Hi,
I spoke with Jenny this afternoon and she is so tired and worn out! Her life has been a fight for the last several months! Her brother is one of the biggest problems in her life right now... he moved into her shop and started selling her things and keeping the money. He has also been stealing things from her, coming to her house late at night and keeping her awake, eating her food, and then a couple of weeks ago he beat her up! She fought back though along with her sister and brothers... so he ended up going away for several days, but before he left stole a bunch of her stuff from the shop! Then there is a man that also lives on the same property as Jenny, he has 2 little girls and he keeps forcing Jenny to let them sleep in her house (so that he can fornicate with the women he brings home from the bar), they eat her food and keep her in a constant state of stress! Her mother is not supportive, just a drain... she keeps telling Jenny that since she gave birth to Jenny that she owes her! Jenny continues to support her brothers and sister, food, clothing, school fees, school supplies, etc etc etc! Queen has been getting sick regularly.... and Jenny looks terrible! The people from the woodcarver market are being mean to Jenny and making her life completely miserable (they just cannot stand to see people get ahead here, or have ambition)... they will do ANYTHING to drag someone down who is succeeding. It is sickening! Today she shared with me that she would like to kill herself. She is tired of fighting and tired of the constant pain!
I don't think I can take too much more... watching this all makes me angry, and to see how powerless she feels makes me so sad! The only thing that we feel we can do to help is this: help her to get her ID, purchase land and build a fence! The location will be far enough from her mother to bring the needed separation, and she will take her sister to help her! She needs N$1500 to get onto the land... but the total price for the land is N$5000 ($715CN), either she can pay it all at once or she can pay in installments. My suggestion is the whole thing! I realize there are a lot of way we can use our money and there are a lot of needs (thinking about coming home on home assignment, life in general, and a billion other needs)... but this is URGENT! If you are willing to help PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE... email us knightvision6@gmail.com and let us know what you are willing to put toward helping Jenny! Although there are many others in the same situation... JENNY is who God has placed on our doorstep... and I feel that now is the time to GIVE without expecting anything in return! She has worked hard for everything she has gotten up to this point... she needs a GIFT!
Please let us know if you are willing to help.
God Bless,
Charlene
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Home Assignment...
Greetings from rainy Namibia!
We have been looking into flights to return to Canada on Home Assignment for one year! They range from $2000 to $5000 per person! Of course the $2000 is the only option! This is for a one year open ended ticket, which is a very good deal!
We feel it is time to share the need! God has been moving us in the direction of returning for a one year Home Assignment for many reasons, and although to me it seems like a waste of money and time (for flights, vehicle, and all the other particulars and complications regarding a return) I also see that it is something that is necessary! As all of you know, this has been an incredible journey so far… and we really feel it is time for a break and there is a great need to reconnect with our supporters and also to gain new supporters! Not only for our family, but also for Christ’s Hope in general!
So let’s break the HUGE amount of $10,000 down into bite size chunks that make it less overwhelming to all (including me)! If everyone on our email list gave $20 we would have the tickets paid for… however the likelihood of that is…well…perhaps NIL? If half of our list gave $40… same story! Now if 100 people gave $100 our trip would be paid for! That doesn’t seem so bad does it? That’s two ‘dinner and a movie’ nights for a couple!
Please pray that CHI-Canada will get the receipting in place SOON… so that those who would like to give can do so with the benefit of a tax receipt. If you feel that God is laying on your heart to give, or if you want more details… please send us an email. knightvision6@gmail.com When we have enough commitments/pledges/promises we will go ahead and book the tickets (in faith). Of course the longer we wait the more those tickets may become… so please pray with us!!!
We thank you all for your love and prayers,
The Knightly’s
We have been looking into flights to return to Canada on Home Assignment for one year! They range from $2000 to $5000 per person! Of course the $2000 is the only option! This is for a one year open ended ticket, which is a very good deal!
We feel it is time to share the need! God has been moving us in the direction of returning for a one year Home Assignment for many reasons, and although to me it seems like a waste of money and time (for flights, vehicle, and all the other particulars and complications regarding a return) I also see that it is something that is necessary! As all of you know, this has been an incredible journey so far… and we really feel it is time for a break and there is a great need to reconnect with our supporters and also to gain new supporters! Not only for our family, but also for Christ’s Hope in general!
So let’s break the HUGE amount of $10,000 down into bite size chunks that make it less overwhelming to all (including me)! If everyone on our email list gave $20 we would have the tickets paid for… however the likelihood of that is…well…perhaps NIL? If half of our list gave $40… same story! Now if 100 people gave $100 our trip would be paid for! That doesn’t seem so bad does it? That’s two ‘dinner and a movie’ nights for a couple!
Please pray that CHI-Canada will get the receipting in place SOON… so that those who would like to give can do so with the benefit of a tax receipt. If you feel that God is laying on your heart to give, or if you want more details… please send us an email. knightvision6@gmail.com When we have enough commitments/pledges/promises we will go ahead and book the tickets (in faith). Of course the longer we wait the more those tickets may become… so please pray with us!!!
We thank you all for your love and prayers,
The Knightly’s
Monday, February 18, 2008
TOO many creatures in our house...
The other creatures I don't have pictures for are... the SNAKE... the SCORPIONS (7 of them)... yah, it's pretty much a mad house around here! They have been hunting for Baboon Spiders... I thought... Ok that doesn't sound so bad... but well... they are actually tarantulas! :-) Isn't that lovely! BOYS!!!!
Our Director...
On the Road...
Rehoboth
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Ark Kids over for a visit
One rainy Friday morning I was checking my email and ALL of these children came rushing in and sat in my livingroom, wondering if they could watch a movie! It was sports day at the school and they got rained out! So instead of going back to the Ark they decided that they should come to Uncle Pete's and Auntie Charlene's!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Bead Training in Keetmanshoop and Rehoboth
Last week on Sunday I traveled to Rehoboth and Keetmanshoop. Rehoboth is about 2 hours from Okahandja and Keetmanshoop is about 6 hours from here! I was able to give a lift to a volunteer from Germany who is staying Rehoboth. It was nice to visit on the way down. I spent the night in Rehoboth on the way down, and was off to Keetmans at 9:00AM (alone). I cranked up the tunes and bounced down the highway... stopping for brunch in Mariental.
After arriving in Keetmans I spent a little time with Susanna (the Care and Compassion Coordinator) and shared some ideas with her and gave her some bead books to look through. Then I spent some time visiting with the Ark staff and volunteers. It was nice to spend time with Rita (the house mother... she is from Belgium and doesn't feel confident in English, but we still had a great time visiting!!).
On Tuesday morning the Care and Compassion ladies began to arrive at 8:30AM, they went for a devotional time and I spent that time organizing their bead room. Around 9:30 they returned and we began a day of learning new beading designs. It was great... in pairs they learned a new stitch... so all together they learned 3 new stitches. The end result was beautiful... I am just hoping that they can get it started again! They were going to stay until 1 PM but ended up staying until 5PM. It was a long day, but fruitful! In the evening, Rita and I went to a restaurant in town and spent several hours visiting!
Wednesday morning I headed back to Rehoboth for another training. Okahandja spotted them some supplies to get started. Four volunteers, 2 local ladies (who will work with Care and Compassion) as well as the Ministry Coordinator, Marlene, learned to bead in the afternoon when I arrived. I taught one stitch and they all did very well. They will be able to help each other, but I will return and show them some more in the next couple of weeks. Since it is only 2 hours away! After bead training I was on the road to Windhoek, and spent the night with Berdian and Juliet. We had a nice evening visiting.
Thursday morning I was off to the airport (after having Berdian change a flat tire, going to get it fixed and picking up Meagan) to deliver a TAAG ticket for a gentleman who flew in from Canada and was to continue on to Angola. Unfortunately his luggage did not arrive from Johannesburg, but hopefully they will send it up on the next TAAG flight to Lubango on Sunday! After the airport run, Meagan and I did some shopping in town, and then we met up with Pete (who had been in Rehoboth to help with a container), but since he had more to do in Windhoek we went home. In the evening we went to a restaurant for Valentines Day... at first we went out and they had no space... every restaurant in Windhoek and Okahandja was FULLY BOOKED! Valentines is a big day around here! Okahandja Lodge had a cancellation so we ended up being able to go for dinner together.
Well, it has been a long week and after all the traveling and stuff I woke to find myself completely exhausted on Friday... so I took a day off! It was nice! Totally relaxing! Feeling better today!
Blessings,
Charlene
After arriving in Keetmans I spent a little time with Susanna (the Care and Compassion Coordinator) and shared some ideas with her and gave her some bead books to look through. Then I spent some time visiting with the Ark staff and volunteers. It was nice to spend time with Rita (the house mother... she is from Belgium and doesn't feel confident in English, but we still had a great time visiting!!).
On Tuesday morning the Care and Compassion ladies began to arrive at 8:30AM, they went for a devotional time and I spent that time organizing their bead room. Around 9:30 they returned and we began a day of learning new beading designs. It was great... in pairs they learned a new stitch... so all together they learned 3 new stitches. The end result was beautiful... I am just hoping that they can get it started again! They were going to stay until 1 PM but ended up staying until 5PM. It was a long day, but fruitful! In the evening, Rita and I went to a restaurant in town and spent several hours visiting!
Wednesday morning I headed back to Rehoboth for another training. Okahandja spotted them some supplies to get started. Four volunteers, 2 local ladies (who will work with Care and Compassion) as well as the Ministry Coordinator, Marlene, learned to bead in the afternoon when I arrived. I taught one stitch and they all did very well. They will be able to help each other, but I will return and show them some more in the next couple of weeks. Since it is only 2 hours away! After bead training I was on the road to Windhoek, and spent the night with Berdian and Juliet. We had a nice evening visiting.
Thursday morning I was off to the airport (after having Berdian change a flat tire, going to get it fixed and picking up Meagan) to deliver a TAAG ticket for a gentleman who flew in from Canada and was to continue on to Angola. Unfortunately his luggage did not arrive from Johannesburg, but hopefully they will send it up on the next TAAG flight to Lubango on Sunday! After the airport run, Meagan and I did some shopping in town, and then we met up with Pete (who had been in Rehoboth to help with a container), but since he had more to do in Windhoek we went home. In the evening we went to a restaurant for Valentines Day... at first we went out and they had no space... every restaurant in Windhoek and Okahandja was FULLY BOOKED! Valentines is a big day around here! Okahandja Lodge had a cancellation so we ended up being able to go for dinner together.
Well, it has been a long week and after all the traveling and stuff I woke to find myself completely exhausted on Friday... so I took a day off! It was nice! Totally relaxing! Feeling better today!
Blessings,
Charlene
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Knightly News Update January 2008
Ark Okahandja
The Children and Staff are back! Summer holidays are OVER and it is back to school and back to work! It seems that ALL of the children had a wonderful time with extended family and friends! They are happy to be back and settling in very well! Jannis and Stephanus were accepted in a special class at Okahandja Primary (this is a BIG answer to prayer). We are still searching for a place for Selma, as she needs extra help! Francina passed with good points and is in grade 11 this year! Andreas is in his final year.
During the holiday time, Auntie Victoria and Auntie Sophia came to the Ark every day and made sure that everything was ok. What a blessing to see the dedication of these 2 women on their holiday time! One evening the geyser sprung a leak and was flooding the yard, thankfully Auntie Victoria came to switch on the lights in the evening and found the FLOOD! The next morning we arrived to clean up the mess in the kitchen but found that it had already been done. Auntie Victoria also spent a whole day helping us sort through clothing at The Rock (MPMC).
We have 3 new volunteers at the Ark as well as Anna from Germany will be with us until August. Kerstin is from Germany, Bianca and Yvonne are from Holland (these 3 will stay one month).
Auntie Leila is due with her 3rd child in April, she spent a few days in hospital with high blood sugar levels.
The Ark is in desperate need of a NEW vehicle, please pray with us!
GOD is at Work
Sometimes I think that we get so bogged down with life that we forget that GOD is at WORK! There are many practical ways in which we can join Him in what He is doing! One to up and sell everything and move to Africa (if that option is not for you… keep reading). Two is to take time out of your busy day to sit and write a note of encouragement to someone you know in Africa! Three is to give back to God a portion of what He has so generously given to you and supporting financially someone who has gone off to Africa!
May God bless you as you partner with us in what GOD is doing!
Pete at Work
After a very quiet month in December things have certainly picked up the pace in January. Pete and Meagan went up to Oshikuku with Berdian Beukes for New Years celebration with the team from the Netherlands. When the team was finished in the north they came to Okahandja for a night before they flew out. Pete cooked a fantastic spaghetti dinner for the team of 30 people, as well as our family and the Beukes family.
At the beginning of the New Year the container arrived from the Netherlands. It was a rented container so it had to be unloaded as quickly as possible, however the backhoe did not want to start so the unloading ended around 1 AM, by the light of car headlights! It was quickly packed into 2 containers and then sorted through later into 1 container to have sent north to Oshikuku!
Pete was able to join the Country Director’s at a farm 100 km’s from Okahandja for 5 days of prayer and fasting. Upon their return a 2 week training has been taking place at the International Center with a lot of very helpful information being shared!
The Ark is back in full swing and programs are beginning to get started again after summer holidays. Pete has been busy with the routine things like Staff Bible Study in the mornings and Care and Compassion.
It has been a busy and fruitful month!
Our Things In Angola
I just had to write something regarding our stuff that is still sitting up in Angola. We were thankful in October to receive the things that had been shipped out in a container from Canada in April 2006. What a blessing! Then we were saddened to hear that when they opened the other container that our household goods were being stored in, that it had been a haven for rats! BIG RATS. They must have been, they even ate through cans of food! They also peed on and chewed many other things! As you may remember our things were only to be stored for 1 or 2 months and have now been up there for 16 months. Now that our friends, the Goertzen’s, are there the situation has changed. They have taken an interest in the fact that we are without our things. Every vehicle that leaves Angola now seems to have a little of what is salvageable included in it!
Although it is only ‘things’ we appreciate having them. Things like pots, cookware, plates , our beds, etc are not easy to live without… we have borrowed some things, and purchased things like ‘plastic’ plates… the cheapest we could find, knowing that our decent things are still in Angola and might come some day. So although we have lived without things for 17 months, it hasn’t been fun or easy.. So we look forward to the return of the last of our earthly belongings. Not that we hang on to ‘things’ but sometimes it sure makes life easier!
Knightly Kids
Meagan is still waiting to be registered in a school here in Namibia! This has been a difficult challenge! However, she has been a big help to us with containers, hosting people, entertaining Dante Beukes, helping around the house, organizing beads, etc…!
Trevor has entered grade 8. High School! He actually ‘passed’ in Afrikaans last year, which made him very happy! He loves his new pogo stick a Christmas gift from friends of ours. He can jump over a 1000 times without stopping, I think he has worn it out already!
Tavis is in grade 7. He seems to be settling into school well after a nice long summer holiday! He and Trevor enjoyed the visit from Tia Janet, she spent hours chatting with them and helping them to understand the education that they are getting in Africa!
Charlene At Work
This month has been filled with many activities. Sorting through tons of clothing at The Rock (MPMC) was hard work and not good for the asthma!
I managed to have some time to sort through the beading and get the stock organized and a proper inventory of our jewellery. I managed to get the Beading/Sewing ministry report finished, as well as several other computer oriented chores done or started (Namibia’s Prayer and Praise report, Namibia’s Bi-monthly newsletter, proposal for embroidery machines, helped Jos with a PowerPoint for new logos, and some other graphic designing, as well as helping the directors to install Microsoft 2007).
Beading will resume at the end of the month with the 5 Rand C&C ladies. I am looking forward to that. We are going to change the time so that the C&C workers can get more involved in assisting me.
During the month I organized some holiday time for the Goertzen family (as Gary’s mom came to visit them in Angola). We had a visit from Jelson (from Namibe, Angola), Jonathan Holden, Janet Holden and the Goertzen’s. It has been a busy month of entertaining and enjoying the company ‘all at once’!
A friend of the Goertzen’s donated $200 toward the beading/sewing project and I was able to purchase more material to do placemats. Ndemufayo is very interested in the sewing!
Something to Think About
Over the summer holidays we spent some time discussing options with our director and his wife (Berdian and Juliet Beukes) concerning our ministry here in Namibia. This last couple of months has been an incredible time of discouragement (especially for Pete). He was placed in a position when we arrived here that he is not gifted for. He has struggled to do his best but it has been incredibly frustrating. It was suggested at one point that we take time for a furlough in Canada. Missionaries generally go home for a year after 3 to 5 years of service on the field. It will be 3 years in May (since leaving Kamloops). The other option is to send Pete home for Talitha’s graduation and give him a break for a couple of months to refocus and re-establish some connections as well as share face to face with people our calling to the ministry! It all seems complicated and overwhelming but if it is God’s will that we return for a year, HE will make it happen! We know one thing for sure, we need partners in this ministry, a support base that will surround us and encourage us when the going gets tough! Please pray with us concerning these uncertainties in our lives!
Christmas In Namibia
The whole holiday season was pretty quiet… and very hot! Most everyone either heads north to Owamboland to the coast (Swakopmund or Walvis Bay) or to South Africa! So the town was very quiet. We enjoyed a turkey dinner with stuffing, and cranberry sauce on Christmas Eve Eve (Sunday), on Christmas Eve we joined the folks at International Center for a Braai and an evening of wonderful fellowship, and got up early on Christmas morning (Pete woke everyone up at 5:30 AM) to share the Christmas Story and open gifts. Several people gave money for gifts this year and I was able to purchase several games and puzzles… great family gifts! A ladies fellowship in NB sent money for me, and Pete purchased a nice stereo for me… the ladies at beading will love it when I bring MUSIC for them to enjoy! What a blessing! We were thankful for a time of rest before the New Year rush!
Prayer and Praise
Praise:
We praise God that we made it through this last couple of months! It has been a very difficult time of discouragement and exhaustion.
We are very thankful for Berdian and Juliet Beukes (CHI Namibian Director). They have been a great source of support and love for our family! We have sat together and poured out our hearts, and they are recommending that we take a furlough (home assignment) perhaps this year… however they said that if we don’t come back they will fly over and drag us back!
We praise God for those who continue to faithfully support us!
Prayer:
We ask that you pray with us concerning the possibility of taking a one year furlough. It will take a lot of planning and finances… currently it seems overwhelming, but if it is God’s will HE will provide!
Please pray that we will figure out a new position within Christ’s Hope for Pete. Currently he feels inadequate and overwhelmed with the position of Ministry Coordinator (he’s not an administrator, he prefers ‘hands-on’ work!). Pray that GOD will make it clear where and how he should serve!
Pray that Meagan will get ‘welcomed’ into a school here in Namibia!!!
Pray for the renewal of our Work Permits!
Pray for dependable people to run the beading/sewing ministry if we happen to leave!
Pray that the CHI-Canada office will be up and running SOON and able to receipt! This is VERY important!
Pray that the remainder of our stuff in Angola will be shipped SOON!
Financial Information
We are in the transition phase with our finances and would appreciate your prayers during this time. Currently we are unable to receipt those who live in Canada (CHI has just been approved as a charitable organization in Canada… it will take some time to work things out… but we hope that things will be ironed out soon! We thank you for your patience.)
For those who desire to support our ministry financially you can do so by
DIRECT DEPOSIT (either through Internet Banking or at the Royal Bank) into our
account or sending cheques to Ron and Marge (Pete’s parents).
Ron and Marge Knightly
Box 4, Ft. Steele BC V0B 1N0
Phone:250 426 4782
If you live in the USA you can mail your donation to CH-USA and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. The address is PO Box 52038, Longwood FL, 32752-0328, please include a ‘separate’ paper indicating that your donation is for the
“Knightly Family-Namibia”!
Thank you for your support! We are continually overwhelmed by God’s provision for not only our daily needs but for the ability to help meet the needs of others through the generosity of those who give financially to our ministry here in Namibia. May God richly bless you!
The Children and Staff are back! Summer holidays are OVER and it is back to school and back to work! It seems that ALL of the children had a wonderful time with extended family and friends! They are happy to be back and settling in very well! Jannis and Stephanus were accepted in a special class at Okahandja Primary (this is a BIG answer to prayer). We are still searching for a place for Selma, as she needs extra help! Francina passed with good points and is in grade 11 this year! Andreas is in his final year.
During the holiday time, Auntie Victoria and Auntie Sophia came to the Ark every day and made sure that everything was ok. What a blessing to see the dedication of these 2 women on their holiday time! One evening the geyser sprung a leak and was flooding the yard, thankfully Auntie Victoria came to switch on the lights in the evening and found the FLOOD! The next morning we arrived to clean up the mess in the kitchen but found that it had already been done. Auntie Victoria also spent a whole day helping us sort through clothing at The Rock (MPMC).
We have 3 new volunteers at the Ark as well as Anna from Germany will be with us until August. Kerstin is from Germany, Bianca and Yvonne are from Holland (these 3 will stay one month).
Auntie Leila is due with her 3rd child in April, she spent a few days in hospital with high blood sugar levels.
The Ark is in desperate need of a NEW vehicle, please pray with us!
GOD is at Work
Sometimes I think that we get so bogged down with life that we forget that GOD is at WORK! There are many practical ways in which we can join Him in what He is doing! One to up and sell everything and move to Africa (if that option is not for you… keep reading). Two is to take time out of your busy day to sit and write a note of encouragement to someone you know in Africa! Three is to give back to God a portion of what He has so generously given to you and supporting financially someone who has gone off to Africa!
May God bless you as you partner with us in what GOD is doing!
Pete at Work
After a very quiet month in December things have certainly picked up the pace in January. Pete and Meagan went up to Oshikuku with Berdian Beukes for New Years celebration with the team from the Netherlands. When the team was finished in the north they came to Okahandja for a night before they flew out. Pete cooked a fantastic spaghetti dinner for the team of 30 people, as well as our family and the Beukes family.
At the beginning of the New Year the container arrived from the Netherlands. It was a rented container so it had to be unloaded as quickly as possible, however the backhoe did not want to start so the unloading ended around 1 AM, by the light of car headlights! It was quickly packed into 2 containers and then sorted through later into 1 container to have sent north to Oshikuku!
Pete was able to join the Country Director’s at a farm 100 km’s from Okahandja for 5 days of prayer and fasting. Upon their return a 2 week training has been taking place at the International Center with a lot of very helpful information being shared!
The Ark is back in full swing and programs are beginning to get started again after summer holidays. Pete has been busy with the routine things like Staff Bible Study in the mornings and Care and Compassion.
It has been a busy and fruitful month!
Our Things In Angola
I just had to write something regarding our stuff that is still sitting up in Angola. We were thankful in October to receive the things that had been shipped out in a container from Canada in April 2006. What a blessing! Then we were saddened to hear that when they opened the other container that our household goods were being stored in, that it had been a haven for rats! BIG RATS. They must have been, they even ate through cans of food! They also peed on and chewed many other things! As you may remember our things were only to be stored for 1 or 2 months and have now been up there for 16 months. Now that our friends, the Goertzen’s, are there the situation has changed. They have taken an interest in the fact that we are without our things. Every vehicle that leaves Angola now seems to have a little of what is salvageable included in it!
Although it is only ‘things’ we appreciate having them. Things like pots, cookware, plates , our beds, etc are not easy to live without… we have borrowed some things, and purchased things like ‘plastic’ plates… the cheapest we could find, knowing that our decent things are still in Angola and might come some day. So although we have lived without things for 17 months, it hasn’t been fun or easy.. So we look forward to the return of the last of our earthly belongings. Not that we hang on to ‘things’ but sometimes it sure makes life easier!
Knightly Kids
Meagan is still waiting to be registered in a school here in Namibia! This has been a difficult challenge! However, she has been a big help to us with containers, hosting people, entertaining Dante Beukes, helping around the house, organizing beads, etc…!
Trevor has entered grade 8. High School! He actually ‘passed’ in Afrikaans last year, which made him very happy! He loves his new pogo stick a Christmas gift from friends of ours. He can jump over a 1000 times without stopping, I think he has worn it out already!
Tavis is in grade 7. He seems to be settling into school well after a nice long summer holiday! He and Trevor enjoyed the visit from Tia Janet, she spent hours chatting with them and helping them to understand the education that they are getting in Africa!
Charlene At Work
This month has been filled with many activities. Sorting through tons of clothing at The Rock (MPMC) was hard work and not good for the asthma!
I managed to have some time to sort through the beading and get the stock organized and a proper inventory of our jewellery. I managed to get the Beading/Sewing ministry report finished, as well as several other computer oriented chores done or started (Namibia’s Prayer and Praise report, Namibia’s Bi-monthly newsletter, proposal for embroidery machines, helped Jos with a PowerPoint for new logos, and some other graphic designing, as well as helping the directors to install Microsoft 2007).
Beading will resume at the end of the month with the 5 Rand C&C ladies. I am looking forward to that. We are going to change the time so that the C&C workers can get more involved in assisting me.
During the month I organized some holiday time for the Goertzen family (as Gary’s mom came to visit them in Angola). We had a visit from Jelson (from Namibe, Angola), Jonathan Holden, Janet Holden and the Goertzen’s. It has been a busy month of entertaining and enjoying the company ‘all at once’!
A friend of the Goertzen’s donated $200 toward the beading/sewing project and I was able to purchase more material to do placemats. Ndemufayo is very interested in the sewing!
Something to Think About
Over the summer holidays we spent some time discussing options with our director and his wife (Berdian and Juliet Beukes) concerning our ministry here in Namibia. This last couple of months has been an incredible time of discouragement (especially for Pete). He was placed in a position when we arrived here that he is not gifted for. He has struggled to do his best but it has been incredibly frustrating. It was suggested at one point that we take time for a furlough in Canada. Missionaries generally go home for a year after 3 to 5 years of service on the field. It will be 3 years in May (since leaving Kamloops). The other option is to send Pete home for Talitha’s graduation and give him a break for a couple of months to refocus and re-establish some connections as well as share face to face with people our calling to the ministry! It all seems complicated and overwhelming but if it is God’s will that we return for a year, HE will make it happen! We know one thing for sure, we need partners in this ministry, a support base that will surround us and encourage us when the going gets tough! Please pray with us concerning these uncertainties in our lives!
Christmas In Namibia
The whole holiday season was pretty quiet… and very hot! Most everyone either heads north to Owamboland to the coast (Swakopmund or Walvis Bay) or to South Africa! So the town was very quiet. We enjoyed a turkey dinner with stuffing, and cranberry sauce on Christmas Eve Eve (Sunday), on Christmas Eve we joined the folks at International Center for a Braai and an evening of wonderful fellowship, and got up early on Christmas morning (Pete woke everyone up at 5:30 AM) to share the Christmas Story and open gifts. Several people gave money for gifts this year and I was able to purchase several games and puzzles… great family gifts! A ladies fellowship in NB sent money for me, and Pete purchased a nice stereo for me… the ladies at beading will love it when I bring MUSIC for them to enjoy! What a blessing! We were thankful for a time of rest before the New Year rush!
Prayer and Praise
Praise:
We praise God that we made it through this last couple of months! It has been a very difficult time of discouragement and exhaustion.
We are very thankful for Berdian and Juliet Beukes (CHI Namibian Director). They have been a great source of support and love for our family! We have sat together and poured out our hearts, and they are recommending that we take a furlough (home assignment) perhaps this year… however they said that if we don’t come back they will fly over and drag us back!
We praise God for those who continue to faithfully support us!
Prayer:
We ask that you pray with us concerning the possibility of taking a one year furlough. It will take a lot of planning and finances… currently it seems overwhelming, but if it is God’s will HE will provide!
Please pray that we will figure out a new position within Christ’s Hope for Pete. Currently he feels inadequate and overwhelmed with the position of Ministry Coordinator (he’s not an administrator, he prefers ‘hands-on’ work!). Pray that GOD will make it clear where and how he should serve!
Pray that Meagan will get ‘welcomed’ into a school here in Namibia!!!
Pray for the renewal of our Work Permits!
Pray for dependable people to run the beading/sewing ministry if we happen to leave!
Pray that the CHI-Canada office will be up and running SOON and able to receipt! This is VERY important!
Pray that the remainder of our stuff in Angola will be shipped SOON!
Financial Information
We are in the transition phase with our finances and would appreciate your prayers during this time. Currently we are unable to receipt those who live in Canada (CHI has just been approved as a charitable organization in Canada… it will take some time to work things out… but we hope that things will be ironed out soon! We thank you for your patience.)
For those who desire to support our ministry financially you can do so by
DIRECT DEPOSIT (either through Internet Banking or at the Royal Bank) into our
account or sending cheques to Ron and Marge (Pete’s parents).
Ron and Marge Knightly
Box 4, Ft. Steele BC V0B 1N0
Phone:250 426 4782
If you live in the USA you can mail your donation to CH-USA and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. The address is PO Box 52038, Longwood FL, 32752-0328, please include a ‘separate’ paper indicating that your donation is for the
“Knightly Family-Namibia”!
Thank you for your support! We are continually overwhelmed by God’s provision for not only our daily needs but for the ability to help meet the needs of others through the generosity of those who give financially to our ministry here in Namibia. May God richly bless you!
Knightly Family 2007 Report
Knightly Family 2007 Report
Working with Christ’s Hope International
NAMIBIA
Dear Friends and Family,
We want to say thank you for your continued support and love during our time in Africa.
First of all we would like to take the time to share with you our work here in Namibia and then we would like to show you how you can get involved in helping us from where you are in the world!
We are currently with an organization called Christ’s Hope International-Namibia. This organization is divided into two parts; Mobilization Nations and Ministry Nations. The Mobilization Nations include: USA, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and UK. The Ministry Nations include: Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, DRC, Kenya and South Africa.
www.christshope.org
The ministries of Christ’s Hope include: The Ark’s, Care and Compassion, and Choose to Wait.
The Ark ministries are focused on meeting the needs of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC’s). In some places we have children’s homes and in other’s we are supporting the extended families that are doing their best to care for the children in their own homes. Our desire is that all children will be able to grow up in a ‘home’ environment and therefore the second option is truly the best one.
Care and Compassion (C&C) ministry is focused on those who have or are affected by HIV/AIDS in the community. This includes sharing the Gospel of Jesus with them as well as showing them love and compassion. The C&C patients sign up to the program and come together as a group in their neighbourhood twice a week. It is teaching them a sense of community when their own communities have rejected them as AIDS still carries with it a stigmatism. They are encouraged by the Word of God and shown how to change their lifestyles in order to help improve their health. Other parts of this ministry include: driving patients to the hospital, checking to see if they are taking their anti-retroviral drugs properly, helping them find an alternative to breast feeding if they have infants, and finding other support as needed.
The Choose to Wait program teaches prevention. In a society where promiscuity, rape, molestation and polygamy are prevalent, prevention needs to be taught to the young generation. Although most tend to promote the use of condoms, we would prefer to incorporate a program that teaches abstinence and faithfulness in marriage, which helps both men and women to learn to respect each other. Choose to Wait is very well accepted as a school curriculum in both elementary and high school levels. It is also taught at after-school clubs.
Each of the three programs work together to help create meaning and dignity in the lives of those who have been so deeply affected by HIV/AIDS as well as hope for a better future, even if that future includes death.
How do we fit into all of this? Well, in August 2006 we joined Christ’s Hope Namibia in Okahandja. Pete was given the task of Ministry Coordinator for all 3 of the ministries of CHI in Okahandja! During our time here we have seen many changes to the ministries that Pete has been dealing with. In particular the Ark staff has really grown and are working together beautifully. Yes he has challenges but the growth in each staff member has been very encouraging. Care and Compassion has also strengthened. There are 54 registered patients in Okahandja currently! Pete and Lazarus started a garden project with the ladies in 5 Rand. We have also developed a beading/sewing ministry that has been helpful in raising much needed funds to supply food, clothing, and other needs of the C&C patients. We have also incorporated C&C patients into the program, teaching them to create beautiful things with their hands and helping them generate some income for their families. The Choose to Wait program is taught in 2 Primary Schools here in Okahandja presently and the Kid’s Club meets 2 days a week with anywhere from 100 to 200 children per week! Pete not only oversees these ministries but is also very involved in helping in practical hands-on ways!
We are pleased with the developments. However, Pete’s gifts are not in the area of administration, and basically that is his role as Ministry Coordinator. We are praying that a new ministry will present itself in the New Year, one that will allow Pete to blossom in the areas in which he is gifted.
The ministries that I (Charlene) am involved in began mainly as a fill in the holes ministry! I began editing and compiling the Ministry Report for Namibia and then later Prayer and Praise reports. I have helped fix computers, taught basic computer skills, taught how to write a report, as well as driving, running errands, filling in when the Volunteer Coordinator left, and many other tasks! However, my greatest joy for this year has been developing the beading/sewing ministry here in Okahandja, as well as traveling to Keetmanshoop to teach the C&C group there.
Our children also help with the different ministries when they are not in school or busy with other things. When a container arrived this year they all got involved in unloading, sorting, cleaning, etc! Meagan has really helped with the beading ministry; she comes along, sorts things and organizes things for me, as well as cleans! She has also been a big help in many other areas of ministry. The boys are in public school and Meagan is ‘supposed’ to be home schooling. We are still working at getting her entered into the public school system.
Well as I sum up the events of our lives I will ask you this question… How can you be involved in the ministries that we are currently doing in Namibia to the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children as well as those who are affected or infected with HIV/AIDS??? Well there are many ways that you can help… you can pray for us… you can come and visit us J… You can send us letters and give us a phone call now and again to encourage us… You can also support us and the ministries we are involved in financially.
IDEAS
Perhaps you could hold a small dinner party at your house, and ask your friends to share some of their resources with the needy in Africa. Challenge them with denying themselves of something for one month (say Starbucks, McDonalds or some other fast food or pleasure) and collect the money at your next get together to send for a project here in Namibia. Not only will you help us in what we are doing here, you will have some fun doing it! Why not have a garage sale in the spring and give the proceeds to the work here in Namibia? Not only do you help our work, but you also clean out your house and have a fresh start for the summer! There are many ideas of how you can help us help others! J Why not take the time today to sit down and write the names of 10 of your closest friends and challenge each other not only for fun but to help someone who is suffering with HIV/AIDS or a child who is orphaned or vulnerable here in Okahandja! You can do it!!!
We would like to that this be the year that you prayerfully make a commitment to support our family, through prayer, finances, emails, projects, etc!
Please take the time to pray about whether or not God would have you share in HIS work here in Namibia.
If God lays it on your heart to help then I would ask that you contact us with your pledge… here are some suggestions:
Pray: Make a commitment on a specific day of the week that you would be willing to hold us up before the Lord!
Emails: Make a commitment to share and email with our family… once or twice a week, once or twice a month, etc!
Finances: Make a commitment to a monthly, quarterly, yearly pledge!
Projects: Make a commitment to be involved in sharing in specific projects when we send out proposals of specific things that you can get involved in!
Remember you are partnering with us in GOD’S MINISTRY… it is HE who has called us, and when you give to God you will be laying up for yourself treasures in heaven (where moth and rust do not corrupt). This ministry is NOT a Knightly ‘THING’… this is something we are firmly convinced that God has called us to. Although there are times when we become discouraged, we know that GOD is faithful and He will continue to provide for our needs whether they be physical, emotional, spiritual or financial! We are truly thankful when YOU get involved in partnering with us and we pray God’s blessing in your lives as you seek to serve him with your time, energies, and finances.
Working with Christ’s Hope International
NAMIBIA
Dear Friends and Family,
We want to say thank you for your continued support and love during our time in Africa.
First of all we would like to take the time to share with you our work here in Namibia and then we would like to show you how you can get involved in helping us from where you are in the world!
We are currently with an organization called Christ’s Hope International-Namibia. This organization is divided into two parts; Mobilization Nations and Ministry Nations. The Mobilization Nations include: USA, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and UK. The Ministry Nations include: Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, DRC, Kenya and South Africa.
www.christshope.org
The ministries of Christ’s Hope include: The Ark’s, Care and Compassion, and Choose to Wait.
The Ark ministries are focused on meeting the needs of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC’s). In some places we have children’s homes and in other’s we are supporting the extended families that are doing their best to care for the children in their own homes. Our desire is that all children will be able to grow up in a ‘home’ environment and therefore the second option is truly the best one.
Care and Compassion (C&C) ministry is focused on those who have or are affected by HIV/AIDS in the community. This includes sharing the Gospel of Jesus with them as well as showing them love and compassion. The C&C patients sign up to the program and come together as a group in their neighbourhood twice a week. It is teaching them a sense of community when their own communities have rejected them as AIDS still carries with it a stigmatism. They are encouraged by the Word of God and shown how to change their lifestyles in order to help improve their health. Other parts of this ministry include: driving patients to the hospital, checking to see if they are taking their anti-retroviral drugs properly, helping them find an alternative to breast feeding if they have infants, and finding other support as needed.
The Choose to Wait program teaches prevention. In a society where promiscuity, rape, molestation and polygamy are prevalent, prevention needs to be taught to the young generation. Although most tend to promote the use of condoms, we would prefer to incorporate a program that teaches abstinence and faithfulness in marriage, which helps both men and women to learn to respect each other. Choose to Wait is very well accepted as a school curriculum in both elementary and high school levels. It is also taught at after-school clubs.
Each of the three programs work together to help create meaning and dignity in the lives of those who have been so deeply affected by HIV/AIDS as well as hope for a better future, even if that future includes death.
How do we fit into all of this? Well, in August 2006 we joined Christ’s Hope Namibia in Okahandja. Pete was given the task of Ministry Coordinator for all 3 of the ministries of CHI in Okahandja! During our time here we have seen many changes to the ministries that Pete has been dealing with. In particular the Ark staff has really grown and are working together beautifully. Yes he has challenges but the growth in each staff member has been very encouraging. Care and Compassion has also strengthened. There are 54 registered patients in Okahandja currently! Pete and Lazarus started a garden project with the ladies in 5 Rand. We have also developed a beading/sewing ministry that has been helpful in raising much needed funds to supply food, clothing, and other needs of the C&C patients. We have also incorporated C&C patients into the program, teaching them to create beautiful things with their hands and helping them generate some income for their families. The Choose to Wait program is taught in 2 Primary Schools here in Okahandja presently and the Kid’s Club meets 2 days a week with anywhere from 100 to 200 children per week! Pete not only oversees these ministries but is also very involved in helping in practical hands-on ways!
We are pleased with the developments. However, Pete’s gifts are not in the area of administration, and basically that is his role as Ministry Coordinator. We are praying that a new ministry will present itself in the New Year, one that will allow Pete to blossom in the areas in which he is gifted.
The ministries that I (Charlene) am involved in began mainly as a fill in the holes ministry! I began editing and compiling the Ministry Report for Namibia and then later Prayer and Praise reports. I have helped fix computers, taught basic computer skills, taught how to write a report, as well as driving, running errands, filling in when the Volunteer Coordinator left, and many other tasks! However, my greatest joy for this year has been developing the beading/sewing ministry here in Okahandja, as well as traveling to Keetmanshoop to teach the C&C group there.
Our children also help with the different ministries when they are not in school or busy with other things. When a container arrived this year they all got involved in unloading, sorting, cleaning, etc! Meagan has really helped with the beading ministry; she comes along, sorts things and organizes things for me, as well as cleans! She has also been a big help in many other areas of ministry. The boys are in public school and Meagan is ‘supposed’ to be home schooling. We are still working at getting her entered into the public school system.
Well as I sum up the events of our lives I will ask you this question… How can you be involved in the ministries that we are currently doing in Namibia to the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children as well as those who are affected or infected with HIV/AIDS??? Well there are many ways that you can help… you can pray for us… you can come and visit us J… You can send us letters and give us a phone call now and again to encourage us… You can also support us and the ministries we are involved in financially.
IDEAS
Perhaps you could hold a small dinner party at your house, and ask your friends to share some of their resources with the needy in Africa. Challenge them with denying themselves of something for one month (say Starbucks, McDonalds or some other fast food or pleasure) and collect the money at your next get together to send for a project here in Namibia. Not only will you help us in what we are doing here, you will have some fun doing it! Why not have a garage sale in the spring and give the proceeds to the work here in Namibia? Not only do you help our work, but you also clean out your house and have a fresh start for the summer! There are many ideas of how you can help us help others! J Why not take the time today to sit down and write the names of 10 of your closest friends and challenge each other not only for fun but to help someone who is suffering with HIV/AIDS or a child who is orphaned or vulnerable here in Okahandja! You can do it!!!
We would like to that this be the year that you prayerfully make a commitment to support our family, through prayer, finances, emails, projects, etc!
Please take the time to pray about whether or not God would have you share in HIS work here in Namibia.
If God lays it on your heart to help then I would ask that you contact us with your pledge… here are some suggestions:
Pray: Make a commitment on a specific day of the week that you would be willing to hold us up before the Lord!
Emails: Make a commitment to share and email with our family… once or twice a week, once or twice a month, etc!
Finances: Make a commitment to a monthly, quarterly, yearly pledge!
Projects: Make a commitment to be involved in sharing in specific projects when we send out proposals of specific things that you can get involved in!
Remember you are partnering with us in GOD’S MINISTRY… it is HE who has called us, and when you give to God you will be laying up for yourself treasures in heaven (where moth and rust do not corrupt). This ministry is NOT a Knightly ‘THING’… this is something we are firmly convinced that God has called us to. Although there are times when we become discouraged, we know that GOD is faithful and He will continue to provide for our needs whether they be physical, emotional, spiritual or financial! We are truly thankful when YOU get involved in partnering with us and we pray God’s blessing in your lives as you seek to serve him with your time, energies, and finances.
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