About three years ago, when we were preparing to come here, we told you we would commit to two years and asked you to partner with us. As we evaluate and pray about our future we do not feel that we are being released from our service here in Okahandja, Namibia. On the contrary we feel that we are being called to stay for another year or two. Since you are our partners, we feel it’s important for you to understand what God is doing and where He is leading us.

As you know, we have been serving with Christ’s Hope International and have been blessed in so many ways through our work there. Recently, we realized that the Lord is opening doors for ministry outside the scope and vision of Christ’s Hope, and therefore, we have submitted our letters of resignation and are preparing for the new journey that He has for us. Our last day with Christ’s Hope International will be September 30^th, 2010.

What is the new journey? Well it is building on the relationships we have with the local churches, other likeminded Christian organizations, and the local government to reach a section of society that has been neglected. The people we are referring to are young people who for whatever reason are unable to complete school and who are unemployed. These youth end up on the streets, stealing to survive, living off other family members, and have little hope for a future.

What is the plan to help them? Through our partnership with the entities above we will be opening a small restaurant, the Garden Cafe. The idea is to work with the local churches and schools to identify young people who want to make a difference in their lives. Those who are recommended to the program, will be interviewed, fill out an application and will agree to go through a one year internship program. The training program will include basic restaurant skills, as well as fundamentals of reading and writing English, but most importantly -- we will go through an extensive discipleship program with them. Upon successful completion of the program we would help them prepare a resume and guide them through the process of finding a job.

This is a great opportunity, but a huge undertaking and we realize that much prayer, practical support and good old fashioned work is required to make this a success. Every person we have shared the program with has verified that it is much needed and will be well received – from the government and town officials on down to the young people themselves. This program will improve the level of training and education for the students, promote community involvement by having the churches and school officials participate, and bring a strong sense of personal integrity and mutual respect within the community.

If you are interested in contributing financially or in any other way to this new program, please contact us and we would be happy to work with you.