The three girls were quite patient and mostly attentive in the hot sun as Eddie and I spoke with them for over an hour concerning the Holy Spirit, hell, Christ on the cross, whether ‘born agains’ could drink or have boyfriends, and whatever other questions came to their minds. We presented God’s good news as clearly as we could and it seemed to me that they understood it. Marta and Sarah both followed Eddie in a prayer to express their belief, while Lucia said she would pray by herself when she got home. We parted ways leaving them with an invite to church on Sunday.
This morning I was excited to see Marta across the room at church, but she split before I could chat with her. I was even more excited to see her at youth group this evening where I could catch up with her. As we shared around the circle about our experiences this week she told us a bit of her story.
She had been involved in a church and in Scripture Union (SU) with Boniface, so she knew some of the other girls in the room. But her father didn’t approve of her religious activities, so she soon began losing interest and started believing some of the lies of the world. Then lately she had just started going back to SU and was feeling like she needed to become born again. That’s when Providence sent her walking past Eddie and me.
It's stories like Marta's that remind a cynic like me that some of the professions of faith are real and that God's been working in people's lives long before I got there and will continue long after I go. Some do the planting, some the watering, but God causes the growth.
I pray that Marta continues coming to youth group and SU where she can grow in understanding and be encouraged by other followers of Christ her own age. I pray that she will be a light to her family and that her father won’t kick her out of the house because of her decision to follow Christ. And I continue to pray for her two friends, Lucia and Sarah, that God will take that seed that was planted and bring it to fruition.
Marta
Evangelism and African Culture
Other than the guy who just shouted from his couch and never opened the door, we were usually welcomed into homes or at least given time to say our piece. As we’ve been visiting people in their homes this week to share the gospel, they have been much more accommodating than you’d find in the States, I think partly because house visits are much more common here. In America you don’t just drop by someone’s house to visit them. You usually make an appointment or meet over lunch or something. But the only people knocking on your door in the States are salesmen, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and kids in Halloween costumes.
People are also much more respectful to their guests, especially concerning religious conversation. They graciously listened as we shared and explained a few verses from Romans that briefly summarize God’s redemptive plan. This is less surprising when one considers the polytheistic spiritual history of the continent, the increased number of regular church goers, that almost every house has a Bible, and how clergy are often held in high regard (regardless of what they actually teach). Even if they didn’t give us the time to share, they would always let us pray for them. It’s interesting how everyone wants a blessing on their own terms.
And in the end the response was quite overwhelming, almost too much in fact. As some of our hosts have shared with us in the past, when we share the gospel here and proceed to ask if anyone would like to ‘receive Jesus’ or ‘become born again’ then many people will say yes not because they understand but simply to be polite. But we would always pray with them nonetheless, because we don’t know their hearts and this may actually be the time God is moving their hearts to believe.
At youth group tonight we shared about our experiences from the week and many of our youth were greatly touched and encouraged. They were excited by the boldness and passion in the team members from Windhoek. By going along in the different small groups they gained valuable experience on how to explain the gospel and what kinds of things they can say. And they were quite fired up to keep doing it even now that the team has gone. So even if that’s the only lasting effect (which it’s not), I think it’s been a productive week.
Adventures in Door-to-Door Evangelism
When he first came to the door in a long t-shirt and his underwear, we offered an embarrassed chuckle, but when I realized it was my friend Immanuel from the library, I began to look for a place to hide. I was with two girls from Windhoek who came with a team from their church to do an outreach with our youth group in Arandis. Their primary evangelistic tool, door-to-door evangelism.
If you’ve known me for any length of time you know what a huge fan I am of door-to-door evangelism (said very sarcastically for those who don’t). But all this week in the mornings and afternoons we go out in small groups to visit people’s homes, unashamedly share the gospel, then invite them to the evening program we hold every night.
Aside from feeling like a Jehovah’s Witness, I think it puts people on the defensive and they’re far less interested in talking about deep personal matters with a complete stranger than a friend. That said, I have discovered many benefits thus far. At first I was slightly anxious whenever we came to the house of someone I knew. But then I got to thinking, it gave me the perfect opportunity to introduce Jesus into our ongoing conversations. True, this team from Windhoek doesn’t know this person or where they’re at, but their boldness has forced me to be upfront about my faith. For those I don’t know, it gives me the chance to explain why I’m here and let them know I’m available if they ever have questions. In addition, it’s helped me refine my ability to succinctly, clearly share what I believe and helped me get a better understanding of some questions people face regarding the gospel.
I still don't know exactly where Immanuel is on his spiritual journey, but now when the questions and issues come up, he knows he has a friend with whom he can discuss them. I'm also looking forward to an intriguing follow-up conversation the next time I see him in the library. And I’m still no closer to taking up door-to-door on my free weekends, but it has been an interesting exercise in openness and boldness.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth was born with spina bifida. But from lack of proper care at the Ark in Rehoboth, she ended up dragging her legs to get around. Had she received the care she needed she may have been walking by now, but from all the dragging, one of her feet got an infection down to the bone and had to be amputated. Praise God, she now has a proper wheelchair and people who love and look after her. And despite all that she’s gone through, that contagious smile never leaves her face.
The past few school breaks she’s been coming from Rehoboth to stay with Nan. That’s where I met her. She wanted to keep playing Uno over and over. At first she got upset when I would drop a Draw 2, but then she started thanking me because it helped her get more cards she could use for revenge. :)
Getting to know Elizabeth has made me think how easily we get bitter and upset when things don’t go the way we want them to. But by doing that we’re basically telling God He’s not doing a good enough job. He obviously messed up because something didn’t go according to our plans. In the allegory Hinds Feet on High Places, Much-Afraid is traveling from the Valley of Humiliation to the High Places. She is heartbroken when the path the Shepherd marked out for her leads her through the desert in the opposite direction of the High Places, but it’s in the desert where she learns to call herself “Acceptance-with-Joy”. Elizabeth reminds me that whatever path the Shepherd has marked out for me, I too must humbly say, “I am your servant, Acceptance-with-Joy.”
Change for the Hospital
Last night at prayer meeting we weren’t sure if we would have transport to get out to the hospital this morning. We prayed and went home waiting expectantly on God. When Fabiola was visiting with the neighbors later that night they asked her, “So where shall we take you tomorrow?” Not only that, but they lent us their car for the day so we were able to enjoy a nice lunch on the beach after our morning of hard work.
In the hospital we continued to wash and paint the walls in the hallway. Now I know you can’t come paint but I want to challenge you to be a part of this project too! There are costs involved like fuel for transport, cleaning supplies, etc, so Fabiola encouraged me to challenge all of you to donate your change. My proposal is this: at the end of every day through the month of September empty your pockets of change into a jar. When the jar is full take it to the bank to count it and send a tax-deductible donation for that amount to Christ’s Church designated for the Swakop Hospital Project. You can donate online here, send a check to 58 Merrimack Rd, Amherst, NH 03031, or just drop it off at the church. In that small way, your change can help change the hospital!
Or if you prefer, we’re also looking for toys for the children’s ward and books to read to the children. If you have anything appropriate (please nothing worn out or half destroyed) you can try (no promises!) to ship it to Fabiola Banda, Box 475, Arandis, NAMIBIA, or just drop it by Christ’s Church for the next team to bring over. Thanks for your participation, and as always, continue in prayer that as we share God’s love in a practical way, He would open in-roads to share the gospel.
Welcome to Arandis
Arandis is a small mining community about 65km inland from the coastal city of Swakopmund. The town was originally built for the employees of Rossing Mine, the fifth largest producer of uranium in the world. Today most of the town's 5000 occupants are still somehow connected to the mine. Arandis is also home to Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), Arandis Christian Center, and Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries.
I first came to Arandis as a driver for the dance team in 2005 and have been back with teams every summer since. Pastor Tresford Banda and his family have become dear friends and have an inspiring vision to see God move in this community. In my many visits this year I’ve also gotten to know many of the youth through the church and the school. Much of my ministry here will be partnering with Boniface who leads the youth ministry at the church and Scripture Union, which is a Bible club at the secondary school.
Lately I’ve been involved in planning for youth group this next term and an outreach we’ll be having next week with some Windhoek youth. In the mornings I’ve found the library a nice place to do some studying as well as meet new people. I love the community aspect of walking around town. People around the neighborhood already know where I live and greet me by name. But it’s been less than a week, so I still do feel very much an outsider. I’m wondering how long it takes for that to wear off.
Thank God for my can opening merit badge
I just went to open some tuna only to discover Mike doesn’t have a can opener. Unfortunate. But thanks to the Canadian scouts, I now know how to use the old fashion can opener on my pocket knife. I’m glad the Swiss are so handy.
fixing up the hospital in Swakop and use that as an inroad to minister to the patients. This morning I joined the group washing and painting the hallway. So many people were walking by saying how much they appreciate what we were doing and asking if we were getting paid.While at the hospital some of us visited Chriszelda in the maternity ward. Yesterday morning she delivered a baby boy, Immanuel. No, I didn’t ask for all the specs for the ladies, but I did take some pics. Both mother and son are now home and doing well.
Moving On
After I dropped Don and Kat at the airport I spent some last time with the Canadian team over dinner at Joe’s. Then it was time to pack, clean up, and head out to Arandis. Grace and Victoria from the Ark are spending their school break with their mother out in Swakop so I had some company for the ride out. I arrived in Arandis after dark and made my way to Mike Dunne’s house which will be my new home for the next 2 and a half months.
It's only been one night but I’m still convinced that living with other people is a positive thing. At Dieter’s place I was quite secluded and independent. Here I have neighbors quite close and share a living space. Living in community creates tension and the bumps and rubs along the way remind me that I’m not the center of my own universe. But for now I’m still just settling in and excited to be here and start getting involved in ministry.
Photo of the Day
Went to see the wildlife at Okapuka with Don & Katand got some great close ups. I shot over 280
Boy's Night
Saturday night was boys night at the Ark. We kicked all the girls out, blocked off the sitting room, and did some serious guy stuff. I brought my laptop over and we ate lots of junk food and played lots of Super Street Fighter II. Then we settled down with some ice cream to watch one of the ultimate guy movies of all time, Gladiator. Since they usually only get female volunteers at the Ark they always have girls nights where they do girly stuff and watch girly movies. So needless to say, the guys were pretty stoked to finally have a boys night and wouldn't stop reminding me about it the whole week leading up.
All in a days work
It’s funny how a deadline makes you so much more productive. Now that I’m leaving for Arandis next Wednesday I have a week to finish up all my landscaping plans in the garden. Between winter and teams being here it’s been a while since I’ve done anything, but today made up for it all.
As Darin always says the trick to looking good is to surround yourself with people who are good. Well, if you’re trying to build a garden pond, Festus is definitely the guy you want working with you. He works here on the plot for Dieter and Joan so I recruited him to help. I pretty much just mixed cement all day and he did all the work making it look good. Hopefully we’ll finish up by the end of the week so I can see it with water in it before I go.
Shadows over Chinatown
After hearing Buddy and Julia talk up Chinatown for so long I was pretty excited to go, but little did we know how it would shape the rest of our day. The shopping part was actually pretty cool, sketchy little shops crammed full of mass produces knick-knacks. I found myself a can opener for less than half of what I would normally pay and Buddy found a cool Airsoft gun to shoot the annoying birds that always wake him up early in the morning. On our way out a woman walked up to us with the dreaded news. Buddy ran ahead to see if she was right. I walked with Julia praying the whole way that she was mistaken.
As I came around the corner, Buddy was in the midst of a small crowd looking astonished at the two smashed out windows on the passenger side of the car. They had taken Julia's bag out of the front seat and Buddy's laptop bag out of the back, but by the grace of God there lay mine on the floor underneath my sweatshirt. Fortunately Buddy was on his way to pick up their laptop from the service department so it wasn't in the bag at the time, but still that's no consolation. They lost their camera with all of July's pictures, both their Bibles, Julia's ID and bank cards, and all their computer cables among other things. We spent the rest of what was suppose to be a relaxing day running around to the police station, insurance company, and other stores collecting quotes for what had been stolen. We finally slowed down over some KFC at Todd and Erin's house, some other missionary friends in Windhoek. Then they helped us bag up the windows for the long ride home.
It definitely was not quite the day we had in mind, but it all goes back to what I've said before about the sovereignty of God. If we really believe God is sovereign, we must believe that He's in control of these circumstances. And if I believe God loves and cares for His children then I must believe there's more to this than broken windows and stolen bags. Afterall, who knows where those Bibles will end up. Please keep Buddy and Julia in your prayers, that their insurance company will cover everything, that they can get the car windows fixed promptly, and that this trying of their faith will produce perseverance.
And thanks to all for the birthday wishes.
Another happy landing
It’s been a quiet week around here. Schools are in the middle of exams as the term ends so kids are busy studying and taking extra study classes. We moved the Bible study at Okahandja Secondary to Fridays and the one at J.G. was canceled until next term. Meanwhile I’ve been spending most of the week out at the Ark. After helping Bernhard study for his social studies exam, the next day he was excited to tell me he got second in his class by just 1 point. Evenings I’ve spent hanging out with the Canadian scouts finding constellations and playing this game that’s kinda like Mafia except with werewolves instead. It’s a lot of fun even though I haven’t won a game yet.
Looking ahead, next week will be my last full week in Okahandja. For the next three months I’ll be moving out to Arandis to work with Boniface and his youth ministries at the school and the church. I’ll be staying with my friend Mike Dunne, a missionary from Florida, who has an extra room in his place. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in this small mining community already, but never for such an extended stay, so I’m pretty excited to get a better handle on what life and ministry is like there. I’m excited to spend more time getting to know the many people I’ve spent only weekends with. And I’m excited to answer the question ‘how long are you here’ with ‘oh, 3 months or so.’
