LtR: Marion Edmonds-Smith, Erika Espach, Kathy Noland, Jenna Lloyd, Peya Hambunda with Mia Hill in front of him, Peter Taylor, George Jnr. (son of hosts), James, Nathan Adele, David, Sarah and Hannah Hil, Megano Jeremia (Host with her husband George), Muriel and Ross Bartholomew, Ivor Witbooi, Adriano Mbackeh, Katleho Meslane and Amy Darlow. The two very young children were visiting with the hosts.

Greetings in the precious Name of our beloved Saviour Jesus Christ.

This year as a team of 18 plus 4 translators we visited 9 churches and shared with them the seriousness of sin and their need for a Saviour and that this can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ lived (and died) to the glory of his Father, and we should do whatever we do to the glory of God—especially and including evangelism. The chief end and purpose of evangelism is the chief end and purpose of all humans: to glorify God and enjoy him forever. We don’t evangelize to save souls but to glorify God. That’s the primary thing; the saving of souls is secondary. With this in our minds we journeyed for 2200 kms from Cape Town to Ondangwa, then another 1800 kms to the 9 churches all over Ovamboland, and then another 2200 kms back to Cape Town. We pray that our God was gloryfied much through our ministry.

Below are some images from each of the churches we visited.

Glory Church - Adolf

St Marks - Okapuku

Christ Church - Ondangwa

Okapundja Communty Church – Okapundja

Immanuel Communty Church – Okalongo

Ongha Town Church

Our team also visited three churches on Sunday for preaching – Imago Dei, Fountain of Life and Calvary.

Nakambali & Open Market - visited by the team on our rest day.

This was a very full trip and we had the opportunity and privelege of ministering to many of our Ovambo friends. All glory to Jesus our Saviour. We want to thank the many people who helped make this trip possible with their donations. 

To the glory and honour of our precious Saviour Jesus Christ!

I really loved being part of the kids ministry team. I learnt a lot from Adele. We were teaching from Mark 2, the story of the paralyzed man, whose biggest problem was not his paralysis but his sin. The aim of the lesson was to show the children that our biggest problem was also our sin, and that only Jesus can save us. One of the big things that stood out for me was how every day was different with regards to how many kids there were, what the average age was, what the location was like, etc. We'd get to the church, and then Adele would adapt accordingly, and we'd follow her lead.

Overall, I feel like the entire trip was a huge learning curve for me, in the best way. I really loved the experience of teaching the gospel to kids who listened and didn't seem to take it for granted.

Jenna Lloyd

Adele Hill (leader), James Hill, Mia Hill, Sarah Hill

One of life’s greatest joys is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who have yet to hear it. As Scripture reminds us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

I am deeply grateful to God for the opportunity to be part of the 2025 mission trip to Namibia. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this journey—through prayer, encouragement, and financial giving. Your partnership made this mission possible, and I carried your love and support with me each step of the way.

Ministering to the Youth in Northern Namibia

My time with the youth in northern Namibia was both encouraging and humbling. These young hearts are incredibly open and hungry for the truth of God’s Word. Their eagerness to know Jesus and grow in their faith reminded me that the Gospel transcends borders and backgrounds.

What stood out to me most was their maturity and attentiveness. As a West African, I was personally challenged and inspired by their ability to sit and listen deeply—for over two hours in some sessions—without losing focus. Their willingness to ask honest questions and openly share struggles with sin and addiction showed a remarkable level of vulnerability and trust.

Many of them consistently asked for prayers—not for material things, but for a deeper walk with Christ and greater understanding in their academic pursuits. This longing for spiritual and intellectual growth deeply touched me.

The Message and Its Fruit

We spent time studying Mark 2:1–12 together—a passage that speaks powerfully of Jesus' authority to forgive sins and the faith of those who bring others to Him. I’m confident that the seeds planted through this message will bear fruit in due time. I believe many of these young men and women will rise to become bold proclaimers of the Gospel, unashamed of Christ, and filled with the Spirit to impact Namibia with the knowledge and glory of God.

Reflections and Gratitude

Words cannot fully capture all that I experienced in northern Namibia. From the youth to the church leaders, I encountered a community of believers who are sincere, servant-hearted, and faithfully representing Christ in both word and deed. It was an honor to learn from them, serve alongside them, and witness firsthand how God is building His Church among the Namibian people.

Thank you once again for standing with me. Your support is not in vain—it is part of a growing testimony of what God is doing in southern Africa. May His name continue to be glorified!

With gratitude,

Adriano Mbackeh

David Hill (leader), Hannah Hill, Nathan Hill

I had the privilege of serving in the Ladies's Ministry, along with Kathy and Marion.

On the first day of ministry, I sat back and observed their method of teaching to try and get an understanding of how the message must flow and be presented. We visited many areas and spread the same message to each group of ladies, however the format of the message has to be adapted each time. We also had an opportunity to reach the ladies on a more personal level with our testimonies.

Quite a few ladies already had an understanding of who Jesus is, but lacked proper and insightful teaching to grow spiritually. In some areas there were even those who have never heard of the Bible.

Personally, I experienced a lot of personal growth with all the learning and exposure. I'm grateful for the Ladies Ministry team and for their guidance and wisdom throughout the entire trip. I truly cherish all the relationships that were built within those two short weeks.

Amy Darlow

Marion Edmonds-Smith (leader) and Kathy Noland

Below is the snapshot, describing how it was to be ministering among the men in Namibia.

Let me begin with a WOW! That's because it's a blessing to have witnessed the work done over the 23 years ever since the inception of these mission trip. Praise be to God for the spiritual fruit that's showing after so many years.

Among many items of praise, one can mention a few...

• A gentleman who was the interpreter this year was among the teens who attended many years ago. Now he's standing with the team from SA, interpreting, for the people of Namibia to hear the gospel news.
• The four interpreters are now seminary students who are potential leaders to lead the churches that are being planted. How amazing is that!

Indeed, the people of Namibia have been seeing God at work in answering the many prayers which the saints have been praying over the years. It was a blessing to witness to what God is doing.

What are highlights within the men's ministry?

Generally men don't easily take time to talk and be vulnerable with each other. However, each day presented something to be thankful to God for, after our meetings. They were engaging and talking. Mind me the topic for each group we ministered to (among men) was how you can be a Namibian Christian and yet serve God only! This topic would challenged us as men to live out the Christian life at home, be examples in the church and ultimately to the larger community. Within that, we would touch on ancestral worship and cultural beliefs that you find within all the cultures (African or Western culture), belief practices that don't please God. Again let me say, the men would talk for hours even over sensitive subjects that such topic raises.

One thing that was an encouragement to me was when one man became honest. He heard the gospel is asking quiet a lot when it demands that we must only worship the God who spoke in Exodus 20:3, that He's the only God who must 'be worshiped and no other'. As a pastor, I'm encouraged by honesty of this nature. For it proves that God was at work and this man understood essence of the God we speaking about. Please pray that as he thinks of these gospel demands (not only to him but to me and you), he will be drawn to Jesus through the Holy Spirit who is at work when his word is preached.

Katleho Meslane

Ivor Witbooi (leader)

I was encouraged by how the people we visited were eager to hear what we had to say, and how they were so grateful to us for coming. I was also encouraged by Adele. It was so cool to watch her "in action." I feel like I've learnt a lot about cross cultural kids ministry, and kids ministry in general. It was also so encouraging to just spend time with the team. I loved the meals together, the jokes, hearing people's testimonies and just sharing a lot of unique experiences together.

I was challenged because I saw what a great need there is for the gospel. It often felt like we were unable, in the short time we had with each church, to even start to address that need. I had to keep reminding myself that God can use our efforts for his glory, even when it feels like we've gotten nowhere.
Because Adele is just to incredible, and so talented and organized and competent, I sometimes felt a bit useless, and that was also a bit challenging. But I was really helped by what Erika said in devotions, when she reminded us that we all have different roles to play. I also tried to keep telling myself that my labor for the l
Lord is not in vain.

It was refreshing to work with churches who are still in their formation. That realisation, namely, the amount of work ahead, it became a catalyst for the desire to be partnering with the brothers in Namibia while learning their context.

I was humbled by Erastus' mom at Calvary church. At one point when I was greeting her, I could vividly see from her eyes the appreciation she has for seeing young people speaking about God.

This goes without saying, I enjoyed the bond I formed with the translators.

I enjoyed the trip to Ovamboland and I was reminded again how our works can encourage people but only Jesus can save them from their biggest problem of turning their backs on Him. The Namibian people are friendly and very hospitable.

The mission trip to Northern Namibia was both encouraging & challenging. In that, seeing men and women, young and old eager to listen to the Good news about Jesus Christ is just amazing! I was challenged with how local ministers are striving to proclaim Christ regardless the shortage of resources, e.g. Mobility etc. which they could use as an excuse for not preaching Christ. Fortunately, they are zealous and enthusiastic about preaching Christ even to the most rural communities of the Country. To this end, I'm now convinced that I have no excuse to give to God as far as WITNESSING CHRIST is concerned.

This Mission was has left a deep impression in my heart that requires much thought. Visiting the humble Ovambo community and hearing the spread of the Word of God from the Mission team was a true blessing. Well done to Ross and Muriel for the smooth running of this Mission Thank you to everyone, whether part of the Mission team or at home, in providing prayer and / or financial support.

I came on this trip, because I felt the need to push myself out of my comfort zone. I often fall into the trap of getting caught up with the busyness and realities of the world, instead of focusing on the reality of life and God's purpose for it. This trip has opened my eyes in so many ways and the Lord has guided me through each day, showing me how to grow closer in my walk with Him.

As a young adult and newbie on this trip, I enjoyed observing those who have been doing the missions outreach for years. A lot of wisdom and guidance was given to me by so many, and it has allowed me to feel equipped to do the work. In order to reach others with the Word, I first had to teach myself through the Word.

This trip was a very humbling experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is seeking to grow closer to the Lord. And the best part is that you will not feel alone. It always amazes me how Christians can come together and become as close as family in such a short space of time. My family in Christ definitely expanded in two short weeks

I am Peter, a 68-year-old member from St Stephens Bible Church in Claremont, Cape Town.

On Sunday last year, one of our members, Ivor, provided feedback of the 2024 CFM Mission that he attended, and I thought, that “this could be up my alley” so I duly submitted the required Google forms and awaited confirmation. The next Sunday our Senior Pastor indicated that I must be a “good boy” as this is what he had conveyed to the Mission Organizer, Ross Bartholomew. This must have had an impact as I was later advised that my application had been accepted and would be assisting within Children’s Section. A few days later I was recontacted and asked “I understand that you are a hands-on person, can you weld and do you think you could make some bunks beds whilst on the Mission”. This would involve manufacturing 2 sets of bunk beds that could be separated into 4 single beds.

Prior to leaving, St Stephen’s congregation shared prayers and blessings for the Mission and my name together Ivor and Cathy‘s were mentioned. Following this service my wife was asked what would Peter be doing on the Mission. Her answer was “Making beds” to which the immediate reply was given “Why does Peter have to travel all the way to Namibia to show someone how to make a bed and fold the sheets, surely there could be someone in Namibia with hospitality experience”!

To get to the Mission base camp at Ondangwa, which is above Etosha Game reserve and only about 60km from the Angolan border, takes 3 days. During this period, rotation changes in the 2 vehicles occurred so “we could all get to know the others folk attending the Mission”. Our base camp was on George and Ida’s property with some folk staying in their house and others camping on the sand. On the 1^st Mission day we went a local Children’s church where there were about 50 children, 25 youth and 30 adults all neatly seated in rows outside, eagerly waiting to hear the Word of God. Shortly after our introduction, Ross and I left to go and buy the required metal for the bunks. Once bought I then returned to our Mission base and started with measuring, cutting and welding. This I did every day from morning until early evening. Whilst I had brought my welder, grinder and other tools up from Cape Town, the process was slow as there was no level base to work from. Eventually I managed to form a more-or-less level platform using the top of my trailer and some free-standing crates

On Sunday, we separated into 3 groups and went to different churches. I attended the Fountain of Life Reach Church. The modest and simple structure was constructed from iron roof sheeting and situated in the corner of someone’s yard. The service was led by one of the Mission Ministers from George Whitfield College. The congregation consisted of about 10 children and 40 adults. Some local songs were sung by the church choir. The experience was very humbling and moving, indicating that to hear the Word of God, one does not have to meet in a fancy air-conditioned and carpeted facility.

Prior to leaving every morning, devotions with prayers and songs was held and every evening a feedback session was followed by thanks and prayer.

Half an hour prior to leaving to return home, I managed to complete the 2 sets of painted bunk beds and then started to pack-up for the 3-day journey back to Cape Town.

My role from this Mission did not necessary include the spreading of the Word of God but provided an improved facility for future Missions.

A Mission cannot be successful without the help, support and thanks to many people: some of whom are

• To Ross for the dedication, methodical planning and well-oiled organisation of this Mission. A true Mission follower of the Lord.
• To Muriel, Ross’s wife. “Mother Hen” was always there looking after her Mission children and providing the required meals.
• The family who donated so much padkos consisting of sandwiches, sausage rolls and other treats for the outwards journey.
• The family who made every member 15 different daily verses with “trinkets”, - these are very meaningful and much appreciated.
• To George and Ida for allowing us to stay on their property and use their facilities.
• The numerous Christian followers for their prayers, generosity and assistance.
• To all 2025 Mission Team members who made 2025 Mission a “Year to Remember”
• And mostly to the Lord God our Saviour who gave us safe travels and allowed us to share the Word of God with the Ovambo community in Northern Namibia

Would I go back – If I was accepted. – Absolutely YES

Kind and Blessed regards

Barefoot Peter