Jeanette's Mission

I had no idea what I'd be doing today when I wrote my first blog just over a year ago and declared I was "jumping off the deep end" into missions. I made a one year commitment. Having no clue what I would do after that. For the first half of the year, I was always worrying about what would happen when the year was over. But, in January, I made the conscious decision to let go, trust God for my future and live in the present. It made a big difference. Enjoying the moment.  Then COVID came along. So now, I'm back in Canada, continuing to support Villages of Hope Africa from here. Since I've been back, one thing has become very clear - I'm not done yet. I feel the call to missions and sense God wants me to continue as part of the ministry of VOHA, using my gifts and skills to help vulnerable children. So, I've made the decision - I'm applying to be a Global Worker with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (the parent denomination under the whic...

I had a What's Up chat with my friend, Irene, on the weekend. She works at VOH Zimbabwe as the Lead for the Star Community Feeding program. Following is a snip-it of our conversation, where she shares the impact COVID is having on the people of Africa. I wasn't prepared for what she was about to say.  You may have to zoom in to be able to read the text, but p lease a 2 minutes to read our exchange... It will break your heart, as it did mine. This is the real thing. I hope her story reminds all of us to be thankful for Canada and ministries like VOHA who are impacting the lives of the most needy in practical ways everyday and that you're inspired by her confidence that "God is so faithful. He continues to provide." Please pray for the many who are so desperately impacted by the pandemic, especially in the developing world, like the families in this story. Go to the sidebar Prayer Requests to find a few specific prayer items. (If...

Since I started this mission journey, one thing that helped me through the many times when things were unknown, or didn't turn out as planned, was knowing people like you were praying for me, walking alongside me and standing by me. Now it's my turn to stand by you. During this crazy time, I know many of you are going through the same thing - not knowing what the future holds and having roller coaster emotions of feeling anxious one moment and then trying to remember God's faithfulness the next. I'm writing my blog this month just to let you know that I'm here for you. I'm praying for you and will be standing with you, just like you have done for me.  Perhaps we can find a hint of how to handle all this from the people in Africa. Many live everyday in desperate situations, but they have a deep dependence on God. Maybe it's because they have no other choice, or they've seen His faithfulness in the past. I'm not sure. But, I've seen...

Have you ever met someone and thought "I want to be like her"? I had that experience with Mrs. Zowa. She is the director/pastor's wife of VOH Zimbabwe. The first time I met her, her bright wide smile made me instantaneously feel welcomed and cared for. It felt warm. But it was the second time we interacted that should out to me. We went together to the Community Feeding program, where they give porridge and have a preschool program for young children in need. Just after we arrived - Mrs. Zowa went missing. I couldn't see her anywhere. Then I found her. She had left the group to go talk to four pre-teen boys, to ask them why they weren't in school. She stopped to take time for a child. She showed them care and concern and let them know how important they were to her. We went about our business, handing out the porridge and playing with the children. Once again I realized Mrs. Zowa was no where to be found. As I looked around - there she was, in the...

  I thought you may enjoy a little "Newsletter" update … with a brief overview of what VOH Africa is, some key lessons I've learned so far, a sample of a couple of VOH programs, an update of what I've been up to & what's next, and a fun fact thrown in for good measure ... Enjoy!      Blessings,  Jeanette Fun Fact Did you know? African women like to wear wigs .. and lots of them! There were several times I thought I was meeting someone new, when it was just a new look they were sporting that day!  Our Contribution You & Me Together! Here's a few ways in which I've contributed to VOH Africa so far ... and because of your support & prayers, you're part of it too! Audited Monthly Financial Reports Transferred Operational & Project Funds from donors to programs Contributed to 2020 plans & initiatives Participated in Initial 2021-2023 Brainstorming  Reviewed   2020 Budget & Income Projections Supported preparation of a Strategy ...

New Years Eve  morning... instead of getting ready for a hot New Years Eve date (ok, stop laughing), I got an email from the person in Tanzania who has been working on my work permit that read: "I really wish I had better news to report, but I did want to keep my promise to let you know as soon as we heard anything. You will see the attached document from the Labour website - rejected permits. This came out yesterday.  Unfortunately your name appears on page two. It seems our trying to follow up and write to the commissioner didn't make a difference. I'm so sorry, what a journey this has been - and one which we didn't expect.  Things are changing quickly in Tanzania these days when it comes to anything with the government, but especially anything to do with foreigners in the country. They are becoming increasingly strict and rules seem to be changing every week. We did our best to keep up and submit everything they asked for, but apparently they do ...

Children's lives being saved - literally. I visited the "Save a Life" Center" this month in Mongu, and was deeply touched by what I saw. Mothers came with their malnourished infants and childre n for the weekly program. They received training on how to properly feed and care for their child. The children were monitored for progress on their weight gain and health. They got nutritional food to take home for the upcoming week, and were encouraged through devotions and support from one another. They receive skills training so they can develop small businesses to help provide for their children. The staff also do weekly home visits to check in on the mom and child in their own environment. It's working. There was a hallway with "Lives Saved" posted simply on the top. We all love "Before and After" stories. I counted 84 before and after pictures and stories of children who had been through the program, showing their weight and condition...