Surprise ER visit

Keystone Project Discipleship Training

The training began on the 5th of April and ended on the 29th. There were 27 people from10 different countries. They all came to attend the training having heard about it from a friend or colleague. They all came knowing that the training was on discipleship, but as is the case in each training, they had no idea how much God was going to personally challenge them.

I was blessed to serve four pastors/leaders from Nigeria. One of the men, Daniel, is an Archbishop and oversees over nineteen churches. He is a very humble man but you could tell that he is a person of importance in his country by the way he carried himself and by the way others interacted with him.

In the first couple of days Daniel heard God asking him if he was willing to give up everything and go serve Him somewhere else. To understand how heavy this request weighed on him, you need to know that Daniel started with nothing and then started a church and built it up and then started another and another. He is now, as I said earlier, over nineteen churches, he has a wife, three young children, has a nice home, has his own car.... He has a good life and was feeling like maybe he could settle down now and just enjoy life. Yet God asked him if he would be willing to give up everything and start over again, with his family, someplace new. Daniel wrestled with that and in the end said yes to God. He is willing to go someplace new if that is what God wanted.

You would think that would be enough...but God had yet another area in Daniel's life to work on. After three weeks Daniel broke out with a rash all over his body, was not eating or drinking and was running a temp. We took him to the emergency room on Sunday evening. They immediately brought him back to a room and isolated him. We had to put on masks, gowns, hairnets and shoe covers. We looked like doctors preparing for surgery, but honestly we were pretty worried.

It became apparent that he was not going to be getting out of the hospital that night. After several hours, at least four different doctors, more blood draws than we ever saw, he was admitted to the hospital and put into a private room. We were told that the CDC was contacted and that until they knew what he had he would have to remain isolated in the hospital.

Daniel handled everything pretty well. He submitted to every test, answered every question and allowed them to admit him. That first night was a long one for him. When I arrived at his room Monday morning I had to put on my full medical gear again before I could see him. He was very happy to see me. He confessed to me that he was worried and that this was the first time he has ever been in a hospital. He had no idea what he had and he was scared.

As Daniel laid in bed waiting I was talking to the doctors, CDC and the State department. Everyone was trying to figure out what was happening. It was hard to sit there everyday assuring Daniel when I was not sure of anything myself. We prayed a lot and were asking God for a miraculous healing.

Daniel and I had many heart-to-heart talks and we saw God's hand at work in his life even in the hospital. I will not go into the lessons God taught him there but I can say God really worked on Daniel's heart and humbled him even more.

On the third day we received the confirmation that he had chicken pox and just having that diagnosis was huge. We knew what it was now and that it was not a life threatening disease. We were able to bring Daniel back to the hotel and keep him isolated in his room.

It is so hard to put into words all that happened. God was at work and it was incredible to watch and be a part of. Daniel healed faster than anyone thought he would and by Friday night his chickenpox were all gone and he was completely healed. I told him that he would be able to go home on time so he left on Saturday. It was definitely a miracle that he healed so quickly!

Before Daniel left though he came to talk to me and he told me that no one has ever cared for him like I did. He could not believe that I sat by his side in the hospital. He confided he was afraid he had a deadly disease and the fact that I faithfully sat by him knowing I could possibly get sick and die too was overwhelming to him. We are truly closer because of that shared experience. I am humbled that God allowed me to be a part of what He was doing in Daniel's life.

Daniel's story is just one of many from this training. We wish each of you could come and share in this training. It is amazing to be His hands and feet. We are so thankful to see all that God is doing. Please be praying that each of those who attended this training will go back to their countries and make disciples.

Here is a great review!

Thoughts on the KP Summer Internship

 

Rachel

Despite having grown up my entire childhood in the church, this summer was a huge wake-up call for me. It forced me to ask questions like: Is my life really all for God’s glory? Why do I obey God? What does it mean to live on mission? For someone who has never shared the Gospel before, this summer was a time of testing of faith and stepping out onto the waters, in the places where you accept the risk that the Holy Spirit simply has to show up – and God is always faithful!

 The teaching and the training prepares you for a summer with lots of time – the choice is what you will do with it. I found myself with an abundance of time, in which I had a choice to make. I could play games with the other team members and waste time every night, catch up with friends from home, and live in the normal routine. Or I could step into the waters of the unknown, which is simply being open and willing to whatever the Spirit asks of you. I found myself meeting new people and seeing in the spiritual realm, as I never had before, who God would be calling me to invest in. This summer was a long journey of learning, probably to a very simple level, what it means to give up control of my life, my time, and my fears.

 Sharing the Gospel for the first time to someone who has never heard, when led by the Spirit, may be one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. Never before have I been so aware of God’s voice and the leading of the Spirit to speak God’s heart for that person, not simply a generic version of the Gospel. God has called us to lift the curse the devil has laid on mankind and take a role in His work of reconciliation on earth, to return the world to its rightful place of submission to God’s throne. However, that can only be done when our lives are 100% in submission to God’s throne. This summer taught me to ask God daily, “Master, is your servant’s life in submission to your throne?” Growing up, I thought it my duty to obey God as a Christian; this summer has taught me that it is my privilege, because of God’s love for me, to obey God as His faithful follower.

 

 

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
That would be the case except for the very important fact that we are never alone in mission - when we are fully devoted to Christ.  Holy Spirit is the all-capable and powerful guide and teacher.  There is no reason to fear or shrink back from Kingdom work when you have such an advocate!

What's next for the Duran's many have asked.  Well, many know about Catherine's battle with cancer last year and we are happy to say that she is doing well, the cancer has been surgically removed, followed by Chemo and radiation and reconstruction surgeries.  All is looking well today, so we are moving forward in Kingdom work both here (in the states) and abroad as Holy Spirit leads us. Currently we are in South Dakota growing in fellowship with our redemptive community here. These are Keystone Project staff members and also some within the community.  It is a pleasure to join a team of servants like those on the Keystone staff -- they each have such a deep desire to serve God and each other. We pray that we can encourage each of them as they encourage and strengthen us!

Sharing what we have learned about Discipleship with our partners and churches is our passion right now.  Please feel free to ask us about the uniqueness and distinctions of our training here at Keystone - we are overflowing with thoughts and practical ideas that will help you as you disciple those the Lord brings into your life.  The term "mentoring" is used a lot in various circles, and we use the term "discipling" in much the same way.  We have been taught how to do life... so we can help and equip others.  Email us if you want to learn more!


Pray for each of these who have accepted the challenge to make disciples!  They face multiple roadblocks but are totally surrendered. Pictured here are just a few.

Namibian Pastors who attended our conference February 2014
 and are on fire to equip others!

Pastors from India at the Keystone training

Two of our Cafe staff saying thank you for the love
and support of  our partners!

Making Disciples

"Hey Big guy! How are you doing Sir? Im doing just fine.Thank you again for teaching me how to work with wood,drive a car,play x box and how to be strong, especialy when it comes to earthly fathers. You know my story,and by God bringing you into my life,having the same testimony, I was able to forgive my dad for all he did to me and my sibblings.It wasn't easy,but with such a great figure such as Jesus and then you,I was able to let go of that pain,anger,hatred and revenge! Please pray for me to be strong in the Lord, and help those who went through what I went through!"

The above is a note I received from Simon,one of the young men we were discipling in Namibia, Africa. We have shared often with you about Simon and he is in our latest video we posted. God brought him across our path and he has been a part of our lives ever since. Even though we are not able to live there we are still working with him and many others.

As we said in our last blog we want to share with you how easy it is to make disciples. There is nothing hard or complicated about it. You do not need a PhD or a certificate saying you are now qualified to make disciples. I smile as I write this because those are some of the excuses I used to give for not making disciples.

When you read what Simon wrote you see that what impacted his life is how we lived our lives before him. We worked, studied and played together. Each day was a day Simon saw Jesus in us. It is what he saw lived out in our lives, that has drawn him into a personal relationship with Jesus. Simon now knows that he has to be reaching those around him and is actively seeking how God will use him to reach his community.

Discipleship is not hard BUT it does require our time. For many of us we can come up with a whole list of excuses about how we do not have enough time to do the things we are doing now. My own list was quite long and that helped pacify me. The truth, though, is that Jesus gave you and I a command to make disciples, ("Therefore go and make disciples... Matthew 20:19,20".

We are to live our lives for Jesus, ("I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20"), and when we do live our lives for Him we cannot help but make disciples because it is our desire to make Him known.

Catherine and I are even more determined to make disciples. We had a rough 2014 but not even cancer can keep us from doing the work of the Father. Our plans for the year 2015 finds us very busy and we look forward to getting back to Africa to continue the discipleship. Being on staff with Keystone Project is opening the doors for us to work with disciples around the world. It seems like an impossible task and for us it would be but for God it is never impossible.

In Namibia we will continue to work with those we have discipled. We will provide support, additional training and encourage them in their making of disciples. We will be setting up training sessions for Richard Greene, President of Keystone Project, with pastors, missionaries, Christian leaders and whoever else has a heart for discipleship. Our network of friends and co-workers in Namibia will be useful as we set up trainings, and do follow up.  Already we are receiving email requests to visit Bible studies that our disciples have been conducting.  There is no greater joy then to hear one of your disciples ask for MORE...more teaching....more challenge...more training!  Simon and many others remain in our prayers and we are committed to helping them as they fulfill the GREAT COMMISSION!  Thank you for your prayers!

Getting Serious

In our last blog we talked about the importance of discipleship. In this blogs and many to follow we want to show and share how to disciple someone. We believe that anyone who calls themselves a Christ follower must be making disciples. If we are not making disciples we are not fulfilling the command that Christ gave to His disciples and to us.

As we said discipleship is lived out in our lives daily. If you are a follower of Christ answer this question. Do those around me see Christ in me? If you and I are honest we have to admit that the image that others see in us is not very Christ like.

We have fallen into the trap of the world and the image that people see the most in us is the image of the world. We want to have people like us, accept us and respect us. We value and cherish their opinion and will do almost anything to make sure we are liked, accepted and respected in their eyes.

Christ did not care about people liking, accepting or respecting Him. He cared only about what His Father thought of Him and everything Jesus did was for His Father. We have the Bible as our example of how He was treated. He was crucified because He would not conform to the world.

We heard a story today about a man who would tightrope across the Niagara Falls. People cheered him on and loved watching him. One time he asked the crowds if they believed he could push a wheel barrel across the Falls. They shouted out that they believed he could. He then asked for someone to volunteer to ride in the wheel barrel but no one would volunteer. No one truly believed because no one got into the wheel barrel.

We who call ourselves followers of Christ say with our mouths that we believe in Jesus Christ and that we would die for Him but when He asks us to get into the wheel barrel we do not because we do not fully believe.

What Catherine and I are doing is getting in the wheel barrel and we are trusting in Him. We are going to challenge others to not only say they believe but show that they believe. It is not hard and we are honored that He is using us to help make disciples.

The first thing we need to do is make sure we are in a position where God can use us. Start with praying Psalm 139:23,24 "23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Second stop and listen to what the Holy Spirit says to you. If there is anything at all, big or small, He points out to you, that must be dealt with first. None of us are perfect and never will be but we must be continually working on drawing closer to Him and living for Him. We can only begin making disciples of Christ once we are living a life that makes our Father proud.

Third pray that God will show you who He wants you to disciple. Once He shows you who that person is do not wait, go to that person

What is Discipleship?

How important is discipleship to you? Do you know what discipleship is? Have you wanted to be discipled?

For me I never knew what it meant to be discipled. It was not something I remember ever being talked about with any importance or significance at home, at school, with family and friends or in any of the churches I have attended. I thought it had something to do with helping me be a better Christian and I remember praying to God for Him to bring someone into my life who would disciple me. I prayed that prayer for years without knowing what discipleship really was. 

I started getting connected in the churches I attended hoping to meet someone who could disciple me. I met many Godly men and asked a couple of them if they would disciple me. None of them knew how to disciple someone and they commented that they too had never been discipled. To this day no one has ever discipled me. 

When we went to Africa we found some good material to use to teach about God and thought that in using it we were discipling youth. We know now that material was okay but it was not discipleship. We did what we thought was right and we saw incredible results. The results were from the true discipleship that was taking place.

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus taught what true discipleship is. 18) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19) Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus said to go and teach the nations. What were the disciples to teach? They were to teach what Jesus taught them. Jesus was modeling discipleship to them everyday through the daily teachings and fellowship. Jesus spent quality time with them and modeled everything to His disciples. The disciples then did what they were taught.

The amazing thing is that Jesus did not use seminars, training programs or curriculum. There were no large church buildings or fancy sound systems. There was nothing flashy about what or how Jesus taught. Jesus lived a life of discipleship.

So when we were in Namibia, living and working with the youth, everyday was the discipleship. It was taking time to walk with them, teach them, talk to them, listen to them and model for them how to live as a Christian. The successes we saw were because we were doing what Jesus did.

Even in what we did we were still not doing exactly what Jesus says we are supposed to do. We are to teach our disciples how to make disciples and help them in making disciples. When we have disciples who are making disciples then we are fulfilling the Great Commission.

We are learning at Keystone Project how to disciple others through life on life and then teaching them how to disciple someone else. The training is not spectacular but it is eye opening. Christian leaders, pastors and teachers have come from all over the world to attend this training on discipleship and are leaving with renewed vision and hearts on fire for carrying out and fulfilling the Great Commission.

With an even great passion we are focusing on working with those we have already discipled in Namibia. We will continue to mentor and teach them and help them make disciples. We will also work with those who have gone through the Keystone Project training all around the world. We will not stop until every person on earth has had the opportunity to hear the gospel and accept Christ.

We invite you and challenge you to begin to make disciples who will go make disciples. If you do not know how to make a disciple we would love to share with you and show you how.

Always on mission,

Anthony and Catherine Duran

One Day at A Time

I am sitting here in the predawn hours on Saturday the 8th after arriving from Namibia, Africa on the 6th. My internal body clock had me up at 3am and I am wide awake so I am writing this update for all our friends and family.

This year has been anything but slow or boring. We began the year getting ready to go back to Namibia to continue the discipleship training and to see about handing over the Garden Café to someone who could continue what was started three years ago.

The day we were leaving for Africa Catherine was diagnosed with breast cancer. To be honest, that rocked our world and we are still adjusting to that reality with the help of our Savior, family and friends. The support and encouragement has been so incredible and we are so blessed to be surrounded by so many who love and care for us.

We are consulting with a team of doctors as to how to proceed and should have a plan by the end of this month. It is painfully slow in setting a plan as to how to treat the cancer but we trust that God is directing us to all the right doctors and that in the end the correct plan and treatment will be decided. We will continue to share information as we get it.

With regards to the ministry work God has called us to, let us give you an update. With the news of the cancer we have had to adjust our plans. We had thought we would have five years to get everything ready to hand over to Namibians to continue the work that God called us to establish. God had other plans though and His plans are always better than ours.

God has raised up a group of four young Namibians who are amazing. They have a heart for the youth also and all through our talks with them they asked how they could help keep the ministry part going. We are looking forward to working with them in the future to continue the discipleship training. It is with joy we report that the youth of Namibia will continue to have the opportunity and resources to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of those around them. We have signed a sales agreement with them and are moving forward with transferring the ownership of the Garden Café to them. They will continue to employ the current staff,  take what we started, add their own ideas and take it to a whole new level. We are so excited at what God is doing in and through this group of young people. In future blogs we will share more about this team and their desires.

We are also blessed to have two local Namibians who will take over the YDM program and continue the discipleship and skills development training. Dieter is a man who had had a heart for the people for many years and he approached us to see what he could do to help keep the program going. We have also found a young woman who is a qualified teacher, Ndemufayo, and she too has a heart for the youth. Together they will run the program and we will work with them to train and coach them so that they can continue to offer the successful YDM program.

We have been working around the clock these past two months and we are overwhelmed at the people God is bringing across our path to help. We were not even aware of the impact we had made in the community until it was rumored that the ministry may have to close. Professionals and former students from all around the community shared with us how the Garden Café has made a difference in their lives and in the community. Their stories moved us to tears on more than one occasion and we thanked God for letting us see how the seeds we planted have grown and multiplied.

On a side note, we are seeing God moving in the churches of Okahandja and seeing pastors taking up the call to discipleship more seriously. We thank God for allowing us to be a small part of this movement toward Biblical discipleship and trust that we can continue to encourage and support our ministry partners on the ground.

Keystone Project continues to be our ministry covering and their prayers and support have been overwhelming to us. God has confirmed that we are to remain on staff and take each day as it comes right now. Their spiritual covering is an answer to prayer for us. We are so blessed to be a part of such an incredible team and ask that you pray that God will continue to guide, protect and strengthen those who are a part of the Keystone team. We are looking at this new path ahead and asking God to reveal our next assignment. We will boldly share His life changing message with everyone He brings across our path. We look forward to seeing lives radically changed by the power of His name. Here in Utah, and also wherever the Lord sends us next.

Catherine with 2 former students

Dieter & Tony discussing discipleship training

We know this is a long update and that there are a lot of questions. Please feel free to contact me and I will answer questions as best as I can. Catherine has a long road ahead and I will do my best to ensure she has everything she needs to travel this road. This may mean shielding her from having to answer all the questions but know that this is to give her the space and time to focus on healing. We love and cherish each and everyone of you. Words cannot say it adequately but we thank you so very much for standing with us.

Family Time

Merry Christmas to all!

We are beyond thrilled to be with family this year.  Here are some photos of our kids and their kids.  From our family to yours..... have a blessed holiday season.  

With our youngest grand - Layla Nicole

G-pa T with Kasya & Cadian (Nathan's 2 youngest )

Erin, Johnny & Emma 

Oldest daughter, Krista with mom

Layla with mama Toni Nicole

Youngest son, James & wife Malia 

Oldest son, Nathan and family - Jordan, Kasya, Megan, Cheryl, Cadian & Abigail

Everyday Heroes

Today I watched a movie about fire fighters and was moved by the loyalty, unity, compassion, dedication and total commitment to what they are doing. It reminded me of my time in the military and how serving as a Marine we had all the same qualities. As a Marine our motto is "Semper Fideles" which means always faithful and I can tell you we live up to that motto even after our time is up and we become civilians again. Just today I was in Lowes shopping and another Marine who served from 1969-71 saw my USMC sweatshirt and said Semper Fi and I said it back and we chatted for a bit. We had never served together but we shared a bond that only a fellow Marine or service member can understand.

Not long ago we celebrated Veterans Day and we honored those who served our country. I am proud to be a veteran and to have fought for our country. I would gladly do it again because I believe in what our country stands for.

As I write this my heart aches over another group of heroes that get little or no recognition. They fight on the front lines all around the world. They do not get anywhere near enough money for what they do. In fact like the military and fire fighters and any other organization that sacrifices so others can be free and safe, these people do what they do out of a passion to see lives saved. Who are these unacknowledged heroes?

The heroes I am talking about are the missionaries who are serving everywhere around the world to bring the life changing message of Jesus Christ. They work 365 days a year, working long hours and with little help. They give until they cannot give anymore and then with the help of their Commander and Chief (Jesus Christ) they find the strength to press on and go some more.

I have served with some of the finest Marines but I can honestly say that anyone who serves as a Missionary is even more brave than the finest soldier. I say that because a Marine has someone watching his/her back. I say that because the fire fighters have someone watching their back. A missionary rarely has someone watching their back.

I have worked along side some of the bravest people I know and they are missionaries. I have seen and heard stories of what they endure and what they have seen. I have laughed, cried and at times bled with them. I am humbled to have served with them.

My wife and I have served as missionaries for over five years now and our passion is just as strong now, if not stronger, as it was the first day we heard God calling us into full time missions. We have been called to bring the life changing message of Jesus Christ to all those who have not received Him as their Lord and Savior. We will continue the mission until He, our Commander and Chief, releases us  from this duty.

Today we challenge you to ask God how He wants you to serve Him. It is not a question to ask casually because He will answer and He will challenge you. He may even call you to the front lines to serve Him. The question is will you be willing to sacrifice everything and pick up your cross to follow Him? Will you endure the ridicule from strangers, friends and family if you went where ever He asked you to go? Would you be willing to show that you truly trust Him with your actions and not just your words?

Those last three questions may have you shouting yes, they may have you shaking in fear, they may be convicting, and they may even make you angry. I know that for Catherine and I we have said yes to His call and even though it has been hard and challenging at times, we rejoice with the angels over every life that has been saved.

As this year comes to an end and you get ready to celebrate Christmas with your family and loved ones, remember that there are Missionaries serving on the front lines who will not see their family and loved ones this year. Pray for them. Send them a care package and don't whine about how much it cost to send it. Write them a personal letter to let them know they are appreciated and that someone is thinking of them. Thank them for serving on the front lines.

Remember that Jesus Christ came to earth to serve and died on a cross so that you and I would be able to have access to God. His sacrifice came at a cost. We owe our lives to Him and when we think of ourselves and what we feel we deserve we dishonor Him. Let's honor His sacrifice and be the people He created us to be. Let's all of us be His hands and feet and bring the love of Christ to our families, friends, neighbors, coworkers and who ever God brings across our path.

Mobile Missionaries

With Cadian #5 Grand and only Grandson

Emma Jayne #6 granddaughter

We are in San Diego, California right now waiting for the birth of our seventh granddaughter. Shaking our heads still not believing that soon we are to be grandparents for the seventh time. How is that possible? We are not old enough!

We are smiling because we know the God we serve is smiling right now too. Here we are,children of God, watching our daughter, a daughter of God, getting ready to give birth to a baby girl whom we believe will become another daughter of God. Along with our father's that will be four generations of Believers in Christ. What better legacy could we possibly leave?

As well as being sons or daughters of God we are also called to be disciples of Christ. Our primary mission as believers is laid out for us in Matthew 28:18-20. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus' final words to His disciples was that they were to go and make disciples of all the nations. Those words are also for each of us who are children of God. We are to go and make disciples. It is not an option but a command that we are given. Surprisingly we are finding that many brothers and sisters in Christ do not know how to disciple someone primarily because they themselves have never been discipled.

We live in a day and age where the enemy is working overtime to make sure that many will never accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Sadly he is being very effective. Many are disillusioned with the church and some for good reasons. There is a wide variety of statistics on the amount of people not going to church, studying the Bible, on fire for God, etc... These studies are alarming and still the enemy is winning.

We refuse to just stand by and let him win. Yes those of us who know God and believe in Him know that the enemy loses in the end but right now he is winning battle after battle. We are taking the Word of God to whomever He brings across our path (friends, family, partners, strangers). We are also working with those who are believers and teaching them how to disciple.

You may not believe it but it does not require being a theologian, being a Bible college graduate, or years and years of studying the Bible to be able to disciple. What it takes is one Spirit filled believer submitting and fully trusting God praying for God to bring him someone to disciple. Then when God brings that person they meet with the person and spend time with them. Jesus trained the twelve over a period of time. Time is the key. When we spend time with someone we show them that we care and they get to know Jesus because a Spirit filled believer will reflect the character of Jesus.

Right now I can hear many people saying that they do not have that kind of time. I shake my head because I used to be that way. When it is important we always find the time. We need to understand the importance ourselves and realize we do not have the luxury of time. Our time on earth is short and soon we will stand before Jesus and have to give an account for what we did and did not do.

I was at a conference and the verse that was the theme of the weekend was Ezekiel 3:17-19. If you are not familiar with it I recommend that you read it. I personally feel that God is speaking that to each one of us and not just to Ezekiel. God is going to hold us accountable and expects us to make disciples.

We have to stop worrying about what people will say or feel if we share the message of Jesus Christ with them. They are not the ones we will stand in front of on the day Jesus returns. Nothing they say or do can take away our salvation but if we say nothing their salvation is what is at stake.

If you want to be a disciple for Christ we are available to talk with you and teach you. We encourage you to fulfill the great commission. In doing so you will experience the Father's joy and find that it is the most rewarding thing we get to do as His children.

Here & There

Teaching and training has extremely humbling moments.  We need to share this little report from our devoted teacher, Sondra.

"I had the Cafe staff make a meaty pizza for our trainees to taste. Johannes, one of our servers, brought the pizza cut into eight pieces along with plates and napkin-wrapped utensils (knife & fork). I had two of the ladies serve the others. After everyone was served, we prayed. I told them 'Some people like to eat pizza with their hands. The only problem is that the first few bites are difficult because the end of the pizza can be floppy. So I use a knife and a fork to start.'

The students unwrapped their utensils and some began to eat. One of the girls bravely stated, 'I have NEVER eaten with a knife and a fork. Would you please show me how?'  I almost cried.  They do use their hands a lot and possibly a spoon, but this young lady and her sister had never used a knife and a  fork before.  Some had used a fork, but were uncertain how to go about cutting the pizza with their knife while holding the fork.

I had a bit of a dilemma because a lot of people in Namibia eat European style.  I am not a good example of that particular way of eating.  So I taught them how to use a knife and fork the American way!  What happy campers they were as they practiced and ate the meaty pizza!  You could see the level of self esteem rise!  I also taught them how to use hot soapy water to wash the utensils -- fork tines, and sharp part of the knife held away from you.  Rinse in hot water -- dry with a clean towel.  Quite a lesson over allowing them to sample one of the menu items.  I will not forget this humbling experience.  What a joy to help them."

Class in Session!

It's back to school time.... and we are happy to announce that another YDM programme has begun.  Eight young ladies have accepted the challenge.  We are praying for each one and their families, as well as the Rosen's and other teacher/trainers participating this session.  We will share testimonials and stories in future blogs so stay tuned in!

The view from the entrance of the Training Center. If you look closely you can see Mt. Rushmore!

We are exciting about the training we are attending for the next three weeks in beautiful South Dakota.  Keystone Project is an International Discipleship Organization with a training center and hotel in South Dakota.  Even though we have been about the Kingdom work of discipleship for the past 5+ years, we are anxious to hear more about it through these seasoned people of God. www.keystoneproject.org

Wow August already! Time does fly and we are so amazed at all that has been going on this year. There have been the usual ups and downs but through them all God has remained steady and faithful. He has continued to awe us at what He is doing and we are even more amazed that He allows us to be a part of what He is doing.

July was a busy month in many ways. We completed two large construction projects in the Cafe. The first project was to help and improve the kitchen. We received donations from partners to buy a under the counter refrigeration system. We purchased it and installed it in the kitchen the second week of July.

There was a bit of disorder as we had to remove an old counter and shelving unit to make room for the refrigeration system. As in any construction project there were challenges but with help and patience we were able to get everything completed in one weekend and be ready to open on Monday for business as usual.

The new refrigeration system helps replace the "dinosaur" that was sucking electricity and costing a lot of money to run and maintain. We also have a beautiful stainless steel work surface now which helps with the food preparation process.

Changes were made to the coffee bar area. We had a team of guys come in and help us change the set up so that we could maximize the space we have and to allow us to work more efficiently.

Along with these changes Rosalia is still attending chef courses and is very excited at what she is learning. She cannot wait to start teaching the other kitchen staff. She is even looking at the possibility of giving cooking classes to those in the community. It is so exciting to see her growing and wanting to use the skills God has given her to help others.

The physical changes are nice and were needed but the changes we continue to work toward are for lives to be changed. God is building a team of amazing people to help us. In the coming blogs, emails, Facebook entries we will introduce you to the team of amazing individuals that are reaching the youth of Namibia.

His Hand at Work

It is so incredible to be a part of what God is doing. We knew that when we heard His call that we would be in for the adventure of a lifetime. As I write this I am overwhelmed with emotion and still in awe that He is using us to make a difference.

I want to share a couple things that He is doing so that you can get a glimpse at the Greatness of our God. First you know that Rosalia is attending Chef courses. Here she is with her certificate for completing her first class. She is overwhelmed that so many people answered the call and helped make it possible for her to attend the classes. She has a glow about her and is so excited and cannot wait for the next class. Her new skills will help the Cafe move to the next level and she in turn will be able to train the rest of the kitchen staff.

You will see the three gentleman pictured in their new uniforms. They are looking sharp and now have to make sure we keep the girls from getting to close. Well that last part I am kidding about. Part of building a strong reputation is looking professional and the new uniform has put smiles on their faces and you can see the pride they have for their positions and for themselves.

We have, with the help of donors, installed a Point Of Sale system. We have wanted to puchase this system for a while but just recently had enough donations where we could finally get it. Below you will see David and Dennis already mastering the system.

Each morning the staff gather together to pray over the day and to invite God to use us, to open our eyes and hearts to see and hear from Him, to help us pour His love into all we do. Our devotions each day are so perfect for each day and we feel like He is speaking specifically to us. Well we know He is speaking but it is a book we are working through and it is amazing how each days devotion seems to fit perfectly for where we are and what we are going through.

I had to be reminded that in the states people are getting ready to celebrate Independence Day and how fitting that this blog be posted now. We are celebrating another type of independence. We are celebrating the awesome power of God and the independence He gives us when we become His children. Watching how God has liberated these young people is worth all the blood, sweat and tears that have been shed.

Thank you for your faithful support in prayer, giving and even joining us here to help make an eternal difference.

Another Success Story!

Pamela proved her courage when she completed the very first YDM training as the only girl. She told us later that her mother encouraged and pushed her to go everyday, telling her that quitting was not an option.  Even though it was challenging being surrounded by males, she toughed it out and we hired her after the training.
Her tenacity and genuine love for God were evident, and her friendly personality helped shape her into a great server. Pamela worked at the cafe and helped train new students for about a year, then was recruited to work for a local fast food restaurant chain.
Just recently she heard of an opening for wait staff at a very large and successful tourist lodge so she applied.  Just hours after the interview she received a call that she was hired.  The company representative told her they encourage their staff to move up into higher positions if they prove themselves at the entry level.  The lodge provides transport to and from the city, housing, three meals each day, and a salary. She was thrilled of course!  It was like a dream come true. Pamela has been living with her five year old little girl, her mother, brother and mentally disabled adult sister.  Her mother has been the main bread-winner in the family as a maid for a local elementary school, and her brother works at a grocery store getting less than minimum wage. Finances are always tight.  This new job will give her some financial freedom.  She will work hard, save most of her money so she can help support her family.
Pamela said her mother reminded her to thank us.  She said that she never would have had this great opportunity had it not been for the Duran's and the YDM program.  And we thank all of our partners who have been so faithful to pray and financially support the program.  Through our team effort, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of Namibian youth and their families.

WOW!!!!

God has been busy here in Okahandja and we are so glad to be a part of what He is doing here. It has not been with out challenge but He has been our strength. We contine to see His hand at work and recently we have seen an increase in business and we give Him thanks for that too.

One of the reasons for the increase is due to Milton Louw, a local reporter, who by chance, and we know that with God it was not by chance, came in looking for a internet connection. Well he was greeted by the staff and promptly served. Mr. Louw was so impressed that he wrote an article about the Garden Cafe in the paper. Below is a link to the article as well as what he wrote.

Give credit where it’s due


By: Milton Louw



As consumers we tend to complain but it is very rare to hear a consumer share a good service experience (especially in Namibia).

A few weeks ago, while I was still writing on the farm, I had the occasion to visit Okahandja while the farm workers were doing shopping. During my leisurely stroll through town, I had a call asking me to urgently work on some problem via my email. For those of you who have never been to Okahandja, imagine that the local Agra branch still closes for lunch – and you can then imagine how desperate I became thinking where can I get Internet access.

My first thought was Telecom, where I was informed their Internet was not yet working. I almost panicked upon hearing one of the largest Internet providers don’t have working public internet access in the town. Luckily, one of the staff was able to guide me to the Garden Café around the corner that would be able to assist. Wow! I did not know that an oasis of this kind existed anywhere in the country, never mind Okahandja.

Upon entering, I was greeted by friendly staff who informed me that the Internet was free if I was having something to eat. They even provided a laptop that had all the most common software installed and a reasonable speed connection. After my mails were done I had a leisurely lunch and took the time to compliment the owner on the friendly and efficient service of his staff. In turn, he informed me that the Garde Café was in fact a “Youth Discipleship and Programme” that is designed to give youth vocational and skills training through a 12 week programme.

This is what is meant when a company talks about corporate social responsibility. This company truly shows that “Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large”. As consumers, our money is our power and I encourage you to support companies like this who not only provide a service to make money, but also work at improving the quality of life of the community they operate in.

On this note, perhaps the readers should also take time to reconsider their misconceptions of our ‘Garden Town’ and visit the Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo to be held from 9 to 12 May 2013?



http://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=28&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=109346&no_cache=1

One Testimony

You can’t beat a real life testimony. When you are asked to give a testimony in a court setting, it is because you saw or heard or experienced something of significance. To date 47 Namibian youth have completed the YDM (Youth Discipleship & Mentoring) Program and according to our research 32 are currently employed. That alone is remarkable!


There are other skills training programs in Namibia, but none that we know of that are fully sponsored and accept students without a grade 10 satisfactory completion certificate. The majority of our students have not completed grade 10 and therefore have little hope of finding any viable employment except perhaps housecleaning (girls) or hauling cement (boys). The government does not offer continuing education for free like other countries. So without finances .... no skills .... insufficient education.... where can these young people turn?

Here is David’s story. He is one of the few who has completed grade 12 and even a little beyond, but got sidetraked. Read on.

David Malgas age 22, describes his past life as a “party life.” Alcohol was his driving force. He felt defeated, without work skills and no hope for further education, until he heard about the YDM program. I remember his words to us during the interview. “I am very motivated... I am a very hard worker.” Not only did David shine in the program, but we hired him when he completed training.


One day, when business was slow David approached me with an idea. He said, “Mrs. D. if we set up a table on the side of the street next week Friday, we can sell burgers and chips. I know we can do a good business.” He explained to me that payday was coming up and people travel and shop and need a quick lunch which we can provide. So, we tried it the following week – David set up a table and his idea proved brilliant – we made a good side business. We have continued that plan each month end and have found it very successful.


Now he is our head waiter – supervisor, handling banking, record keeping, orders and vendor invoices and training new staff. All of this in only one year of employment at the cafe. His smile says it all!

We asked David to answer a few questions for our blog followers.

Question: What motivated you to make a decision to follow Christ?


Answer: It was the way I lived. Deep down I just knew that the way I was living was not right. Also there was a deeper urge to make something of my life because there was an inner voice saying there was more to life than just carelessness.

Question: How has your life changed since making that decision?

Answer: It has changed in a lot of ways as a matter of fact. I cannot describe it in words. I have never for once regretted the fact that I chose Jesus. He has changed me to be a better person, my surroundings and like it says in Jeremiah 11:29 “...He has given me a hopeful future.”


Question: What goals do you have for your future?

Answer: I must say that after having carefully thought about where I came from and what I am at this state, it looks rather exciting for starters. I want to keep following the Good Lord, although I do not see myself as a pastor. I know that I have been anointed for business and I pray and hope that I would be able to one day go and study in the field of business. There is a saying: “One doesn’t know who you are or what you want if you do not know what you WERE or where you are from.” But, I, by the grace of God have found that and I am able to move forward and like I said business is my passion, and would like to practise business with integrity someday.


We plan to help David and others to make those goals a reality.  Through contributions of faithful partners David is now on a journey of success and fullfilled dreams.  Other young Namibians are moving forward as well.  Visit our blog often for more stories.