Measureable Success!

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." 2 Timothy 3:16 (The Message)


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!

Celebrate!

A good kind of pride fills our hearts this week as we celebrate the end of our third YDM program, and adjust to our larger staff. Just like in previous sessions, we have selected star students to join our staff at the cafe – and all three were very excited to answer yes to the invitation.


You missed a very energy-filled evening last Friday night as we celebrated over dinner with all 10 students, their family and friends; Pastor Garnie & his wife; Pastor Watson & his wife; and the GM of Closwa & his wife. All three of the latter extended words of encouragement and challenge to the students. You should have seen the smiles on each face and heard the giggles and exclamations of gratitude as they received recognition, gifts and certificates of completion. They were bouncing with excitement.

The Rosen's & Duran's with 9 of the 10 students

Teacher Sondra with Herculady

Here are some pictures to help illustrate. Perhaps as you see the pictures you will understand that you are a part of something very big – much bigger than Tony & Catherine. You are helping to change the future of these young people and their families – one student at a time. There is now HOPE where there was only despair!  Something to celebrate, indeed.

During special prayer time for the students

Englehardt & Albertina with friends

Time to Celebrate new beginnings!

Here is a picture of our trainees completing the program TOMORROW!  One has been hired at a local lodge here in Okahandja, several others have already interviewed for hospitality jobs, and their CV's are being sent to lodges and guest houses all around Namibia as I write this blog.  Doors are opening .... people are spreading the word about our program and these young people have a new found hope for a successful future.  We are proud, yes, but must give thanks to our partners, the Rosen's for their help this term, and our course, God - our Father who loves these young people even more than we do. 

Black Rhino having a snack

One of the perks of living in Africa is getting the thrill of observing wildlife in their natural habitat.  The sights, the sounds, the smells.... well, you'll have to use your imagination for the smells part!  Quite remarkable animals.

Another Success Story!

Adam applied for the YDM program along with about 30 other young people. He completed all the requirements for the program and smiled his way through the interview process. Something about his determination to improve his life circumstances touched us and we accepted him and nine others into the program last February.


As we became more acquainted with each student, we heard their stories and listened as they shared their struggles. Adam confessed that he had been a party person the past few years, but also made a point of letting us know that he knew – that was a dead end road. We watched as day by day, lesson by lesson, Adam grew strong in character and pushed through to meet his goals. He proved to be a great server, with excellent communication skills and warm smile which made his customers comfortable. He showed respect for authority, concern for his classmates and demonstrated a team player attitude. Whether serving tables or prep-cooking in the kitchen, Adam stayed focused and thorough in his training.

At the conclusion of the program Adam received a letter of recommendation from Garden Cafe and had achieved the confidence to apply for work in hospitality. We had not seen Adam in about three months and wondered how he was doing. Just a week ago, Adam walked into the cafe with a big smile greeting us warmly. What a pleasant surprise!

Of course, we asked him what he was doing now. He proudly reported that he is working at a busy restaurant in Windhoek, making good money and enjoying it. We could see the satisfaction on his face. He had received a boost forward by being in the YDM program and now he was moving ahead – setting goals and finding the success he only dreamed about one year ago.

This is what we get excited about and what motivates us to continue when it gets challenging. Young people like Adam determined to succeed just need a little push in the right direction.

We're Cruising!

Sondra & Charles - living, breathing gifts from the Father!

Classes are under way! Our friends (the Rosen’s) have their sea legs and are fully cruising with us and enjoying the adventure.  It’s so great to have partners in our mission here.  Each day we hear more stories that touch our hearts in a profound way.  Now that we are beginning to build relationships with our students, we are hearing about serious financial crisis in families, need for eyeglasses, medical care, and school fees for siblings.  Some families have a basic need for food.  Our hearts are moved to compassion and yet, we don’t have the finances to care for all the needs.  Please pray with us that others will open their hearts to give – both locally as well as friends around the world.  As we have slimmed down our personal budget we are able to help some, but it’s just not enough.  It’s another lesson in prayerful perseverance.

The most exciting and rewarding part of our job is welcoming a new believer into the family of God and last week – we welcomed five of our students.  We are rejoicing with the angels and invite you to join the celebration.  Now, we have much work to do as we nurture and disciple.  One question we hear and see in their eyes, “If God loves us so much – why are we suffering?”  We need wisdom as we counsel these precious new family members. 

Thank you for your support and prayers!  We are able to do what we do - because of your continued support!  We pray God blesses YOU!  We can't thank you enough.

One by one

Ernesto has been in our home many times.  We first met him about 3 years ago.  He was introduced to us as a young man who works with the game drives.  Over chips and cool drink we listened to his story.  He is the oldest in his family and there is a strong pressure for him to contribute financial to the struggling family.  I've never heard him talk about his father, but he does mention his mother and sisters.  Ernesto described his job with the game drive company as very risky.  He was injured more than once by animals which were being herded into trucks for transport to game reserves.  This born and raised Namibian expressed his fear and respect for the wild animals he captured and helped transport.  He shared that he was studying and practicing so that he could get his drivers license and drive the trucks, which would grant him more pay and less risk.  For the past two years he tried and failed, until finally after much encouragment - he passed his drivers test, however the game company did not grant him a driver position.  When he talked with Tony, he sounded desperate to find another job.  Tony then contacted friends of ours who own a local paint company and asked if Ernesto could come in for an interview.  After completing the application process, he was hired and is happy now to have such a good job with a good, reliable, growing company.  He drives truck delivering paint to the various locations throughout Namibia, and enjoys his work.  His big smile is genuine!  Thank you for all your partner support, because we were able to help Ernesto through some very dry financial seasons as he struggled to find stable employment.  He expresses his thanks too.

Training Begins Again

New Students

One out of these five was selected. Very difficult to choose.

We have just begun our third training. On Tuesday the 6^th of September we handed out 27 applications and we had 23 return the applications. We invited all 23 to come back for interviews and as we sat with each one and talked to them our hearts were moved and we wanted to invite them all back to be a part of the program. We sat with our friends from the States, Charles and Sondra, and reviewed the applications and had the difficult task of deciding which ones would participate. Having to choose ten was just too hard and in the end we accepted eleven into the program.

The program began on September 13^th and will run for twelve weeks. We have four men and seven women this time and we are already very excited about this group. We now have the next twelve weeks to work with these eleven young people - to help them develop and grow – in personal character as well as practical skills which will help them find work. We look forward to the coming weeks to share with you how these young people are progressing.

We recently had friends from Germany visit us. We had met them last year while they were visiting Namibia and told them about our idea of starting a café and they got involved and began helping raise awareness in Germany for the program and they helped raise funds allowing us to purchase laptops which we use in the program and equipment that we needed in the café. It was nice having them visit because they could sit with some of the young men and women who have completed the program and hear directly from them how the program has helped them.

One thing we are being asked is how successful is the program so far. I have to say that I have wrestled with this question because how does one define success? My definition will be different than yours so how can I measure the success of the program to say it is good or bad. I can say that we have successfully completed two trainings so far. We had 5 out of 11 complete the first program and we had 9 out of 10 complete the second program. Of the 14 who have completed the program all are working fulltime. Six are working for us as the Café, five are working at Clowsa Biltong, one is working for NamGem and one is working at a restaurant on the coast. The Café has gained a very good reputation in the community for great service, great food and a great setting. We successfully hosted a private luncheon for the First Lady of Namibian and 124 guests. These are all things that people like to hear about and we are happy to share. I come back to the question: “What is success?” Who am I to determine what it is and how it should be measured.

Catherine and I have been called here by God to this work so for us our success will be measured by Him when we get to heaven and we can hear Him say well done good and faithful servant. Our hope is that our friends, family and partners will be happy with what we are able to share. We will make every effort to show how things are going by sharing stories and testimonies from those who have completed the program and from those in the program. The success of this program is largely because so many wonderful people have heard about this mission of hope and have caught the vision and chosen to participate with us.  Together, we have seen lives changed and transformed – from hopeless to confident, from despairing to motivated.  We call that SUCCESS!

The Swinging door

Ulrich on his last day

Our door welcomes many young people who have found themselves at the bottom of the hope barrell.  They have no prospect for further education or job opportunities.  Then we invite them to join us at YDM - Youth Discipleship and Mentoring.  Ulrich was one of the first to enter our program almost one year ago now.  He told us later that he only came to encourage his brother, but didn't expect that there would be any hope for him personally.  Not only did he complete the program with top marks and high recommendation, but we hired him here at the cafe.  That's how highly we think of this young man.  Just recently he was offered a full time job in a very good company, where he will have opportunity for advancement.  It's always difficult to say goodbye, but isn't this the reason we came?  To bring hope and tools to gain a more successful future.  So, it is with blessings that we said goodbye to Ulrich and pray the Lord continue to show Him favor and prosperity in his family and career. 

Serving the First Lady of Namibia

On August 3rd the Garden Cafe hosedt a private luncheon for the First Lady of Namibia. It was all God's doing. I should begin by giving you some details about how it all came about.

First Lady Pohamba Arriving

Welcoming First Lady and V.I.P.'s

It was around the 12th of July when we received a request from the Ministry of Health in Okahandja for a quotation on how much we would charge to host a private buffet lunch for 70 - 80 people on the 3rd of August. Each of the restaurants in Okahandja was asked to submit a quotation. At the time we submitted our quotation we did not know that it was to host the First Lady.
After we submitted our proposal a representative of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Robert Horeb, visited us to discuss the menu options we had detailed in the quotation.  It was during our discussions that we found out that the private lunch was for First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba and several other dignataries of Nambia. He then told us that we would hear something by the 29th of July if we got the bid.
Around the 25th Mr. Horeb returned with the First Lady's advance team. The team was looking at each location that submitted a bid to see which restaurant would be the best for the event. There were about 8-10 people and they looked around and then left without asking any questions. I thought they did not like what they saw. It was about an hour later that they returned and they asked a lot of questions and discussed the menu again, spoke about security and did a thorough inspection of the Cafe.
Well I'll  try to keep this from getting to long.  Mr. Horeb returned and told us we had been chosen to host the luncheon. We were so excited but secretlyI was thinking,  "What in the world did I get us into?" Remember that my lovely, brilliant, hostess wife was still in the States. I did what I normally do not do. I asked for help from our friends and our church.
When we found out we were hosting the First Lady we had less than a week to prepare. We had several more visits from various local officials, presidential security teams and the local police to begin preparing for the big event.
I will not tell you every detail we had to go through to get ready but I can tell you that I looked reasonably calm on the outside but I was franticly trying to figure out how to do everything and how we were going to pull it off. We got everything we needed and closed the Cafe the day before to begin preparing the food and to clean and set up the Cafe.
On the 2nd of August we began preparing the food and the President's personal chef was in our kitchen observing how we prepared the food and giving us tips along the way. On the 3rd, the day of the event, the President's chef rolled up his sleaves and helped us cook the whole morning. He was such a blessing and we were honored to have him help us in our tiny kitchen.
On the 3rd we were busy finishing the cooking and setting up the cafe to seat 80 people. Eric and Faye Garnie our dear friends were such a blessing to us in helping get everything set up. They stayed the whole day to help.
That morning we had the local police taking up position around the Cafe for security reasons. This started to draw the attention of the local residents. About 10am we had the advance presidental security teams here looking over the area and taking up their positions. At about noon we had a sniffer dog come through looking for bombs and to ensure the Cafe was secure.
At 12:30 everything was in place and we were ready to recieve First Lady Pohamba and her guests. Just before her arrival the route to the Cafe was secured and we waited for our guests to arrive. It was a sight to see the First Lady and her security detail pull into our Cafe parking lot. I was honored to get to personally greet and welcome First Lady Pohamba to our little Cafe.
The next hours were a blur as everyone, especially our wonderful staff, worked to make sure every guest was served and taken care of. I was everywhere and smiling and greeting people. I was so proud of our staff. They had come so far and had worked so hard to get through the program and now they were serving the First Lady and many dignataries.
As people were coming I noticed that there were more than 80 people. This brought about a whole new challange and we quickly sat up another table and were able to accomodate the extra guests. The final number of guests was 125 people. That is 45 more than we expected and it was a miracle that we had enough food to feed every single person.  Remember the loaves and fishes?
At the end of the event we had people from the Ministry of Health, the First Lady's team, the U.S. Embassy and others that complimented us on the service, the food and the restuarant. To hear all the praises was greatly appreciated we were so happy to have been able to make the First Lady's visit a pleasant experience.

Check Up

We are so amazed at what God is doing in and through us since we listened to His call to go to Africa. We have been here over three years now. Yes it really has been more than three years. As we look back we thought we would take time to update you on those God brought across our path.

Simon to the left and Clinton on the right

Two young men have been in our circle of influence since the beginning -  Simon and Clinton. They were in school when we first got involved in their lives. We have mentored and discipled them, more directly by inviting them into our home. On weekends and school holidays they actually lived with us. God had us kind of adopt them into our family and they have become our Namibian sons (I never imagined we would have so many kids). Simon, completed Secondary school and now has a full time job and is doing very well at the company. The owners are friends of ours and attend our church. Simon has proven to be a very dedicated and hard working employee. He is sharing his faith with others and is a positive example for others to follow.

Just recently I started the second level discipleship class with the young men that completed the first level. Simon has joined that group since he completed the first level with Catherine and I in our home. He has also saved some money for lumber and tin siding and with a friend they have built their own home. Simon has continued to grow spiritually and we are encouraged as we watch him walk with the Father.

Clinton has also done well. He received high enough marks in school to qualify for university. He is attending classes and finding it a challenge to find funds to cover rent, tution, books, transportation and food expenses. We are praying for him and try to encourage him as much as possible. He is creative and innovative and will continue to do well as he follows his dreams.


I have worked with several other young men. Two are Polo and Ernesto. These two young men have been through discipleship with us and are challenged in their daily walks. I wish I could say that they have done everything right and are walking the straight and narrow path but I cannot. I am encouraged though because I see growth and they continually come back to seek council and prayer. The good news is that these two young men are working full time with a Christian company. They both still come around to share what is going on in their lives and we welcome them, encourage and pray with them.

Nhidipo and his Team leaders in Discipleship

These are just a few of the young men God has us working with. We wanted you to know  because we have shared their stories in the past and we feel it is important to share updates on those we introduce through our newsletters and blog. It is a treat for us to see fruit from the planting we have done, and the fruit is staying!

Before coming here the most rewarding job I had was working in construction. Every day I went to work I would see the fruit of my hard work. I could drive around San Diego and see buildings that I helped build. Now that I have been working here for three years I can walk down the street and see the fuit of the work we began just a few years ago. This is by far the best job I have ever had or will ever have. I love how God prepared us to be so well equipped for the ministry we are doing here.

Reality Continued

Katrina (far left, front row)

I sit here trying to put into words the experience of loving people for Christ and words rarely convey the depth of that experience. I am going to introduce you to Katrina and as I do I hope I can find the words to help you get to know her.
Katrina is 30 years old, she is married and has a little girl. She had submitted an application to attend the first training we had but because we were focused on reaching young people we did not invite her to attend the first class. When we called her and invited her to come for another interview to attend the second class she happily came.
This time when we interviewed her we saw a potential leader, someone who could help us train, a person who could encourage and someone who even though she was past over the first time did not give up. We had no idea at that time how wonderful she was and what a blessing Katrina would be. As we read the professional referral for Katrina it confirmed it for us. It said, "She is a humble, hard working, fast learning and a mature Christian. She will be able to even train others. She is someone who likes to motivate others positively."
She was one of the first we accepted into the second class. She was such an encouragement to us and to her fellow students. Everyone of the students respected her and even looked to her for help. Her knowledge of the Bible and faith in God is truly remarkable and it drew the other girls to her. Over the weeks of training, everyone got to know each other and learned that they could trust each other. Once that trust was established Katrina began inviting the girls to church and began mentoring them.
Katrina completed the program and is now working for the Garden Cafe. She is amazing and she will be a leader some day soon even though she does not think she will be. She does not see what I see. She comes to work with a smile, she greets and is greeted by everyone, she gets right to work, she has almost learned every area of the kitchen in just a months time, she works hard and is focused on detail and excellence. What she does not see is that she is setting a great example for the others and without even knowing it she is leading already.
When we asked her to write a thank you note to those who helped make the program possible this is what she wrote:
 "Dear Sponsors, First of all I will like to give thanks for our Heavenly Father for giving you the strength to make me acheive something in life. I will like to thank you for the way you sponsor us, so that we can experience something. I am so happy that you make my dreams come true. And I am now able to work with people, be polite and loving people. I also thank you for the kind cute people Mr and Mrs Duran you gave us or send them for us. May all the blessings be upon you and may our Heavenly Father always be with you. I'll always pray for you. And once more thank you very much. Love you all. Read Psalm 23. From Katrina."
Her words say it better than mine and they still bring tears to my eyes. Each of these wonderful people God brings accross our path are His children and we are so blessed to get to know them. Each is an inspiration to me and helps me to be a better person and a better Christian.

Reality that is Real

Almost every one of us has watched a show like “American Idol”, “The Amazing Race” or “America’s Got Talent”. We watch these shows for so many reasons. We watch them to see someone, who on their own would never have had a chance to be successful. We find ourselves cheering for our favorite and often it is the underdog. As we watch week after week we are drawn into their story and we begin to get to know them. Their stories touch our hearts and we are even moved to tears.


Watching those shows we only get to be a spectator. We have no involvement in the people lives. We become so drawn to them and their stories that we watch week after week. We plan our lives around getting to watch the show or recording it so we can watch it.

What is it that draws us to watch these shows? If we are honest we want to see someone make it so that we can hope that we can make it someday. We want to know that our dreams are not for nothing.

As I am sitting here I have had my eyes opened to what reality really is. The reality is that we live in a world that is full of people who are lost, broken, afraid, hurt, suffering, intimidated and who feel alone. They do not believe that there is any hope for them. They have given up. And the truth is many do not know that there is something better.

When we answered the call to enter into fulltime ministry we knew that there would be challenges and that we would be stretched. We knew we would be humbled and we knew that our own relationship with God would grow if we allowed Him to do what He wanted in and through us. What we were not prepared for was how much loving one person for Christ would affect us and more importantly how much submitting to God would affect those we came to serve.

In the next couple blogs we will introduce you to some of the wonderful people God has allowed us to help. The first person is David.(pictured at the top - drying dishes).  This young man has just completed our second training session. He has a wonderful personality and loves God and wants to serve Him with his whole heart. Meeting David you would never guess that he was an alcoholic and a drug abuser. He lived solely for his next drink or high and did not care what it took to get it.

Today David is working fulltime for the Garden Cafe and is continuing to learn more about God. He cannot get enough and as we sat and talked recently he shared that he has begun taking classes with one of the others that completed the program to become a pastor.

Here is what he wrote in a thank you letter to those who helped make the Youth Discipleship and Mentoring program possible.

“Dear Sponsors,
It is with the greatest joy, peace and happiness that I write this letter of thanks to the people that were so generous as to help people they have not met through sponsors.
You dear sponsors have been a complete and absolute blessing. It is comforting to know that there are still people out there who are kind and caring. Today I look at life from another point of view. You have given more than just hope, a life in Christ full of possibilities to be precise. People like you make the world a better place. I pray God blesses you in abundance for you people are truly God sent. If I could just know how to express the gratitude I feel towards you (the sponsors) and the God sent Mr. & Mrs. Duran. But I pray that God keep you in good health and bless you in all areas of your lifes together with those you love. Thank you once more and may God bless you countless times.
David

Being God’s hands and feet is better than any reality show we can or will ever watch. We get to be a part of it ourselves. We get to touch the lives of people. We get to know them and their stories. They get to know our stories. We get to laugh together and we get to cry together.

Being obedient to God is the ultimate reality event and we can be a part of it. All we have to do is tell God I am yours to use any way you choose. Every day we get to live reality and some days are hard but the rewards and the benefits here and in heaven are worth all the cost. Do not pass up your chance to live and experience the reality God has for you.

David is just one of so many that God has brought into our lives. He and the others are why we are here. I invite you and dare you to come experience it for yourselves. I promise you that you will not go home the same person. It is impossible when you allow God to work in and through you.

Stay tuned to hear about another of the wonderful people God has blessed us with.

Home visit

As my home visit is nearing an end I would like to say thank you to all the friends and family members who have hosted me, fed me and helped me in so many ways.  Yes, it was successful.  I attended and sang at my brother and Gloria's wedding, shared mother's day with my 88 yr old mother, witnessed our daughter's graduation from College, had the privilege of reporting to partner churches and gave numerous other presentations regarding our unique cafe.    We are happy to announce that another church has joined our team as a regular monthly partner and several new contacts and potential partners were introduced to our YDM program.  A retired couple (long-time friends of ours) have felt the stir to come to Namibia with some great ministry resources to share.  They are making plans for an October arrival as I write this. So, yes, I would say this has been very successful overall.  Don't stop praying for us. There is plenty of work ahead of us, but the support and backing is great and we are encouraged once again. 

Happy or Sad

It is Tuesday and today is a happy and a sad day. Today Julie left us to go back to the States and it we already miss her. Julie was such a blessing to us and we thank God, her and her parents for the time and selfless hours she gave to the Cafe and the students. We are happy that she was here with us for three months. We are happy that she was such a blessing. We are happy that the students loved her. I am happy because I beat her at cards (YEAH). We are sad because the three months went by to fast. We are sad because she became a part of the family and now she had to leave. We are sad because we do not know when we will meet again.

We are also happy because the students have completed their ten weeks of training. We started with ten and we only lost one student. On May 6th we had a celebration to reward them for their hard work. They did a great job. We are happy because every one of them has fulltime employment. Praise The Lord! God is so good. We are happy because we had an amazing braii (barbaque) and had some great food. We are sad because the training is done and now the students are not students anymore and we do not get to be together everyday.

The cafe was empty today without Julie or the students but God was still at work. I was very happy to meet a gentleman from South Africa who is visiting friends. We got to talking and he said I can tell you are a Christian. Now that is the greatest compliment I have ever gotten. He asked me to pray for his grandson who is in drug rehab. The man's heart was so broken for his grandson. I have had the privelge to pray for this young man all day long.

So today was a happy and a sad day but the happiness swallowed up the sadness and we had a great day. I do love when I get to be used by God. The funny thing is that He wants to use us everyday but we are often to busy to even hear Him. May God bless you and may your happiness swallow your sadness.

Feeling Their Pain

We have just completed week nine of the training program with our nine students and it has been an incredible time. The best part of ministry is getting to work with His children. Each day is a gift and a new opportunity to share the love of Christ with them.

Over the last nine weeks we have developed a place of safety. It is because of that sense of security that many of these young people have openned their hearts, and some for the first time in a long time, and have shared some very personal stuff.

In the last nine weeks we have laughed with them and we have cried with them. For me, I think I get to experience a little piece of what our Father in heaven feels. Sometimes I ask how He can handle it and I know that I will never understand the full depth of His love until I am with Him in heaven.

This past week, some news from two of the students affected us all. One had their home broken into and had most of their belongings stolen. They have moved out of that place because they do not feel safe there anymore and are staying with another family member until they find a new place. Another student was beaten by the person who claimed to love her and then was then kicked out of the house with her child. She came to devotions crying.

We stopped and took time to talk with and pray for them. We thank God for providing a safe place for them to open up and share. We are doing what we can to help by providing food, looking for new places they can live, praying for and just loving them.

Both of these students are still deciding if they want to give their lives to Christ. Both have begun to go to church with other students who already attend churches in the community. Even though they have not said it out loud to me I know both are asking how God can allow such terrible things to happen. Both need your prayers.

As we talked through what has happened, the students got to share how they are feeling. It is wonderful to see those who already believe come alongside their classmates and show them love as well as reassure them of God's love. As painful as these things are to deal with they are opportunities for us to experience God in a real and personal way. I pray that God will help us to love them and to help them love themselves so that they can experience the love of God.

As we end this week I deal with my own pain. Today, the 30th of April, would have been my mom's 63rd birthday. I find it hard to believe it has been almost nine years since she went home to be with God. I sat and looked at her picture I keep in my Bible and felt the pain of losing her fresh in my mind and in my heart, but I feel joy knowing she is with her loving Father in heaven. I miss her so much and I look forward to the day we will be reunited.

Please pray for the students (Adam, David, Jeneritha, Jessica, Katrina, Selvia, Stella, Sylvia and Victory) and pray for us.

When God Shows Up

This morning I decide to go to the Cafe early and do my devotions while having a nice cup of coffee. It was a sweet time just reading His word and listening to what God had for me. Julie showed up at about 7:30am and asked me if I had something for the devotion time with the students and staff. I sensed and saw that she had something to share with everyone today so I asked her if she wanted to and she said yes. Before the students came we just sat and talked. Tears were already forming in her eyes as she shared how God has been talking to her.

I knew God was already here and that the students and I were going to be blessed through what Julie had to share. As the students came in and took their seats around the circle, we said good morning and I asked who had something to share this morning. Then Julie announced that she did. She warned the students in advance that what she was going to share was not going to be easy and that she could not do it without crying. Tears were already rolling down her face.

I silently prayed for strength for her to be able to share what was on her heart. She shared about the condition of her heart towards God and others, and how she had not even realized how hardened she had allowed it to become because of several things that have happened to her. She shared how God was helping heal and soften her heart during her time here. Not many eyes were dry because her testimony was very powerful. She shared Isaiah 55 with us and explained the ways God spoke to her through the passage. God had given her that passage for us as well.

I knew God was working on more hearts in the circle. I felt prompted to ask if anyone else had anything to share and Sylvia raised her hand. My heart leaped in my chest. Sylvia is one of the girls who is still asking questions about God and her own relationship with Him. We had read Psalm 66 together yesterday and I had challenged each student to go home, read it again, and ask God to talk to them through it. Well, God talked to Sylvia in a big way. She began crying and in between tears she shared how God had been working in her life even when she was not following Him. She shared how she was involved in two different car accidents and how she should have been killed or seriously injured in both. She asked herself how she was able to walk away both times safely. Last night God told her that He was with her and that He had saved her.

God was not done yet. David another student shared how he had tried to take his life three times and how on the third time he made sure that he would not fail again, but God intervened. The wire, that he had so carefully constructed to do the job, broke. We thank God that he was not successful in taking his own life. David talked about how he knew it was God that had intervened in his life. David went on to encourage his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to be serious about their relationship with the Father.

It was an amazing time spent together. The presence of God was all around and it was hard to stop our time of devotion. We ended up opening the cafe late and customers were waiting outside the gate as we hurried to set the tables and get ready.

God, I thank you for all that you are doing in the lives of your children and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of all you are doing. It is an amazing journey that I look forward to each day.

Being His Hands and Feet

It is incredible to be a part of what God is doing. We have begun our seventh week of training with the nine students in our program. Getting to share life with them is the best way to show the love of our wonderful Father. Today, during our time of discipleship, we were talking about the role of the church. It was a very good discussion; we talked about how Christ is the head of the church and how we make up the body.

We were talking through verses such as Romans 12:4-8. Such verses help show them that they each have a gift and that their gift is not just for them, but for the church. We talked about what the gifts are and how we can use them. It was exciting to see their interactions with each other.

We discussed for a long time why it is important to be a part of a local church. I was asked this question: "How do I find a church where the people, who call themselves Christians, will not judge me with their eyes and the looks on their faces as I walk into the church?" This was and continues to be a tough question to answer.

As a Christian I cringed when this question came up because it is so true of many churches today. We may not even realize we are doing it, but if we are honest we have to acknowledge that it happens. We see someone that comes in and if they do not fit what we feel a "Christian" should look like we do not even approach that person. I know I have been guilty of it.

As I looked into Jessica's eyes I could see the longing to belong and pain so called "Christians" have caused. There is so much pain that she is afraid to step inside a church. I asked God for help and then shared that the best thing to do is to ask one of her friends, who go to church, if she could go with them. That way she will not be alone. I also told her that I would personally bring her to church if she would like to go.

My heart broke looking into her eyes and I felt the heart of God at that very moment. I ask myself how can God bear such incredible pain and suffering from so many of His children? The heartbreak I feel for her and others is almost unbearable. I thank God for the opportunity to pour His love into these precious children of His and pray that I can help them in their relationship with him who loves them so much.

Each day here is a gift and I look forward each morning to how God will use me. Pray that God will continue to give us the strength we need each day. Pray for the students we are blessed to work with. Pray that they will develop a relationship with their Father who loves them. Pray that they will become disciples.

The Reward - changed lives!

We made a special meal. We called it "the last supper." After carrot cake was washed down with coffee, one by one we acknowledged the students, gave out certificates of completion, shook hands, prayed over them, embraced, took pictures and they walked out of the cafe with a bounce and a spark of hope. It makes us proud, yes. Keep praying for them and for us as we open the application process next week and welcome more candidates for the program. Pictured here are the five students who completed the program . The other picture is with Tony, Catherine, and original staff - Rosalia, Susanna, and Johannes.

New Partnership!

Susanna, pictured here is one of our cooks at the cafe. BC (before cafe) she was our housekeeper and now she works at the cafe instead. We have another cook, and have just added two of our students to our payroll. Yes, we are that busy! Nice, eh?

This exciting adventure has brought us to a whole new level! Here we are, directing a Youth Discipleship and Mentoring program, operating a small cafe, serving breakfasts, lunches, and home-baked goodies with GREAT coffees. That would be enough to keep us content and fulfilled, but God has added a bonus. Closwa, #2 Billtong company in South Africa is based here in Okahandja and the executives have taken a keen interest in our program. They are offering a three-month employment contract to the students who complete our program. Can you believe that? The Lord has sent us so many people near and far who have not only expressed enthusiasm for what we are doing, but have gone above and beyond by contributing to what we are doing - either financially, practically or in this case, offering employment. There's no way we could employ everyone who completes our program, and the students are aware of that. You can imagine that while they are happy for the training, they wonder, "What will I do after this training is over? Will I find work then?" With unemployement at about 50% this offer is such a great opportunity. When the GM of Closwa came and announced this offer to the students, they were overwhelmed. We are still pinching ourselves to make sure we are awake. Check out the Closwa website: http://www.closwa.com/

Remember the Children

Three of the attendees in our program have a child and are unmarried. None of them have employment which makes it very challenging to meet the responsibilites of parenthood. Pictured here is Joseph and his little angel, Joy. Isn't she adorable? She is entering grade one this year and the YDM program has helped with her school expenses along with 7 others related to this program - some are younger brothers or sisters of attendees. It brings us pleasure to help in this way. The government schools here require school tuition as well as uniforms, and of course, books, and supplies. Cost for one child per year is about $75 US, about N$1000. For unemployed parents, it's nearly impossible without some sort of sponsorship either from relatives or someone with a BIG heart! So, thank you to all our partners for helping with schooling these 8 little ones.

Renovating the cafe during the holiday break. Cleaning the kitchen exhaust fan which was gunky and disgusting. Adding a cement step at the entrance for customer safety. Installing a new stove and grill top. Installing the large sign on the building wall (shown in picture). Some of the program attendees helped us and some other young men we have worked with in the past as well.

Training in hospitality, discipleship and personal encouragement continues to fill our lives. An extra side benefit is getting the chance to contribute to the school of the little ones related to our program attendees and staff. You see - your finances are being stretched in ways you didn't expect. Each one we can help gives these families a boost.

Meet more students!

Here are the rest of the program attendees. We are about half way through the program. The first half focuses on biblical foundations, and the basics of restaurant work - hosting, serving, and customer service. The second half will continue the spiritual development and along with the restaurant skills, more language and math exercises, add computer skills. Thanks to our friends in Germany, we now have three fully functioning laptops and the students are all ears and eyes as they experience the wonderful world of technology. What fun to see their eyes light up and the smiles and giggles as they manage their way around the computer world. Here are some more pictures too. As you read the bios, you can see for yourself.

Dirk at age 28 is one of the elders in the group. He also speaks three languages – Nama-Damara, Afrikaans, and English. He is born and raised in our sleepy little town of Okahandja, and now lives alone. Dirk completed grade 10 in Secondary school, and then began working to help support the family.

His goals? “Growth in Christ, and my desires to have a good job.” In answer to the question about his personal faith in God, he answers, “I don’t know whether I am a Christian but my life changed totally. I see things different now that I started knowing God.” What has he learned from the program this far? “The word of God, and how to love someone. To humble myself and to be patient when I do something or when something happens to me.”

Manfred age 20 speaks Damara, Afrikanns, and English. He was born in Gobabis. Yes, he and Ulrich are related – they are brothers. His goals are very ambitious – “to run my own business, and a desire to join the tourism industry.”

His hobbies? He likes to play soccer, swim, and socialize. He accepted Christ into his life at the age of 18, when he saw how happy his Christian friend was. So he made up his mind and started following Christ too.

What has he learned so far in the program? He answers, “I learn how to host, receive customers, sit customers, and serve customers. I learned a lot about spiritual life. I learned the importance of working in a cafe.”

Joseph (pictured lower center of group picture) is 25 years old and speaks English, Afrikaans, Damara Nama, and Otijiherero. He has completed grade 10 and held a couple of jobs and lives on his own.

His goal is to become a good business man and “to do his own business like auditing, and management.”

His hobbies: Eating, cooking, playing.What has he learned so far in the YDM program? “I learn how to communicate and serve customers, and learn more about the Bible.”

Patronella is 19 years old and speaks English and Afrikaans. She lives in Okahandja with her mother and father and four siblings. She has completed grade 10 and has a desire to work hard and be the best server at the cafe.

When asked, “How is your life different now since you’ve been in this program? She replied, “It’s easy for me to know how to pray now and because I never pray in my life before.”

In her own words: “I learned how to pray, to serve for people and that Jesus died for my sin on the cross in the program and how to welcome people.”

Zu-beira is 18 years old and speaks Afrikaans and English. She was born in Okahandja, Namibia and has a younger brother and sister. She has completed school through grade nine. Since entering the YDM program her step-father and mother have both passed away. Life has been challenging for this young woman, but she has continued to attend the program and is trying to better her circumstances. Zu-Beir and her sister and brother now live with her Aunt and Uncle. Her goal: “...to work hard to learn how to become a successful business woman.”

When asked what she has learned so far in the YDM program she replied, “To be polite and friendly; how to communicate with people around me and to serve customers and I have also learned about our Lord and his powerful Word.”

Thanks to all who have contributed to this terrific program. We are enjoying the challenge, and already see positive results.