And then it’s time……………………..!
When you read this I am already in Zambia… .Time has gone by so quickly!… .. September last year I was able to go to this country for 4 weeks to see whether this is the place where I may serve as a missionary for the next two years. Although it was very different from what I expected, it felt really good to go back. A process of preparation and sponsorship started. Although I was fully confident that God would provide, I could not have imagined that when I actually left, 100% in financial commitments was actually there. At 85% I was allowed to leave and I already thought that was a miracle. So much has happened in the months since my first visit and God has left me speechless several times in regard to everything that happened and all that had to be arranged.
“Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing..” Psalm 34:9 (NIV)
I was able to give various presentations, fill in Sunday services, send authorizations, leaflets and letters and visit people. My Protestant Congregation’s Growth Group has organized a flea market / bazaar, a wonderful event with live music, a lot to win and resulted in a great sponsor amount!
I was able to give a presentation at the primary school which impressed the 4 different combination groups. In particular the difference between what the children (don’t) have in Africa and what we all have in the Netherlands. I was also able to tell them that I want to help the mothers so that the children can go to school. They thought that was a very good idea. They were so active in the sponsor run on the last day of the school year! All huffing an puffing running around school/the block and achieved a huge sponsor amount! “Jannie had to cry a bit” one of the children had told her parents at home…..
AND!!!!!…………..I have found a neat and reliable tenant for my home!
So happy with that!……………………………………………….
But yes, leaving a home also means packing and storing everything. Fortunately I am blessed in that too! A number of lovely people have provided a few m3 of their home / shed free of charge. Not for a few weeks, no, for a few years! How beautiful is that!
My goodness …. how much stuff can a person collect in his/her life, yes, even me! This you will only find out when you move! After spending a few months in Namibia in 2017, I had already did a thorough clean-up, so that made a difference, but I was shocked by what I still have! So if I can give you an idea? Do a house clean up! It’s good for the body, mind and soul!
The last few weeks before my departure, things turned out differently than expected. A situation like this shows again we can plan everything, but things often turn out differently. My dear old single aunt, aged 104, was called home by the Lord. Much to arrange and I was there to lead the funeral service, something that she wanted. All very special to do, but this wasn’t really on my schedule and meant that I had to do a lot of things in the last few days. Fortunately there were lovely people around me who offered help. Very valuable and special to spend time with each other! Something I am very grateful for!
100%!
As I said, 100% in financial commitments is there and this means I can work in Zambia for 2 years! How beautiful is that! I’m still speechless. This doesn’t mean that I will sit still, but I will cheerfully continue to raise funds. The projects I am going to work for are also completely depend on external financial resources. So if you think that Jannie’s support has been arranged, I would say; look into your heart whether you would like to contribute to the projects in Zambia and Africa, so that we can help women with that too! Let us also in this way, give the women in Africa Hope and Recovery again!
To contribute, press the button ‘DONATE NOW’
Thank you so much for your support! This makes it possible for me to do my work within Operation Mobilization to offer women Hope and Recovery again! Your involvement and / or prayer is indispensable!
I always thank my God for you because
of His grace given you in
Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4
Left home and arrived safely!!
In the meantime I left on Sunday the 14th of July and arrived in Kabwe on Tuesday the 16th of July after a journey of 53 hours (having a huge delay). Strange and sad to leave everyone behind including my sweet cat “Lady” and my empty house, but convinced that this is a good step in my life and that I will be meaningful to the women in Africa and everyone I will meet in any way whatsoever.
What’s my story again?
Through the mission organization Operation Mobilization I will go and work in Zambia and Africa to give the women Hope and Recovery through lessons in sewing, pattern drawing and Bible study. In addition, I will also coach them and provide pastoral assistance. My salary consists entirely of financial donations. In this newsletter I share with you what happens in my work and life.
Any questions, remarks, want to know more? Feel free to contact me!
In the meantime I wrote quite a few thank you cards in the last week
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Jannie in Mission 