the Sojourners

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:25:00 +0000

Greetings and Happy New year! In reflecting on last year we are truly grateful for the prayers and support we received from you. It has been quite a year of transition. It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in the prayer hut in Pemba listening to a sharing on Mary and birthing the promises of God which sparked our move to the UK. Then a few months later I learned that there was going to be a physical birth in our family which we were really excited about. Then things sped up and though he was late, Joziah was born within 10 hours and with only 10 minutes of pushing. Things fell into place with his passport and all of our visas to the UK. Our house, furniture and other appliances came together and I'm finally in a rhythm of family, studies and ministry. I'm surprised how often I've heard, 'it takes time to settle in' these past 4 months and I suppose its true. Part of my research involves conversion which is a complex and multifaceted topic. One common statement that people make is that they can see the hand of God on their life prior to their conversion. In our case we've been able to see His hand guiding us through this whole process, and for that I am thankful. There are times we often are groping in the dark wondering what God wants us to do. In these times it takes faith and perseverance to lay hold of the promises given to us. There are other times when we know in our 'knowers' what to do and where to go. These times are a real gift. I was shocked to learn that Mother Teresa was depressed for 30 years because she didn't know what God wanted from her. This was after she had answered the call to work with the dying in India. Similarly, Henri Nouwen spent majority of his life searching for his proper ministerial vocation which took him from the halls of Harvard, Latin America and finally to working with special needs people at the L'Arche community called Daybreak.

While we know we have been called to Nottingham at the moment, we're still searching out what we are 'to do.' After running quite hard in Mozambique it feels quite refreshing to step back for a bit and just 'be.' Be a father, a mother, a family. However, there is a certain passivity that comes with this kind of attitude which can lead to a spiritual apathy and atrophy. If we aren't about our Father's business, then whose business are we about? I certainly don't want this to happen. Part of our situation is understanding and recognizing what season we are in which we are still discerning. We have had some great ministry times at our house, but we are praying for wisdom and expansion in 2012. We just spent a week with Janico's family in south Wales and had a wonderful holiday on the coast. We were able to see some great chapels, castles and other historic sites. It was really great for them to meet Joziah for the first time. They had planned to meet him here shortly after his birth, but since he was 10 days overdue and we had to get his passports& visas we missed them unfortunately.

I'm learning a lot about the culture here. Despite the perception that people in the UK speak English and are probably quite like us, I was surprised to learn there are quite a few differences. The major one is driving on the opposite side of the roads and the roundabouts. I am used to driving on the other side of the road, but mastering the roundabouts poses a challenge. Flashbacks for Chevy Chase telling his kids, 'look kids, there's big ben!' in European Vacation muddle my mind at fretful times. The Brits say it keeps the traffic going, which is true, but unless you know where you want to go and which exit to get off at its best to avoid them. Unfortunately, I don't think GPS systems have a 'least round about' setting. Soccer isn't a gentleman's sport, but rugby is (some may beg to differ on this point). Christmas pudding, mince pies and Christmas cake are the top desserts served around the holidays. Somehow they all seem to be related---strange fruit and tons of sugar. Most of the social activities for people of all ages center around the pub which is also known for great food and conversation. The ethnic diversity, which I have written about before is quite broad, but so are the various accents within the UK. At the doctor the other day an elderly man struck up a conversation with another guy and I thought I might need a translator. What I gathered was they were talking about furniture from York, which is where one of the men was from. The rest of it was a strange mumbling which may have been due to the mans age or dentures, but I think it really had to do with his regional accent. The English like their tea which is a common stereotype, but due to different water types throughout the country the tea companies market different brands. For such a small country there is quite a lot of differences. I completed my first term at school and made some progress on my research. The British system is different than the US system in that there are no mandatory courses and I am allowed to sit in on anything I want provided the instructor approves. Next term I will be sitting in on a class on Paul and a history of the church in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. The department is quite collegial and I often spend time with my classmates outside of class and on the weekends. I am working on some papers for conferences and reviewing some books which is fun. Janico has been working hard taking care of Joziah. She has also been helping our friend Sara at Love Feast work on a UK evangelism tour for next summer. We have had some wonderful prayer meetings at our house the past several months and are excited to see what God has in store for us this year. My friend Ben and I have been discussing starting a regular meeting time. We had an unusual 'coincidence' a few Sundays back at church. After the service we spoke with the lady sitting next to me who was from either the Bahamas or Jamaica judging by her accent. She wanted to know about Joziah and we told her he was 4 months old. She said she know a baby in Florida named Josiah, Josiah Walker. I said, 'oh, that's his name." She was surprised and we carried on talking. Later she said, 'My Josiah's father's name is Brandon, Brandon Walker.' I said, 'Well that's funny, that's my name!' We were all surprised at that point and she asked Janico, 'is your name Jen?' She said no and we laughed and wondered what the odds are of that happening. That's all for now. Thanks for tuning in and hopefully we'll have something more exciting to share. Love and Blessings in Christ, The Walkers

Weekly gathering

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:15:00 +0000

HI there! If you're in the Nottingham area and want a place to engage in Spirit led fellowship, prayer and scripture reading you're welcome to join us. We meet weekly at our place in Beeston. Contact me

at brandon@gloryreignintl.org for more details.

UK update

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 08:18:00 +0000

Greetings from the UK! We're doing great & still settling in. Oddly enough, at times it felt a bit like Africa due to the pace of things and various complications. We weren't quite prepared for that. We landed in Birmingham and another student, Christoph, picked us up. When we arrived we didn't have a place of our own to move into so we stayed with another couple who has a 1 year old son. It was great seeing how other families interact with their kids. Due to space issues (the houses here are smaller than the US) we ended up moving in with Christoph and his family for a week. They have 3 kids and another guest and said that 3 more people wouldn't change anything. One Sunday they hosted a Kaffeetrinken with doughnuts afternoon and I got to meet the rest of the theology students.

There were some strange catch 22's regarding bank accounts and living arrangements. In order to get a bank account you need a letter stating you reside in the UK. In order to put money down or to pay for your rent you need money in a bank account. So it took several weeks to resolve this, meanwhile we were trying to get into a place to live and out of our hosts quickly. We ended up taking an unfurnished 3 bedroom place about a mile away from campus and the street next to our friends. There was another offer on it, but the owners chose us.

We've been keeping a record of all of the blessings and provision God has given us thus far. Aside from not having to live in a hotel and paying a ton of money, the Lord has provided us with great relationships. In my new student orientation I got to meet all of the new masters and doctoral students in the theology department. We gave introductions and stated our research topics. I was surprised when one of the students said he was working on spiritual warfare. I thought, "what kind of department is this allowing for students to work on such a topic?" Later the professor running the program mentioned that I had worked in Mozambique for the last several years. At the end of our meeting the student working on spiritual warfare came up to me and asked if I knew the Bakers. I said yes, that's who we worked with and we struck up a friendship from there. Christoph and Staci's neighbor works in a nursing home and told us one day that a lady she knows has a sleeper couch and arm chair to give away. When we went to pick it up it was in mint condition and mint green. We also got a kitchen table, chairs, pots, plates and silverware from Janico's aunt and uncle who drove up to visit us one day. Another student gave us a double bed. Someone from a church was giving away a bookshelf along with a swivel chair, desk and printer for my office. We made friends with a woman at the local YMCA charity shop who gives us discounts on some items as well as some free baby clothing. Every time we stop by there she loves holding Joziah and telling him how great he is and how he is going to do great things in the world. Because we did not have health insurance and ended up having the baby in the hospital we had the huge burden of a gigantic hospital bill. We applied for emergency medicaid which would cover the birth and delivery. But in the end, the hospital forgave the entire bill! Over $20,000! That was a huge blessing! Ministry-wise there is a lot to get involved with and we've been seeking areas to serve. Every Saturday along High street is a ministry that prays for people on the street that we're getting involved with. They also serve breakfast to the homeless. On Friday and Saturday night in downtown nottingham called Street pastors which serve the party crowd all evening. There's globe cafe which is mainly an outreach to foreign students. We're helping a friend with an evangelism event in London sometime next summer. I recall in my undergraduate orientation hearing the director of multicultural affairs talk about the university being a microcosm of the world. In the middle of Virginia that was hardly the case, although that could have changed now. In Ohio it was pretty much the same. Not a lot of ethnic diversity. The student population here seems to be 50% foreign. Whenever I walk down the street I hear at least 4 different languages and different English accents. A friend of mine said at a baptismal service at his church 10 of the 12 people baptized were international. To me, this indicates 1) a general hunger for God; 2) a great harvest among students is to be had. In Nottingham and probably most major UK cities the world is flat. With regard to my studies things are going OK, although with all the time getting settled I haven't had as much time to devote as I would like. I have Latin 4 days a week, German once a week, Methodology in studying the historical Jesus and history of the Eucharist. My one advisor is working on a trans-empirical approach to history & the study of the New Testament. My other advisor is working on a historical theology of the Lord's supper. I find all of my classes interesting and am looking forward to next term. Janico has been working hard taking care of Joziah and trying to get our house in order. We have been pursuing hospitality (Rom 12:13) and have had quite a number of guests visit or stay with us. I'm happy to say I think they rested well here regardless of Joziah's nightly noises. I've been praying Psalm 84 and Revelation 21:3 that the presence of God would dwell in our house. A friend of mine back in the US confirmed my prayers by telling me he felt our house would be a place of healing and deliverance for both the saved and unsaved. We're looking to start a weekly home group, so please pray everything falls into place. Much love, Brandon, Janico & Joziah

Our UK Transition

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:46:00 +0000

August-September Well, it seems that our season of waiting has come to a rapid close. On August 24 Joziah Tenison Walker entered the world with a big yawn, stretch and some urination on the nurse. While things did not go as we had initially planned, it all ended well and we're overjoyed with the results! Joziah has been a true joy and a real trooper on some of our recent adventures. The day before Joziah arrived we were told to head to the hospital by the nurse at the check up for induction. We didn't quite obey orders in their time frame though we did call the hospital and inform them we would be coming in later. Our midwife gave us some recommendations for natural induction which seemed to work. By 7pm Janico's water broke and contractions had started. We did not want to go to the hospital mainly due to cost and drug pushers, but due to Janico's fluctuating blood pressure our midwife said it would be wise to. So we went around 11:30 at night and by 10:34am after 10 minutes of pushing Joziah made his way out of the longest shortest trip he'll ever make. Prior to his arrival I shared at Harvest Assembly one Sunday evening on growing in grace. This is an issue I am pursuing and I made some pretty cool discoveries when preparing for it. Like many theological concepts and ideas, grace is a large concept with varied definitions, even within the Bible. Because of our transition to the UK we had to get Joziah's birth certificate and passport in short order. It took 2 days for his birth certificate to be processed in Richmond and a trip up there to get a copy the same day. Then we had to get his passport which proved a bit more difficult. Apparently, the post office processes all of the passport applications, but in Virginia you need an appointment. After calling and calling with no response at the local post office a friend suggested getting a letter from our congressman and head up to DC. This proved to be quite successful as we went into the special VIP area for diplomats and government employees. We got Joziah's passport the same day. For the next 5 years he is stuck with this photo:

From here we had to get all of our visas for the UK. If we were going for tourism we would not have any problems. But, since I will be studying the UK border agency (hereafter UKBA) wants money out of the deal. I worked on our visa applications for about 2 days. The UKBA doesn't just want copies of documents, they want the originals plus copies. So we packed up all of our most valuable documents-passports, marriage & birth certificates, green card, diplomas, dental records and DNA samples and shipped them off and paid a little extra for expedited service. After a brief rest I woke up and remembered that neither Janico or Joziah had signed their visa applications! I called the UPS store and asked if they had been sent yet. They said no and Janico and I raced up there to sign them. In the book of John, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance all things. I'm thankful for this remembrance as it would have been tough having to reapply! The next day we received confirmation that our visas were issued and we celebrated! Another blessing occurred when I scoured the internet for cheap airfare. If you have ever tried to book airfare on short notice you know how pricey it can get. Most of the prices I saw on major "discount" travel sites were more than we were willing to pay. Several days prior I saw an advertised price that was a bit more within our budget. I went to that airlines website and found a really cheap flight and got to the last page in booking and clicked "Pay". After a few seconds a screen popped up and said, your card has not been charged and this flight is no longer available. Tenacious as I am I called the airline and they quoted me a fare similar to the discount price. So I kept searching online. I came across a site that had several flights within the original price range but I had to call and speak with a real human. So I did and got the cheapest flight on the airline I was at before but traveling a day earlier! After wrapping up things to ship, making sure Joziah has adequate grandma and grandpa time and spending as much time with friends as possible, we landed in the UK after a 20+ hour journey. Fortunately, we were able to make connections with the other students and their wives prior to arriving and had a place to stay upon arrival. I am going house hunting for the next several days. We are excited about the next leg of our journey together. We are anxious to see how God will use us in the UK and while we have some ideas, He always seems to go above and beyond our expectations. As a student of Church History, I know some of the rich spiritual history of the UK and the past moves of God that occurred here. I (Brandon) am looking forward to reaching out the students at school and impacting this nation for His glory and honor. Janico is looking forward to being settled for a while and investing in our family as well as those the Lord brings across our path. Outreach in a industrialized post-Christian culture will look different than driving hours on end on a dirt road, setting up a sound system, preaching, praying for the sick, sleeping in a tent and eating goat. In some ways outreach in the developing areas is easier than in the West and our task as missionaries takes on new challenges. We are not faced with one or two systems of faith (Traditional African Religion and Islam) but a pluralistic and relativistic one where it seems anything goes. Most of the people I have met in Africa do not have the intellectual hang ups or objections that some in the West do. I can understand a bit better why the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthains, My conversation and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not be based on human wisdom but on the power of God. The same power to redeem, heal and liberate works in the West as it does in developing nations. Despite the differences in location and outreach, the same God and same gospel is at work in post-Christian nations such as the UK as it is in developing countries. God still demonstrates his love through acts of love, service and power and it is for this reason we are breaking new ground in the UK. Thank you for all your prayers, support and encouragement.

Growing in grace

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:36:00 +0000

Last Sunday I had the privilege of sharing at Harvest Assembly's evening Awakening service. I shared on 2 Peter 3:18 which exhorts the readers or hearers to "grow in grace." This was interesting to me for several reasons. 1) I've been told I need to extend more grace; 2) It seems that some branches of the church think that grace is given at salvation and that is it. This verse as well as 2 Pet 1:2 makes it clear that grace can increase. This led me to think about what grace is and how can one grow in grace.
I won't go into all the details of it, but you can download the podcast here:
http://www.harvestva.org/online-sermons.asp

Theology of waiting...

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 02:02:00 +0000

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.”
-Rom 8:25

Greetings from the heat and humidity of Virginia! We’ve had some great times catching up with friends and family since we’ve been back. We’ve also had some great times of ministry.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the next several months and years coming up. But thought without action is pointless, just like faith without works, as James said. I have also had some time to reflect on our time in Africa and wondered if there can be a “theology of waiting.” Having heard a lot of teaching in Mozambique on rest and entering into the rest of God one can get the idea that nothing will get done in the church. Honestly, I don't think Africa needs that kind of teaching. Most of the men and women I met have no problem sitting around, waiting and enjoying each others company. I don't think they don't feel the pressure to perform like us Westerners.
But waiting is never a purely passive event. I’ve thought about all the saints who waited things out: Noah who sat in the ark for forty days and forty nights (not so much fun in a zoo!); Abraham and Sarah waited to inherit the promise of a son and further promises (Heb 6:15, 11:9); Elijah and Israel waited for rain and the disciples waited in the upper room in Jerusalem as their Master instructed them.

In many ways Africa has prepared us for this time as waiting is something most Africans can relate to. I recall asking a man from Kenya what he did when his bus broke down on the way to Mozambique. He responded, “I waited for several days for the next bus.” In my western amazement, I asked, “Yes, but what did you do?” His reply, “Nothing, what could I do but wait?” Transitioning from that kind of event oriented culture to the western time oriented culture hasn’t been easy.
I imagine that the saints of old kept themselves busy during their waiting time.

Either through prayer or deepening relationships, I think the characters in Scripture were diligent in what was set before them, whether it be grooming animals on a boat or shepherding sheep. I gather it was a completely different lifestyle than our western culture, which emphasizes time, numbers and efficiency. An acquaintance once told me that the best way to wait things out is with your sails up ready for the wind to take you to the next place. This is fine as long as your sail doesn't have holes in it!
We’ve been gearing up for the arrival of our son and taking care of the various immigration and visa issues we’ve encountered. Fortunately, some of the UK visa requirements for US citizens have been eliminated, which relieved us of a huge burden.

The author of Hebrews once wrote, “so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.” In an effort to pursue the promises Janico and I have kept quite busy despite what the nurse at the ultrasound clinic said, “rest”. A week ago I was able to sit in on an advanced research methods course at a local Christian university. It was really helpful to be in an academic environment after being in Africa where issues of narrative discourse and textual criticism a far from every day conversations. The following week I sat in on a course on the miraculous in the biblical tradition, which was insightful. I also felt I had something to contribute academically and spiritually as I had been privy to quite a few wondrous events in Africa. Both courses helped me get a jumpstart on my research as well. I’ve been meeting with a friend to go over Greek on a regular basis and I’ve been reviewing German and French.

Janico and I have had various medical appointments and I imagine they will increase as we arrive closer to the due date. There seems to be no consensus on the due date among the nurses and doctors. Only 5% of babies arrive on their prescribed date, so we’re not too worried. I guess the more concerning factor is where the baby will be born. The hospital that we are scheduled to deliver at is moving its maternity ward to another location as of August 1. With the uncertainty of the due date and the uncertainty of the transition happening on August 1, we’re not quite sure where to go. It would be a bummer to go to one hospital only to have them turn us away to the other. So, we’ll see. Onward and upward we go for Jesus!
Thanks for all your prayers and support during this time as we hurry up and wait.

Much love,
The Walkers

Media Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 21:13:00 +0000

Yesterday we ministered to an amazing group of artists who feel called to the media mountain. The woman heading up the group has been involved in the music industry for many years and has a vision to train and equip those musicians and artists who feel called to the media mountain. There was a great word shared by our friend Jonathan about the spirit of adoption, sonship and developing artists. Janico and I had the honor of ministering prophetically to these brilliant people. It was really amazing to see God touch the hearts of the men and women with the spirit of adoption

There has been a teaching floating around churches about how Campus Crusade founder Bill Bright and YWAM pioneer Loren Cunningham each had the same dream. In the dream God spoke to them about the seven mountains of society: family, education, media & arts, business, government and religion. Since that time there has been an emphasis in influencing or conquering these seven mountains.

While I do not feel a particular call to the media I have had prophetic words in the area of film and photography. This meeting reignited my interest in photography and film. Not sure how and when this will come about, but God has opened doors in this area.

We are really excited to see what happens in the Tidewater area regarding music and the arts.

April/May Update: Now comes the "beyond" part...

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:22:00 +0000

Greetings from back in the USA! Well we recently returned from South Africa after some time in Mozambique. We had a wonderful, albeit hot & humid time in Mozambique. It was quite a weather shock to come from a tropical climate to a cold and windy area along the Cape.

We spent our last month investing into the friends and relationships, which have really meant a lot to us over the years. I finished teaching my courses and Janico continued getting houses ready for incoming short term missionaries. The Bible school students are required to fast on Mondays, which fit right in with my spiritual disciplines class. One Monday I gave a test and forgot that it was our fasting day. I brought some chocolates and gave them to them if they answered their test questions right. I saw some of them put their chocolates in their pockets. Due to the heat and their limited laundry facilities I encouraged them to eat the treat, completely forgetting about their fast. I then realized what I had done and one of the students said, “It’s OK, we’re fasting in our hearts.” OOPs!

In the same class I taught on “study” which was tough. Working in an oral society provides some complexities that I slowly grew to understand. Without libraries or Internet study is quite different than in the West. I asked my students how they learned and they explained to me how their teachers taught them through rote memorization. One student angrily shared with how his teacher made him write his name for hours on end and then he had to go work on the teachers farm in the afternoon. I was later informed that many teachers give only partial information and require payment from students should they need further resources. Rather than emphasize lifting up the pupil, it seems the teacher engage in a relationship where the student is dependent on the teacher. If the student does not pay or cannot pay they run the risk of failing.

One of the more exciting things that happened in Pemba was the explosion of our neighbors bathroom. Construction in Mozambique isn’t like the West and we are not allowed to flush toilet paper down the toilet due to smaller pipes and clogging. I’m not sure what goes on in our neighbors bathroom, but one morning they awoke to find the whole room flooded with raw sewage. The sink, toilet and shower were covered. The plumber came out and cleaned it out and had to tear out the wall of the bathroom and somehow traced the problem to our backyard? The pictures show their version of unclogging a pipe with a long piece of bamboo.

April seemed to be a birthday month for several of the missionaries in Pemba. We celebrated Mana Katia’s birthday along with Janico and myself. Katia’s birthday party was held out at Maringanha, a beach about 20 minutes away. It was a lot of fun and I was glad to eat some goat (his name was Samson). I’m not sure what was in the goat, but after it was served everyone started dancing! Wonder what the goat was marinated in?

I had some interesting times in the finance office as well. One of the youth who has some learning difficulties tore up his time sheet because he was angry that his boss marked him down as absent. Because of his shortsighted thinking and lack of a timesheet, he ended up not receiving his pay. From what I’ve witnessed protesting and mass riots are how many conflicts within Mozambique and other parts of Africa are solved. This young man expressed this when he showed up at the accounting office throwing a fit, kicking the door and saying “give me my money!” Fortunately, after about half and hour he was escorted away by some other young men as the guards were too afraid to deal with them.

The Bakers had a going away party for us at their house. It was really moving to hear what people had to say about us. One never knows how much of an influence they make unless they’re told and this is what was revealed to us. We were also able to give thanks to our friends there for their prayers and support. After this they prayed for us and we had a delicious chicken dinner. On our last weekend in Pemba we invited some of our boys over for chicken and a movie. We had a great time of fellowship and I encouraged them to keep following the Lord.

Currently we are back in Virginia taking care of some green card issues for Janico and working on a transition to the UK. Due to the progress in the pregnancy we are unable to travel and are having the baby in the US! Last year I received some encouragement from a visitor to further pursue my passion of teaching and engaging in doctoral studies. I had several “signs” and others encouraging me along the way (thanks by the way!) so I submitted my applications to three schools. I got into my top choices, and I have decided to study at University of Nottingham in the UK. It has been a dream of mine since undergrad to get a doctorate and the UK system seems to “fit” me as the main emphasis is writing your dissertation. The year to degree time is much less than the US system (3 years or you’re out!) and I have some wonderful men serving as my advisors. The main reason I am pursuing this degree aside from being called to it, is that I might be a better leader & equipper of students as well as for the church. Ever since learning about the Student Volunteer Movement of 1886 and the Princeton Pledge I have had it on my heart to encourage and teach students who have a heart toward ministry and missions.

While our ministry will have a different location and function, we plan on continuing to minister to the body of Christ. Janico will be working as a mom and continue our work with the poor. While we do not know the specific details of how our ministry will be carried out, we have met with some people in the UK who have a similar vision whom we may partner with. As you may know, university students are prone to lose faith due to the many pressures that occur. In the UK there has been a great influx of immigrants from diverse backgrounds and cultures which provides an amazing missions opportunity. I have in mind to teach and equip students in basic apologetics, reaching people of other faiths and mostly to encounter God and give His love away. We are discovering that the UK population responds better to longer term friendship-based relationship. Being involved in a local community like we will be doing is an incredible opportunity God will be offering us to reach a nation that once reached the whole world with the Gospel!

Janico and I left Pemba with the blessing of the leadership at Iris ministries who agreed that this is definitely a season of change for us. We feel that this transition will help us be better missionaries to reach the nations and that our experiences in Pemba will help us reach others in the UK.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers & support! Please pray for us as transitions are rarely stress free and with the arrival of our son we’ll need some extra grace!

Much love,
Brandon & Janico Walker

Marching on!

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Mahavo from Mozambique! We’re doing well albeit quite hot and sweaty. The rainy season brings quite a barrage of challenges from bugs to laundry that doesn’t dry. We left our laundry on the line for three days last week because it rained, then it was cloudy and humid. In the battle against wet clothes and noise, a fan is a necessity along with earplugs to fight against the sounds of all the frogs chirping throughout the night. If it’s not the music or people of another faith shouting things over their megaphones throughout the night it’s the frogs!

Last weekend there was a youth conference held here which was a real blast! Some guest worship leaders really got them into dancing and worship. Unlike previous conferences held here, people did not have to sleep in the church or in the fields. They also had clean latrines that I know they were pleased with. Sometimes it’s the little things that create great joy here.

Over the past 5 years Pemba has really grown in economic resources and stability. There are more people driving cars and motorcycles and there has been a large influx of Chinese people running businesses and investments made into the country. I remember when I first arrived here in 2006 we went to the hospital to pray for the sick. I recall thinking that this place wasn’t necessarily a hospital but a place for the unwell to sit in their pain. As you walked in the main door people with looks of sheer pain and misery laid in beds semi-barricaded by white sheet walls. The floors were dirty and the people looked hopeless. We recently went back to the same hospital get an ultrasound. I was amazed to learn that the hospital had been renovated and had some “modern” equipment. It seemed more like a college campus than a hospital and it seems to me people are getting genuine treatment. Each department has a separate building and they even had microscopes and x-ray machines. Some things are the same as several years back. Family members still wait and sleep outside along the sidewalks wearing their bright colors that contrast against their dark skin. But they seem a bit more hopeful.

We initially went to the private clinic to have a consultation because we were told we could not have the ultrasound without seeing a doctor first. When we arrived at the private clinic we learned that the doctor was not in and the receptionist didn’t know when he would return. As we drove home feeling pretty frustrated, we decided to stop by the hospital to see if we could get an ultrasound without seeing the doctor. When we arrived we learned there was no doctor available but the nurse seemed willing to assist us and gave our friend her number and said to call in the morning. As we walked out of the hospital our friend got a call from the nurse saying to come quickly, she had found a doctor who was willing to do the ultrasound. We walked into the OB/GYN department and walked into a room. I sat on a strange 3 legged chair that was propped against the wall and Janico laid on an old hospital bed. Next to me there was a yellow box with a small screen on it which seemed like something from a 70s sci-fi show. This was a far cry from the flat screened plasma TV we saw the baby on in Cape Town. The nurse and doctor came in. Soon I was staring at the baby on the screen and we found out he’s a boy! And he’s doing just great! We said thanks and left, but as we neared the car a nurse ran out and said they needed something from me. I soon realized that we had the ultrasound after hours and “under the table.” The nurse who arranged everything wanted a “gift” which I happily gave her.

On another medical note, Iris has received government approval to begin building a hospital. This has been a project that has been in the works for several years and has been on the hearts of our medical staff for quite a while. I was amazed to hear that some people walk for hours to receive medical treatment at the current clinic. The people are so poor they can’t afford the 5-20 meticais bus trip from their villages to the clinic. So they walk. Sometimes they start walking in the middle of the night carrying their child or loved one and arrive at 3-6am. If they arrive too early they have to wait at the gate. One boy had a bone infection that requires an antibiotic shot in the bone every day. The family members carry the boy every day from their house in Muxara, which is about a 20 minute drive.

There was a visiting family from Europe who recently heard the testimony of Heidi’s healing from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). They hadn’t heard of the Bakers until two weeks before and packed up and came to Pemba seeking a miracle. The father was a pastor in a word of faith church in their country. The wife told me how they used to pray down money, name it and claim it and always came up short. Then when her husband became ill and the leadership from the church abandoned him they had to learn the gospel all over again. They haven’t lacked since. Funny how when we get our priorities straight things seem to happen…I had the privilege of taking them to prison last Tuesday. The brothers in the church were amazed and honored that they came despite the husband’s condition and confinement in a wheelchair. Pastor Malolo, one of the leaders of the church shared on John 14:21 and how all things are possible before praying for the visitors healing. In Africa prayer for healing and deliverance is aggressive, meaning there’s lots of shouting, pushing and in my mind excess saliva. I was worried for a second when the pastors began pulling on the mans legs and arms. I asked the wife if it was OK not wanting her husband to feel victimized by our brothers zeal. She said, “Of course, this is what we came for!” I later learned that my friend had a dream about the power of forgiveness and two men helping him get out of his wheelchair. In Malawi I witnessed a crippled man forgive his family get up and walk after being carried forward by his friends, so I know it is possible.

The more I think about it the more I realized the desperation of this family moved the heart of God. It was also amazing to see their hearts and lives transformed by the graciousness of the men in prison as well as the people who have stopped by their house to visit. The wife told me that a man invited them to his house in the village after church on Sunday but after learning it was too difficult to get to his house the man brought them a bunch of bananas and sat with them for a while. This kind of generosity astounds me! They may not have enough money to catch a bus but they still understand that giving is better than receiving and despite their apparent lack they still give.

My classes have been going well. I am really enjoying my class on the life of David. I have been comparing his reign with the life of Saul and showing how both may have come from similar circumstances but their reactions towards God, sin and people were very different. Today I taught on meditation in my Spiritual Disciplines class. At the end of every class I open it up for questions. It was funny because one of the students said that he meditates on John 14 and he said, “I don’t know where I am going”. I reread the passage and realized that the early disciples didn’t know where Jesus was going before his ascension and basically said the same thing—how will we know how to get to where you are unless you show us? Sometimes I feel the exact same way as my student and the disciples.

We have had quite an influx of visitors. I encouraged them to teach some classes in the Bible school. I usually have to give a crash course in what to teach and what not to teach to the visitors: keep it simple and avoid topics the students from the bush will know nothing about (i.e. eschatology, Christology, rapture). One of the visitors asked me what I would say to those whose ministries are wrapped up in these issues. I told her I’d say the same thing---don’t go there. The longer I am here the more I realize the simpler things are the better and that western modes of teaching, learning and content are quite irrelevant. In dealing with primarily oral cultures it is best to tell stories because books, libraries and writing are not the primary means of communication. This is where organizations like storyrunners.com will make a lot of headway.

Richard Mouw of Fuller Theological Seminary recently blogged concerning God’s preferential treatment of the poor. The last time we were in the states I commented to friends at times that there seems to be a glorification of either the poor, those who work with people on the margins or disingenuous representations of their plight through social network sites such as Facebook. When we returned to Mozambique I learned that this was the case with some of our friends whose children were posted on a site with a caption reading “these children only get ice cream once a year.” Whoever posted it apparently didn’t get the facts straight as these children can have ice cream well over once a year. The mother felt like the person who posted her children on the internet used her children for their own gain. I’m not sure what the gain part was, but it seems as if she felt her children were exploited.

Working with the poor, disenfranchised and those on the margins isn’t glorious business. Nor is it some evangelical fad. It has been a hallmark characteristic of the church since its inception. It isn’t something you do twice a year and check off your list of good deeds like going to church at Christmas or Easter to ensure your ticket to heaven. It isn’t cool to post photos of seemingly poor children or yourself with your religious idols whom you hardly know to make yourself seem more righteous, spiritual or to raise money. People are people and are equally valuable to God, whether they are rich or poor. It is because of the God ordained inherent worth of people that we are in Mozambique at the moment. While we work with a ministry dedicated to aiding widows and orphans, it takes the whole body of Christ to function and each one of us has an important part to play. So, lets get on with it, shall we?

Mozzieland

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 05:16:00 +0000

Feb 2011 update
Greetings from Northern Mozambique! We touched down in Pemba on February 6th after an interesting trip through Maputo airport. The airport has undergone some renovations for the 2011 African games, which will be held there later this year.
As we headed further north the heat increased and the oppressive humidity overwhelmed us as we stepped off the plane. Some of our friends and the kids, Natalia included, welcomed us in Pemba. She was happy to see us, so I suppose she wasn’t so traumatized from staying with us.

From December to March is summer as well as the rainy season, which means increased mosquitos, malaria, mud, getting vehicles stuck and cholera. The heat intensifies everything—the smell of rotting trash, flies, peoples attitudes (both good and bad) and appreciation for cold running water. There wasn’t a lot of rain last month, but its been raining on a consistent basis since our arrival.

I bought a mosquito net at Bed Bath & Beyond while we were in the states. For some reason I thought it would be effective in the fight against nocturnal mozzie attacks, but when we set it up I realized that it was only a “canopy” and was only for aesthetic purposes. Each side, including the top is divided into two parts! Grrr! Next time we’ll buy gear at the Army/Navy surplus store and not from a home décor store. I was told by a friend that after spraying her room and using bug spray and ensuring the net was secure she still had mosquitoes get in her net. Friends of mine contend that the devil has no creative ability and that he only counterfeits what God creates. But I see no redemptive value in mosquitoes either before or after the Fall.

I’m not sure I ever wrote about it, but outside the center where we live was a large area of land which wasn’t in use until earlier last year. The president gave some of the land to people to curry favor for votes. The people cleared the land and put up bamboo bars. Initially they played music all day and night which kept us up at night. Now it seems the music has died down and is only played on the weekends. There are more shacks up and some have branched out and sell other items and not just beer. We were told that this community will be temporary, but I doubt it.

Iris and YWAM have joined forces and we have a team of YWAM “midtermers” who are serving the people here. I am working on some of the Bible school administration as well as teaching three courses. Janico is working on some of the manuals for incoming workers so they know what to expect upon arrival.

Last Friday we had a great time of baptisms of some of the Bible school students. Several of them wept for joy as their old lives died under the water and received their new life in Christ. That afternoon we also had a great time in jail. When we arrived the people inside seemed pretty downcast. When we left though most of them were encouraged and happy. I was sad to learn that one of the women who I was there last year was still there. She had the opportunity to get out in January but due to some hang up in documentation she was stuck there. This isn’t uncommon. One man from France who was at the Mieze prison had the opportunity to be released but could not pay the “tax” because the items left at the Pemba jail where he was initially detained were “lost”, or more probably stolen.

We are glad to be back and excited to see what God will teach us as we continue to step out in faith. Thank you for your prayers and support! We especially need prayer during this time for our health, especially Janico as pregnancy for some reason attracts malaria.

Much love,
Brandon

Off to Pemba!

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 07:24:00 +0000

Greetings friends! We just finished up a wonderful stay in Cape Town! While we were here we were able to get our first glimpse of the baby! We're very excited!
We leave today for Joburg and then up to Pemba on Sunday. It will be good to see our friends and colleagues in Mozambique. Please pray for safe travels, all bags to arrive OK and amazing miracles in the next several months!
Much love,
Walkers

Compassion, humility and healing

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:52:00 +0000

I've been reading Miracles Every Day which is about a Catholic doctor named Issam Nemeh. Last weekend Dr. Nemeh came to Harvest Assembly and prayed for people. Dr. Nemeh has a reputation of healing in Cleveland and has prayed for thousands of people in his healing services. His prayer is simply, "Come Holy Spirit, reveal the love and healing of Christ." I was really impressed with the humility and compassion displayed by this man. He prayed for each person with such concern and love I couldn't help but think of the connection between humility, compassion and healing.

Humility isn't thinking less of yourself but thinking about yourself less says Bill Johnson. The outward focus on others is part of Jesus' great commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. I could see this as Dr. Nemeh went down the line and paid careful attention to what God was telling him as well as what was going on in the heart, body and spirit of the person.

We are told that Jesus was moved with compassion and many were healed. This compassion has to some power behind it for Jesus to be moved with it. This compassion has to do with the connection and identification with Christ and others. According to Isaiah, the Messiah was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. This is where compassion comes from--our willingness to embrace the crucified Lord. Theologian Miroslav Volf writes, "All sufferers can find comfort in the solidarity of the Crucified; but only those who struggle against evil by following the example of the Crucified will discover him by their side." It is in our identification with Christ at the Cross that we are healed. From their we are to bring this same compassion and identification with Christ to see those healed. I believe Dr. Nemeh knows something about this.

I've seen many people minister healing over the years and some to bring a lot of hype to the table. While emotions are good and are a gift from God, all the shouting and cursing of demons doesn't seem to get a lot of results. Watching Dr. Nemeh minister in the humility and compassion of the Lord I saw a glimpse of hope for those of us without charismatic personalities.

Retracing the steps of past revivals

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:46:00 +0000

We spent the day in downtown LA today. While we didn't get to Angeleus Temple, we did pass by the location of the 1906 Azusa Street revival where William Seymour led a movement that went around the world. God moved powerfully in that place and the shekeinah glory was visible in the room. Unfortunately, the building where the meetings took place no longer stands. I was able to take a picture of a sign and plaque that commemorates Seymour and the birth of the worldwide Pentecostal movement. In 2006 a 100 year commemoration took place in LA to honor Seymour and what God did through a one eyed African-American preacher.

Back in the USA

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:42:00 +0000

Hi friends! We made it back to the US last week. It seems like not a lot has changed. We're looking forward to some rest and visiting friends & family. We head out to California next week for a family reunion. It'll be great to be with everyone!
We'll be doing some ministry around Virginia next month. We'll keep you posted!
Much love,
Brandon & Janico

To South Africa and Beyond!

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:33:00 +0000

Hi friends! Just wanted to give a brief update on our journey. Janico and I have been in South Africa for the past several weeks. Janicos visa ran out and she had to get out of Mozambique before October 3. We arranged for her to spend some time in Kokstad where I met up with her a week later. I had a few things to wrap up in the finance office and in prison ministry which delayed my departure.

I'm not sure if I wrote about it in the past, but our main accountant went to a wedding in Brazil and myself and another worker her stepped in and took over some of the daily operations of the office. Not being so gifted in math, I often wondered what the accountant was thinking asking me to fill his shoes. But the workers got paid and the building didn't burn down, which is more than I can say for some other buildings in our general area. On our drive home from prison one Tuesday morning we saw two mud huts burning down. Due to the lack of local water it isn't easy to fill up buckets and to my knowledge there isn't a local fire department so when a fire starts there's little that can be done.

Prison ministry wrapped up well and I saw and heard some amazing testimonies of God's goodness to the men. Two of the main church leaders who were released came to church on Wednesday night and testified about how God was faithful to them throughout their difficulties and how He transformed their lives.

On a less spiritual note, one Saturday morning I went snorkeling with a group of friends. On our way out we encountered a sunfish which was unusual and a herd/pack/pod (what do you call a group of dolphins anyway?) of dolphins. We were able to jump out and swim with them which was an amazing experience. What wasn't so amazing was the boat not starting up when we were in the middle of the bay. So we floated, waited, soaked up some sun and swam with dolphins again. Fortunately, despite the fact that Mozambique's main cell phone company doesn't have such reliable service, our captain was able to get a call out to another boat to pick us up.

Flash forward a few days and we're both in South Africa. We spent an amazing time in Kokstad where we ministered at Community Church and spent time on our friends farm. It was quite a relaxing time compared to the ups and downs of life in Mozambique. We made it back to Cape Town and had a refreshing retreat in a box canyon where we lived in some cottages with no electricity and no cell phone reception. It was great because no one could dive into work or escape into the world of facebook or internet.

Last night we ministered at the Jesus Thing at the Father's House. I shared on the simplicity of the gospel and whether or not the cross is enough.

We are preparing to head back to the US this week and are looking forward to reconnecting with friends and family. If you are interested in letting us share at your home group or church let us know. Please pray for our safe travels!

Much love,
Brandon & Janico

News from the northern frontier

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:59:00 +0000

Greetings from northern Mozambique! We’re doing well although it has been an intense month. We are taking care of a 3 year old Mozambican toddler while her missionary mother is home for a 2+ month break. It has been really trying on many levels, but really rewarding. The first two weeks for her were a real adjustment, but she’s grown used to us and wakes up and runs in our room wanting to play or lays in her bed yelling “Mono Bandon!!” (misspelling is intentional). Sometimes I’m amazed at the literalness of the Lord. When he said take care of widows and orphans I thought he meant hang out with them, get them some clothes, shoes or food if they need them. I never thought he meant take them in and let them live with you. Having her around has really made me realize what a sacrifice parenthood is and how much of an investment it takes to raise a child up in the way that it should go.

Last Thursday Janico and I led a team on an outreach to Metoro. Most of the team was from Sheffield in England along with some people from the US. They were a great group and were really excited to get into the culture. We weren’t given enough noodles for dinner for the entire team plus the pastor and his family so while the Jesus movie was playing I walked to a baraca (the Mozambican equivalent of Walmart) with my friend Ezekiel. While we were walking back to our tents someone on a bicycle darted past us and I heard “mono Brandoni!!!” fade into the darkness. Because it was dark and there were no streetlights I couldn’t tell who it was, but since I was the only white guy walking on the road they somehow knew me even though we were 3 hours away from Pemba.

The following morning on the outreach I took the team to a farm that Iris recently purchased near Mieze, a village 20 minutes away. The farm is 150 acres of land with only a fraction of it in production. The hope is to grow food for the local children centers and have enough to sell. We are also hoping some of the youth will take an interest in farming and gain some vocational experience in going to the farm.

We held the graduation of the mission school and Bible school two weeks ago. David Hogan, a missionary in Mexico preached along with the Bakers. A lot of the mission school students left for outreaches throughout Mozambique and other parts of the world.

I have taken on the weekly prison outreach while the missionary in charge of it is traveling. On Tuesdays we go to the Mieze prison which is a medium security prison that houses men who have engaged in a wide range of behaviors. Some of them are foreigners who have been caught doing something wrong and have not been able to contact their families to inform them their current housing assignment. There has been great success with this prison and the Bible school that is taught throughout the week is currently maxed out at 60. I estimate there are about 50 men in church out of about 70-90 in the entire prison. On Fridays we go to the local jail in downtown Pemba and hold church there. The people there are usually serving shorter sentences or awaiting their hearing. We sing songs, give a few testimonies and someone usually preaches. After that we give out bread and pray for those wanting prayer. Last Friday after praying for one of the men who was mocking us, one of my friends saw the man jump the wall and escape. The guards didn’t seem to care too much either because they knew he’d be caught again or they’re not too interested in their jobs. The condition of the Pemba jail is really different than the Mieze prison. From what I’m told the Mieze prison is pretty nice because the men get mattresses to sleep on and blankets. Those residing in the Pemba jail sleep on the floor and live in a long dark building with no windows or lights on the inside.

That's all the news to report at the moment. We're blessed beyond measure! Thanks for your prayers!
Love,
The Walkers

Waking up to miracles

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:47:00 +0000

Tuesday morning I woke up to screaming in our house. I wasn't quite sure what it was, but it sounded like Filomena, the woman who helps us twice a week in our house yelling, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" I went out to see what was going on and Janico told me that she had come with extreme back pain and after prayer she was healed! Janico prayed once and nothing happened. She prayed again and all of a sudden her back went snap, crackle, pop and was in alignment! Filomena was so happy she ran throughout the house shouting and praising God!

There are those who would say that we shouldn't expect miracles to happen every day or that miracles happen today, just not to them. Chances are, they aren't praying for them or seeking after the power of God in action. When you need a miracle like Filomena did, then its a different story. The truth is we need the love and power of God displayed throughout the earth to give glory worthy of His name. Who will step in and bring the love and power of God? More often than not, miracles don't happen because we aren't pursuing them.

Swords into plowshares

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:39:00 +0000

Greetings all! What an amazing month we’ve had! In June we finished a whirlwind tour of the UK. Janico’s parents wanted to escape South Africa during the World Cup and invited us along and we had a great time together in Ireland and a week in Scotland. We were able to combine ministry, university scouting and sight seeing. One of our favorite places in Scotland was Edinburgh. We went to an amazing museum that documented Edinburgh’s spiritual history. One of the docents there wept as he told me about the 20,000 people who were martyred in the covenanters movement, which declared Jesus as head of the church, not the king or pope. Edinburgh was home to some of the most influential thinkers and authors in history. Along the royal mile sat the statues of David Hume, John Locke and inside the New College of Edinburgh University was a statue of John Knox. During the Great Awakening John Wesley daily preached to audiences of 5000-6000 at 5 am!

We visited friends of ours in Glasgow, Alan and Diane, who we lived with in Pemba when we staffed a mission school several years ago. It was amazing to see how their boys have grown. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about our time together in Mozambique and Malawi.

We had a wonderful trip to Bridlington, which is about an hour east of York. We ministered at Christ Church, which is a Anglican congregation that is doing great things for their community. Janico shared about Africa with some of the children in the preschool program while I was given a tour of the church and surrounding buildings. They have a real holistic model for the gospel and it was a real honor to minister there. The church runs a center that runs job skills training for the unemployed, youth outreaches and other community events.

We saw some really interesting miracles occur during our time there. One woman who had a stroke could only say “Si, si, si” (yes, yes, yes in Spanish or Portuguese). Funny thing was after prayer she switched from Spanish/Portuguese to English and she said “Yes!” which was progress for her condition. One woman suffered severe migraines and God healed her. One man had glaucoma and said he saw strange flashes throughout the day. After receiving prayer he said it stopped. There was a man there who was a former member of the band Herman’s Hermits. He came to the Lord after being severely depressed and trying to throw himself out of a window and breaking every bone in his body. Now he travels and shares his testimony along with singing. Our amazing hostess, June Lee (who isn’t Asian), took us to visit some wonderful community outreach projects in Hull. While we were there we also got to visit the William Wilberforce museum that was in the house that he was born in. Wilberforce was a tenacious man who for many years pushed for the end of the slave trade in England. The museum documented the triangular trade route which I remembered from my 5th grade social studies class as well as the lives of the slaves once they arrived at their final destinations. The final room displayed the modern day human trafficking and slavery that still exists.

We visited several main cathedrals in St. Andrews (which are all ruins), Durham, York and London. In London we stayed with our friend Sam and his family, which was a real treat. There was an art exhibit at St. Paul’s cathedral and the British museum that was made of all the decommissioned guns of the Mozambican civil war. Unknowingly, Sam and I had both listened to the same sermon on Christianity and the arts by bishop N.T. Wright and wanted to see the particular piece called “The Tree of Life.” After the civil war an NGO offered farming tools in exchange for the guns used during the war. The program was highly effective and many guns were turned in.

We arrived back to Mozambique and jumped into the international leaders team meeting. The meeting lasted 4 days and the central teaching was on core values. There were workers and leaders from all over the world who shared their successes and the struggles they are facing. It was a real honor to be present in such an amazing group of people.

After the meetings we were drafted into driving on an outreach with some of the guest speakers and visitors. We drove an hour out into the Mecufi region on dirt and sand roads. When we arrived and were unloading the land rover someone ran up and grabbed a sleeping bag and ran off into the dark. The initial night meeting went well but the noise of the children talking and playing was such that it was hard to hear what was being said over the speakers. One our walk back home someone ran up and tried to rob one of the women in the group. Fortunately, nothing was taken. The next day we went to dedicate the church in the village. The pastor of the village was one of my students from several years ago and it was an honor to be present at the dedication. Everyone was full of joy and we sang and danced for a long time.

Currently it’s the season of the 20 sisters or vinte ninas, which means it is cool and really windy. Our house has no windows so there was quite a bit of dust on the furniture and floors. After a month in the UK I had forgotten about the consistently inconsistent water and electricity. It made me realize how fortunate those of us from the West really are. The water doesn’t run throughout the day and we don’t know when it will come back on, so we make sure to have buckets ready when the water is running to fill up for the day.

For the past week and a half we had a missionary/pastor from China named Dennis Balcombe teaching in the mission school. While he was here I had the privilege of having dinner with him and his team. I learned a lot about missions, China and the simplicity of faith from them. Dennis got saved when he was 16 and ended up getting prophetic words about "Red China" and that he would be the first missionary in when it opened up. He was drafted into Vietnam and was given words about not one hair of his head would be harmed and that the US would lose the war. While there he planted churches, prayed for the sick and led many to salvation. Almost everyone in his unit was killed or injured but him. He then moved to Hong Kong and began to pray that the barriers to mainland China would come down and started church planting. Like the Bakers & Jackie Pullinger he moved in with a Chinese family and learned the customs and language. He said that he told his wife they wouldn't speak English when they were in China and they raised their kids like the Chinese.

In 1978 China opened up and Dennis was one of the first missionaries to enter. He has been instrumental in bringing the word of God to the Chinese as well as the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. We had a great conversation about the church in China and how it differs in the West. In China the church is consumed with preaching the gospel and getting people saved no matter the cost or sacrifice. In the US, according to Dennis, we're concerned with the latest church growth fad, program, end times theology or self help books/teaching without any real cost on our end. The Chinese church doesn't think a lot about the return of the Lord or whether its going to be a premillineal rapture or other doctrinal issues. He talked about how the doctrine of the pretribulation rapture had actually cost some believers in Iwojima to stop believing after WWII. The missionaries who initially reached them taught them that Christ would save them from the tribulation. Then when the war started and Christ didn't take them out of their suffering, misery, rape, etc. they stopped believing and would not return to church.

He also said that a lot of the reports of the Chinese suffering and martyrdom were true for the church 10 years ago, but things have changed in China to such an extent that China is really open to the gospel. Brother Yun (aka the Heavenly Man) did experience everything in his book, but the times have changed in China and the suffering and persecution isn't necessarily the norm. I expect this may happen when 25,000-30,000 people are being saved a day. Once you are a member of a church in China you’re in it for life. There is no denomination swapping or church hopping like in America.

Dennis said that the secrecy of the missionaries there can be to the detriment of the gospel. If you are a missionary and are preaching the gospel the government surely knows about it. But if you're trying to hide your light and not shine because of fear of the government and not being bold the chances are you will have little fruit. He also said that boldness was a sure mark of the Holy Spirit.

We had a fairly lengthy discussion about suffering and the prominence of the health and wealth gospel in the West as well as Africa. Dennis shared about how a fairly prominent health and wealth preacher came and preached in Hong Kong about how God wants us to be blessed and if we have enough faith we can rebuke suffering, pain, and persecution. One of the older ladies who lived through the Cultural Revolution raised her hand and asked, "Brother, didn't the apostle Paul write 3/4 of his letters from prison?" The response was, "He didn't have the revelation that we have now and if he did he could have rebuked his time in prison away." In another story one man who served over 40 years in prison for his faith was welcomed back to his village and after some tea he shared about his hardship. He told how he was beaten repeatedly, thrown into the latrines and urinated on, and sent out into the snow naked. A woman who was in the audience cried out and said, “Lord, Lord! I have been praying and asking you, why do you let him suffer for you and not me?!!”

It was fascinating to me that the conversation about the Chinese church and all that I've been reading about their endurance under persecution, followed Rolland and Heidi's preaching on the core values of Iris: Presence of God, power, service to the poor, sacrifice and suffering, and joy. It's the first time I've heard of an organization say that suffering was a core value.

On another evening we were invited to dinner with Dennis and his team at some local Chinese peoples house. They were really welcoming and hospitable. The evening started off with greetings and green tea. We got to watch as the family prepared hand made noodles, fried fish, dumplings, slices of tongue, and soup with meat and vegetables in it. The family has been in the area for several years and run a corrugated steel roofing company and lumber mill. After the meal, one of the members stood and thanked the family and sang a song on how the Lord had changed his life. Everyone clapped and pastor Dennis gave the family some DVDs about China and some information on the gospel. They received it gladly.

Yesterday I took a team of mission school students and visitors to the local jail. The students have been going on a regular basis and have formed some good connections with some of the men in the jail. One of the students preached a great message on how we may leave but the love of God and their relationship with Him will always remain.

Exploring the promises...

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:34:00 +0000

Exploring the promises

In the book of Numbers, Moses sent out twelve scouts to explore the land they were promised. In the end, only Joshua and Caleb understood the nature of God and His promises towards his people. In the end, only two men had the faith to take the land. The other ten were too full of fear despite the fact that they witnessed the raw power of God with their own eyes and the testimonies they supposedly heard from previous generations.

Prior to our return to Mozambique, we made arrangements with Janico’s parents to join them for several weeks in the UK. They wanted to escape South Africa due to world cup. I have had several prophetic words about the UK and pursuing further studies there. It has been a dream of mine since my undergrad days to study in the UK. Later on I realized that it wasn’t just my dream, but God’s as well.

So, Janico and I are off on another adventure pursuing, or exploring rather, a promise from God to see what doors may open in the future. Our trip will take us from Ireland, Scotland and England. Along the way we’re meeting up with some friends and ministering in England. Please pray for divine connections, as well as wisdom and revelation for us as we explore a new area of promise and inheritance in the Lord that we’re claiming.

Are we there yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:37:00 +0000

Ola! This is a fairly long update so I’ve divided it up into the activities we’ve been doing and a bit on daily life. It feels like it’s been a whirlwind month. From house dedications, outreaches, prison outreach and graduation ceremonies it seems there is never a dull moment. The Bible school staff recently spent a weekend gathering the grades and getting items together for the gifts for the Bible school students. On the day of graduation we had an amazing chicken lunch and then the students sang and danced for several hours. Each of the teachers got to say something encouraging to the students followed by a commencement address from Rolland Baker and then they received their certificates. It was a great time full of joy and dancing. Most of them were really excited to finally go home. Due to the flooding in the Zambezia province, 17 of the students did not complete the term because their houses were washed away.
Last weekend we completed an amazing outreach at a village that we were told was only 20 minutes away. In reality it was about an hour. I’m beginning to work out an equation that may accurately measure the time perceived by the Mozambicans to the location. For example, if a Mozambican says a village is 20 minutes away and it really takes an hour then we need to multiply what they say by 3 to get the more precise time. I doubt my experiment will come out accurately, but its things like this that keeps my mind occupied.
On the night of the outreach it was a full moon and we hardly had need for a flashlight or any other lighting. We arrived to the outreach shortly before the Jesus film ended and participated in a drama of the good Samaritan. I was a lawyer who asked Jesus (in Portuguese), “What must I do to be saved? I love God, I love my neighbor, I keep the law. ..” Then some of the visitors and Mozambicans acted out the story. Throughout the acting Heidi asked them questions, which made the skit interactive. The crowd really enjoyed the skit and gained a better understanding of the love of God. One young boy and an older man received prayer for deafness and were healed. At the testimony of one of the visitors one old man ran up and said, “I want to be healed of alcoholism!” I got to pray for the man with pastor Balance and got to film his testimony.
After the outreach we retired back at the church and ate the usual outreach dinner of mushy noodles and tuna. While we ate some of the Mozambicans shared their testimonies of how they came to know Jesus. One of the youth’s stories really stood out to me. He shared how his mother died and his father remarried. His stepmother didn’t want him or his sister so his father told them to go to Pemba. So they showed up in Pemba and ended up at the children’s center. As he told his story I sensed the pain that he felt from the rejection from his family and the loss of his mother. At one point I thought he started to cry. He said, “When I am in church and am with the Lord I forget the pain of things in the past.”
The next morning we helped officiate the wedding of the pastor of the church. From my limited experience, a wedding in Mozambique and Malawi is a very solemn affair. There is usually no joy or smiling involved on part of the couple. They don’t look each other in the eye or really express much emotion because to do so would be disrespectful to their parents. Contrary to custom we encouraged the couple to be joyful and pastor Carlos, one of the main outreach leaders, shared on how marriage is to be celebrated and how it mirrors the love of Christ for the church. The couple was told to look each other in the eye and exchange their vows. Afterwards the congregation shouted out “BEIJO! BEIJO! BEIJO!!” (KISS! KISS! KISS!)
After the wedding we started on our way home. We stopped in Mieze where one of the biggest churches and outreach centers was hosting a leadership conference. The guest speaker shared on the father heart of God. I was able to film most of it, but had to get home to recharge my camera and physical batteries. Due to the sheer number of orphans that exist in Mozambique due to the civil war, AIDS, and flooding, many of the Mozambicans there responded to the message of the unconditional love of the Father. To know and experience the love of God as the kind, merciful, tender Father they never knew really struck a chord with them.
Later that evening I (Brandon) attended a house blessing ceremony for several of our boys who have transitioned out of the children’s center into a local village. Many of the young men attended the ceremony to pray for their friends and to eat a chicken dinner. Each of the youth who moved into their new housing received a radio as a gift. They are also receiving job training and assistance in the transition.
One of our neighbors is in charge of the prison ministry, which has been a real success. She recently went away for a month and left me (Brandon) in charge of going to the local jail where people await trial and the prison that is in Mieze. The first time I tried going to the jail we were not allowed in because they were interviewing the prisoners. So we left the bread we brought them and told them we would return next week. The following week I went with a translator and a pastor and we gather together with about 15 men and 7 women. We sang some songs, I preached and then the pastor shared. Then we gave each of them a roll. After we gave bread to those who did not join us and stayed in their rooms. The living conditions were really startling. The main dormitory was a long building with rooms on both sides. There was no lighting inside and the windows were really high and small as to only allow a little light. I couldn’t see down the hall because it was so dark and the stench was of body odor and human waste. I was told that those who were able to attend our service were there for a longer term. I was able to pray for one man who had a broken leg.
That week I also went to the prison in Mieze with some visitors and several pastors. It was an amazing time. For a top security prison it paled in comparison to something in the states. We drove right in to the main courtyard and parked the car. We walked into the main building where the prisoners reside after giving the guards our keys, phones and other items. We entered a long white hallway where about 50 prisoners were singing and praising God. The ceiling and windows were very high up and the only light available came in through those windows. We sang some songs with the men and then each of the visitors gave a testimony about the power of Christ and the transformational power of His love. I learned that most of the men there were in for robbery, murder, or rape. One of the pastors stayed behind and ran a Bible study for the inmates which regularly occurs with about 50 of the men. While we were there two of the men accepted the Lord. It was an amazing experience and I really felt the hunger of the men to live new lives in Christ.
I’ve been reading about some of the church growth that is occurring in Asia and how majority of it is happening in prison. From viewing the number of people in the Bible study I can see how the same could also be true in Mozambique.

Daily Life
Most houses here do not have glass windows unless they have air conditioning. Our house has all screen windows, which makes for a nice breeze but a real battle to keep the house clean. The sand and dust often blow in and covers the floor and other items in the house. When it rains, which it has recently, the wind blows the rain in and if the floor isn’t swept then red sand puddles accumulate. Last Sunday night it rained so heavy I thought someone was shooting our roof.
The electricity here is unstable. Usually on Saturday or Sunday we go the whole day without power while the electric company supposedly works on the lines. I’m not sure why they haven’t fixed the lines yet after several months, but its just another facet of living in a developing country. The spikes and surges are the source of fried electronics even with stabilizer boxes, so we have to take special caution and unplug things at night.
We have a pair of frogs that have chosen to reside with us. I think they live in our bathroom or next to our water filter during the day. Around 8pm every evening they come out to eat bugs and squeeze under the door. We had a giant spider outside one of our windows and when I got my camera to take a picture a lizard came out of the crack in our neighbors wall and quickly gobbled it up.
One afternoon I got to go to one of the villages where Iris is digging a well. I got to get a better idea of the process and the problems involved with digging the well. The first is getting the right location, which is done by flying in one of the few geophysicists in the country to ascertain the probability of striking water. Then the well drilling team has to get governmental permission, which is usually an adventure as they can change their minds or inform us later that the location is wrong. Then the giant rigs are sent out and one of the officials goes with the team and they start drilling.
We have met with one of the members of the radio station who is going to help us produce the radio show we’re working on. The name of the show is “Daily Bread” and is the first multi-lingual show in northern Mozambique. The radio station divides the airtime by languages and since we’re having several languages on our show they don’t quite know what to do with us. We’ve settled on the 5-6pm time slot twice a week and 2 in the afternoon on Sundays.
Thank you for your prayers and support! We are really blessed to be playing a role in the transforming love of God in Mozambique! Please continue to pray for our residency permits.
Much love!
Brandon & Janico

Former rain and the latter rain...

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 06:26:00 +0000

We bid our farewells to our friends in Cape Town and went to Johannesburg/Pretoria where we stayed one night before heading to Rustenburg. I felt I should apply for my visa on March 3, which I did. Visa getting for some countries is a real crapshoot, for Mozambique you never know what you’re going to get. This time around I felt that I had great favor on my side. I caught a cab from the guesthouse to the embassy. I walked in and realized that I was the only person in line. The woman who works on the visas beckoned me into her office, asked me what kind of visa I was applying for, skimmed my paperwork, asked for my money and told me to come back in 2 hours. It was amazing! It went so smoothly I thought surely it was a miracle! Our friend Ilke came to pick us up at the hotel and we went to retrieve my passport. The woman said not to tarry in getting things straight with the residency permit now that I had the visa, otherwise I would be seeing her again in 30 days.
Please pray that I get the permit quickly. In Africa, things move about half (or less than half) the speed of in the states and take about twice as much effort to accomplish some things.
We were welcomed back in Mozambique on March 6, after an amazing stay at our friends Ilke and Johan’s house in Rustenburg. It was great catching up with them and getting some final necessities before heading back to Mozambique.
We returned to a warm (literally) Mozambican welcome. Our friend Emelyn picked us up with her child and we settled into the visitor center. While we were gone some changes were made to the base, but nothing really major. The new sewing school, which was under construction when I left, is completed and is really nice. Some of the ditches that were dangerous at night have bridges over them. The children are much bigger. My one friend, Toba has grown a lot, as have the other children who were toddlers when I left.
The kids and other Mozambicans in church greeted us on Sunday. Pastor Balance, who I worked with in the Bible school, was so surprised to see me he hugged me, pulled away with his eyes really wide and mouth full of laughter and then hugged me again. This went on for several minutes. Thankfully he is well as is family.
I jumped right in the third day we were back and taught the class on Ephesians. I am also teaching a class on spiritual disciplines and a fourth year course on anything I want. At the end of every class I offer a time for questions. In my second year class one of the students asked, “If God is so rich, then why are so many of his children poor?” The Bible school is really an amazing place to serve and I am really inspired by the growth and faith of the students.
We recently moved into our house, which is on the first base down the road. We’ve been working hard cleaning and painting it. We asked for cleaning assistance from one of the local Mozambican ladies. We inherited quite a bit of things from the previous missionary who lived in it which was nice. We didn’t need all of what he gave us, so we gave some of it to the woman who assisted us. When we dropped her off near her village she got robbed of everything we gave her. It was really frustrating for us as we were trying to bless her. Unfortunately, robberies and such are quite common here.
We just returned from an overnight outreach in a village called Npiri, where God did amazing things. During the evangelism we got to pray for many people with back, stomach and headaches. One girl who was deaf and mute received her hearing and began to speak after receiving prayer. After the initial evangelism we spent time in the church listening to the testimonies of the Mozambicans on how they came to Christ. Their zeal and commitment really astounded me as they recounted how their lives were transformed and the persecution they endured. One of the men was a leader in another religion and had excelled in it but when the Lord healed him he knew he had to leave his office and even his village.
On Friday morning we got to dedicate a new well that Iris dug in the village. During the dedication Heidi Baker spoke about love being practical and showing help in tangible ways that bring transformation. One of the women at the dedication broke down and started crying as Heidi and others prayed for her because her husband was recently killed in a car accident. My heart broke as she wept and was comforted.
After the dedication we traveled 30 minutes on an unpaved road to a river to baptize 15 new believers. We were told by our guide that the river was “not far.” In Africa, “not far” is synonymous with a great distance but we’re not sure how far or how long it will take to get there. Distance, like time, in Africa is relative. Our guide said that they would walk one day to the river to get water. Others would walk even further. We got a lot of the outreach on film and posted some of the pictures in this email as well as on our website and Facebook.
We are in the process of developing a holistic village discipleship training in which we follow up with the pastors and villages that we have churches. Some of our friends who work in the Bible school also have a similar vision, so we are excited to partner with them. I have also been working trying to organize Portuguese classes for some of the other international workers here. We have also been asked to work on a radio program that would reach many Mozambicans with the gospel. We’re excited about these new opportunities and continue ask you for prayers for wisdom in how to effectively reach the people here.

Much love!
Brandon & Janico

Cross cultural ministry thoughts...

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:02:00 +0000

I've been thinking about cross-cultural ministry and the Christian life. I came across this passage in "The Epistle to Diognetus" that discusses being in the world but not of it. From Early Christian Writings, translated by Maxwell Staniforth.

5. Nevertheless, the organization of their community does exhibit some features that are remarkable, and even surprising. For instance, though they are residents at home in their own countries their behavior there is more like that of transients; they take their full part as citizens, but they also submit to anything and everything as if they were aliens. For them, any foreign country is a motherland, and any motherland is a foreign country. Like other men, they marry and beget children, though they do not expose their infants. Any Christian is free to share his neighbor’s table, but never his marriage-bed. Though destiny has placed them in the flesh, they do not live after the flesh; their days are passed on the earth, but their citizenship is above in the heavens. They obey the prescribed laws, but in their own private lives they transcend the laws. They show love to all men--- and all men persecute them.

How alien are we? How transient are we?

Transformational Encounters...

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:13:00 +0000

Greetings!

As I write this, the sun is setting over the Atlantic giving the sky an array of colors--- magnificent layers of pink, red, and blue stretch over the ocean. To the left of me some clouds cover Table Mountain which gives it more of a dome shape than that of a table. We had an amazing time meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends. Our time with Janico’s family was blessed and I’m continually amazed at the culture of hospitality that exists here.

We settled back into Cape Town from our trip to Natal in late January where we learned a lot about the farming lifestyle, which certainly isn’t for wimps. Farming and agriculture is one of the primary backbones of South Africa. I was able to learn about the Farming God’s way method which if done accurately can yield enough food for a family of 5 on half an acre of land.

While we were in Natal we were able to hold several meetings at churches. One Sunday we ministered at Community Church in Kokstad. The pastors, Andrew and Barbara Mackenzie, have been with the church for years and have fought hard for reconciliation between the local Africans and the white people. The early service was mainly African with amazing worship. Thankfully the service was in English with Xhosa translation. The second service was more mixed with contemporary worship. I preached on humility, which apparently was a word in season for the church. I shared briefly on a BBC article that discussed how many people are after titles and positions in Africa. Andrew Murray, the great South African revivalist once wrote, “If we want to reap the harvest in heaven, we must sow the seeds of humility.” From that I shared how God isn’t looking for people seeking titles or greatness as in the world, but for sons and daughters. We prayed for greater unity in the church and town as well as for reconciliation of families.

The following Friday, we ministered at the youth service at Christ Community Church. I (Brandon) preached on the spirit of adoption out of Rom 8:15 and shared some of my experiences and how God encountered and healed me through the revelation of sonship. I shared how it only takes one encounter with God to bring about transformation. Afterward we prayed for reconciliation and healing for the youth and their families. God moved powerfully that night. My heart broke for the pain that the young people confessed. One young man wept as he told me he hadn’t seen his father in over two years. I thought of the Jason Upton song where he asks, “How many sons have cried for their fathers? How many fathers have cried like a son?” Several of the youths backs and legs were healed.

What was great about the youth service was that the youth were from a variety of churches and ethnic background. Reconciliation takes time and sometimes even generations before someone is humble enough to lay down grudges and live in forgiveness and love. With these young people I can see hope for the future of South Africa.

While we were in Kokstad I was able to read a book on the Back to Jerusalem movement, which was really inspiring. The faith of the Asian church is really amazing to me and one day I hope to learn from them.

On the farm we stayed at there is an amazing prayer garden that is set between a small stream and a river. One morning Janico and I walked out to the river with the dogs and saw two beautiful deer on the other side of the river. Then all of a sudden something jumped into the water on the other side of the bank and started swimming towards us. From the ripples it made it looked long and the shape of the face was like that of a reptile of some sort. It quickly swam towards us and then submerged. We watched closely and it surfaced nearby when we decided it was either a huge snake or crocodile and promptly began to run. Later we told Andreia’s mother about the animal and found out it was probably just an otter. But we also learned that sometimes some monitor lizards swim in the river or lay across the walking path. One afternoon we baptized a woman in the river, fortunately, there were no water creatures present at the time.

One Sunday a friend of ours invited us to preach in Picketburg, which is about an hour away from where we stay. Most of the members came from the Dutch Reformed tradition, which Janico was familiar with. Janico shared some in Afrikaans and I preached on healing in English. Afterwards we got to pray with some of the congregation members for healing.

Our friend Emelyn came to visit us from Pemba for about two weeks. It was good to see her again and to catch up on the happenings of the base in Pemba. One morning we went to downtown Cape Town to show her around. On our way out of the city a woman approached us asking for money. She had only one leg, missing teeth and was blind in one eye. We got to pray and minister to her. She was quite bold and persistent and almost jumped in the car with us as we left. I was really impressed by her tenacity and it reminded me of the woman seeking justice in Luke who petitioned the judge repeatedly and ultimately got her wish.

We just finished up teaching a weeklong class on hearing God’s voice at a ministry school. The students were from all over the world. We had a lot of fun and we got some great feedback from them. We were also able to spend some time at a conference with our friend Surprise, who is the international director for Iris. I always enjoy hearing him preach as he shares the gospel from an amazing African perspective.

This week we’re heading up to Johannesburg to get our visas. Please pray all goes well. From there we head up to Pemba this Saturday. We’re excited to return and feel that God has some great things in store for us there.

Much love,

Brandon & Janico

Spirit of adoption: Turning the hearts of the children to their Father

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:24:00 +0000

The Spirit of Adoption: Turning the hearts of the children to their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to their children

We ministered last Sunday (1/17/10) at Community Church which was an amazing time. The pastors, Andrew and Barbara McKenzie, have been with the church for years and have fought hard for reconciliation between the local Africans and the white people. The early service was mainly African with amazing worship. Thankfully the service was in English with Xhosa translation. The second service was more mixed with contemporary worship. I preached on humility, which apparently was a word in season for the church. I shared how God isn’t looking for people seeking titles or greatness as the world, but for sons and daughters. We prayed for greater unity and for reconciliation of families.

The following Friday, we ministered at the youth service at Christ Community Church in Kokstad. I preached on the spirit of adoption out of Rom 8:15 and shared some of my experiences and how God encountered and healed me with the spirit of adoption. It only takes one encounter with God to bring about a change in circumstances. Afterward Janico gave the altar call for an encounter with the spirit of adoption. We prayed for reconciliation and healing for the youth. God moved powerfully as bodies were strewn across the room. They were laughing and crying as the Holy Spirit moved in power and touched their hearts. My heart broke for the pain that they confessed. One young man wept as he told me he hadn’t seen his father in over two years. I thought of the Jason Upton song where he asks, “How many sons have cried for their fathers? How many fathers have cried like a son?” Several of the youths backs and legs were healed.

What was great about the youth service was that the youth were from a variety of churches and ethnic background. Reconciliation takes time and sometimes even generations before someone is humble enough to lay down grudges and live in forgiveness and love. With these young people I can see hope for the future of South Africa.

On Sunday I shared on the Holy Spirit and sonship at a home church. This group was really interested and Janico and I felt that afterwards there was a real openness in the spirit. I could many of the people there were stirred and excited for more of God. One man openly expressed his frustration with the lack of presence in the group, which I thought was really bold. We pray that God continues to water that group and reveal more of Himself to them.

Braai Vleis (BBQ) and Biltong (Jerky)

noreply@blogger.com (Glory Reign International Ministries) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:59:00 +0000

Greetings from beautiful South Africa, the rainbow country. It has been quite a while since I last wrote and I am excited to update you on our most recent adventures. It seems I have learned so much about this country, the many cultures here and some of the protocol.

Janico and I landed in Cape Town on December 16 and we settled into a flat near her sister. The biggest adjustment for us was driving on the opposite side of the road as well as dodging all of the people walking across the street and on the side of the road. In South Africa, as well as Mozambique it is customary to drive in/on the left side median while allowing another person to pass you on the right. Since we pass on the left in America it was a bit of a challenge, but we’ve readjusted quite well.

For Christmas Janico’s father rented some cabins in Addo Elephant park which is near Port Elizabeth. On our way I accidentally ran over a puff adder, which is a highly poisonous snake. According to Janico and others the snakes have a habit of wrapping themselves around the axels and then crawling in the car when the door opens or through a break in the body. We were able to see elephants and other animals from our cabin. We saw warthogs, elephants, jackals and water buffalo, all in their natural habitat. I prayed each day that we would see lions. On Christmas day I went on a drive through the park and saw two lionesses and a male lion from a distance. I didn’t get very good pictures of them and was a bit frustrated. So I prayed again that we would see some the next morning. I’ve often heard that if it matters to you it matters to God, and although seeing lions isn’t a major issue in the grand scheme of life, I stood on the cliche. Our final morning Janico and I were driving to meet her parents who stayed at a different camp across the park. We were driving discussing the South African national anthem when all of a sudden I saw something move on the left and slammed on my brakes. To my surprise there, right on the edge of the road was a giant male lion, with a big bushy mane and its tongue sticking out. He took little interest in us and I gathered he was full from the hunt the night before. Janico pointed my attention further to the left where I had missed the other lion sitting right next to our car! He didn’t want much to do with us and walked toward the other lion and laid down in the bushes. The more I watched the lion I thought of king David who as a young man took out a lion and a bear before he took out a giant. What preparation! After that experience, I’m convinced if it matters to you, it matters to Him.

We had a pretty typical Afrikaans Christmas full of joy, gift giving, and overeating. My brother in law’s grandfather gave a great speech that compared Father Christmas to Jesus and how Jesus was a better gift than any other gift. While we were shopping before Christmas day I made a comment to Janico about how I hope South Africa doesn’t buy into the materialism surrounding western Christmas’s and a lady passing by overheard me. We got to share the love of God with her and bless her.

It has been good to reconnect with our friends at Faith Ministries and the Father’s House. After a sunday service we got to meet some other missionaries who worked with Iris in Maputo from the very beginning. They had some amazing stories about being chased by banditos and God’s miraculous provision.
One afternoon we met up with some friends of Janico’s at the mall and I got to learn something about the mining community near Johannesburg. In the early 1800’s gold was discovered near Johannesburg and many Africans came to work and they are still coming to this day. Our friend Johann, who is in charge of safety and health for a particular mine informed me of how difficult his job is. In order to have up to standard/state of the art safety standards for the workers it would cost way too much. Instead the companies offer handsome settlements should a worker die. This got me thinking, what is the price of life? The longer I’m here, and the more I speak with the nationals it seems that there is little regard for life, probably because the future is so uncertain. It seems so paradoxical to me. The Africans seem to have such joy, yet live in fear and uncertainty.

Soon after new years Janico and I were blessed with a flight to Durban, which is known for its warm (HOT!) weather, amazing surf, and tasty curries. We didn’t stay long there before we headed up to a Scripture Union Camp in Underburg which is in the Kwazulu Natal region of South Africa. We stayed with some friends at the camp who really treated us like family. We were able to minister to them as well as to some of the camp workers. One day one of the directors friends took us to Lesotho which is a seperate country within South Africa. We had to take a 4x4 truck up through Sani Pass which was a beautiful trek up some very steep mountains. At the top was a shepherd community as well as some African cowboys, which I got some good footage of. One of the friends we made there, Quincy, was from Zimbabwe. Over dinner, he informed us of the diamond trade in his country and how one can pay soldiers about $100 for digging permission and if you find anything of value the soldiers then take 90%. Quincy also informed us that Mugabe funds his budget through diamond and arms trade.

In Underberg, we also met a man who was a former sangoma, which is a traditional African medicine practicioner or “witchdoctor.” He told us how he gained spiritual power and abilities through certain animal sacrifices. As he grew in power his fear of the spirits or ancestral spirits that gave him information about peoples ailments. Fortunately, through a series of events he came to Christ and discovered the power of the cross which freed him from fear and sin.

From Underberg we headed down to Kokstad, which is a farming community, where our friends Andrea and David live. Andreas parents own a beautiful farm below Curie mountain where we learned a lot about the farming lifestyle. Andrea’s father is a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church and has turned the farm a place of refuge for those in need. They have a real gift of hospitality and offer their farm as a place of rest, restoration and counseling.

One evening we got to help David herd and count the cattle, which was fun. Most of the cows sat staring at me like I was an alien. I was afraid I would have nightmares of them staring at me, but fortunately I slept just fine. While we were there I picked up some Zulu and Xhosa phrases to get by. After watching “The Gods must be Crazy” movie I never thought in a million years I would be learning a language that had clicks in it. During out time here we met a farmer who is utilizing the Farming God’s way method, which combines farming technique with spiritual principles. We hope to teach some of the Mozambican pastors and local farmers this technique on our outreaches.

We are heading back to Cape Town towards the end of this month. Please pray for our travels and favor with governments. We are applying for our residency visa to Mozambique later next month.

Much love to you all!

Brandon and Janico