An Understanding heart

We are very grateful for the many understanding hearts that we

have been able to connect with since starting this journey. To date we have been able to connect with 11 different churches, numerous people and many like minded hearts.

We look forward to the months and years ahead of us.

July

Calvary Chapel - Neepawa MB

Manhattan Beach

Portuguese Pentecostal Church - Winnipeg MB

Sherwood Assembly of God - Winnipeg MB

Bethel Christian Assembly - Brandon MB

August

Elim Chapel - Melita MB

Full Gospel Mission - Gilbert Plains MB

Grandview Family Worship Center- Grandview MB

Abundant Life Chapel - Lac Du Bonnet MB

Hay River Pentecostal Chapel - Hay River NT

Would you please pray for us as family

- That we would meet our budget in a timely manner

- for safety as we travel

- For the Lord to open more doors to understanding hearts

Will you also begin to pray for the lost in Namibia along with us that the strongholds would be broken and that the freedom of Christ would reign in their hearts.

The Herero

The Herero are a cattle breeding nation known for the women wearing "cow horn headpieces" and long Victorian gowns. Their tribal traditions continue to remain strong. Today they combine Christian dogma with ancestor worship and magical ceremonies.

The Mbalantu

The Mbalantu, one tribe of the Ovambo nation, are a cattle breeding and farming society living mostly in isolation. Sadly, they are not isolated from extreme alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS and hopelessness. Traditional ancestor worship, divination and mystical ceremonies are still practiced. There is a lot of confusion and resistance to the Gospel.

The Nama

The Nama are closely related to the Bushman, having a similar Khoisan language, light skin and small frame. They rely greatly on stock farming, crafts, tribal traditions and a multitude of superstitions. Most Nama show no understanding of a personal relationship with Jesus.

The Coloured of Namibia
The Namibian Coloureds are a unique culture of racially mixed origin, African, European, and Asian descent. They mostly live around the Namibian cities and towns. Many are fishermen on the coast and stock farmers in the southern interior. They have little to no evangelical contact.

To support us Financially you can give online

http://www.paoc.org/missions/missionaries.aspx?mID=339

or email us and we would be glad to send you a missions brochure

ddesrosiers@paoc.org

Aware

Namibia is commemorating Day of the African Child at a critical time when her own children are increasingly facing orphanhood and substance abuse.

HIV/AIDS is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Namibia and many children are likely to be orphaned by the death of a parent or a caregiver who are also the breadwinners. HIV/AIDS kills almost 15 000 every year.

Orphanhood is just one of the host of problems that the Namibian child is facing. The Namibian child also faces abuse and neglect, early pregnancy and exposure to drug and alcohol abuse. Children are also getting more and more in conflict with the law.

Some of the Namibian children are robbed of their childhood by having to look after their fellow siblings due to the death of their parents. A study a few years back found that out of 200 children that were interviewed, 33 children were heading households.

We have been reading and learning all we can about Namibia so we can be aware and therefore we can go somewhat prepared to understand the culture, the issues, the government and the people of the country.

Our weekends have been busy speaking at churches and helping others to also become aware of the situation in Namibia. We also have been sharing our hearts and God's calling upon us as a family.

This past weekend we had the opportunity to speak at four services/five congregations.

This was our Sunday

9:30 a.m. service

10:30 a.m. service

~ 40 minute drive

1:30 p.m. service

~ 3 hour drive to Selkirk

5:30 p.m. service

9.00 p.m. ice cream with Porterfields!

~ arrival home about 1:00 a.m.

We have been full time missionaries for sixteen days as of today and have had the honor of sharing our hearts with eight congregations.

We were so encouraged by he support from all who we have shared with. It was amazing! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

How can YOU help?

How can you help the country of Namibia?

                  Come with us by...

1.  By partnering with us financially

     

     -to support and train leaders

     -to respond to social needs

     -to strengthen the local congregations and community

    2.  By hosting us mid-week

          

         -we would be happy to meet with you circle of influence

         -it could be in your home over coffee

         -a small group or bible study

         -with your family

         -or at your church

  3.   Commit to pray 

        -for us as a family

        -for the country of Namibia

When we take the opportunity to give God blesses us in return and he will take care of us...

       "Give and it SHALL be given unto you, a good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over."   Luke 6:38

                                              

On a personal note(Sharon), I have a a new appreciation for missionaries.  We have just begun but the level of trust one must learn to have is intense.  We have to trust God or we'll go crazy with anxiety.

Those who have a burning desire to touch the lives of people in a country that is destitute must depend on God's people here in Canada(North America) to listen to God's voice and follow His promise that as we give, He WILL take very good care of us.

I remember my parents giving of the very little they had to support missionaries when I was young.  We prayed for them as they kept in touch with us.  My parents are truly blessed and happy and God did take care of them.  They're greatest joy is when they can help others and this has really impacted me.  I've seen God's promise in action.

Missionaries can not go without your support. Unlike Canada where church workers are paid by the church to be a help to the community and the church family but missionaries must depend on individuals and churches to see the need outside their immediate needs.  Sadly,  we in a wealthy nation and still hold tight to "our" wealth and feel afraid of giving and then trusting the Lord.  I speak for myself as well in that giving is never easy, it's easier to close my eyes and heart. God forgive me and change me.

So on behalf of the people who serve in a foreign country they need prayer,  communication, and financial support.

Thanks for listening and to all of the missionaries... May God bless you.

To support us Financially you can give online  http://www.paoc.org/missions/missionaries.aspx?mID=339

The end with a beginning

Yesterday was our last day as the pastors of New Life Assembly. A church family that has made an impact on us as a family to say the least. 

Today it is sinking in that we have stepped away from a wonderful place of ministry and the comfort of an amazing group of people to go to into a chapter in our lives that is uncertain but we know without any question  that this is God's will for us.  

Catherine, Julia, Darrell and I will be in God's hands as we walk this road and we will see amazing things happen in this step of faith.

Words cannot express what wonderful people we have had to chance to bond with in this church and this community.

It was a bitter sweet day to say good-bye so that we can say hello to what God has for us in Namibia. 

Our desire is to serve the Namibian church and the people of that beautiful country. 

Our plan in raising our support will be to share our hearts, present the need in as many ways as possible and pray that people will be challenged to be in ministry along with us.  

We pray for individuals to be involved as well as churches. our desire is for people to be aware of what God is doing in Namibia through e-mail and letters, we want to keep our supporters involved in our journey.

You might not go to another country physically but you can be part of placing us there and in this you'll be impacting this part of the world.

We'd also appreciate your commitment to praying for us as we'll pray for you.  Pray is vital and knowing that we have individuals promising to pray for us would mean so very much.  

So you may ask when are we going and how are we going to get there. We can draw a salary once we reach 60% and go to the field when we reach 75% of our budget. Our plan is to keep you up to date with where we are in the matter. 

Please pray for us that God will help us to be ready and funded to go to Namibia in the fall of 09.