We Made It!

We made it to Nairobi, Kenya in good shape and decently good spirits (considering the long flight time and lack of sleep) on Saturday. Tomorrow (Monday) we will be traveling out to Machakos where Scott Theological College is located for our 3 weeks of orientation before finally heading down south to Namibia.

Yesterday was truly a day of rest for us. We tried to catch up on our sleep and adjust to the time change (8 hours difference). In fact, right now I'm (Steve) sitting and typing this up at about 3:40am because I'm having trouble sleeping. My body still thinks it's 7:40pm and is wondering why I've been napping the past several hours. :-)

We appreciate your prayers regarding our travels and particularly about the situation here in Kenya. The country is relatively peaceful right now, and seems to be on the right track. There is a bit of nervousness regarding some upcoming parliamentary meeting on Tuesday and the effects it will have on the people. We were supposed to head out of Nairobi on Tuesday but were rescheduled to leave Monday so that we would not be in the area at that time. The place where we are going for orientation is in an area where the people are not affiliated with either of the main tribes that are at odds. The feeling is that the Machakos area will be untouched by any violence if something does happen.

So, here are a few pics of our travel experience...

Ashlan (above) waits and watches over our luggage

The plane flight was long and tiring, but we were just happy to touch down in Africa!


We are staying at the Mayfield Guest House for now, before heading to Machakos

There is a small playground inside the Mayfield compound area where the kids played yesterday (Sunday)

Last Minute Details

We are just a few days away from our departure and we are definitely tired out from these last-minute preparations, but we wanted to take a second to try and outfit you all with our contact information and our latest prayer requests.

Contact Information

To visit our website: http://www.reachnamibia.com

To email us: reachnamibia@yahoo.com

To send mail to us locally: P.O. Box 223994, Chantilly, VA 20153

To mail us a package: TBD

To contact AIM: 1-800-254-0010

To call (Voice over IP) or instant message us online using Skype: Our username is “graham4jc” and you can download Skype for free at www.skype.com

To instant message us using AOL Instant Messenger: Our username is “reachnamibia@yahoo.com”

To pledge support: Click Here

To donate online: Click Here

Our Travel Schedule

January 9^th

Leave Virginia and drive to Africa Inland Mission’s office in Pearl River, NY

January 11^th

Fly out from Newark, NJ Airport through London, England to Nairobi, Kenya

January 12^th

Flight arrives in Kenya

January 12^th through February 6^th

Orientation and Training in Kenya

February 6^th

Fly from Nairobi, Kenya through Johannesburg, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia

Next 6 Weeks (approximately) -> In Windhoek, Namibia as we get oriented to Namibia and get set up and finally planted in Arandis, Namibia!!!

Financial Status

As a reminder, we have been cleared to go, but if you recall we were still about three hundred dollars short of our support target when we were cleared as it looked like it would all be in place by the time we left. As it stands, we still need about $100 month in pledges per month in order for us to not be running short on even our basic needs. We are going in faith that this amount will be there. God has never let us down.

(BTW - It’s January, and we are less than a week away from being truly dependent on the financial support pledged.)

You can send your monthly support via the following methods:

(1) online at https://www.aimint.org/usa/online_giving.html

(2) by phone at 1-800-254-0010

(3) through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) - http://www.aimint.org/usa/automatic_contributions.html

(4) or by mail.

Africa Inland Mission Int.

P.O. Box 178

Pearl River, NY 10965

Regarding recent issues in Kenya

Some of you have been watching the news reports regarding violence and instability in Kenya due to issues with recent elections and have asked us what will happen to us and our plans to spend time in Kenya for Africa-Based Orientation. AIM has a very large missionary presence in Kenya as well as a Crisis Management team on the ground. They are providing "up-to-the-minute" updates to AIM’s headquarters. The latest reports say that the conditions have stabilized and it is believed that life is returning to normal. That said, we are asking that you pray for the situation there for God’s continuing intervention.

Prayer Requests

· For the situation in Kenya, as described above

· For the sale of our house, which is still on the market (it’s also available for rent)

· For the sale of one of our vehicles (we have a good friend who will continue sale process after our departure, if necessary)

· For Steve’s dad, who continues to battle health issues

· For our health and safety during travel and the transition process

Also, thank you so much for your support and encouragement lately, as it has definitely been valued and appreciated. Thank you also for those who made it out for our Commissioning Service. We were really really touched by the level of support shown. It was a really remarkable time for us.

If you have any questions about things (such as our schedule, commuincation during our transition, setting up to use Skype, how to provide financial support, etc.) or just want to catch up while we’re still a local phone call for most of you, please give us a ring at (703) 338-2275 (Steve’s cell) or (571) 246-3687 (Karrie’s cell). Those numbers will be turned off on or around January 10^th.

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