an angel manifests and speaks to someone, we tend to wander without direction, saying things like "if only I knew what God wanted out of my life" and "I really want to (fill in the blank) but I don't know if God wants me to".

That said, there is nothing more freeing than getting insight into the purpose for which you were designed and crafted by God. Even more freeing is when you realize that if you are truly surrendered to God, that the Holy Spirit will act as your guide. No need to feel timid and insecure - afraid to take a step for fear that you will somehow bypass God's will. See Jonah: Old Testament. Make your plans, and God will direct your steps (Proverbs 16:9).

In the recent weeks Karrie and I have been praying all the more that God's plans for us in Namibia would become clearer and more defined. We believe it important to be able to answer people's questions about what we will be doing with the orphaned and traumatized children there. While there have been times in the past where God has chosen not to explain His intentions, He has been loud and clear recently. Without a doubt, the voice of God has spoken, and the Word we have received from Him is "trust me". Actually, the way it sounded to me was, "Steve - when you get as smart as Me, then you can question what I'm doing". That's just how the Lord speaks to me. I laughed in joy, because God knows how to keep me focused. I'm grateful for that.

Anyhow... "Trust me"... simple and yet profound. This is certainly not a new concept for us, but it seems that the words have new meaning each time we hear them. We KNOW God's will for us because we listen to His voice and have become familiar with the manner and method of His speech. We DO His will, regardless of circumstances, because we trust Him.

Team -> do you trust Him? Do you know what to trust Him for? If there's anyway that we can pray with you on this issue - or any other issue for that matter - please let us know. Our email address is reachnamibia@yahoo.com

Update - March 21

We had an awesome time this past Sunday, as we had the opportunity to share a presentation of AIM, Hopes Promise, and ourselves with our home church. Our primary goal was to build vision for reaching the peoples of Africa - and more specifically the peoples of Namibia - for Christ. Subsequent to that was our hope that our home church would be a the real basis (root) of our support team. Here are some of the real exciting things that came out of that time:

• We received an offer from a family to stay/live in their house during furlough times and if we need to sell our house here in VA before we move oversees
• A wonderfully sweet woman (a Christian from Lebanon) gave towards our outgoing funds and expressed her deep passion for children in need, stating that she just "can't let little children go hungry". We knew exactly what she meant.
• We received confirmation from a wise professional in our congregation that he will voluntarily meet with us several times this year to fulfill one of the preparation requirements from AIM. This particular requirement is fairly hefty, and this is an answer to prayer.
  
• We saw God supply pledges and funds enough to cover over 40% of our Outgoing Funds needs.
• We received an email from a woman who asked for us to supply our prayer requests to her so she could pray for us every Friday.

...and so much more. We are learning daily how God's hands are steering this adventure. Even though the support team needs are great (as Namibia is not a cheap place to minister), our God is so much greater still! It's downright fun to observe God at work.

When?

So, when are we moving to Namibia?

While we wish it was happening tomorrow, our target at this time is January 2008.

Why January 2008? Because our move will need to coincide with the "Africa-Based Orientation" that happens for all missionaries with Africa Inland Missions that is scheduled. Why not sooner? Because we will need to use the time between now and then to prepare (build Support Team, get our kids their passports, visas, etc.) And, BTW, the Africa-Based Orientation happens in Kenya (where our son is from!!!).

Where?

So, where are we going?

To Arandis, Namibia - in the southern portion of Africa, right above South Africa. The following information was provided by Hopes Promise Orphan Ministry:

"Arandis is a rural town with a population of under 5,000. 65% of the town is employed by the Rössing Uranium Mine or entities that exist to support the mine and its employees.The town was built in the middle of the desert 60kms from the Atlantic Ocean by Rössing to support the mine. Since 1990 the town has been in the hands of the community. Over the past 15 years there has been a deterioration within the infrastructure of Arandis including in the schools. Though we do not know the exact amount of orphans and vulnerable children living in Arandis it is anticipated that this town fits into the general Namibia statistics of 50% of the population being children under the age of 14. Of course all of them are not vulnerable or orphaned. These children are living in child headed households, in circumstances of grandparents who have only a pension as a means of support and with extended family who may or may not care for them. The community of Arandis has determined that there are more children in the community than working adults who can care for them. Specific statistics are not available."

What?

So what is it that we plan to do in Namibia?

As missionaries with Africa Inland Missions, we are targeting to work with Hopes Promise Orphan Ministry in Arandis, Namibia. We will be part of the educational arm of this ministry that reaches the "orphan and widow in their distress" (James 1:27) by way of Foster Care, Adoption, Education, Crisis Pregnancy counseling and assistance, Scholarships, and by providing basic needs for orphans and unwed mothers. This is intended to be a long-term ministry.

How? - Reach Namibia Support Team

We have had many questions asked of us regarding our support team and support needs. We look forward to speaking with each person who feels drawn by God to support this ministry. If you feel the desire to be a part of this ministry, then there are several ways to do so:

(1) PRAYER SUPPORT: First and foremost you can offer your prayer support. This is an undertaking that must happen primarily in the supernatural. Our battle is not against flesh and blood... and the blessing that we hope this ministry to be must transcend the natural or it will only be temporary!

(2) SERVICE SUPPORT: It is not possible for our move and eventual ministry to happen without a lot of hands-on, detailed preparation. There are many ways in which a person can be a part of this mission by giving of their time. Whether it be through assisting in correspondence, phone calls, photography, graphics help, spreading the vision, etc. - we believe that God does not intend us to go this alone. For one thing, we are praying for God to reveal the right person to be our "Timothy in Preparation" Coach. We need a mature believer to help oversee our spiritual and cultural preparation activities - much like a coach for a sports team would give guidance, direction, and wise counsel. While we have many potential "coaches", we are praying that God will make that connection so we get the greatest benefit out of such relationship.

(3) RESOURCE SUPPORT: To build a team of like-minded and like-hearted people who want to give towards God's purposes is an awesome blessing for us. We have had a blast already in seeing how God will move on people's hearts to give something of material value so that we can be economically able to give ourselves in service to the Lord. Team members who feel drawn to provide in a financial manner are encouraged to contact us to receive a pledge card and instructions on how to provide financial support towards this mission. Our email address is reachnamibia@yahoo.com . If you have already received instructions and wish to give online through Africa Inland Mission's website, please visit the following link: https://www.aimint.org/usa/online_giving.html

It is NOT our hope that this website/blog takes the place of our personal communication with Reach-Namibia Team Members. It would bless us greatly if you took the time to email us with your contact information so we can share of ourselves and stay in contact on a personal level. If you wish to support this ministry, or if you have questions please email us at (once again): reachnamibia@yahoo.com

Welcome to ReachNamibia.com

Welcome to our web site. We intend to use this site to provide updates, prayer requests, and details with regards to our move to Namibia. We are currently targeting a move to Namibia in January 2008 to work with orphaned, abused, and traumatized children, to bring them the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

We will provide more information and details as soon as they become available.