Sweet Music

I am counting my many blessings as I play my new keyboard .I really do not know how to play despite many years of piano lessons.
I recently had to sell my keyboard to pay the construction workers at the school I am building. Someone called me a few days ago and asked if I wanted a keyboard. This new keyboard is bigger and better than my old one.
I surely know that God is able restore what was taken away and  in a manner more abundantly than we can ever imagine. All praises are due Him.

Building a School

The school that I am building is almost completed. It has been such a journey buying supplies, supervising workers, and just getting to the construction

 site . I do not live far from the school but the roads are so rick and rough I was afraid to drive by myself. I got the courage and just took off.
The project has taken all the money I had but it will be worth it because for several years many children in Gangama have been unable to go to school.  I give God all the glory for sending money my was, giving me patience and comfort.

It has been so long since I posted on my blog. So much has been going on here in Sierra Leone. I am still serving as a missionary here in Mokanji,Sierra Leone .I am in the process of building a school in Gangama Village. It has been a blessing to see the joy on the villager's faces as the see the construction progress. I am so thankful that God sent me to this great country.The Gospel of Jesus Christ us being preached and people are responding.

A Prayer for a Missionary

I have been on furlough from serving in Sierra Leone. It has been a wonderful Christmas and I thank everyone for their kindness shown to me while I have been home. I have not been able to write on this blog while in Africa due to the lack on internet access in my village.
  I felt that I should share this pray. I was given to me by the women at Rosalind Hills Baptist Church. It was included inside a beautiful box. I have taken my name out so it can be used by other missionaries.  It is such assurance of the faithfulness of or God.
Dear Father,
We pray that she will speak the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31- Ephesians 6:19)
We pray that You will protect her from the attacks of Satan and his demons (Romans 15:30-31)
We ask that You open doors and hearts to receive the Gospel as she ministers in her place of service(Colossians 4:3)
We pray that You will make her ministry exceedingly fruitful and that You will glorify Yourself through this ministry (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
We plead the You will deliver her from loneliness and frustration ( Matthew 28:18-20)
Please grant her Your specific direction for her ministry (Psalm 37:5)
We plead that You will continually protect her from all harm and ask that you would strengthen her physically(Genesis 2:7)
We ask that You would grant her peace and assurance about the care of her family members that are left at home (1 Peter 5:7)
Fill her with joy in all situations and let that joy sustain her in all situations ( Nehemiah 8:10)
We ask that You would bless and strengthen her family (Ephesians 5:22-6:4)
We pray that You will raise up prayer partners for her ( 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
We plead that all of her needs- physical, spiritual and emotional - will you will be met by You through Your grace and power (Philippians 4:19)
We plead that she will be salt and light to the people to which she has been sent (Matthew 5:13-14)
We plead that she will be steadfast , immovable , always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that her labor is not in vain(1 Corinthians 15:58). Amen

Lost Sheep

Since coming to Africa, I have learned a number of different things. One thing that I have learned is sheep and goats although they travel together are different. I now know how to tell a sheep from a goat.  Since I live on a large wooded area, the animals roam around all day long. It does not take much for one of them especially the little ones to get lost. They are bleating all day for the mother who has gone about her business. When night comes, they all head back to their respective homes but one of them seems not to make it. I was assured not to worry that someone would come looking for the lost ones.  They will leave the other sheep just to find the one lost one. (Luke 15:3-7). I was asked to read that passage in church last Sunday but I did not make the connection until God made it perfectly clear to me.

God reminded me last night as I listened to the sound of bleating that I should be concerned about the lost sheep because that is why I am here in Africa. This is not a vacation or time to rest. He has sent me here to work.  Thank you God for the clear message.

 

Time to Go to Sierra Leone

I am excited to announce that on Monday, June 1, 2015 I will be leaving Lesotho and headed to the mission field in Sierra Leone. I have enjoyed my time in Butha Buthe but I knew that this was just a stopover until I could get clearance to go to Sierra Leone.  I do not believe that my time here was not wasted but a great learning experience.  I have met a lot of good people, The AFM Church here is working everyday to let the community  and other villages know the Good News about Christ. I pray that God will continue to bless Pastor James and the church.

My travel to Freetown will not be easy.  It is a strange airplane connection. I have to get to Maseru, Lesotho and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa and then on to Dubai and from Dubai to Accra, Ghana where I will switch to another airline to fly to Freetown.  This has been a long time coming but I know that The Holy Spirit has been preparing the way for me.

 I thank you for your prayers and support. There is so much work that needs to be done in Mokanji, Sierra Leone and  Istill need your support for several  Christian ministries that will be needed there from feeding programs, evangelism, education, grief counseling and church planting.  Please send any 100% tax deductible monetary donations to my ministry account( Brenda Walker) Global Outreach Mission, P. O. Box 2010 , Buffalo, New York 14231-2010.

 Please continue to pray that God will continue to strengthen me and use me for His work.

Luke 1:38a,” I am the Lord’s servant.”

Visit to Foster Home

Yesterday I was excited to finally get to serve at one of the two foster homes in this area operated by the AFM Church. It was not far from where I live but the road was treacherous.  I had prepared by selecting what Bible stories I would read to the children but after arriving there my plans changed. There were four new arrivals. Their parents had died and the young girl had been raising the younger children alone.  It broke my heart and I was unable to focus on anything but the pain of the situation.
 The home was built by Habitat for Humanity and it houses children who have lost their parents due to AIDS, They have a piggery which brings income to support the local homes.
Please join me in praying for the children and the staff.

Finding The Shortcut

Since I have been in Butha Buthe or Botha Buthe ( as some spell it), I have been walking a long distance each day. I usually are hauling large bags of groceries coming back and feel like I will never make it home. Well, today God sent an angel to show me a shortcut. It took at least an half an hour off my walk. I have seen the path but I never met anyone I could ask. Even though this is an English speaking country, it is hard to find someone who speaks English.   This path  curved

in many directions so I guess you know I got lost coming back but it was not so bad. I had to walk pass cows, bulls and a drainage ditch. My fear of all three was very obvious and it gave the shepherd a good laugh.

 I was remembering as I walked a verse from Psalm 121, “He will not let you stumble,” (NLT) I thank you Lord it was very tricky in some spots but You brought me through.

 Cows are everywhere. The shepherd move them from field to field all day so it is impossible to go anywhere and not see a cow, bull or sheep. I see little children walking by without as much as a nod. I just have to get use to this agricultural town. The graze close to side walks and streets and usually just one shepherd is watching them. If he wants them to move or not move, he throws a rock and hits them. The question I have is why is there no fresh meat in any of the grocery stores within walking distance. You would think that someone would occasionally slaughter one of these great beast.  I have not changed I am always thinking of food.

 This is such a safe town You can walk anywhere and no one will bother you. During the day , this strange man has stared knocking on my door. He does not speak English so I do not know what he wants. If it is food or money , he is out of luck.

Rain , Rain and More Rain

Yesterday was the first sunny day in a week. The rains have been torrential. Winter is coming here soon. I am not use to such wet weather and since I have to walk everywhere I was in the house for several days. I did not go to church this past Sunday because I had lost tracks of the days and did not know it was Sunday. Yesterday the sun came out and I immediately decided to do my wash. I have to do my wash early while the children are in school. It must be the job of the teen girls and when they see my wash on the line they swish it together and put their laundry where I had mine.

 I do not have a scale but with all the walking and no fast food, I should have shed some pounds. The stores here do not sell fresh meat only 3 selections of canned meat, corned beef, canned fish and tuna.  The only canned vegetables are peas. They have canned peaches and some mixed fruit. Milk is not refrigerated and neither are eggs. They do sell frozen chicken. A large pack of chicken wings are 39.99 rand or 3.99 U S dollars. What a bargain! Since I am on a budget I have to watch what I spent carefully. I have learned to be inventive with Ramien noodles. I mix them with vegetables and Voila! A great meal.

 Life as a missionary is tough but worth every minute when you hear someone say that they want to give their life to Christ.  I spent a lot of time alone studying my Bible and preparing for my ministry. The pastor has taken a 1 month vacation so everything is on hold but we are planning another trek to the mountains this month. So I will not be able to get emails or get on Facebook. I am not sure how long I will be gone this time but there is so much work to do there. I understand that I may not have to walk the six hours because the pastor’s car will be ready.  The life there is rough but my greatest obstacle was mice in our hut. I hope we can borrow a cat.

 I miss my family and church but I am trying to stay busy.  I have learned many new lessons, like how to cook pappas and just being thankful for the little things. I go to a grocery store and get so excited when I see something I have not seen before like crackers or peanuts. I am doing well and want to thank you all for your prayers and support.

 Lesotho is an English speaking country but many choose not to speak English so everyday is an adventure for me. At church the service is in English and Sesotho except for the songs and I have trouble understanding what they are saying. teens here speak perfect English so I am happy that I may start teaching the teen class. It will be easier that trying to find a translator.

On the Road to Salone

I finally feel that I have recovered from the one week mission trip to Salone, Lesotho. I know that it is now time for me to get back to work.
 On the road to Salone, I had a six hour walk and that was plenty of time to pray and talk to God. I imagined that I was walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  It was on that road that the people realized that  what was foretold had come true. The Son of God had risen  . He had conquered the grave. This gave me strength when I did not think I come not walk another step.
 Once I got to Salone, it was clear why God had sent me there. So many people there have not heard the Good News. The children with an outdoor school sitting on the rocks in their tattered clothing are the lucky ones who are receiving an education. School only goes to the 7th grade. Many boys do not get to go at all but are preparing for a life as a shepherd. It was heartbreaking to see so many boys dressed in the traditional garb. Most have never been out of Salone. There is no running water and many of the villages do not have outdoor latrines.
  We held Bible study and church each night in the same pit that we cooked all our meals. The good news is that people accepted Christ while we were there.  I pray that when we return we will be able to offer Bibles to the new converts. I also pray that  there will be a church built there soon . We need missionaries and pastors to make the long trek on a more regular basis.
  I could hear Jesus telling me that I too had been blind. There is such a need in this village alone. It has given me courage to continue the much needed work.

In Butta Buthe

I have finally made it back to Africa or the Motherland as we call it. I can clearly feel this is where I belong.  It seems like home to me. I can feel the presence of God in this place. I am not here by accident and I know god has placed me here for a purpose. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to serve in Butha Butte, Lesotho.
 Butha Butte is not what I had imagined. It is a small town but very progressive.  I am walking everywhere but pray that I will be able to afford a car soon. The people have been friendly and  welcoming. I am settled in an apartment complex but do not know my neighbors. They are very quiet people.  The complex has a watchdog which I have just learned not to fear. When I arrived at the complex yesterday , the dog immediately growled at me but I was so tired I stood my ground and she ran. Today she saw me and acted very friendly. I thank God for the little blessings also.
 I have been meeting people as I walk and it have given me the opportunity to pray for those who are hurting and in despair. I will start working in the church this week and have been assigned to work with the singles. There are many young widows in the church who need to know that God has not forgotten them.
 Please pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen me as I serve in this new place.

Update on Missions

  It has six months since the World Health Organization was first notified of the Ebola outbreak.  Sierra Leone has faced tremendous challenges trying to halt the spread of the disease.  
I am still anxiously waiting for the day to come when I will be deplored to Sierra Leone. I was getting very impatient because I know there is so much work to do
 there and people are perishing without hearing the Good News. We know that our God is able to do" immeasurably more that we can ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20  I have faith that God will answer our prayers and the Ebola virus will be a thing of the past.

Prayer Request:
 1. Please continue to pray for the people of West Africa as they battle the Ebola virus.
 2. Please pray that medical supplies and food will reach the people that need it the most.
 3. Pray that a vaccine to prevent this deadly disease will be available soon.
 4. Please pray that when the disease is eradicated that all the people will come to know God as the one and only God.
5. Please pray that I will continue to trust God as a patiently wait on Him.

Information concerning how you can support the mission or provide food for the people of Sierra Leone during this crisis can be garnered by visiting the Global Outreach Mission website  at www.missiongo.org. You can find me under missionaries, and Africa.
 Thanks for all your prayers and support.  

"Are You Still Going To Sierra Leone"

Are you still going to Sierra Leone? I get asked that question several times a day.  The answer is yes. Ebola is not going to stop God's plans. I still plan to go as soon as I can. This is what God has called me to do and I cannot let anything get in my way.  There may be a slight delay but the people of Sierra Leone need to hear the Good News now more than ever.
 Please pray for the people of West Africa that the disease will soon be eradicated and the people will know that it was God who was on their side and that He is able to bring about a change in the situation.

Headed to Africa

I am so thankful to God for providing resources for His mission in Sierra Leone. I have not worked as hard as I should have but He has been so faithful. I see progress and know I will be there soon.
 He is truly able to provide more that I could have imagined. 
 Thank you all for all your prayers and support.  I am still accepting support donations to my account through Global Outreach Mission at P.O. Box 2010, Buffalo, N. Y. or online   missiongo.org.
Please continue to pray,
Brenda

Pakistan- Christians on the Battlefield

 God allowed me to meet a pastor from Pakistan  and we had a great weekend of worship and fellowship. There are Christians working in Pakistan to win souls for Christ.  I thank God for these Christians. It is a hard country to be a Christian but with God nothing is impossible.  Many are coming to Christ each day. It is a country that is ripe for harvest. In  John 4:35,  Jesus says "Do you not say." There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" It is God's desire than none should perish and He is sending workers into the field to tell the Good News.
 Please pray  that many of the people of Pakistan will hear the Good News and that they will come to accept Jesus as their Savior. Pray that God will wrap His arm of protection around the pastors and missionaries that they will not get weary.

Who Would Have Believed It?

 I am beginning to get excited as the time for me to return to Sierra Leone gets closer.  God had continued to bless me with lots of people who believe that the Great Commission( Matthew 28:18-20) is not a suggestion but a command. I thank you all for your support. I feel so encouraged and know that your obedience to God's command will be rewarded. People will not have an opportunity to hear the Word of God if I do not go. I thank God for sending me to this fertile area. The harvest is indeed plentiful.
Please continue to pray  that God will continue to strengthen me for the long journey ahead. Please also pray for the people in Mokanji that  when they hear the Good News it will not fall on stony hearts but will change theirs lives .   Please pray that the children will have a Christian school to attend and a good meal each day.
I still seek your financial support and ask that you will visit missiongo.org  to make a contribute to the ministry. 

BIG HILL

I will be speaking about missions at Big Hill Baptist Church in Salem this Sunday some time during the morning service. I have a short Power Point presentation to share with the congregation about my call to Sierra Leone. 

Sunday, March 9 event

 I am so truly blessed to be in the support raising portion for the mission to Mokanji in Sierra Leone. I thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support. I am still short of my goal but know that since God has appointed me to Sierra Leone , it will not be long before I have my total support.
I will be speaking at Central Baptist Church, 1502 Staunton Ave. N W ,Roanoke on this Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 5:00 PM. I will be discussing mission call by God to Sierra Leone. I will be showing pictures from my mission trip in October.
 All are invited to come hear what God is doing.
 Any contributions are appreciated and can be made to my account at missiongo.org.

Prayers and Missions

I have not been working as hard as a should to get ready to accept my full time missionary appointment in Sierra Leone. It is probably because I did not know it would be so hard. I have come to the realization that is truly a lack of faith that has kept me from reaching  my goal. It is not a difficult goal as I have made it out to be. I am trying not to take rejection personal but the rejection of Christ's mission. If Christ has ordered me to go to Sierra Leone(Mokanji area) then He will truly be with me in all aspects of the journey.
 I have been reading Mark 9 today. In verse 28, the disciples asked why they could not drive the demons out of the boy and Jesus replied that " This kind can be cast out only with prayer." Jesus was expressing how unbelief can cause a lack of faith.  My lack of faith is centered in my lack of prayer. I am working to get back on track by increasing my conversations with God. I have decided that it is time to look forward and not backwards.
 Today is a sad day in my life. It is the anniversary of the death of my son.  In the past, I had problems getting out of bed on this day but thanks to Christ who is the source of my strength , I feel stronger than ever.
  I know that in just a few months I will have my support in place and ready to begin to work in Mokanji. God is sending many people my way who are helping and offering words of encouragement and I thank Him for His faithfulness and for calling me to this important mission journey.

Mokanji, Sierra Leone

I have just returned from a great mission trip to Sierra Leone. I am planning to serve there as a career missionary. The people  in the village are warm and genuine. There is much work to be done in Mokanji. God has blessed us with a feeding program that we were able to test while we were there. We  were able to feed between 150-200 children. The women of the village cooked the meal which gave us an opportunity to interact  with them .  We all enjoyed the fellowship and seeing the joy in their hearts.  Singing songs at a local church like " I have decided to follow Jesus" made it feel like I was at home.
This trip was an opportunity for me to see clearly what God would have me do . I saw a great need for Christian education. Hopefully, I will be able teach in one of the local schools .This will also be a great place to do evangelism . I am excited about what God has called me to do. I thank Him and will continue to trust in Him.