Tamale Pie
1 lb. hamburger
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can tomatoes
2 Jiffy corn bread mixes (sweet cornbread mix)
Cheese
Brown hamburger, drain, add taco seasoning. Add veggies and beans. Place in casserole dish and cover with cheese. Mix cornbread batter according to directions and pour over casserole. Bake as directed for corn bread.
This dish was brought to my daughters by one of the church ladies. It was really good so I asked for the recipe.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
missionary update
From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 25, 2011 6:20:11 AM CST
Subject: Blog, December 25, 2011
MANGO TREE CHURCH REPAIRED IN 6 DAYS!!!!!
Folks, nothing but God could make something so difficult happen so fast as replacing this 105 foot long roof in remote Africa!
At 4a.m. Monday morning, Balama time, (9pm EST Sunday night), the missions director of First United Methodist Church, Butler, PA was notified of the need for a new roof on the church.
She immediately contacted other missions members, as Butler is the original sponsor who built this church for the orphans and widows of the Mavala village area.
Thanks to Butler FUMC, the materials to replace this roof were available by Tuesday morning, Balama time, just 48 hours after the tornado had hit it.
Bush Bunnies are known for their tremendous HOPPING ability, and my work crews know how to “Hop to it”!
We hit that place with a 20 man clean-up crew on Monday morning.
The carpenters had the pieces of the old roof torn down, trusses repaired, and all ready for a new roof by late Monday afternoon.
Monday night, we got the word that the funds for the materials and repairs were on their way.
On TUESDAY, 10 carpenters and a truck load of 4X4 beams were headed to Mavala on our tractor.
Those men had one wild hammer party on Tuesday, as they started sawing and nailing rafters into place.
By Thursday, all rafters were up and the 165 tin sheets were bought and hauled the 9 miles to this bush church site on our 6 ton truck.
SATURDAY, DEC. 24th, AT NOON, ALL WAS FINSIHED.
Church members were waiting for the last nails to be driven in so they could clean up the church for their Christmas Eve prayer meeting that night.
It is amazing what can be done when God “makes a way”.
BUSH BUNNY SHARES HER HEART
On Dec. 13th, I received an e-mail from the woman who discipled me through Bible School in Tulsa.
As soon as I saw the subject line (before I even opened the message), I heard the Lord clearly say one word to me.
“ TRANSLATE!”
I immediately thought OK, this must be important. When I opened it, no further explanation was needed.
What I received is this article about Angelica Zambrano’s experience.
Prepare to Meet your God, Angelica Zambrano (23 Horas Muerta)
This testimony is extremely detailed and powerful.
SIX DAYS LATER our Executive Staff had it translated into Portuguese and copies were given to all our Pastors and the BBC team (Bush Bikers for Christ-Village Evangelism Team).
This powerful testimony opened their eyes, and fired them up for what is ahead in these End Times.
Some of them are making more copies to distribute to churches in other counties.
Eric and our Bible School teacher, Pastor Alberto, plan to use it in teaching sessions on Eric’s Christian Radio Programs.
God has mandated ALL OF US to GET READY FOR THE COMING OF HIS SON!
The time of Jesus’ coming is VERY near, yet there are many living in remote areas who have not heard of Him yet.
Our goal is to bring JESUS to as many as will listen.
We want NO ONE to be LEFT BEHIND simple because they were never told about JESUS and his wonderful gift of salvation to mankind.
Happy New Year to all of you!
Bush Bunny Brenda and her Balama Staff
Date: December 25, 2011 6:20:11 AM CST
Subject: Blog, December 25, 2011
MANGO TREE CHURCH REPAIRED IN 6 DAYS!!!!!
Folks, nothing but God could make something so difficult happen so fast as replacing this 105 foot long roof in remote Africa!
At 4a.m. Monday morning, Balama time, (9pm EST Sunday night), the missions director of First United Methodist Church, Butler, PA was notified of the need for a new roof on the church.
She immediately contacted other missions members, as Butler is the original sponsor who built this church for the orphans and widows of the Mavala village area.
Thanks to Butler FUMC, the materials to replace this roof were available by Tuesday morning, Balama time, just 48 hours after the tornado had hit it.
Bush Bunnies are known for their tremendous HOPPING ability, and my work crews know how to “Hop to it”!
We hit that place with a 20 man clean-up crew on Monday morning.
The carpenters had the pieces of the old roof torn down, trusses repaired, and all ready for a new roof by late Monday afternoon.
Monday night, we got the word that the funds for the materials and repairs were on their way.
On TUESDAY, 10 carpenters and a truck load of 4X4 beams were headed to Mavala on our tractor.
Those men had one wild hammer party on Tuesday, as they started sawing and nailing rafters into place.
By Thursday, all rafters were up and the 165 tin sheets were bought and hauled the 9 miles to this bush church site on our 6 ton truck.
SATURDAY, DEC. 24th, AT NOON, ALL WAS FINSIHED.
Church members were waiting for the last nails to be driven in so they could clean up the church for their Christmas Eve prayer meeting that night.
It is amazing what can be done when God “makes a way”.
BUSH BUNNY SHARES HER HEART
On Dec. 13th, I received an e-mail from the woman who discipled me through Bible School in Tulsa.
As soon as I saw the subject line (before I even opened the message), I heard the Lord clearly say one word to me.
“ TRANSLATE!”
I immediately thought OK, this must be important. When I opened it, no further explanation was needed.
What I received is this article about Angelica Zambrano’s experience.
Prepare to Meet your God, Angelica Zambrano (23 Horas Muerta)
This testimony is extremely detailed and powerful.
SIX DAYS LATER our Executive Staff had it translated into Portuguese and copies were given to all our Pastors and the BBC team (Bush Bikers for Christ-Village Evangelism Team).
This powerful testimony opened their eyes, and fired them up for what is ahead in these End Times.
Some of them are making more copies to distribute to churches in other counties.
Eric and our Bible School teacher, Pastor Alberto, plan to use it in teaching sessions on Eric’s Christian Radio Programs.
God has mandated ALL OF US to GET READY FOR THE COMING OF HIS SON!
The time of Jesus’ coming is VERY near, yet there are many living in remote areas who have not heard of Him yet.
Our goal is to bring JESUS to as many as will listen.
We want NO ONE to be LEFT BEHIND simple because they were never told about JESUS and his wonderful gift of salvation to mankind.
Happy New Year to all of you!
Bush Bunny Brenda and her Balama Staff
She's a beaut
Mollie, me, Hannah, Kaleena holding Kastyn and Justin.
Daddy's little girl.
My aunt Mollie sure takes good care of me.
And I like to talk to my grandma.
I dont want any more clothes mom and dad. I have enough.
I like to watch them open their gifts.
Going to church on Christmas day.
Dad reading the bible.
My daddy loves me.
Mom and dad opening a gift. Kastyn isnt too interested.~~~~~~♥~~~~~~
We got home last evening at about 8:20 after a 14 hour drive. We were so very glad to be back in our humble home. I already miss Kastyn, Kaleena and Justin though.
I have a to do list that is quite long of course, on the list is getting caught up on here, but I will just plug along and it will happen.
More later.
Monday, December 19, 2011
missionary update
From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 19, 2011 4:47:35 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 19, 2011
TORNADO HITS MANGO TREE CHURCH AND FOOD WAREHOUSE
Last night, an intense thunderstorm carrying a tornado hit the village of Mavala where our Mango Tree church and food distribution warehouse now sit.
The roofs were taken from both buildings, and each roof was rolled up like a long piece of twisted bread.
Tins sheets from the 105 foot long church roof were thrown over 100 yards into the village area.
NO ONE was killed, but a few were injured as their mud huts fell on them when the tornado passed over.
Almost every tree in the area is down as are many mud huts and bamboo fences.
Our work crew had to cut up a huge Cashew nut tree just to get to the church as it had fallen across the road.
It took most of the day just to clean up the damaged roof parts.
ANGELS GUARD OUR PASTOR’S HOMES AND SAVE OUR GUARD’S LIFE
If you doubt there are angels, you wouldn’t have after seeing that the ONLY THING LEFT STANDING, TOTALLY UNTOUCHED, in the midst of this disaster area was our 2 Pastor’s homes.
One sits between the church and the warehouse, and the other just a stone’s throw on the other side of the church.
Both were in the direct path of the tornado (which bounced after hitting the church and took off the tin roof on the concrete brick school house).
ALL TREES around the houses were blown over or had their trunks broken.
OUR GUARD was sitting on his bed IN THE CHURCH, listening to the intense rain pelt the roof when the roof started ripping off.
He jumped up just seconds before 3 huge pieces of the brick wall fell onto his bed, totally crushing it.
If he hadn’t move when he did, he would have been hit and most likely killed.
The damage will cost about $4,600 to repair both buildings.
Needless to say, this puts a new twist in our Christmas week activities.
We are just grateful that everyone survived.
Needless to say, church will be back under the MANGO TREE till the roof is fixed.
Church hours will remain very flexible in the case of rain.
PRAY FOR THE TRIPLETS
The two of the triplets are suffering from anemia.
I have them on intense high protein diets and vitamins, but they need your prayer covering too.
One of them is on malaria treatment now.
They are so cute and keep us all busy chasing in 3 directions!
The two of the triplets are suffering from anemia.
I have them on intense high protein diets and vitamins, but they need your prayer covering too.
One of them is on malaria treatment now.
They are so cute and keep us all busy chasing in 3 directions!
Merry Christmas,
Bush Bunny Brenda and her disaster relief team.
Date: December 19, 2011 4:47:35 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 19, 2011
TORNADO HITS MANGO TREE CHURCH AND FOOD WAREHOUSE
Last night, an intense thunderstorm carrying a tornado hit the village of Mavala where our Mango Tree church and food distribution warehouse now sit.
The roofs were taken from both buildings, and each roof was rolled up like a long piece of twisted bread.
Tins sheets from the 105 foot long church roof were thrown over 100 yards into the village area.
NO ONE was killed, but a few were injured as their mud huts fell on them when the tornado passed over.
Almost every tree in the area is down as are many mud huts and bamboo fences.
Our work crew had to cut up a huge Cashew nut tree just to get to the church as it had fallen across the road.
It took most of the day just to clean up the damaged roof parts.
ANGELS GUARD OUR PASTOR’S HOMES AND SAVE OUR GUARD’S LIFE
If you doubt there are angels, you wouldn’t have after seeing that the ONLY THING LEFT STANDING, TOTALLY UNTOUCHED, in the midst of this disaster area was our 2 Pastor’s homes.
One sits between the church and the warehouse, and the other just a stone’s throw on the other side of the church.
Both were in the direct path of the tornado (which bounced after hitting the church and took off the tin roof on the concrete brick school house).
ALL TREES around the houses were blown over or had their trunks broken.
OUR GUARD was sitting on his bed IN THE CHURCH, listening to the intense rain pelt the roof when the roof started ripping off.
He jumped up just seconds before 3 huge pieces of the brick wall fell onto his bed, totally crushing it.
If he hadn’t move when he did, he would have been hit and most likely killed.
The damage will cost about $4,600 to repair both buildings.
Needless to say, this puts a new twist in our Christmas week activities.
We are just grateful that everyone survived.
Needless to say, church will be back under the MANGO TREE till the roof is fixed.
Church hours will remain very flexible in the case of rain.
PRAY FOR THE TRIPLETS
The two of the triplets are suffering from anemia.
I have them on intense high protein diets and vitamins, but they need your prayer covering too.
One of them is on malaria treatment now.
They are so cute and keep us all busy chasing in 3 directions!
The two of the triplets are suffering from anemia.
I have them on intense high protein diets and vitamins, but they need your prayer covering too.
One of them is on malaria treatment now.
They are so cute and keep us all busy chasing in 3 directions!
Merry Christmas,
Bush Bunny Brenda and her disaster relief team.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
5 minute fudge
5 minute Fudge
1 stick of butter
1 box of powdered sugar
1 large bag of chocolate chips
Melt 1 stick of butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add entire bag of Chocolate chips, stirring as they melt.
Increase heat to medium and add entire box of powdered sugar, stir mixture until creamy.
Pour mixture into a small flat baking pan, and let cool to room temperature.
To speed up the cooling process you can place the mixture in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes.
Peanut butter and Butterscotch fudge can also be made with this recipe,
just substituting a jar of peanut butter, or a back of butterscotch morsels instead of chocolate chips.
source: http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/26863.aspx
1 stick of butter
1 box of powdered sugar
1 large bag of chocolate chips
Melt 1 stick of butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add entire bag of Chocolate chips, stirring as they melt.
Increase heat to medium and add entire box of powdered sugar, stir mixture until creamy.
Pour mixture into a small flat baking pan, and let cool to room temperature.
To speed up the cooling process you can place the mixture in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes.
Peanut butter and Butterscotch fudge can also be made with this recipe,
just substituting a jar of peanut butter, or a back of butterscotch morsels instead of chocolate chips.
source: http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/26863.aspx
Where's Waldo aka Debbie?
I have been MIA here on my blog for the last several days and for good reason. We traveled to Branson Mo to meet our new granddaughter. I should say I did. Jeff and Joy had to stay home and work. Mollie, Hannah and I are fortunate to be able to make the trip and stay for about two weeks. We will return home around the last of the month.
My daughter and son in law do not have Internet at their home so I am unable to update as often as I normally do. Right now Hannah and I are at McDonald's and poor girl is bored sitting here waiting on mom to do her thing.
I will try to post now and then and add new pictures when I can.
Now about the baby. Her name is Kastyn and she is beautiful. Her skin is lovely as well. She is a good sleeper and has slept 4 to 5 hours at a time in the night since she came home from the hospital. My daughter and son in law don't know how good they have it.
The pictures of Kastyn made her look like she was quite hefty but in reality she is very small. She just weighs 7 lbs. She is eating well and had gained a few ounces at her check up from the time she was released from the hospital.
This will be a strange Christmas being away from Jeff. I sure miss him.
My daughter and son in law do not have Internet at their home so I am unable to update as often as I normally do. Right now Hannah and I are at McDonald's and poor girl is bored sitting here waiting on mom to do her thing.
I will try to post now and then and add new pictures when I can.
Now about the baby. Her name is Kastyn and she is beautiful. Her skin is lovely as well. She is a good sleeper and has slept 4 to 5 hours at a time in the night since she came home from the hospital. My daughter and son in law don't know how good they have it.
The pictures of Kastyn made her look like she was quite hefty but in reality she is very small. She just weighs 7 lbs. She is eating well and had gained a few ounces at her check up from the time she was released from the hospital.
This will be a strange Christmas being away from Jeff. I sure miss him.
missionary update
From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 14, 2011 8:32:54 PM CST
Subject: Bush Bunny speaking schedule
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all of you!
Many have asked me to release my schedule as soon as possible.
I greatly appreciate your love and am looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can during this tour.
It’s a short one, due to the need for me to be back in Moz. to start construction in April.
Below are the invitations I have received so far.
God’s Blessings to all of you as we celebrate our Lord’s birth!
Bush Bunny Brenda
2012 SPEAKING TOUR SCHEDULE:
January 29, 9a.m. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Garwood, TX
January 29, 11a.m. ROCK ISLAND FULL GOSPEL CHURCH, Rock Island, TX
Feb. 2, 8a.m THE MASTER’S SCHOOL, Student Chapel, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 2, Noon, San Antonio private meeting
Feb. 3, 7pm. PUBLIC MEETING, Masters School, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 5, a.m. service, NORTHCOAST CHURCH, New Braunfels, TX
Feb. 7-9, Wichita Kansas—meetings to be announced
Feb. 12, a.m. service New Life Fellowship, Waco, TX
Feb. 13 to 19, TULSA, OK area
Feb. 14, LIVE BROADCAST, Noon to 1p.m. on Oasis Radio Network, Broken Arrow, OK
Feb. 17, APOSTOLIC FAITH BIBLE SCHOOL, Baxter Springs, Kansas
Feb. 19, a.m. service, TULSA CHRISTIAN CENTER, Owasso, OK
Feb. 20-24 Missouri, meetings to be announced
Feb. 26, HINESTON TABERNACLE, Hineston, LA
Feb. 29, 7pm, EVANS BAPTIST CHURCH, Evans, LA
March 4, FAITH COMMUNITY CHAPEL, Leesville, Ohio
March 7-11, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Butler, PA
March 25, GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Flint, TX (near Tyler)
Date: December 14, 2011 8:32:54 PM CST
Subject: Bush Bunny speaking schedule
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all of you!
Many have asked me to release my schedule as soon as possible.
I greatly appreciate your love and am looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can during this tour.
It’s a short one, due to the need for me to be back in Moz. to start construction in April.
Below are the invitations I have received so far.
God’s Blessings to all of you as we celebrate our Lord’s birth!
Bush Bunny Brenda
2012 SPEAKING TOUR SCHEDULE:
January 29, 9a.m. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Garwood, TX
January 29, 11a.m. ROCK ISLAND FULL GOSPEL CHURCH, Rock Island, TX
Feb. 2, 8a.m THE MASTER’S SCHOOL, Student Chapel, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 2, Noon, San Antonio private meeting
Feb. 3, 7pm. PUBLIC MEETING, Masters School, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 5, a.m. service, NORTHCOAST CHURCH, New Braunfels, TX
Feb. 7-9, Wichita Kansas—meetings to be announced
Feb. 12, a.m. service New Life Fellowship, Waco, TX
Feb. 13 to 19, TULSA, OK area
Feb. 14, LIVE BROADCAST, Noon to 1p.m. on Oasis Radio Network, Broken Arrow, OK
Feb. 17, APOSTOLIC FAITH BIBLE SCHOOL, Baxter Springs, Kansas
Feb. 19, a.m. service, TULSA CHRISTIAN CENTER, Owasso, OK
Feb. 20-24 Missouri, meetings to be announced
Feb. 26, HINESTON TABERNACLE, Hineston, LA
Feb. 29, 7pm, EVANS BAPTIST CHURCH, Evans, LA
March 4, FAITH COMMUNITY CHAPEL, Leesville, Ohio
March 7-11, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Butler, PA
March 25, GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Flint, TX (near Tyler)
missionary update
From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 17, 2011 6:34:25 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 17, 2011
HOW WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT OUR MISSION IN MOZAMBIQUE
First, you must think HOT for Christmas. In South Africa and Mozambique, those that can, go to the beach to celebrate the holidays.
It’s 100 F (39C) and humid, as the rainy season has arrived.
We get afternoon and evening rains 3-4 days a week now.
Most Mozambican children do not know what Christmas is, because they don’t know about Jesus.
In Balama county alone, there are an estimated 80,000 children under 15 years of age (16 is an adult and most are married by then).
So the 1,200 in our Balama county orphan support program are a small percentage.
But our church numbers have grown to include 12 remote villages.
Two more “shade tree” churches have just been planted this month in the Impire area by Pastor Gito. (he’s a real fire ball of an evangelist).
We still have lots of work ahead to reach all these children with the news of Jesus’ birth.
The Pastors at these remote churches are the ones who will make it happen.
ALL 1,700 orphans in our Balama and Meluco programs know of Jesus, and many have accepted him as Lord and Savior.
Our remote village churches celebrate Christmas with a special church service on Christmas Day, followed by a small feast if they so desire.
Each church decides what program they will do.
In Balama town, the 115 orphans living in our houses will celebrate with a party this Wed., Dec. 21st.
They will receive a goat and rice feast, with plenty of balloons, candy, cookies, and a giant sucker for dessert!
We’ll have games and sing songs to Jesus too.
Usually our mornings are free of rain, but we will ask the Lord to hold back the clouds just in case, as sometimes the clouds let loose at noon.
BABY DIXON GAINING WEIGHT AND GETTING STRONGER
Dixon came to our baby care program on Thursday, and after 10 days of not seeing him, I marvelled at his improvement.
No longer can you see every bone in his little body.
He’s way behind his growth curve being only 3.5Kg (7.7 lbs) at 5 months of age.
But he’s a fighter with a joyful spirit.
His Mom is taking excellent care of him too.
(I took photos, so I’ll post them on our website in January.)
LINDA STANLEY WILL RETURN TO AFRICA ON JANUARY 11TH!!!!!
YIPPEE! Our workers as well as our orphans were literally jumping for JOY when they heard that Mama Linda is returning.
Her smiling face and grandma hugs has been greatly missed by all!
ERIC IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Yeap, Bush Bunny is holding down the fort for the next 3 weeks.
Gets a bit lonely around here with no one to talk to in English.
So please feel free to send me an e-mail. It helps break up the “after work hour” loneliness.
Tried to teach my guard dogs to play scrabble, but their spelling is really bad, and the oldest dog, Bandito, kept wanting to chew up the letters. J
Don’t worry, I always get a bit “bush batty” at this time of year.
Dorm Construction continues at full force, as we try to complete the 2 dorm rooms before I leave Moz. on Jan. 18th.
I’ll spend a few days taking a break in South Africa before starting the speaking tour in the USA.
Really looking forward to seeing everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
Bush Bunny Brenda
Date: December 17, 2011 6:34:25 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 17, 2011
HOW WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT OUR MISSION IN MOZAMBIQUE
First, you must think HOT for Christmas. In South Africa and Mozambique, those that can, go to the beach to celebrate the holidays.
It’s 100 F (39C) and humid, as the rainy season has arrived.
We get afternoon and evening rains 3-4 days a week now.
Most Mozambican children do not know what Christmas is, because they don’t know about Jesus.
In Balama county alone, there are an estimated 80,000 children under 15 years of age (16 is an adult and most are married by then).
So the 1,200 in our Balama county orphan support program are a small percentage.
But our church numbers have grown to include 12 remote villages.
Two more “shade tree” churches have just been planted this month in the Impire area by Pastor Gito. (he’s a real fire ball of an evangelist).
We still have lots of work ahead to reach all these children with the news of Jesus’ birth.
The Pastors at these remote churches are the ones who will make it happen.
ALL 1,700 orphans in our Balama and Meluco programs know of Jesus, and many have accepted him as Lord and Savior.
Our remote village churches celebrate Christmas with a special church service on Christmas Day, followed by a small feast if they so desire.
Each church decides what program they will do.
In Balama town, the 115 orphans living in our houses will celebrate with a party this Wed., Dec. 21st.
They will receive a goat and rice feast, with plenty of balloons, candy, cookies, and a giant sucker for dessert!
We’ll have games and sing songs to Jesus too.
Usually our mornings are free of rain, but we will ask the Lord to hold back the clouds just in case, as sometimes the clouds let loose at noon.
BABY DIXON GAINING WEIGHT AND GETTING STRONGER
Dixon came to our baby care program on Thursday, and after 10 days of not seeing him, I marvelled at his improvement.
No longer can you see every bone in his little body.
He’s way behind his growth curve being only 3.5Kg (7.7 lbs) at 5 months of age.
But he’s a fighter with a joyful spirit.
His Mom is taking excellent care of him too.
(I took photos, so I’ll post them on our website in January.)
LINDA STANLEY WILL RETURN TO AFRICA ON JANUARY 11TH!!!!!
YIPPEE! Our workers as well as our orphans were literally jumping for JOY when they heard that Mama Linda is returning.
Her smiling face and grandma hugs has been greatly missed by all!
ERIC IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Yeap, Bush Bunny is holding down the fort for the next 3 weeks.
Gets a bit lonely around here with no one to talk to in English.
So please feel free to send me an e-mail. It helps break up the “after work hour” loneliness.
Tried to teach my guard dogs to play scrabble, but their spelling is really bad, and the oldest dog, Bandito, kept wanting to chew up the letters. J
Don’t worry, I always get a bit “bush batty” at this time of year.
Dorm Construction continues at full force, as we try to complete the 2 dorm rooms before I leave Moz. on Jan. 18th.
I’ll spend a few days taking a break in South Africa before starting the speaking tour in the USA.
Really looking forward to seeing everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
Bush Bunny Brenda
missionary update
From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 18, 2011 5:17:59 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 18, 2011
VILLAGE CHURCHES EXPLODING AT THE SEAMS!
My Orphan Evangelical Team and I set off at 7:30a.m. in overcast skies that turned to a light downpour as we got near the Pequaria church.
That road has some areas that are pure clay, so needless to say it was like driving on a slip and slide trying to keep from falling into the ditch.
The pick-up had to be left on the road with someone to watch it as it was pouring rain, and the ground was too soft to drive on.
When the children saw me drive up they ran out into the rain jumping and shouting that I was here.
My first though was how did that many kids pack themselves into the church? I didn’t know you could stuff that many people in that small building!
But we managed to repack everyone in for an hour of praise, worship, and the story of Jesus’ birth.
More than 100 children and a hand full of adults attended our Sunday school this morning in the pouring rain, as many had to stand in the doors and windows to be able to see the story book.
An estimated 50 of these kids have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many kids and a few adults came out of curiosity, and they left with lots to think about.
No doubt about it, we are going to have to enlarge that church next year.
Jesus is really moving among the children there.
At 9a.m., we drove off in the drizzle to see if we could get to the Naccaca church. I am now teaching at both churches each Sunday.
When we got near the small grass roofed veranda with open sides, it had the normal 20 adults and a hand full of kids in attendance that I’d seen the week before.
Two weeks ago, we bought a mud hut for Pastor Luis, who left the BBC to Pastor this church. ($300 mud hut investment)
He has been evangelizing the villagers ever since, and today we saw the fruit from his endless visits to their mud huts.
Again, I had to leave the truck about 100 yards away due to soft ground, and one of the orphan boys stayed there to protect it.
After we started singing at the church, a crowd of children and a few adults began to gather at the truck. I’d told, Egito, the orphan guard, that if people came to the truck, to tell them about Jesus.
Instead, he persuaded them to join us!
Adding 70 kids and 10 adults to our crowd made our little hut standing room only!
After telling them WHY God had to send Jesus, I told them HOW God sent Jesus.
Many things followed as they asked questions and the Holy Spirit sent the answers.
We talked about everything from heaven to hell and how to have faith for healing.
They were HUNGRY for JESUS and after an hour of teaching, one of the older men stood up and thanked me for clarifying why God sent Jesus.
He said it all made sense now and they asked me to please come back next week and teach them more.
FYI: Those 70 kids didn’t utter one peep during that hour of teaching and storytelling. They sat on the dirt floor with eyes as big as saucers, glued to our picture books. Most of these kids have never seen a book of any kind, much less one with poster size color pictures. (We use the picture books from Children’s Evangelical Fellowship.) They are great teaching tools.
Opening the mind of a child (or an adult) is one of the most fun things I get to do here.
The expressions on their faces are priceless!
The only thing better is seeing them respond to God’s love and having them receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.
At the altar call, 3 men who had come in late, received Jesus as their Savior today.
So it looks like Pequaria was my training ground, as Naccaca village has over 5,000 people compared to Pequarias 1,000.
I told Pastor Luis and the church leaders to cut some more poles and enlarge their grass hut before next Sunday.
It’s obvious to all that a BIG CHURCH must be built next year as Naccaca is waking up to God’s message of salvation.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all of you.
TOGETHER, WE ARE GATHERING IN GOD’S END TIME HARVEST!
BUSH BUNNY AND THE BALAMA STAFF
Date: December 18, 2011 5:17:59 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 18, 2011
VILLAGE CHURCHES EXPLODING AT THE SEAMS!
My Orphan Evangelical Team and I set off at 7:30a.m. in overcast skies that turned to a light downpour as we got near the Pequaria church.
That road has some areas that are pure clay, so needless to say it was like driving on a slip and slide trying to keep from falling into the ditch.
The pick-up had to be left on the road with someone to watch it as it was pouring rain, and the ground was too soft to drive on.
When the children saw me drive up they ran out into the rain jumping and shouting that I was here.
My first though was how did that many kids pack themselves into the church? I didn’t know you could stuff that many people in that small building!
But we managed to repack everyone in for an hour of praise, worship, and the story of Jesus’ birth.
More than 100 children and a hand full of adults attended our Sunday school this morning in the pouring rain, as many had to stand in the doors and windows to be able to see the story book.
An estimated 50 of these kids have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many kids and a few adults came out of curiosity, and they left with lots to think about.
No doubt about it, we are going to have to enlarge that church next year.
Jesus is really moving among the children there.
At 9a.m., we drove off in the drizzle to see if we could get to the Naccaca church. I am now teaching at both churches each Sunday.
When we got near the small grass roofed veranda with open sides, it had the normal 20 adults and a hand full of kids in attendance that I’d seen the week before.
Two weeks ago, we bought a mud hut for Pastor Luis, who left the BBC to Pastor this church. ($300 mud hut investment)
He has been evangelizing the villagers ever since, and today we saw the fruit from his endless visits to their mud huts.
Again, I had to leave the truck about 100 yards away due to soft ground, and one of the orphan boys stayed there to protect it.
After we started singing at the church, a crowd of children and a few adults began to gather at the truck. I’d told, Egito, the orphan guard, that if people came to the truck, to tell them about Jesus.
Instead, he persuaded them to join us!
Adding 70 kids and 10 adults to our crowd made our little hut standing room only!
After telling them WHY God had to send Jesus, I told them HOW God sent Jesus.
Many things followed as they asked questions and the Holy Spirit sent the answers.
We talked about everything from heaven to hell and how to have faith for healing.
They were HUNGRY for JESUS and after an hour of teaching, one of the older men stood up and thanked me for clarifying why God sent Jesus.
He said it all made sense now and they asked me to please come back next week and teach them more.
FYI: Those 70 kids didn’t utter one peep during that hour of teaching and storytelling. They sat on the dirt floor with eyes as big as saucers, glued to our picture books. Most of these kids have never seen a book of any kind, much less one with poster size color pictures. (We use the picture books from Children’s Evangelical Fellowship.) They are great teaching tools.
Opening the mind of a child (or an adult) is one of the most fun things I get to do here.
The expressions on their faces are priceless!
The only thing better is seeing them respond to God’s love and having them receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.
At the altar call, 3 men who had come in late, received Jesus as their Savior today.
So it looks like Pequaria was my training ground, as Naccaca village has over 5,000 people compared to Pequarias 1,000.
I told Pastor Luis and the church leaders to cut some more poles and enlarge their grass hut before next Sunday.
It’s obvious to all that a BIG CHURCH must be built next year as Naccaca is waking up to God’s message of salvation.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all of you.
TOGETHER, WE ARE GATHERING IN GOD’S END TIME HARVEST!
BUSH BUNNY AND THE BALAMA STAFF
Sunday, December 11, 2011
She's here
This morning my daughter text ed me and said her water might have broken. It was more like a tear, just a little bit. She went on to church and then to the hospital so they could check her. Next thing I know she is saying that the baby is breech and she has to have a C-section. I prayed with her right away and continued praying. She was quite scared.
Well God answered our prayers and she is fine and so is Kastyn Kade. Weighing in at 7lbs. 19.5 inches long. Edited to add: she was born at 1:36pm.
Kaleena was breech but she came the regular way. Its strange that she had a breech baby too. Also my water just tore with her and didn't break. I told her like mother like daughter. At least they were neither one born in the elevator at the hospital like I was.
Thank you Jesus for watching over my family and keeping them safe.
missionary update
From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 11, 2011 5:22:50 AM CST
Subject: Blog Dec. 11, 2011
SUNDAY UPDATE ON PEQUARIA AND NACCACA CHURCHES
Today, I taught at both these churches, which makes for a very busy morning.
At Pequaria:
JACINTO is doing marvellously (both physically and spiritually).
His EYES were so ALIVE and sparkled with JOY!
He was laughing and singing along with the rest of us.
A big change from the solemn, mute young man I met 5 weeks ago.
I asked Pastor Tomas what is making the difference?
I was told that JACINTO is at Pastor’s mud hut daily to listen to the Church’s AUDIO BIBLE in Makua.
For those who can’t read, HEARING God’s Word is a precious gift.
Jacinto is doing what all new Christians should do—FEED on God’s Word. The results are written in his sparkling eyes.
Jacinto’s feet are no longer swollen, and his eye lid color is now light red instead of pale white.
Thanks to the gifts we received to provide him with a high protein diet, he is making a fast recovery.
THE AUDIO BIBLE IN MAKUA, our local tribal language, is an item I’d like to add to our WISH LIST.
$40 provides this invaluable gift to a bush church.
Since illiteracy is 85-90% in remote villages, this is the ONLY WAY a new Christian is able to know what the Bible says.
AMEDO—the 3 year old who received a transfusion 10 days ago, is looking much stronger.
His name means “no fear” or courageous.
He is truly that, as he is one tough little boy to have survived all he’s been through.
He, too, is receiving a high protein diet to hasten his recovery, and his father received corn and bean seeds today.
The rainy season has begun, and our clay based roads are getting muddy.
ERMALINDA, the 9 year old who was delivered from demons 2 weeks ago, has changed drastically!
Today, she actually made eye contact and talked to us.
Her father was out of town when his wife brought Ermalinda for prayer.
He told us the dramatic difference in her caused him to believe immediately in Jesus!
On his knees before the church this morning, with his daughter and wife at this side, he repeated the sinner’s prayer to receive Jesus.
God is changing many lives in this little village that was steeped in witch craft before Jesus sent us there.
PEQUARIA’S VILLAGERS are “waking up” to the fact that Jesus is the truth, the way, and the light. He answers prayer, and heals the sick.
There is never a dull moment in this village, and there is always an adventure waiting for us on Sundays.
NACCACA CHURCH is now 3 weeks old, and the 32 adults and children sat attentively today on their bamboo benches as we explained through dramas and picture stories how to walk with Jesus. They proudly showed me a small bamboo “veranda” they built this week which needs a grass roof.
The members built it to serve as their temporary church for the rainy season.
The members say that they would like to build a permanent church in May when the rains stop.
Their biggest need is for a water well.
They are truly suffering from lack of water, and with your help, we would like to provide them with a well in 2012.
This village has 5,000 people and only one hand pump water well.
To receive 20 liters (5 gallons) of water, a person must stand in line for 8 hours and pay 4 cents U.S.
With temperatures at 100 F (38C heat) in the sun, that is not an easy thing to do.
That adds up to a lot of money/family each day, and these people don’t have it.
The Normal water price from a village well is 15 CENTS U.S. per MONTH.
To survive, these families must live on 5 gallons of water/day and spend $1.20/month.
Those who don’t have the money, must walk to PEQUARIA, 6 miles away to get water from traditional wells.
TOGETHER, WE CAN STOP THIS WATER ROBBERY.
A WATER WELL IS A GIFT OF LIFE that keeps a village healthy.
$10,000 for a well is only $2/person for a LIFE TIME of clean water in this village.
The church has been given a large piece of land by the village chief, and there is plenty of room for a water well to benefit their neighbourhood.
I know there is underground water as there is a traditional well about 8 meters deep at the mud hut we purchased this week for Pastor Luis who now heads up that church.
It is dry at this time, but it lets us know that most of the year the water table is not very deep.
The water is there, we just need to give them access to it.
WISH LIST ADD ONS:
Some of you have asked about shoes and clothing costs for our children:
A shirt with shorts or skirt costs $7/child.
We have 1,700 children in the program who need our clothing help.
Of the 115 orphans living with us in Balama, 54 are in school, and must have school uniforms (we make them ourselves) and shoes in order to attend school.
The village children do not required to have uniforms, only those attending the school in Balama town.
54 UNIFORMS and sets of SHOES needed:
Uniforms cost $15/child (our sewing department provides them with a white short sleeve shirt/blouse, and dark blue pants or skirts.)
School Shoes are $20/child.
THE BUSH BUNNY’S USA TOUR SCHEDULE will be released by late December.
I am looking to seeing many of you as I tour 7 states to share what God is doing in Mozambique.
Blessings,
Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama staff
Date: December 11, 2011 5:22:50 AM CST
Subject: Blog Dec. 11, 2011
SUNDAY UPDATE ON PEQUARIA AND NACCACA CHURCHES
Today, I taught at both these churches, which makes for a very busy morning.
At Pequaria:
JACINTO is doing marvellously (both physically and spiritually).
His EYES were so ALIVE and sparkled with JOY!
He was laughing and singing along with the rest of us.
A big change from the solemn, mute young man I met 5 weeks ago.
I asked Pastor Tomas what is making the difference?
I was told that JACINTO is at Pastor’s mud hut daily to listen to the Church’s AUDIO BIBLE in Makua.
For those who can’t read, HEARING God’s Word is a precious gift.
Jacinto is doing what all new Christians should do—FEED on God’s Word. The results are written in his sparkling eyes.
Jacinto’s feet are no longer swollen, and his eye lid color is now light red instead of pale white.
Thanks to the gifts we received to provide him with a high protein diet, he is making a fast recovery.
THE AUDIO BIBLE IN MAKUA, our local tribal language, is an item I’d like to add to our WISH LIST.
$40 provides this invaluable gift to a bush church.
Since illiteracy is 85-90% in remote villages, this is the ONLY WAY a new Christian is able to know what the Bible says.
AMEDO—the 3 year old who received a transfusion 10 days ago, is looking much stronger.
His name means “no fear” or courageous.
He is truly that, as he is one tough little boy to have survived all he’s been through.
He, too, is receiving a high protein diet to hasten his recovery, and his father received corn and bean seeds today.
The rainy season has begun, and our clay based roads are getting muddy.
ERMALINDA, the 9 year old who was delivered from demons 2 weeks ago, has changed drastically!
Today, she actually made eye contact and talked to us.
Her father was out of town when his wife brought Ermalinda for prayer.
He told us the dramatic difference in her caused him to believe immediately in Jesus!
On his knees before the church this morning, with his daughter and wife at this side, he repeated the sinner’s prayer to receive Jesus.
God is changing many lives in this little village that was steeped in witch craft before Jesus sent us there.
PEQUARIA’S VILLAGERS are “waking up” to the fact that Jesus is the truth, the way, and the light. He answers prayer, and heals the sick.
There is never a dull moment in this village, and there is always an adventure waiting for us on Sundays.
NACCACA CHURCH is now 3 weeks old, and the 32 adults and children sat attentively today on their bamboo benches as we explained through dramas and picture stories how to walk with Jesus. They proudly showed me a small bamboo “veranda” they built this week which needs a grass roof.
The members built it to serve as their temporary church for the rainy season.
The members say that they would like to build a permanent church in May when the rains stop.
Their biggest need is for a water well.
They are truly suffering from lack of water, and with your help, we would like to provide them with a well in 2012.
This village has 5,000 people and only one hand pump water well.
To receive 20 liters (5 gallons) of water, a person must stand in line for 8 hours and pay 4 cents U.S.
With temperatures at 100 F (38C heat) in the sun, that is not an easy thing to do.
That adds up to a lot of money/family each day, and these people don’t have it.
The Normal water price from a village well is 15 CENTS U.S. per MONTH.
To survive, these families must live on 5 gallons of water/day and spend $1.20/month.
Those who don’t have the money, must walk to PEQUARIA, 6 miles away to get water from traditional wells.
TOGETHER, WE CAN STOP THIS WATER ROBBERY.
A WATER WELL IS A GIFT OF LIFE that keeps a village healthy.
$10,000 for a well is only $2/person for a LIFE TIME of clean water in this village.
The church has been given a large piece of land by the village chief, and there is plenty of room for a water well to benefit their neighbourhood.
I know there is underground water as there is a traditional well about 8 meters deep at the mud hut we purchased this week for Pastor Luis who now heads up that church.
It is dry at this time, but it lets us know that most of the year the water table is not very deep.
The water is there, we just need to give them access to it.
WISH LIST ADD ONS:
Some of you have asked about shoes and clothing costs for our children:
A shirt with shorts or skirt costs $7/child.
We have 1,700 children in the program who need our clothing help.
Of the 115 orphans living with us in Balama, 54 are in school, and must have school uniforms (we make them ourselves) and shoes in order to attend school.
The village children do not required to have uniforms, only those attending the school in Balama town.
54 UNIFORMS and sets of SHOES needed:
Uniforms cost $15/child (our sewing department provides them with a white short sleeve shirt/blouse, and dark blue pants or skirts.)
School Shoes are $20/child.
THE BUSH BUNNY’S USA TOUR SCHEDULE will be released by late December.
I am looking to seeing many of you as I tour 7 states to share what God is doing in Mozambique.
Blessings,
Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama staff
LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042
LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036
PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the
Saturday, December 10, 2011
missionary update
From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 10, 2011 3:29:13 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 10, 2011
O.U. TO RECEIVE NEW 7 TON TRUCK FOR FOOD HAULING
Thanks to a very generous family foundation out of Dallas, TX, I was able to order the NISSAN UD 70 truck from the South African factory last Thursday.
If all goes as planned, Eric should be able to pick it up in Maputo in Mid-April, just in time for food buying in May.
GOD IS REALLY BLESSINGS US!
This means:
1. With government permission, we now have the capability to expand in 2012 to help the orphans of Namuno county just 20 miles south of us. This is the area where a tornado levelled 5 villages in October.
The governor declared it a disaster area, and your love gifts provided them with 6 tons of food to help 100+ families get a restart in life.
We wanted to open an orphan program there this year, but were hindered because the government would not allow us to expand until our program is re-licensed (our documents are at the national capital now for approval), AND our one truck was already stretched to its limits serving the 1,600 orphans in the program plus the 115 orphans we added at the Elephant Village.
2. FOR 6 YEARS our food distribution program was at great risk with only 1 truck and 1 tractor to do all the work for food buying, distributing, and construction.
Each Year, our 6 ton Nissan hauled over 100 TONS of corn, beans (500 tons bought and 500 tons distributed), as well as most of the construction supplies needed for new churches, and orphan homes. IF IT HAD BROKEN DOWN then many children would have suffered hunger until it was fixed.
Repairs are not easily done since spare parts have to come from over 1000 miles away.
God was faithful and helped Eric Dry, our Associate Manager and master diesel mechanic, to keep it in great shape.
We had NO breakdowns in 6 years, other than flat tires due to hitting tree stumps in the bush.
This truck will continue working side by side with the new truck to benefit this program.
3. The 2nd truck will save time and money, as several of our distribution sites needed 7 tons of food.
Our current truck had to make 2 loads to get it all out there, but this truck can do it in one load.
4. We’ll also be able to organize TWO PROGRAMS in different counties on the same day, meaning we can serve many more children at the same time.
This bunny is so happy that words can’t describe my JOY!
The Bush Bunny is HOPPING HIGH!
God is making a way for us to RESCUE UNLIMITED NUMBERS OF ORPHANS.
When I received God’s vision for the Moz. orphans, He showed me a SEA OF CHILDREN’S FACES.
God’s “sea of faces” is starting to roll in.
PRAYER NEEDS for 2012:
We are asking the Lord for a 2nd truck driver, food warehouse #4 and 50 tons of food to fill that warehouse, so we can bless at least 300 orphans in Namuno county in 2012.
We also need to pray in the right Pastor/Administrator to run the Namuno project.
TWO MORE MISSIONARIES will be needed to handle this expansion, as Eric and I already handle a heavy leadership work load with those we serve in 2 counties.
A small FOOD WAREHOUSE and church will be needed in Namuno, as none exists.
GOD HAS BLESSED US SO THAT WE CAN BLESS OTHERS.
Together, we can walk “hand in hand” with the least of these that Jesus has asked us to rescue.
BABY DIXON GETS A RIDE TO HIS HOME VILLAGE
Dixon is not out of danger yet, but after 30 days in the hospital, he’s putting on weight and looking very happy.
The Balama Dr. told me that EVERYONE who visits the hospital hears about Dixon’s fighting spirit and the fact that he always greets you with a smile.
The JOY he radiates is infectious and has blessed us all.
His first “weigh in” at our Balama Baby Care Center revealed his continued weight gain, and a stronger hand grip.
He is approaching 5 months, and will be started on rice cereal next week.
Within 2 weeks we hope to have him eating the high protein HYPO cereal with immune system boosters.
Once he can eat this, he will gain weight and build his natural immunities very quickly.
All our malnourished babies do very well on Hypo.
BABY AMEDO is the severely malnourished and anemic 3 year old we rescued 2 weeks ago when his parents brought him for prayer at the Pequaria church.
He was given a ride home last Saturday when the hospital released him after a successful transfusion. Our biggest challenge was finding someone willing to donate blood.
The locals here are very superstitious about this and most only donate to a family member.
His father and mother were too anemic and malnourished themselves to be donors. Once we found out Dixon’s blood type (there is no cross matching possible in our area), we began the search for a man with O+ blood. I’m O+ but they refuse to take a foreigner’s blood. It must be a Mozambican to reduce the risk of a reaction.
Pastor Jose, our new youth pastor/evangelist, gladly gave to save this little boy’s life.
We dropped them in Pequaria with a bag of food and Hypo Cereal for Amedo.
The whole family which includes a 5 year old sister and a baby brother, will enter our nutritional program to help them all regain their health.
Corn and Bean seeds will be taken to them when I go teach tomorrow at the church. They were starving, so ate their seed corn to stay alive.
Your Love Gift of seed will help this family become self-sufficient once again.
FYI: Pastor Jose will take my place in ministering at the Pequaria church while I’m in the USA in Feb. and March.
The Naccaca church is now open with a fast growing congregation after 2 meetings with over 60 adults and 30 children.
Kwe Kwe church reports that it is “bulging at its seems” on Sundays as many flock to hear about this “Jesus” who heals diseases.
GOD IS MOVING IN BALAMA COUNTY like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
P.S. Due to limited e-mail service here, I do not receive Facebook, Linked In, or any other services of that type.
Thanks for asking me, but joining up on these programs is not possible.
Due to “iffy” internet this week, I am sending this blog a bit early.
If anything exciting happens Sunday, by assured, you will hear about it!
Blessings, Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama staff
(HERE IS THE WISH LIST FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED FOR IT )
WISH LIST FOR ORPHANS IN BALAMA
Below are the items we most need for 2012.
Thank you for showing your love for Jesus by giving a gift to our orphans.
LIVE ANIMAL GIFTS:
Goat: $60 each (a 2 for one gift, as this price is for a pregnant female)
Your gift will help an orphan start his own herd and thus give him an income.
Goat meat is in high demand in Mozambique, making this a profitable
venture for the teenage orphans.
Duck: $8 each (a duck project is being started for eggs and meat for the
children)
Chickens in Moz. are poor quality and offer few eggs and little meat.
HOUSEHOLD GIFTS FOR THE 115 ORPHANS LIVING WITH US IN BALAMA
DISH SET: 6 metal plates, cups and spoons, $18. (23 sets needed)
BED SHEETS: (we buy the material and make our own) $12/set of 2 sheets
(115 sets needed)
BLANKETS: $12 each (115 needed)
SOCCER BALLS: $20 each (as many as we can get)
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT NEEDED for 2 different playgrounds
6 rope swings with wooden seats: ($12 each)
2 slides: $100 each
One Playhouse: $500
BUILD THE WALLS PROJECT, 2012.
5 BRICK ORPHAN HOUSES MUST BE BUILT BY DEC. 2012 or 22 of our orphans who
have no family will be sent back to their home villages.
This is due to new orphan housing regulations initiated in Sept. 2011.
The 30,000 bricks to “BUILD THE WALLS” have been made, but help is needed
to cover the building cost (estimated $5,000/house at current prices).
There is a “piece of a house” in every price range below.
10 SOLID WOOD DOORS: $75 each or $750 for 5 houses
20 Wooden Shuttered windows with mosquito screen $40 each. ($800 for all
20 windows)
Rock for house foundation: $200 ($1,000 for all 5 houses)
Cement for house foundation: $210 each ($1,050 for 5 houses)
Tin Roof: $750 each house ($3,750 for 5 houses)
Concrete floor: $400 each house ($2,000 for 5 houses)
Rebar for ring beam at top of house: $150 each house ($750 for 5 houses)
ONE WALL: $745 (cement and labor to put the bricks together).
4 WALLS : $2, 980.
COMPLETE HOUSE: $5,000
COMPLETE WATER WELL FOR A MOZAMBICAN VILLAGE $10,000
(supplies water for over 700 families (2,800 people) and is a gift that
lasts a lifetime)
WATER WELL PUMP $2000
DRILL THE WELL $8,000
Blessings,
Brenda and the Balama Staff
LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042
LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036
PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.
LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042
LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036
PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.
Date: December 10, 2011 3:29:13 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 10, 2011
O.U. TO RECEIVE NEW 7 TON TRUCK FOR FOOD HAULING
Thanks to a very generous family foundation out of Dallas, TX, I was able to order the NISSAN UD 70 truck from the South African factory last Thursday.
If all goes as planned, Eric should be able to pick it up in Maputo in Mid-April, just in time for food buying in May.
GOD IS REALLY BLESSINGS US!
This means:
1. With government permission, we now have the capability to expand in 2012 to help the orphans of Namuno county just 20 miles south of us. This is the area where a tornado levelled 5 villages in October.
The governor declared it a disaster area, and your love gifts provided them with 6 tons of food to help 100+ families get a restart in life.
We wanted to open an orphan program there this year, but were hindered because the government would not allow us to expand until our program is re-licensed (our documents are at the national capital now for approval), AND our one truck was already stretched to its limits serving the 1,600 orphans in the program plus the 115 orphans we added at the Elephant Village.
2. FOR 6 YEARS our food distribution program was at great risk with only 1 truck and 1 tractor to do all the work for food buying, distributing, and construction.
Each Year, our 6 ton Nissan hauled over 100 TONS of corn, beans (500 tons bought and 500 tons distributed), as well as most of the construction supplies needed for new churches, and orphan homes. IF IT HAD BROKEN DOWN then many children would have suffered hunger until it was fixed.
Repairs are not easily done since spare parts have to come from over 1000 miles away.
God was faithful and helped Eric Dry, our Associate Manager and master diesel mechanic, to keep it in great shape.
We had NO breakdowns in 6 years, other than flat tires due to hitting tree stumps in the bush.
This truck will continue working side by side with the new truck to benefit this program.
3. The 2nd truck will save time and money, as several of our distribution sites needed 7 tons of food.
Our current truck had to make 2 loads to get it all out there, but this truck can do it in one load.
4. We’ll also be able to organize TWO PROGRAMS in different counties on the same day, meaning we can serve many more children at the same time.
This bunny is so happy that words can’t describe my JOY!
The Bush Bunny is HOPPING HIGH!
God is making a way for us to RESCUE UNLIMITED NUMBERS OF ORPHANS.
When I received God’s vision for the Moz. orphans, He showed me a SEA OF CHILDREN’S FACES.
God’s “sea of faces” is starting to roll in.
PRAYER NEEDS for 2012:
We are asking the Lord for a 2nd truck driver, food warehouse #4 and 50 tons of food to fill that warehouse, so we can bless at least 300 orphans in Namuno county in 2012.
We also need to pray in the right Pastor/Administrator to run the Namuno project.
TWO MORE MISSIONARIES will be needed to handle this expansion, as Eric and I already handle a heavy leadership work load with those we serve in 2 counties.
A small FOOD WAREHOUSE and church will be needed in Namuno, as none exists.
GOD HAS BLESSED US SO THAT WE CAN BLESS OTHERS.
Together, we can walk “hand in hand” with the least of these that Jesus has asked us to rescue.
BABY DIXON GETS A RIDE TO HIS HOME VILLAGE
Dixon is not out of danger yet, but after 30 days in the hospital, he’s putting on weight and looking very happy.
The Balama Dr. told me that EVERYONE who visits the hospital hears about Dixon’s fighting spirit and the fact that he always greets you with a smile.
The JOY he radiates is infectious and has blessed us all.
His first “weigh in” at our Balama Baby Care Center revealed his continued weight gain, and a stronger hand grip.
He is approaching 5 months, and will be started on rice cereal next week.
Within 2 weeks we hope to have him eating the high protein HYPO cereal with immune system boosters.
Once he can eat this, he will gain weight and build his natural immunities very quickly.
All our malnourished babies do very well on Hypo.
BABY AMEDO is the severely malnourished and anemic 3 year old we rescued 2 weeks ago when his parents brought him for prayer at the Pequaria church.
He was given a ride home last Saturday when the hospital released him after a successful transfusion. Our biggest challenge was finding someone willing to donate blood.
The locals here are very superstitious about this and most only donate to a family member.
His father and mother were too anemic and malnourished themselves to be donors. Once we found out Dixon’s blood type (there is no cross matching possible in our area), we began the search for a man with O+ blood. I’m O+ but they refuse to take a foreigner’s blood. It must be a Mozambican to reduce the risk of a reaction.
Pastor Jose, our new youth pastor/evangelist, gladly gave to save this little boy’s life.
We dropped them in Pequaria with a bag of food and Hypo Cereal for Amedo.
The whole family which includes a 5 year old sister and a baby brother, will enter our nutritional program to help them all regain their health.
Corn and Bean seeds will be taken to them when I go teach tomorrow at the church. They were starving, so ate their seed corn to stay alive.
Your Love Gift of seed will help this family become self-sufficient once again.
FYI: Pastor Jose will take my place in ministering at the Pequaria church while I’m in the USA in Feb. and March.
The Naccaca church is now open with a fast growing congregation after 2 meetings with over 60 adults and 30 children.
Kwe Kwe church reports that it is “bulging at its seems” on Sundays as many flock to hear about this “Jesus” who heals diseases.
GOD IS MOVING IN BALAMA COUNTY like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
P.S. Due to limited e-mail service here, I do not receive Facebook, Linked In, or any other services of that type.
Thanks for asking me, but joining up on these programs is not possible.
Due to “iffy” internet this week, I am sending this blog a bit early.
If anything exciting happens Sunday, by assured, you will hear about it!
Blessings, Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama staff
(HERE IS THE WISH LIST FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED FOR IT )
WISH LIST FOR ORPHANS IN BALAMA
Below are the items we most need for 2012.
Thank you for showing your love for Jesus by giving a gift to our orphans.
LIVE ANIMAL GIFTS:
Goat: $60 each (a 2 for one gift, as this price is for a pregnant female)
Your gift will help an orphan start his own herd and thus give him an income.
Goat meat is in high demand in Mozambique, making this a profitable
venture for the teenage orphans.
Duck: $8 each (a duck project is being started for eggs and meat for the
children)
Chickens in Moz. are poor quality and offer few eggs and little meat.
HOUSEHOLD GIFTS FOR THE 115 ORPHANS LIVING WITH US IN BALAMA
DISH SET: 6 metal plates, cups and spoons, $18. (23 sets needed)
BED SHEETS: (we buy the material and make our own) $12/set of 2 sheets
(115 sets needed)
BLANKETS: $12 each (115 needed)
SOCCER BALLS: $20 each (as many as we can get)
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT NEEDED for 2 different playgrounds
6 rope swings with wooden seats: ($12 each)
2 slides: $100 each
One Playhouse: $500
BUILD THE WALLS PROJECT, 2012.
5 BRICK ORPHAN HOUSES MUST BE BUILT BY DEC. 2012 or 22 of our orphans who
have no family will be sent back to their home villages.
This is due to new orphan housing regulations initiated in Sept. 2011.
The 30,000 bricks to “BUILD THE WALLS” have been made, but help is needed
to cover the building cost (estimated $5,000/house at current prices).
There is a “piece of a house” in every price range below.
10 SOLID WOOD DOORS: $75 each or $750 for 5 houses
20 Wooden Shuttered windows with mosquito screen $40 each. ($800 for all
20 windows)
Rock for house foundation: $200 ($1,000 for all 5 houses)
Cement for house foundation: $210 each ($1,050 for 5 houses)
Tin Roof: $750 each house ($3,750 for 5 houses)
Concrete floor: $400 each house ($2,000 for 5 houses)
Rebar for ring beam at top of house: $150 each house ($750 for 5 houses)
ONE WALL: $745 (cement and labor to put the bricks together).
4 WALLS : $2, 980.
COMPLETE HOUSE: $5,000
COMPLETE WATER WELL FOR A MOZAMBICAN VILLAGE $10,000
(supplies water for over 700 families (2,800 people) and is a gift that
lasts a lifetime)
WATER WELL PUMP $2000
DRILL THE WELL $8,000
Blessings,
Brenda and the Balama Staff
LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042
LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036
PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.
LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042
LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036
PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.
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