Bush Bunny Blog - Orphans Unlimited

PICKING UP VISITORS MEANS FLEXIBILITY IN RAINY SEASON
Went to Pemba on Wed. to fetch Linda Stanley, now returning for her 3rd year of service with us in Balama.
Two young ladies, Joy Blom and Monica Lombard, from South Africa also joined us that day for a 90 day stay to help Eric with his Christian Radio programs and Linda with the children’s programs.
We planned to leave Thursday morning to return, but Eric woke up to the heavy pounding of rain on his roof at 4a.m.
By 10 a.m. the sky had dumped 3+ inches (80 mm) of rain in Balama!
Needless to say, we would not travel to Balama that day, as the mud holes and multiple low water crossings on the last 30 miles (60Km) of that road would be a hazard waiting to happen.
At 9a.m. our plans suddenly changed, as the Administrator of Meluco County needed to see me on important matters before I left the country on the 17th.
A 3 hour drive into the bush, meant we ran to the grocery story, grabbing sandwich food and bottled water, and were on the road to Meluco in 15 minutes.
By Noon, my tiny tour group had seen many miles of African bush sprinkled with a few baboons and a lot of Elephant dung!
Elephants like to walk the roads at night, as it is their “sidewalk” and much easier than weaving through the tightly knit trees.

Our meeting went well and then we were off for the 3 hour drive to Montepuez, arriving at dark.
Due to all the mud holes, it is not safe to drive the Balama/Montepuez road at night, so we found a “sleep house” and bedded down as another hard rain hit the area.
An early start the next morning saw us safely in Balama by 6:30a.m.
ALL OF US were relieved to be home, and THE BEAR, Eric Dry, met us with hugs all around!

Joy and Monica learned first-hand that day that missions means FLEXIBILITY and ADAPTABILITY.
You do what it takes to get the job done.
To be prepared in the bush, means you not only need a plan B, but better have a plan C if you want to handle each day’s challenges.
Jesus was with us every step of the way, and we PRAISED THE LORD for 4 wheel drive as we splashed through many a mud hole in that last 30 miles.

BUSH BUNNY DEPARTS MOZAMBIQUE, JAN. 18th

I will leave Balama (and e-mail) behind on Jan. 17th to make sure I can get through to Pemba for my flight on Jan. 18th.
I’ll be in South Africa for a week, arriving in Houston on Jan. 26th.
Email will be difficult to obtain during that week in South Africa, so I doubt I’ll be able to answer anyone till the 27th.
If you have an urgent question, please contact our office at Linda@orphansunlimited.org

Below is my updated speaking schedule with the additions in red.

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, 11a.m., San Antonio private meeting
Feb. 2, 2:30pm Concordia University Nursing Students, Austin, TX

Feb. 3, 7pm. PUBLIC MEETING, Masters School, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 5, a.m. service, NORTHPOINT CHURCH, New Braunfels, TX
Feb. 5. 7pm Seguin First Baptist Church, Seguin, 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 17th, Reception, 7pm, Laporte, TX (contact our office for details)
March 22nd, Dallas, TX, private meeting
March 25, 11a.m. GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Flint, TX (near Tyler)

2012 will be a busy and exciting year, and I look forward to visiting all of you on the above schedule!

Blessings, and keep me in your prayers as I will travel over 10,000 miles just to get from Balama to Houston.

Bush Bunny Brenda

From: “Brenda Lange”
Date: January 8, 2012 4:31:14 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Jan. 8, 2012

RAINY SEASON AT FULL STRENGTH
 
The last 4 days, the sun never peaked through the black clouds, as it rained from 12-16 hours each day.
I traded my bunny ears for webbed feet and now quack like a duck!
 
With only 10 days left before I leave Mozambique for South Africa, my work teams are busy planting our fields and “wrapping up” the construction.  The rainy season will continue till the end of March.
 
It’s time for our team to stay near the house, and watch our fields grow, as our dirt roads (mostly clay based) have turned to a muddy mess that challenges even 4 wheel drive.  The “new national highway”, that runs between Balama and civilization, is far from finished, but at least most of it has crushed rock on top of the dirt which greatly improves traction.
Travel to our remote churches is no longer possible by pick-up due to the mud.
Pastor Alberto, our Evangelist, and Nelson, my 14 year old Sunday School Teacher, travelled by bicycle to Naccaca today to help them with that fast growing church.  Walking in or bicycle are the only “safe” modes of travel in this mud.
 
ESTIFON MEETS JESUS
Last week I told you how Estifon, a severely anemic and malnourished young man who was near death, used the last of his energy to walk to our Rovuma church to find out about Jesus.  He responded very well to our nutritional program for the first 6 days, but then developed diarrhea Wednesday night, most likely from eating something with dirty fingers.   His system couldn’t handle even a few hours of sickness, and Jesus welcomed him into his arms at 5a.m. the next morning.
We tell all our orphans and workers that there is NO GUARANTEE of tomorrow.
Keep your heart right with God, and no matter when this earthly body gives out, you know your destination will be heaven.
 
BUSH BUNNY LEAVES MOZAMBIQUE JAN. 17TH
I’ll travel on Jan. 17th to Pemba to make sure I can catch my flight on the 18th to Johannesburg.
A big rain the same day as the flight, would mean a muddy road, and possibly a missed flight!
I’ll relax and recharge a few days in South Africa, and then be on my way to the USA, Jan. 25th.
NOTE:  I WILL NOT HAVE EMAIL FROM JAN. 17TH TO 26TH, so please contact LINDA at our TEXAS OFFICE if you have any questions that need urgent answers.  linda@orphansunlimited.org
 
BALAMA RAINY SEASON TEAM
Eric Dry is back from holiday in South Africa and will manage the orphan programs till my return in early April.
Linda Stanley from North Carolina, and 2 young ladies from South Africa are flying in this Wednesday.
I’ll test my 4 wheel drive King Cab in the mud to go fetch them in Pemba.
  They’ll handle the orphan and widows programs for the rainy season, and help Eric to record and edit his Christian Radio programs.
 
BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!
“Web Footed” Bush Bunny Brenda and her Balama staff
 
 
 
 
 
 

From: “Brenda Lange”
Date: January 8, 2012 4:31:14 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Jan. 8, 2012

RAINY SEASON AT FULL STRENGTH
 
The last 4 days, the sun never peaked through the black clouds, as it rained from 12-16 hours each day.
I traded my bunny ears for webbed feet and now quack like a duck!
 
With only 10 days left before I leave Mozambique for South Africa, my work teams are busy planting our fields and “wrapping up” the construction.  The rainy season will continue till the end of March.
 
It’s time for our team to stay near the house, and watch our fields grow, as our dirt roads (mostly clay based) have turned to a muddy mess that challenges even 4 wheel drive.  The “new national highway”, that runs between Balama and civilization, is far from finished, but at least most of it has crushed rock on top of the dirt which greatly improves traction.
Travel to our remote churches is no longer possible by pick-up due to the mud.
Pastor Alberto, our Evangelist, and Nelson, my 14 year old Sunday School Teacher, travelled by bicycle to Naccaca today to help them with that fast growing church.  Walking in or bicycle are the only “safe” modes of travel in this mud.
 
ESTIFON MEETS JESUS
Last week I told you how Estifon, a severely anemic and malnourished young man who was near death, used the last of his energy to walk to our Rovuma church to find out about Jesus.  He responded very well to our nutritional program for the first 6 days, but then developed diarrhea Wednesday night, most likely from eating something with dirty fingers.   His system couldn’t handle even a few hours of sickness, and Jesus welcomed him into his arms at 5a.m. the next morning.
We tell all our orphans and workers that there is NO GUARANTEE of tomorrow.
Keep your heart right with God, and no matter when this earthly body gives out, you know your destination will be heaven.
 
BUSH BUNNY LEAVES MOZAMBIQUE JAN. 17TH
I’ll travel on Jan. 17th to Pemba to make sure I can catch my flight on the 18th to Johannesburg.
A big rain the same day as the flight, would mean a muddy road, and possibly a missed flight!
I’ll relax and recharge a few days in South Africa, and then be on my way to the USA, Jan. 25th.
NOTE:  I WILL NOT HAVE EMAIL FROM JAN. 17TH TO 26TH, so please contact LINDA at our TEXAS OFFICE if you have any questions that need urgent answers.  linda@orphansunlimited.org
 
BALAMA RAINY SEASON TEAM
Eric Dry is back from holiday in South Africa and will manage the orphan programs till my return in early April.
Linda Stanley from North Carolina, and 2 young ladies from South Africa are flying in this Wednesday.
I’ll test my 4 wheel drive King Cab in the mud to go fetch them in Pemba.
  They’ll handle the orphan and widows programs for the rainy season, and help Eric to record and edit his Christian Radio programs.
 
BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!
“Web Footed” Bush Bunny Brenda and her Balama staff
 
 
 
 
 
 

From: “Brenda Lange”
Date: January 1, 2012 9:16:30 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Jan. 1, 2012

First, I want to say that ALL OF YOU are very precious to me, or staff, and to our children.
We pray for all of you to have a blessed and prosperous 2012.
Your love gifts this year allowed our pastors to lead over 252 people to Christ and to rescue over 175 malnourished orphans.
 
Testimony of what your Love Gifts did this week:
   Last week a young man, Estifon, used the last of his strength to walk to our Rovuma Church.
He told Carlitos, the Youth Pastor, that he heard people talking about a man named “Jesus” who healed sick people.
He knew he was near death, and wanted to know if Jesus would heal him.
  Carlitos explained who Jesus is, and prayed with him to receive Jesus as his Savior and then for healing.
Carlitos then called to say he was bringing a young man to me who had no blood.
Estifon was badly malnourished and so weak from anemia that Carlitos had to tie the young man to him on the motorbike to keep him from falling off!
I explained to Carlitos the danger this was to both of them, but his heart was in the right place and the angels kept them safe, as his only concern was for this man’s safety over his own.
We fixed him up with prayer, vitamins, a high protein diet of beans and canned fish, as well as treatment for intestinal worms.
Yesterday, this young man’s mother told Carlitos that after 5 days her son is like a “new man”.
There is no way our earthly food caused such a fast recovery.  (normally takes 30 days for reverse anemia with diet)
This young man’s faith in Jesus sparked the release of Jesus’ healing power giving him NEW LIFE.
2000 years ago a woman with an issue of blood received her healing when she reached and touched Jesus’ robe.
This young man “reached out in faith” and found out Jesus still heals the same today as He did then.
 
God gave me the heart of a rescuer when I was born.
Then God gave me the desire of my heart, by allowing me to rescue and evangelize orphans in Mozambique.
It’s my favorite thing to do!
The Lord Jesus and I thank you for your faithfulness as many of you have walked with me through the entire Twenty one years I’ve been in Africa.
 
Billy Graham once said exactly what I’m feeling now:
 
“There is no better place to be, than in the “WILL OF GOD”, unless it is “IN HIS PRESENCE”.
 
Many of you know what God has called you to do, and you are doing it.
For those who are uncertain, you just need to ask, and then listen for His instructions.
He’ll show you His plan for your life, and if you chose to follow it, you’ll find true happiness.
 
Each of you is a “rescuer” when you bless our children with your prayers and love gifts.
THANK YOU to all of you who helped us save lives in 2011!
FYI: For those who gave specifically to our Wish List :
1.       5 goats and 12 ducks will join our family in 2012 and
2.      $14,410 has been donated towards the $25,000 needed for the 5 children’s houses.  (construction starts in April)
 
TOGETHER, WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 1000’S OF LIVES IN NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE.
THANK YOU for sharing your love with our children in 2011.
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
BBB AND THE BALAMA STAFF   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.

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!
Love, BBB
 
Merry Christmas,
Bush Bunny Brenda and her disaster relief team.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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)

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