My month in Namibia was exciting! It was my second month Squad leading, and I was able to be with a team during “Unsung Heroes.” This is a unique month where we have no direct host, and simply ask the Lord to guide us to new potential hosts and adventures with Him. Ultimately, we aim we find new partnerships and come alongside some of the Heroes in the country in order to send them reinforcements in the future.
We went out into the Namib desert where we had fellowship, went Dune-boarding, enjoyed Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches, and admired the endless mountains of sand.
Our team was blessed by a lovely couple who chose to bless us by allowing us to to stay at their home! Joan and Deter were hardworking missionaries filled with love and overflowing with joy. They took us on many adventures and took us in as a family without hesitation.
We got to venture out and participate in a youth camp with Emmanuel Church in Swakopmund, Namibia. This group was on fire for the Lord and we had a blast building a fire, cooking an awesome stew (Poike), and sharing experiences. They are the future.
After camp we ventured back to Windhoek, Namibia. We made our rounds visiting different ministry sites and ended up digging a much needed toilet for a small school of children. We were blessed to be helping hands as we dug through the dry earth and uncovered many rocks.
Another ministry site that we visited was a Children’s Home. Venturing through the many rooms, I walked with the mentality of what kind of man do I want to be. I focused on being present and seeing each beautiful child for who they are in a place where they may not see positive relationships with adult men. Thus, putting together puzzles was a must!
While moving around the coast, we encountered some camels.. So of course we hopped right on and traveled through the land. A little bumpy, but well worth it!
Traveling the world is fun, but it isn’t always pretty. Visiting a dump in Namibia, and watching Fathers, Mothers, and small children scramble through heaps of ruble for food and hidden treasures broke me. I don’t believe that’s the life Jesus intended for us.
Walking over the broken glass of the land and looking over the people with the smell of burning garbage penetrating my nostrils, I wondered how I could make an impact on these people and not just be another fleeting face.
Among many of our worldly issues,poverty has a huge stronghold. Not just in Namibia, or Africa, but globally. We can hide from it or ignore it. But where is the love in that? In order for lasting change to happen it takes a combination of prayer & action!
I pray that our generation would be people of action! We have a long way to go & much to do, but I believe it can be done .
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (Luke 10:2)
I traveled from one team to another the night of Christmas Eve, BUT got the chance to speak with my family on Christmas day which was a tremendous blessing. This was my first Christmas away from home, so it was different to say the least. I got the announcement that I will be an Uncle once again to another baby boy! It is hard being away from family at times, but it’s awesome that we will be able to celebrate another bundle of joy soon! Prayers for good health and for them!
