The three boys in the picture got new Sunday outfits and in church they look now like real gentlemen...
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday outfits
The three boys in the picture got new Sunday outfits and in church they look now like real gentlemen...
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Update from Rehoboth
In May we transferred the children in our Residential facility to the Ark Keetmanshoop. At the beginning of July we appointed Ms. Beverly van Wyk as the Ministry Coordinator. Following is a short report since she started in July 2010:
We have twenty seven registered children in our Ministry CarePoint. Sadly not all the children attended the program on a regular basis. I did house visitations and made some interesting discoveries. We will definitely adapt our current program to accommodate the challenges that hampers the effectiveness of our program.
Looking at the report cards of the children, we realized that the subjects Accounting and Mathematics are a challenge to our children. We are in the process to recruit a local volunteer to assist in this regard. Our staff is doing well and is motivated to increase the effectiveness of our program.
During this past holiday, we had a three day holiday club that was attended by twenty one children. The children learned a great deal, but they also had a lot of fun. We had various activities; but as you can guess the children enjoyed the outdoor activities the most.We have some very exciting plans for the next trimester. We are looking into getting sponsorships to have rewards for the children who perform the best at school as well as those who make significant progress. We are also planning a ten day Holiday club during December holidays. Our plans includes a day outing and a Nativity Play where we hope to invite the parents and caregivers of our children.
Update from Oshikuku
Danny Musonda, Ministry Coordinator writes for our newsletter...
The Oshikuku Ministry Centre is situated in the northern part of Namibia. Oshikuku is about 800 km from Windhoek the capital city of Namibia and 30 km from Oshakati the main town in the north.The population of Oshikuku is about 18 000 inhabitants. Many of them live in the village setup and depend on agriculture for their survival. This village town has not been spared from the effects of the HIV/AIDS in our Country; hence the presence of our ministry centre in this community is very relevant.
We teach the Choose to wait program in a Secondary school. This has had a great positive influence on the children.We also have a Choose to Wait program at our centre for those learners who are interested during the week. In total we minister to seventy students on a weekly basis. One of the parents came to us to express her gratitude; she has seen a significant change in her daughter’s behavior since she joined the program.
Care and Compassion has been going on since the beginning of this year, there have been a decrease in numbers since we stopped to help them with food parcels. When we do receive large donations we share with them. We have a weekly Bible study, about fourteen of the original group attends and we have seen them growing spiritually. One client commented that she feels that the word of God is very vital to her just as food is!
Again due to a serious lack of funds, we were not able to introduce the new approach to Nurturing of Our Valuable Children. We just registered twenty- seven children and we hope to start our program in this term. Please pray for funds. Between the two families we foster seven children. It is a huge blessing to see how happy the children are in our care. One of the boys who struggled in the past with severe behavioral problems is now calm and is helping out a lot in and around the house.
All in all, our gratitude goes to God for sustaining us and the ministry thus far.
Update from Okahandja
Calvyn Isaacs, OVC Coordinator writes for our newsletter...
The introduction of a Ministry CarePoint at the Ark has changed the way people in the Okahandja viewed the ministry. Prior to the program, we experienced some ignorance towards the work and ministry in the community. Now people phone and ask about the program. We had a friend who spend one week of her annual leave at the Ministry Centre to assist us. The business community approaches us wanting to know how they can become involved in the program. Teachers stop us on the streets asking for assistance with some of the challenges they face at school with children. Parents and caregivers thank us for investing in the lives of their children.
Apart from providing in the most basic needs of the children, we create a loving and caring environment for the children to work and play in. Initially they joined the program as strangers and now we have become a family, a place where they can meet after school, have lunch, do school work, play, have fun, hearing God’s word and returning home to share their lives with their family. Looking at how their faces lit up when they arrive after school means a lot to us. Their growth and happiness warms our hearts, knowing that we are making a difference in their lives. We feel blessed and honored to have the privileged to share our lives with these precious ones.
From the onset of the program, we experienced the hand of the Lord on everything. We registered a boy who had to repeat Grade 1. The principal of the school informed us that he is very weak academically and were not able to master the most basic skills and knowledge one would expect from a Pre-school child. The principal considered placing him in the Special Class. We took on the challenge and asked the principal to postpone the decision for one trimester. The trimester was not even over, when the principal informed us how much this timid boy has changed. He used to be shy and withdrawn; he has grown into a confident child. We praise God for the change in this child’s life through our program.
One of the boys on arrival did not look well physically. He was very skinny with a chronic cough and very little energy. His health was a great concern to us, we prayed for him constantly. We saw a tremendous change after a few weeks. We teach the children to pray and trust God to provide and care for us. His faith has grown tremendously. He is one of the forerunners when it comes to prayer time and making very good progress at school, especially in Mathematics.
We had very good reports from the Principals at the schools, mentioning that even the children’s general behavior improved. We are very thankful to God for His provision; we receive a substantial amount of food donations weekly. We stand in awe of what God has done through the program and in the lives of the children.
The introduction of a Ministry CarePoint at the Ark has changed the way people in the Okahandja viewed the ministry. Prior to the program, we experienced some ignorance towards the work and ministry in the community. Now people phone and ask about the program. We had a friend who spend one week of her annual leave at the Ministry Centre to assist us. The business community approaches us wanting to know how they can become involved in the program. Teachers stop us on the streets asking for assistance with some of the challenges they face at school with children. Parents and caregivers thank us for investing in the lives of their children.
Apart from providing in the most basic needs of the children, we create a loving and caring environment for the children to work and play in. Initially they joined the program as strangers and now we have become a family, a place where they can meet after school, have lunch, do school work, play, have fun, hearing God’s word and returning home to share their lives with their family. Looking at how their faces lit up when they arrive after school means a lot to us. Their growth and happiness warms our hearts, knowing that we are making a difference in their lives. We feel blessed and honored to have the privileged to share our lives with these precious ones.
From the onset of the program, we experienced the hand of the Lord on everything. We registered a boy who had to repeat Grade 1. The principal of the school informed us that he is very weak academically and were not able to master the most basic skills and knowledge one would expect from a Pre-school child. The principal considered placing him in the Special Class. We took on the challenge and asked the principal to postpone the decision for one trimester. The trimester was not even over, when the principal informed us how much this timid boy has changed. He used to be shy and withdrawn; he has grown into a confident child. We praise God for the change in this child’s life through our program.One of the boys on arrival did not look well physically. He was very skinny with a chronic cough and very little energy. His health was a great concern to us, we prayed for him constantly. We saw a tremendous change after a few weeks. We teach the children to pray and trust God to provide and care for us. His faith has grown tremendously. He is one of the forerunners when it comes to prayer time and making very good progress at school, especially in Mathematics.
We had very good reports from the Principals at the schools, mentioning that even the children’s general behavior improved. We are very thankful to God for His provision; we receive a substantial amount of food donations weekly. We stand in awe of what God has done through the program and in the lives of the children.
Update from Keetmanshoop
Christina, the supervisor at the Ark writes for our newsletter...
The Lord is so good to us; our hearts are full of happiness as we rejoice in His goodness! During the May holidays the children of the Ark Rehoboth were transferred to us. Initially it was quite a challenge for the new group to adapt as well as for the children that have been in the house for years. By the grace of God, the group has adapted well and they have even made good progress at school! We are so proud of them!
At the beginning of July, we received training on how to run a Ministry CarePoint with the vulnerable and orphaned children in the community, whom we call Our Valuable Children. This time of training was very valuable; we even had two ladies from the community attending. This initiative also encouraged a local pastor with three of her church members to sign up as volunteers.
We had a team from the Mount of Olive Church in California that visited the Ark for three weeks. We enjoyed having them with us; the children had a great time with the team. Most of them were young people with two wonderful older men. They assisted with the caring for the children at the Ark and the Kids Club; as well as doing some much needed renovation in and around the Ark. We value and appreciate the partnership with the church.
We appointed two new Parent Assistants. This is such a relief for the current staff. Christiaan and Rita also enjoyed a much deserved time off in Windhoek in the month of August.
Christiaan befriended a farmer and he gave permission to the children to visit the farm over weekends. It is a grand outing for the children; they get to see donkeys, goats, chicken and other farm animals. One of the activities the children enjoy most at the farm is mountain climbing.
It is amazing how God provides for the ministry. We have been blessed with funds for purchasing shoes, school clothes and the paying of school fees. During winter we received winter sleep gear, toiletries, books and Bibles. The community also contribute with in-kind donations. We are really thankful for our Father God for His grace, provision and protection.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Our Valuable Children
The HIV and AIDS pandemic are affecting Sub-Saharan Africa to the greatest extent and as a result the number of orphans is continuously growing. Namibia’s population of 1.9 million people is relatively small. However the Namibian community is not yet in a position to care for the 140 000 orphans (estimated for 2010 are 170 000 orphans, UNAIDS and UNICEF, 2006) and many more vulnerable children. Christ’s Hope International’s vision and mission clearly define the goal to reach out to and nurture orphans and vulnerable children.
The first Orphans and Vulnerable Children Consultation took place in 2007 and new directions for the organization were discussed. An analysis of the approach then pointed out that the Arks as a residential child care facility could only cater for a small number of children yet many more children are in need. A new ministry model was developed with Ministry CarePoints in the community where children come for meals and join after-school-programs as well as other activities such as Children’s clubs and camps.
However, the implementation of the program was delayed, due to the fact that the finalization of the standards and training of the staff were only done at the beginning of 2010. Since then we established four Ministry CarePoints at our Ministry Centres in Keetmanshoop, Rehoboth, Okahandja and Oshikuku which cater for a total of 127 children in different setups such as foster care, residential care in the Ark and Ministry CarePoints. Out of these 127 children, 35% are considered as vulnerable (the child is susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm or does not have access to health care or education), 35% are single orphans and 29% have lost both their parents (percentages are rounded down).
We feel called to serve the children and to give them hope for a better future with Christ and therefore we spell out ‘OVC’ in our program as Our Valuable Children. The aim of our Ministry CarePoint is to care holistically for the children entrusted to us. This is based on Luke 2:52. We therefore would like to see them grow spiritually, physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. Key to the growth and development of the Ministry CarePoint is funding. The ICAN (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13) child sponsorship program will allow us to unite the efforts of the Mobilization and Ministry Countries.
The Ministry CarePoints have the potential to cater for a far bigger number of children. Firstly, in our existing structures, and secondly to partner with churches and schools. However, funds are needed to realize this.We would like to increase our efforts in strengthening existing families, nurturing broken families and providing vision for future families.
The first Orphans and Vulnerable Children Consultation took place in 2007 and new directions for the organization were discussed. An analysis of the approach then pointed out that the Arks as a residential child care facility could only cater for a small number of children yet many more children are in need. A new ministry model was developed with Ministry CarePoints in the community where children come for meals and join after-school-programs as well as other activities such as Children’s clubs and camps.
However, the implementation of the program was delayed, due to the fact that the finalization of the standards and training of the staff were only done at the beginning of 2010. Since then we established four Ministry CarePoints at our Ministry Centres in Keetmanshoop, Rehoboth, Okahandja and Oshikuku which cater for a total of 127 children in different setups such as foster care, residential care in the Ark and Ministry CarePoints. Out of these 127 children, 35% are considered as vulnerable (the child is susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm or does not have access to health care or education), 35% are single orphans and 29% have lost both their parents (percentages are rounded down).We feel called to serve the children and to give them hope for a better future with Christ and therefore we spell out ‘OVC’ in our program as Our Valuable Children. The aim of our Ministry CarePoint is to care holistically for the children entrusted to us. This is based on Luke 2:52. We therefore would like to see them grow spiritually, physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. Key to the growth and development of the Ministry CarePoint is funding. The ICAN (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13) child sponsorship program will allow us to unite the efforts of the Mobilization and Ministry Countries.
The Ministry CarePoints have the potential to cater for a far bigger number of children. Firstly, in our existing structures, and secondly to partner with churches and schools. However, funds are needed to realize this.We would like to increase our efforts in strengthening existing families, nurturing broken families and providing vision for future families.
From the Country Director’s desk - Berdian Beukes writes...
James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
What a privilege it is to serve our Lord and Saviour through an organization like Christ’s Hope International. Serving through Christ’s Hope International remains a challenge, but God is good. He is our Provider and our Sustainer. We wake up every morning with an expectation, excited to see what and how God is going to provide for the needs of our ministry. A lack of staff and finances remains the key challenges. Some of our staff took “salary” cuts beginning of this year and yet, stays faithful to God by serving Him with us. Their lives exemplify what it means to sacrifice for Christ.
The introduction and implementation of the new approach to Nurture Our Valuable Children within the vision and mission of the organization is very exciting! We can already see the positive results from our efforts and early attempts.
The past year we have phased out the children’s homes in Rehoboth and Okahandja. The children were placed either in kinship (foster) care or in the Ark Keetmanshoop. We just had a reunion in Oshikuku with the children who used to be in the Ark Okahandja and it was confirmed that we are on the right track with the children. Placing them with families or in foster care, is in their best interest. When we drove through the gate in Oshikuku and heard the excitement of the children, I said to myself: “if this is why we are meeting here this weekend, it surely is worth the effort.” The children enjoyed seeing one another; they were well-groomed and have adapted fine at their different placements.
We have implemented a well structured Ministry CarePoint in Okahandja at the Ark. This was very well received by the community and beneficial to the children registered in our program. The Ministry CarePoint in Rehoboth has been re-organized and we are looking forward to see them blossoming. We continue to care for the children at the Ark Keetmanshoop in the residential setting. However the lack of sufficient funding hinders us from expanding the program to our Ministry Centre in Oshikuku.
I would like to thank ALL our ministry partners for your faithful prayer and financial support. The resources you entrust to us; enable us to better care and support the work and ministry. May God bless you in abundance!
What a privilege it is to serve our Lord and Saviour through an organization like Christ’s Hope International. Serving through Christ’s Hope International remains a challenge, but God is good. He is our Provider and our Sustainer. We wake up every morning with an expectation, excited to see what and how God is going to provide for the needs of our ministry. A lack of staff and finances remains the key challenges. Some of our staff took “salary” cuts beginning of this year and yet, stays faithful to God by serving Him with us. Their lives exemplify what it means to sacrifice for Christ.The introduction and implementation of the new approach to Nurture Our Valuable Children within the vision and mission of the organization is very exciting! We can already see the positive results from our efforts and early attempts.
The past year we have phased out the children’s homes in Rehoboth and Okahandja. The children were placed either in kinship (foster) care or in the Ark Keetmanshoop. We just had a reunion in Oshikuku with the children who used to be in the Ark Okahandja and it was confirmed that we are on the right track with the children. Placing them with families or in foster care, is in their best interest. When we drove through the gate in Oshikuku and heard the excitement of the children, I said to myself: “if this is why we are meeting here this weekend, it surely is worth the effort.” The children enjoyed seeing one another; they were well-groomed and have adapted fine at their different placements.
We have implemented a well structured Ministry CarePoint in Okahandja at the Ark. This was very well received by the community and beneficial to the children registered in our program. The Ministry CarePoint in Rehoboth has been re-organized and we are looking forward to see them blossoming. We continue to care for the children at the Ark Keetmanshoop in the residential setting. However the lack of sufficient funding hinders us from expanding the program to our Ministry Centre in Oshikuku.
I would like to thank ALL our ministry partners for your faithful prayer and financial support. The resources you entrust to us; enable us to better care and support the work and ministry. May God bless you in abundance!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Okahandja Reunion
In December 2009 we phased out the Ark Okahandja as a children’s home due to various challenges. The children were placed back with their families or in foster care by the social workers and adapted well. We gave the promise that once a year we would try our best to bring them all together for an Okahandja-Reunion.
The logistic part was quite challenging because their families live all over Namibia -from Keetmanshoop, over Okahandja , Grootfontein, to Oshikuku and all the way north-east to Katima Mulilo. We combined the event with our monthly prayer & fasting meeting for staff and chose Oshikuku as the best venue because the former houseparents are working at the Ministry Centre there.
The journey started on Thursday when two staff members of the Ark Keetmanshoop and two children drove to Rehoboth to spent the night at the Ministry Centre there. Friday morning early they left Rehoboth with staff and more children. They picked up us and some more staff and children in Windhoek, from there we proceeded to Okahandja to pick up some more people. After Okahandja we stopped in Grootfontein and arrived in Oshikuku at about 19h30. Two vehicles with 24 people. All in all we got 13 of the 17 children together for the reunion.
The children enjoyed and appreciated spending time together! We had a structured program planned for the morning and fun activities for the afternoon. However we allowed some free-time for the teenagers to catch up with one another. In our devotion time we talked with the children about how to hear God’s voice and why it is worth listening to God. Please pray with us that all the children will continue to follow Jesus and learn to distinguish between his voice and worldly influences.
On Sunday we travelled t
o Ruacana waterfalls which are situated right at the border to Angola. The falls were dry, but it was still a magnificent view and the children loved it so much to be in the water! On our return to Windhoek on Tuesday, we drove through Etosha and saw many animals. We wanted to see a lion very badly, but unfortunately they were hiding.
We not only had a safe trip, but the children were healthy and we all had a good time. We are so grateful to God for the work and ministry in Namibia, but more so we thank God for the children and their families.
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