Gone and Going

A BRIEF OVERVIEW THUS FAR...

Today is Sunday number 16 since being missionaries.

We have spoken at 23 churches.

We have been in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario and Northwest Territories.

We have to date, 24 individual supporters and 6 churches.

Many churches we have been at have indicated that they are planning to stand with us in the fall once schedules have resumed.

I(Sharon) have missed a couple of Sunday's as I am still working full time. I am privileged to speak for a few minutes at our Women's retreat on the first weekend of October.

Are we encouraged? Absolutely!

Along the way...

September

- Christian Life Center, Morden, Manitoba

- Lakeview Gospel Centre, Bonnyville, Alberta

- New Life Assembly, Killareny, Manitoba

- Calvary Gospel Church, Elphinstone, Manitoba

October

- Thompson Pentecostal Assembly, Thompson, Manitoba

- New Life Community Church, Kindersley, Saskatchewan

- Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

- Pentecostal Tabernacle, Swan River, Manitoba

November

- New Life Centre Church, Dauphin, Manitoba

- Calvary Baptist Church, Killarney, Manitoba

- TBC (to be confirmed)

- TBC

- TBC

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

When?

We had optimistically hoped to have our girls in school in August. We are realizing that summer is a difficult time to raise our support. We are looking at early in the new year. We will spend christmas with our families which will be very nice as we don't know when the next one will be.

Schooling?

There are several schools in Windhoek and our girls will live at home(not boarding school). Schooling for both girls range from

$10 000.00 to $35 000.00 per year. School for anyone in Africa is a privilege. The level of education they will receive is excellent.

Language spoken?

English is the primary language spoken. Afrikaans(german and dutch influence)is also often used.

What is the weather?

The Kalahari desert and the Namb desert are within Namibia, therefore the weather is dry and hot.

Cost of living?

Surprisingly the cost to rent a house in Windhoek is around $1500.00. Considering that 91% of Namibians live on less that $2 a day, that cost of living is higher that we find it here.

What will we take?

We will sell all our household belongings. Our keepsakes will be stored(two or three buckets) and we hope to ship a 4x4 container as it is expensive to ship too much of our belongings

Our children?

They have their times of wondering what to expect yet they continue to be steady in their excitement and certainty of God's direction for us. They are going to school here and when we move they can start school in Windhoek.

How are our parents and families dealing with this?

Our parents on both sides are 100% behind us. This being said I know that it is going to be very emotional as the time draws nearer. My parents are in their seventies and Dad has Parkinson's. I feel concern over the future of his health.

Darrell's' parents have had their share of health issues and of course we pray we will see them again.

When Darrell and I married 18 years ago, we moved away from family because in pastoring this had to be done. Because of this, we have learned to depend on one another. Our family of four is a very strong unit and this in itself makes this move easier to accept.

Thank you for your prayer and support. God bless you.

If you have questions, please ask and we will do our best to answer you.

The Bottom Line

June and July have been busy for us as full time missionaries. We have spoken in 16 churches/services throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario and we've spoken with many,many individuals thus far.

We have had the "when" question asked of us often. When are we going? And how are you doing with your budget?

We hope and pray to be in Namibia by Christmas. We believe we are at about 20% of our budget.

We have 4 churches partnering with us and several individuals at this point and many commitments to pray for us.

Several of the remaining 12 churches are very interested in partnering with us but need to meet with the board of their church. Others review their missions budget in the new year.

Darrell has had contact with many more pastors and individuals, we have sent hundreds of brochures and e-mail's.

How are we doing?

We are so encouraged by the support and heartfelt responses we have received over and over. We have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people and being blessed by the services we've been in. We know the Lord's hand is guiding us and preparing us. His timing is perfect and so we will do our part and He'll do the rest, we choose not to strive but to rest in Him.

Our prayer is that our partners will be blessed, and in these blessings they'll have the capacity to touch more and more lives in prayer, encouragement and financial means. I believe this is the reason our heavenly father places his hand upon our lives and bestows so many things to us, so we can pass it on. And in this we are are blessed.

I heard a speaker many years ago say that if your church is struggling financially or even in your personal life there are challenges-give to missions. There is truth in this, we have seen it time and again how God has intervened in our trusting Him.

"Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

If you would like Darrell or I to speak at your men's or woman's events this fall or your church would be interested in having us come in please contact us at ddesrosiers@paoc.org

If today was your last day!

If today was your last day what would you change? What would you do different? or would you change anything at all? As a family we have been asking ourselves these questions and have been coming up with different views than the ones we have thought were so important to us all along. We are willing to lay down our lives for the sake of Christ. We are willing to leave the familiar for the unknown. Family and friends for yet unknown friends.

Today and every day in Namibia 41 people have die of HIV/AIDS. It is a reality that we well aware of and can't close our eyes to. It in this context that the church is called to be the the hands a feet of Christ. We cannot wait, we are willing and wanting to go today.

This past was one of connecting and more connecting as I was the camp pastor at Manhattan Beach Camp. I am very thankful for the many people that were more than willing to listen to the calling of God on our lives.

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.