It was four years ago this month that I surrendered to God with words similar to Isaiah’s above when my heart cried out, “God, wherever, whenever, whatever… I will go and be.” Since then I have had the privilege to serve Him in Mexico and New Orleans, and on June 26th, I will be heading to Namibia, Africa as a full-time missionary with Africa Inland Mission! I am excited to share with you some information about my assignment in the capital city of Windhoek, inviting you to join with me as I prepare for the work God has for me there.

While a simple internet search of this city of over 250,000 inhabitants will likely reveal images of modern buildings, a vibrant city center, and busy suburbs, Windhoek is dealing with nationwide concerns due to the increasing number of people affected by HIV/AIDS. More than one in five adults in Namibia lives with HIV/AIDS, and the number of orphans is growing daily with a current estimate of 140,000—of those, 85,000 are due to AIDS. Africa Inland Mission has been active in Namibia for several years through medical missions, education, leadership training, community outreach and more. They stand firm to the commitment of reaching out to African tribes and nations (many of whom have never even heard the gospel!) proclaiming throughout that the message of Jesus Christ is one of hope and healing.

Working with “the least of these”

I have been assigned to work with Family of Hope Services (FHS), a non-profit Social Welfare organization that works directly with orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs). 450 children ages 6-15 are currently enrolled in FHS programs. Without proper care, OVCs in Windhoek risk growing up without an education, becoming street children, or even dying due to malnutrition or disease. The work of FHS and similar organizations is crucial to providing these children with proper nutrition, education, and hope to survive in a country with one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. Children have always held a special place in my heart, and I am already grateful for this opportunity to serve those whom Jesus likened to “the least of these” when He told His disciples, despite the temptation to overlook such small members of society, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me,” (Mark 9:37). It is my prayer that my time with these children will be in service and obedience to Christ’s call upon us all to love God and love others.

How can you help?

* I need individuals, families, and churches who feel led to support me on a monthly basis. I am currently at 5% of my support target of $1874 a month. Perhaps you can give $20 or $50 a month. One-time gifts will also help accomplish this great goal. I hope you will pray about partnering with me financially. For information on how to support me directly, click here.

* I would love to speak at your church or small group meeting about my upcoming work in Africa. There will also be upcoming fundraising events you can attend or perhaps you can take some of my jewelry around to sell or even host a jewelry party at your house.

* Prayer, prayer, and more prayer! To guide you as you join me through the most powerful method of support, here are some specific requests:

--Pray for the Namibian people I will encounter. Pray that God is opening their hearts even now to receive His message of salvation.
--Pray for AIM’s current work in Namibia, that each team will be guided by God’s wisdom and will be blessed with boldness and strength for the work set before them.
--Finally, pray for me as I prepare physically and spiritually, raise support, and spend time with family and friends prior to my departure.

I am looking forward to this new journey, and I am anxious to share stories and pictures with you during my time in Namibia. Thank you for your support and encouragement and I pray that God will bless you richly in the days ahead.