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