Here & There (Aug-Oct 2017)

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Update: Baby Kiara, Paul & Joseph

There is much news to tell! First of all thank you, thank you, thank you! We have been quite blessed by your generosity in giving and in praying for these dear families. I have been able to take 12 care packages to the families already! This includes things as small and simple as a lunch package to things like a week’s worth of groceries. Usually we don’t really engage in a lot of relief work, since the need is so overwhelming and never ending, instead we have focused on development, but in bringing these relief packages to people we have been able to really show them that they are loved and not alone.

Baby Kiara was discharged from the hospital yesterday. Her stay in the hospital went without any complications, but her burns are still healing so she will continue to go to the clinic every other day to have her bandages changed.  Her mom lost her job when the accident happened because she had to stay in the hospital with her. This family now really needs to find a stable job for Yomanda. Also pray for Kiara, she used to be a very friendly and smiley baby but since the accident she seems to be very reserved and quiet.

Baby Paul was discharged a week ago, even though his hand was still open and oozing. I took a care package with a week’s worth of food for the whole family, including loads of baby food and formula, the day after he was released. I learned after that, he was taken back to Usakos to go and stay with his other grandmother while his parents recover. You may remember that both his parents were also badly injured when their shack burned down. I don’t know if I will ever see this baby again, but he is on my heart constantly, please continue to pray for him and has family.

Baby Joseph is such a little joy! He has a great smile, and runs out the door when he hears the food cart coming! He was due to have a skin graft surgery this past Friday, but after they had him sedated in the operating room the doctor noticed that he had sores all over the inside of his mouth, these had been caused by pneumonia. His surgery was then canceled. His mom did not find out until after he had been in recovery for awhile. So she sat crying and praying, only to find out over 4 hours later that he hadn’t had the surgery. So for now he is still just in the hospital recovering from the lung infection and waiting. This family has been in the hospital for 14 weeks now, and there is no end in sight. Pray for this family!

Since Paul had been sent home a new baby filled his spot in the room. Baby Lawrence was born with water on his brain. He had surgery yesterday to put a stent in to drain some of the fluid off of his brain to relieve the pressure. His mom also is a teenager and has been through so much with her little one. He is three months old. This baby is a sweet heart, he loves to smile and chat and is a very happy baby. Please pray that he heals well from the surgery, that the stent does what it is supposed to and that his brain heals and develops well. I have interacted with many young mothers in the last few years and it really stands out to me how much this young girls loves her child. She lavishes love and attention on to him.

Again, thanks so much for all the support and prayers! In the last ten days I have seen some terrible things in that hospital, but I have also seen young mothers love and care for and fight for their babies. I have also experienced so much concern and care for these families from people all over the world. A local mom’s group has also now taken these families into their hearts and have made several care packages themselves. For now we have no further need for any more money or things, thanks so much again to all of you who have prayed and given!

Wisdom from the Dunes

Most people don’t want to be missionaries. Most people never feel a call to be in full time vocational ministry. I am not one of those people. I wanted to be a missionary before I was even baptized. I didn’t know much, but I knew that the love of Jesus was so powerful that it changed my life and I wanted to share that powerful love with others. I was pumped to just go.

The opportunity came for me to go on a mission trip to Haiti with my youth group. They went annually, and I was going to go after I finished my senior year of high school. Actually, now that I think back I can remember being hesitant on going to Haiti because I wanted to go to Africa instead. Regardless of the hesitations I started planning for our trip. My entire senior year was spent preparing for this trip. I even skipped my senior prom because it was too expensive and I needed to save money. (Which was really more of an excuse to get out of going to prom.)

Anyways on that trip my whole world was stirred up. When we landed it was dark, so I couldn’t see what the country was like until the next day. Because of the heat, we slept on the roof, and I woke up to the sun rising between two mountains that reflected off of a lake. It was absolutely breath taking. I felt like I was in paradise, then we left the mission compound and went into the community and it was a drastic difference from the beautiful scenery I saw that morning. Trash was everywhere, children were naked, and the dogs were boney and pathetic. It was difficult for me to take in the drastic differences from the sunrise, to the slums. I never knew the severity of poverty, and the brokenness that comes with it. I knew I wanted to be a missionary, but after seeing the desperation it felt urgent. I felt like the entire country was in living hell and that I myself could bring a ray of hope.

During this trip I was going through a rough patch in my life. I was overwhelmed with thinking of going to college. My plans were to go to Johnson University, but then I realized that there would be no way I could afford to go there. I didn’t even know how to take out a loan big enough to go there. Thoughts of future plans consumed my mind, even while in Haiti. Then I started thinking, I could just move to Haiti and be a missionary. I don’t need to go to college to be a missionary, the need is urgent and I need to be there now. I really had my mind set on going back as soon as possible, with a one way ticket.

To my disappointment, no one else seemed to be on board. I couldn’t understand why. I just wanted to work and serve, why would people discourage that? I can remember one night when the founder of the orphanage we were working with told me that I really should go to college or some kind of training, my heart was broken. Though she was telling me to wait and be trained, what I heard is that you are not good enough to serve God in this way. I was taught that God is able to use us however he wants, even when we are weak and unable. I thought that this was Gods chance to use me, and work in powerful ways, even though I was unable and young. But what I heard from her is that God isn’t big enough. After returning to the States I cried for two months straight. I cried everyday because I just wanted to be back in Haiti and it didn’t seem like it would ever happen. My heart broke because there was such a need and I was doing nothing about it.

The thing is, my paradigm was wrong in more ways than one. First of all, I thought that the country would not go on without me there. God has been at work in Haiti long before I was born, and he will continue to work there long after I am dead. I never was going to do any saving, because that is God’s job. He alone is the one able to rescue, restore, and reconcile. I was just lucky enough to witness the work of God for ten short days.

Secondly, I had tunnel vision. I thought that immediate relief and aid would solve the problems. I thought that in four years on the mission field a lot more would be accomplished than four years in Bible College. Not that everyone must go to Bible College to be a missionary, but with burn out leading to high attrition rates, perhaps the investment in ministry training is worth it. Ministry, especially in a foreign place, is not for the faint hearted. It is tough. The investment in training, for myself, I believe is God’s way of preparing me to go into lifelong foreign ministry.

In hindsight, I am so thankful for advice that hurts and for unanswered prayers. Being in Africa I have really learned the value of learning from others. Last week I was reading Simiply Christian by N.T. Wright, and somewhere in there he expands on the beauty and excellence of learning from experienced, wise, and mature Christians. Of course my mind immediately went to David and Sandy and the opportunity I have had to learn from them. I have been able to learn what it looks like to do ministry. I have learned the value of putting your family first. I have learned the value of long conversations and building relationships. I have learned that programs are not about doing, but about being. Most importantly I have learned and embraced that I can do nothing apart from Christ, and His people.

This past week I was able to go sand boarding, while we were putting on our gear, and getting a brief rundown of what the day would look like. The instructor told us that while walking up the dunes, we should step in other peoples footprints to make it easier. When you step in someone else’s footprint, they have already pushed down the sand for you so you don’t slide back as much. As soon as I heard her say that, I couldn’t help but think of all that I am learning here. I am able to step in others footprints to be able to go forward, without going backwards first. Let me testify, it is NOT easy hiking up the sand dunes. The boots are heavy, there’s sand rubbing your skin raw, the sun is hot, and the air is dry. Imagine hiking up a mountain while running in soft sand, that is what it is like going up. But having the footprints of others to walk in really does make it easier. I tried to walk off the beaten trail for about 5 steps, and ended up going further down than I went up.

The same is true for Christian life, and leadership. It is a difficult climb no matter what, but when we step in the footprint of others first, we have a boost. I can imagine myself in Haiti, metaphorically sliding down the sand dune, trying to figure it out alone. Praise the Lord that plans don’t always work out. I am thankful for all the people who have gone before me, and blazed the trail. Being in Namibia has been a journey of walking though others footprints, figuring out what works and what doesn’t, learning the challenges that come with leadership, how to respond in difficult situations, and how to honor God through it all. The past two years in Bible College have been a time of preparation and putting on gear, and I have been able to use the gear and training I have had to follow the lead of David and Sandy who are following Christ and joining in on God’s work here in Namibia.

One thing I know for sure, is that I don’t have it all figured out. Ministry is tough, and there’s lots to learn from those around me. I am especially thankful that I get to learn from the Echols.

Learning the Language

Walking down the streets of Katutura I have meet a number of interesting people, or better yet, a number of locals have meet a strange white girl. One of my tasks during the day is to walk around the township practicing my language lesson from earlier that day. It must be quite entertaining for these people, to have some random foreigner walking around trying to speak their language… emphasis on trying.

Generally there are two responses by people when I approach them; people are either confused and seemingly uninterested or they interact with me, helping me with pronunciation and learning new words. Some are so excited they even want to teach me profanity. The goal with this isn’t just for me to learn the language but also for me to learn about the people.

Languages are unique because they imply so much more than just words. Behind every language there is a people group, that are all united by one common denominator that is a foundation for building lives, relationships, business, and families. It is not merely something we learn in school, but it is something that connects people beyond a spelling test or a reading quiz.

Perhaps this is not on accident, but God has something in mind when creating the unique and profound ability for humans to communicate in a deep relational way. Perhaps he himself was planning on communicating with us, His creation. In John we see that God became tangible for humanity, because Jesus Christ became The Word. Jesus Christ, who existed beyond culture and language, entered into time for what? To become the word that gives life.

Christianity is more than a set of rules or a humanitarian movement. While there is certainly those aspect involved, I see Christianity as a language. I see being in Christ as a way to connect people. I see being in Christ as a foundation for building lives, relationships, business, and families. I see Christianity as learning the language of The Word.

When a child is learning to speak their first language they make mistakes, their grammar isn’t perfect, and generally basic concepts such as “hungry, sad, and mamma” are all that is communicated. When a foreigner is learning a new language, such as myself, the language will be broken. In the states, I love talking to foreigners, something about broken English just makes me smile. Some people have better levels of language abilities, but there is one common factor, all are striving to be connected by a common denominator.

Christianity works the same way, some people are born into it. They learn about God starting in Sunday school, and they’re not able to communicate the deep theological issues, but they know about God and they know Jesus loves them and well as everyone. Then there are people who learn later in life about Jesus, and decide they want to learn the language of hope that Jesus spoke about. Things get pronounced wrong, 1 Corinthians get confused with 1 Chronicles, but there’s a community that is there learning with them.

I saw on facebook a test you could take to see how profound your English vocabulary is. A friend of mine shared her results, saying her level of vocabulary is at the top 5% of all English speakers. I thought to myself “I am gonna do pretty good on this, I’m more than half way done with a bachelors degree, and I read a lot of books.” The test started easy, so it helped my confidence. It got harder and I had to think longer, and then I just started guessing. My results? Top 40%. Equivalent to a 12 year old, according to the test.

I definitely didn’t share my results, but the thing is even though my English vocabulary isn’t impressive, I am able to connect and communicate on a deep level with people who are so different from me. I have something in common with people all across the country I live in, and even across the world. Christianity is no different. Whatever the season of Christianity you are in, you are connected with so many people across your neighborhood and across the world. We may see different levels of spiritual maturity, but the bottom line is that we are all deeply rooted as one by the blood of Christ. Don’t allow your maturity or immaturity to prevent you from speaking the language of Christ, but allow for the Spirit of Christ to unite you with his body, who is the church.

Tear-Filled, Anxiety-Driven Prayers

The feeling of being alone in a crowded room is a haunting spine chilling phenomena. This daunting feeling was my biggest anxiety preparing to come to Namibia. I was anxious because it would be the first time traveling across the Atlantic Ocean, and I would be alone. It was going to be the first time living in another country, and I would be living alone. (Something I also have never done.) The fear of loneliness was my biggest anxiety without a doubt. I was so anxious of being alone that I did not even know what to pray to combat the loneliness. I simply prayed that I would learn to be dependent on God.

I am not an extrovert by any means, I don’t only enjoy being alone but I thrive off of it, so the fear of loneliness was something completely new to me. Up to this point in my life, it had never worried me to be alone, deep down it excites me. Yet, there I was for months fretting over being alone. The extent of my fear had me in tears the night before leaving, and it started when a family was praying over me, and it didn’t end until I fell asleep. The time was actually here, and I was actually going off alone. The darkness of loneliness was becoming a reality.

I pictured myself wandering through the European airport aimlessly, oblivious to my surroundings because I am a foreigner. I pictured myself spending non-work hours in my apartment flat alone and disconnected. I pictured myself frantically going through the supermarket, surrounded by people who didn’t even notice me.

I could not have been more wrong, and God showed me how wrong I was before even boarding the first plane.

Sitting at the gate in Chicago O’Hare Airport, I realized the woman across from me had almost the same itinerary as me. She would have the same layover, and get on the same flight to South Africa as me. So for 90% of my traveling she would be there. I had not even boarded the plane and I had made a friend that I would be able to navigate the airports with and kill time while waiting. She also is really awesome and inspiring, so that is a bonus. I felt safe and confident to have a companion to travel with. I am convinced that she is Gods answer to my tear-filled & anxiety-driven prayers.

After her and I split ways I had the last leg of my traveling, from Johannesburg to Windhoek. As I exited the Windhoek airport I was greeted by an excited kid and friendly faces. I spent that evening and day with the Echols, and the next day I was taken to my apartment. My housing situation is another confirmation that God cares about my fears and he provides not only materially but he provides emotionally, and socially. My housing arrangement is beyond ideal, the family that I rent from is extremely friendly and warm, as well as the other tenants. I am convinced that my housing situation is God’s answer to my tear-filled & anxiety-driven prayers.

It is almost bizarre how well my personality has meshed with David and Sandy. Within one week I already feel like I have become closely knit with them and the kids. I knew that I would mesh well with them because they are also fans of The Office, but I didn’t realize that they would include me as much as they do. I am invited over for dinner and lunch regularly and spent most of my (waking) free-time on their sofa. The relationship with them has clicked so well, and so fast that I am convinced that our relationship is God’s answer to my tear-filled & anxiety driven prayers.

I have learned that not only does God hear our cries, but he also doesn’t leave us alone. The body of Christ is everywhere. There are Christians and people on every corner of the globe that we can mesh with, and create community. Community doesn’t have to be an established group, but it can be where two or more people are gathered. I find extreme comfort and peace in knowing that I am not alone, because God is with me and his people are, too.

Deficits

I recently spoke about “deficits” at our Thrive Bible study. The series was very interesting as I saw how the Thrive guys were really engaged in the Bible study topic.

 So, what do I mean by “deficits”? I am talking about something or someone that’s missing in your life which can lead to an emotional or physical impairment. For example, one major deficit that affects my community is the lack of father figures. The worst part is that it is just accepted here. I know this personally because I grew up without a father figure. This led me to seek validation from the wrong friends and look up to older men in my community who just did all the wrong things, but this brought me no peace.

 However, the moment I started seeking validation from Jesus Christ everything started to get in place. My point here is once you allow God to walk with you in all your deficits, He will use you in even more life changing experiences. I can think of a few men that God used despite their deficits. One of them would be Moses in Exodus 4:10 “ But Moses said to the Lord “ Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Here we can see how Moses had a deficit of speaking but the man helped thousands of people out of slavery, all of this with the strength of God.

 I believe that God worked through this topic and it really made a huge impact on our lives. I hope this speaks to you in some way, if so, please share with us down in the comments.

Raylin Uirab

“Aacckk!”

“Aacckk! That’s not a lizard — it’s an alligator!!”

I have had a grand adventure discovering the different types of wildlife found here in Namibia. Being here in this wonderful country I have learned that there are many snakes that can cause death, that giraffes and flamingos roam free and that warthogs gather together to go to the watering hole.

God’s wonderful creation is just one of the many blessings that I have experienced here. The Lord continues to show His faithfulness and how He transcends all cultures, tongues, and people. Jesus has been doing a great work through Three Measures’ Thrive group and through the Echols. He is revealing Himself to these young adults in powerful ways. I have just been with them for about two weeks and I have seen them show the love of Christ to each other and really be a community of believers. They welcomed me in without hesitation and allowed me to become a part of that community.

Tennis has been a huge part of this community. It recently started up again, which has given me the ability to build relationships in a sport that I love. I am excited to see what the Lord will do through us in this season and how He will move to bring transformation.

Melissa Faraci

Unexpected Loss: Margret Shikongo

A couple of weeks ago, we introduced you on this blog to the Shikongo family. We have also shared about them in our last two newsletters. Last night we heard the sad news that Margret Shikongo passed away. As is social norm in our community, the funeral services started on Wednesday and will continue on through Saturday.

We have been meeting each week to study the Bible in the home of Margret and her husband, Abraham. We have been so impressed and encouraged by the faith and love that we see in this family. This was especially evident in Margret, who showed a genuine desire to know Christ and for her family to learn to follow Him.

Please pray for comfort for the Shikongo family as she left behind a husband, four daughters and a brother. Also pray that their home will continue to be a light of hope for their community.

Selfies with Raylin: Thrive Bible Study

This week’s selfie finds me at our Thrive Bible study. This Bible study is that part in our name “3 measures” which involves the spiritual aspect of people’s lives. Reaching people spiritually is the most important thing that we aim to achieve in this community. This picture was taken at our Bible study with young adults and meets on Sundays. Every week has its own topic of discussion.

Raylin

A note from the Echols:

This Thrive Bible study has been at the center of most of what we have done so far. This is where community, trust, discipleship and support  begin. It is where people are asking life’s tough questions, searching their souls, coming to repentance and experiencing God. While we’re away we have four of the young men we baptized this year taking turns leading the Bible study. This past Sunday was Raylin’s turn again, he led a biblical discussion about perseverance.

David & Sandy

Selfies with Raylin: Hope Cafe

Hi everyone, I am Raylin Uirab and this is my first selfie!

This is me at Monday night’s Hope Cafe. Community members from our Thrive group meet here to use the provided internet to do college homework, research, assignment and projects. We also just come here to enjoy time together and the refreshments that are sold.

Raylin

Note from the Echols:

Internet is not always as easy to come by in Namibia as it is in other parts of the world. We noticed a need for internet access in Katutura especially among our college and university students. Internet tends to be very expensive and is usually charged on a per mb basis. In most cases the only internet access available to them is free from midnight to 5 AM, leaving our students often having to wait until then to begin their studies. Hope Cafe was our answer to this problem. It has been a big success, allowing students a chance to use internet and providing a safe and fun place for community members to socialize.

If you’re ever in Namibia, feel free to drop by Hope Cafe, so far we’re open every Monday and Thursday evening.