Namibia Now

Merry Christmas

2009-12-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters of our Ministry:

At this holiday season of the year, we are realizing yet again HOW BLESSED WE ARE!

As we look back over the past year of what God has accomplished in us and through us, we are amazed! We are excited for what this New Year will bring. We know that it will mean change from what we have known and have become comfortable with yet we also know that our heavenly father is faithful and will walk with us through this transition in our lives.

We were approved as missionaries to Namibia on April 22, Darrell then resigned as the Pastor of the church in Killarney, MB at the end of May. We have travelled more than 40,000 kilometers in raising awareness of the calling that God has placed on our lives. We see this as a great opportunity to express how we need to pray for those living in a country that is often unsafe and very poor. We live in a wealthy and safe country and if we can cause others to be compelled to pray for those in desperate situations, then we have succeeded.

Our girls continue to do well in school and have a wonderful youth group and church here in Killarney. I know they have received so much spiritual and emotional mentorship. This is so helpful to them as they are preparing to leave their friends and community in the next few months. We are speaking as proud parents, but they really are mature and sensitive girls, they see past their own desires. We are so proud of them.

I(Sharon) continue to work full time at Credit Union and will continue until it is financially possible to resign. I love my job and will be sad to leave my co-workers and the people that I interact with. I am asked many times each day about our future and am happy to speak on behalf of the Namibians we will be serving.

We want to thank you for your love and support for all that we are doing!

Together we know that many people will come to know the great love of Jesus. We will see a beautiful freedom from bondages, poverty, alcoholism, depression, diseases and loneliness as Christ love’s becomes real to people.

We covet your prayer in the areas: Finances- that the remainder of the monthly funds we need will come in, for safety as we travel, for our house to sell so that we can go debt free, for the two million people that call Namibia home and the many needs in that country.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and New Year, and pray that the birth of Jesus will have a fresh meaning this year as you enjoy and contemplate the birth of our Savior---and, we might add---His imminent return!

Walking in His steps,

Darrell, Sharon, Catherine & Julia Desrosiers

400 000 hungry

2009-11-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

I found this post in the New Era newspaper for Namibia.

I can not help but think about what goes through my mind when i open the cupboards in our home and say the phrase "we have nothing to eat". Do I even understand hunger ? Will I ever? I am not sure, my hope and my prayer is that God will use our family to bring hope to those who have no hope.

400 000 Namibians are hungry – FAO - by Petronella Sibeene

06 November 2009

WINDHOEK – Close to half a million Namibians are hungry and lack access to adequate amounts of food, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) report says.

The report entitled “The state of Food Insecurity in the World 2009” was released recently and indicates that Namibia has 400 000 hungry people, a figure that translates into 19 percent of the country’s population.

The report further shows that affected people do not get the quality of food they need in order to be in a healthy state of mind.

According to the report, hunger/undernourishment/food insecurity entails being in no state of access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets the dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

Undernourishment on the other hand is said to exist when caloric intake is below the Minimum Dietary Energy Requirement (MDER). The MDER is the amount of energy needed for light activity and a minimum acceptable weight for attained height. It varies from country and from year to year depending on the gender and age structure of the population.

Although the report uses data from the period up to 2006, which was before the food and financial crises, it paints a gloomy picture of the country’s health status, which does not compare favourably with others in the region.

Lesotho, with a population of two million, has 300 000 people who are undernourished, while Mauritius only has 100 000 hungry people from a population of 1.2 million.

Botswana, Namibia’s neighbour with more or less the same population on the other hand, is said to have 500 000 hungry people.

In southern Africa only Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola are reported to be in a worse hunger situation than Namibia given their higher populations.

The report places countries into categories, which range from one to five. Category one is the best-case scenario in which only one sub-Saharan country, Gabon is found.

FAO estimates that about 1.02 billion people – about 100 million people more than last year – are undernourished in 2009, the highest number in four decades.

Countries have the economic and technical means to make hunger disappear, but what is missing is a stronger political will to eradicate hunger forever, FAO Director General Jacques Diouf said as the new annual report on world hunger was released.

It is believed the increase in the number of hungry people is not a result of poor harvests but is due to high food prices – particularly in developing countries – lower incomes and lost jobs.

Even before the recent twin crises of food and recession, the number of undernourished people had risen steadily for a decade, reversing progress made in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Meanwhile, the Director of Disaster Risk Management Japhet Iitenge recently told New Era government would this month begin distribution of food to families experiencing acute food insecurities.

These are families mainly from Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati, Caprivi and Kavango regions who suffered severe flooding during the 2008/9 rainy season.

Recent livelihood assessments by the Directorate Disaster Risk Management reveal people in some parts of the country especially those in flooded regions face serious hunger, a situation that calls for swift remedial action from government and its stakeholders.

Government in the 2009/10 national budget allocated a total of N$109 million to the Directorate Disaster Risk Management for emergency activities, Iitenge confirmed.

Thanksgiving

2009-10-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

With thanksgiving: We are so thankful the Lord has provided for us in many ways. Our personal needs have been met during this time of fundraising and we are closer to departure. When we started this journey we were not sure what to expect with respect to time lines. By the end of October, we will have shared in 31 different churches. Along the way, we have learned to trust God for all things and He has shown that He is faithful.

Maybe youʼre asking the question, when are you going? We have heard that question a lot! We are hoping that our departure will be early next year. At least six churches have indicated that we would be included in their budget for next year. We are eager to be in Namibia but we know that it is all in the Lordʼs time.

Please continue to pray for us in the following areas: for safety as we travel, for additional prayer partners, and for the necessary funds to

be received.

Gone and Going

2009-09-06T18:48:00.001-07:00

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

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

2009-08-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-06-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

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.

For this

2009-05-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

As you may know, the PAOC has missionaries in 50 countries of the world and Namibia will make 51. We, along with our two girls, plan to move to Namibia to work with developing leaders and to develop leaders of the national church and offering support in various ways.

We are giving ourselves for this, we are not sure what tomorrow brings but we know the one who holds tomorrow.

As you may or may not know we will conclude 6 years of ministry here in Killarney this coming Sunday. We have been blessed to provide leadership to a great church that will continue to be our home church while on the field.

You may be wondering what are we doing until we leave. Sharon will be going back to work the end of the month. Our girls will still go to school and I will be traveling and sharing our hearts with as many as I can.

June 7th - Oxford Assembly - Virden

June 14th - Anglican Church - Boissevain

June 14th - Family Worship Center - Boissevain

June 14th - Belmont Pentecostal Church- Belmont

June 14th - Bethel Chapel - Selkrik combined service with Stonewall

June 21st - Highway Tabernacle - Portage La Prairie

June 28th - TBC

Our Destination

2009-05-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I send me!" Isaiah 6:8-9

Why?

We felt a deep desire to go to a country that we were unfamiliar with. Namibia is a country where the gospel is being preached and aid is being provided by Namibian leaders yet they need support and that is what we want to be for them.

What?

Darrell's role will be to provide leadership development, pastoral and theological education. He'll also being Networking and assisting the local church and finding what is needed to help in a country that has so many needs. Our girls and I(Sharon)will find the ways we can help and be involved. Learning from the nationals will be the first important step to get underway.

When?

We have a budget that includes finances for us as a family to live on and finances to aid when we see a need in Namibia. We must raise this budget before approved to go. We need people to see our hearts and the deep desire to impact a needy part of the world to stand with us financially you can do so online at. www.paoc.org

Please come with us through your support and we will keep you very aware of what we doing together for the kingdom.

Part of our commitment is to keep you aware of what we are doing via this blog.

God will bless you, "pressed down and shaken together and running over".

Thank you

The Desrosiers'