HAPPY NEW YEAR! Our plan for 2012 is to stay focused! We are seeing fantastic results and we are on a roll. Lives are being changed!
Change occurs when we present the TRUTH, simply put: accepting that God created mankind to be productive and fulfilled when we live according to HIS design. Confirmation recently came to us from an article in Christianity Today. Our work here in Africa is making a difference.
We see so many young people discouraged by personal failures and tangled up in unhealthy relationships. They walk through our doors, head hanging low and hearts heavy. We witness the last ditch effort to grasp for the magic straw. You can see the desperation on each face as they scrape the bottom of their courage barrel and sit for the interview. Then, after they are accepted into the program.....change is activated slowly as we present scripture, verse by verse, precept by precept, truth that dispels the lies that they have swallowed and digested for far too long. No apologies; no compromise. We present the gospel – because it sets people free and gives them HOPE. It gives them a foundation on which to build a healthy life today and a brighter tomorrow. We teach how to make change in personal character and matters of the heart by applying biblical principles to daily decisions and behaviour. It WORKS! We have real-life stories to prove it!
Here’s the article excerpt confirming to us that what we are doing is the real deal and produces lasting transformation in the lives of Namibian youth.
2008 article in The Times (UK) by Matthew Parris, a journalist and former British Conservative MP. He reflects on a visit to Malawi, where he grew up as a missionary kid. He came to see Christianity as necessary to effect changes in the mindset and culture. He wrote:
“Now a confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOS, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good. ... A whole belief system must first be supplanted. And I’m afraid has to be supplanted by another. Removing Christian evangelism from the African equation may leave the continent at the mercy of a malign fusion of Nike, the witch doctor, the mobile phone, and the machete.”
Since we started the YDM program one year ago, 24 young people have completed the program. Eight have been hired at the Cafe, and according to our knowledge all the others have been offered jobs and are working. These are young people who had no possibility for employment previously.
Read these comments made by recent students who have completed the YDM program:
“It gave me joy in my heart by teaching me the word of God, by teaching me how to treat customers with love and caring heart.”
“The program has made a positive impact on my life. I now know that to make a right choice for my life. It’s has made me a new creation in Christ.”
“Many of the youth in Okahandja, Namibia look toward drinking alcohol as fun, they don’t want to work or even go to church even in hard times. So, this program is a very good eye opener for our youth. It teaches them how to have self-control.”
“This program made me change alot. It helps me to be more loving, understanding and very helpful. It taught me that we are all special in front of God and that God loves me and gave himself for me.”
“Most of us were falling into streets, alcohol, and drug abuse. And it brought changes to my life because as a young mature man I’m 22 years old and still dependent on my parents. After this I’m proud, my family is proud and God has blessed us all with a new life in Christ.”
Not only are these young people productive now, but they are contributing to the needs of their extended family, helping to feed, clothe, and provide finances for schooling. Heads are held high now... smiles have replaced the long faces, and hope has replaced despair. The evidence overwhelmingly proves ... God’s way works!
To all our partners who make this work a reality – thank you! Together.... we will continue to make a difference!
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