THE 2 BISHOPS ARRIVE AT LAST! INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS, DAVID KAZIMA, AND NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF MOZAMBIQUE, IMMANUEL ZALIRA, were our guests for 5 days this week. Bishop Kazima, Brenda, and the tall Bishop Zalira at Indian Ocean in Pemba. Our church and orphan projects are all under the umbrella of LIVING WATERS CHURCH, based in Blantyre, Malawi. Our national headquarters is in Tete city, Mozambique. Rough drawing of Mozambique with Malawi in the middle of the Y. Mozambique has the same land mass as Texas, just stretched out. It is BIG! Arriving in Pemba on Monday afternoon with the MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship plane), gave us time to get to know each other as we had to stay overnight. Red and White MAF plane landing at Pemba. The distance from Pemba to Balama is a 4 to 5 hour intense drive (lots of pot holes), and it is not wise to travel after dark. Arriving in Balama on Tuesday, we wasted no time, as lunch was already prepared for us (chicken and rice). We then visited all 7 orphans homes, where these men held and hugged the Toddlers who came to them on their own! This is not normal as they shy from those they don’t know and shows that “Godly love” flows from them. Then off to the hospital to lay hands on, and pray for Baby Franciano. He is taking IV treatment for malaria. Wednesday, the 2 Bishops taught a 3 hour church leadership class to all 16 village Pastors, and the 11 BBC Youth Evangelist team. Wednesday afternoon was spent answering the many questions the Bishops had about all aspects of our program. Bishop Kazima with Interpretor Whitey, imparting Leadership Training to our Pastors. Early Thursday it was a 5 hour trek back to Pemba, where I continued to answer more questions. These 2 men are VERY HAPPY with our program, and wanted to glean from our evangelism experience in the Bush villages. EARLY FRIDAY MORNING, MAF flew into Pemba from their home base, Nampula, whisking them off to Tete City, 3 hours flight away. It was an intense, power-packed 5 days that I thoroughly enjoyed. Due to the great distance, it is only the 2nd time that Executive Church Officials have been able to visit us. Their Words of Wisdom will long be remembered by all of us. BABY FRANCIANO NEEDS PRAYER FRANCIANO was admitted last weekend with confirmed malaria. At 3.9kg/8,5 lbs. at 5.5 months, he must receive 7 days of IV treatment, not pills, thus admission is mandatory to save his life. PLZ PRAY for the healing of this fragile little one, as he is not digesting his food well. Foster Mother Estivania and Baby Franciano. GOD’S HEALING POWER IS THE BEST MEDICINE IN THE WORLD! The PRAYER OF AGREEMENT is more powerful than any of us can imagine. THANK YOU for your loving support of our children. BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |
Author Archives: Kim Hartman
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG: MAY 7, 2022
FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: MAY 7, 2022 9 LITTLE DISCIPLES LEARNING PORTUGUESE Through song and play time, these 9 little sponges, ages 3, 4, and 5, have mastered several Portuguese songs. See video at this link https://youtu.be/f8fgdlgexSI Singing from their hearts with all their might! Click photo for video. Little Disciples in their classroom. INTRODUCING JANDIRA JANDIRA (Jan Dee rah), is a new addition to our staff with a love for the wee ones, and multiple teaching talents. Her degree in Occupational Therapy along with her Portuguese/English language skills, has her widening the horizons of the Little Disciples as she assists in their learning program. Jandira, new teacher for the wee tykes and high schoolers. JANDIRA also assists our high school classes by helping them with their Biology and Chemistry lessons. I PRAISE THE LORD for sending us such a “gem” of a teacher. HIGH SCHOOL TEENS NEW GARDEN Our industrious young men decided they wanted to grow their own lettuce vs. spending their house money on it. Their small, but efficiently planned garden, and the ingenious making of a sprinkler can, shows us they are learning to be independent and economical thinkers. I am very proud of them for making these decisions all on their own. Dorm boys with their private garden. Note their special sprinkler can. FUN IN THE SUN! A few of our primary schoolers had a fun day on our 16 foot/4.8 meter high super slide this week, as we believe the rainy season is now over. It’s a joy to have activities back in full swing! Primary school kids enjoying the super slide! BECAUSE OF YOUR LOVE, OUR CHILDREN ARE FLOURISHING! From last week’s blog. Pastor Carlos with Granny and her orphaned grandson. BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |
BUSH BUNNY BREND BLOG: APRIL 30, 2022
FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: APRIL 30, 2022 DOING WHAT JESUS WOULD DO Pastor Carlos lives in a large village about 30km/18 miles from our base, and has churches in 2 areas. While making his rounds, he met a 47-year-old grandmother who was going hut to hut begging food for the 7 children now living with her. When she told Carlos her story, and that she urgently needed milk for a newborn, he immediately “did what Jesus would do”. A swift ride to Balama on his motorbike with grandmother and baby brought him ALMOST to our our mission station, as he blew a tire when within walking distance. We quickly provided emergency milk for the tiny 2.9kg/6.3lb. infant boy named Jessi. After hearing the WHOLE STORY about Jessi’s 4 orphaned siblings (under 9 years) and Gracinda’s 3 children (under 10), it was obvious this widowed Granny couldn’t cope without help! Because of the distance, and the fact that there was no other family to help, Carlos eagerly agreed to bring Gracinda and baby Jessi in every 2 weeks on his motorbike for milk and food assistance. There was no way she could handle 2 weeks-worth of corn flour and beans for 7 people (24kg/52lbs.), and the infant without a man’s help. YOUR LOVE GIFTS HELPED RESCUE THIS FAMILY FROM A VERY BAD SITUATION. Not only did your gifts provide life-saving baby formula and food, but also the fuel (and a new bike tire), so that Gracinda and the 8 children could stay in the program. Going the “extra mile” means we do whatever it takes to save children in a desperate situation. We are grateful to Pastor Carlos for going “those extra miles” with us. The relief I saw in Gracinda’s face today, tells me our help took a great burden off her shoulders. Baby Jessi is thriving, as he now weighs 3.2kg/7lbs! Gracinda truly loves the children dropped at her door and is doing a great job with raising Jessi. CLEAN WATER = LIFE! Manel and helpers worked for 4 hours to retrieve a broken water well rod and other debris that left a big part of 5,000 families without water for 2 days. When our Naccaca Pastor called us for help, it was pouring barrels of rain! Tlhe next day, cloudy skies prevailed, but the rain had stopped, allowing our team and the villagers to make the repairs. Water well team and villagers work together to repair the main village well. Water at last! Everyone is happy, and the non stop pumping begins! YOUR LOVE GIFTS AT WORK! CLEAN WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD HEALTH. BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG: APRIL 23, 2022
GOD’S MIGHTY HAND SAVES 3 LIVES On Tuesday, the MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship) pilot took off from their base in a single engine Cessna to fetch our visiting Bishops from Tete, a 3‑hour flight away. Just 10 minutes out of the airport, the pilot, Ryan, noticed an oil leak coming from the engine. Doing a quick turn-around, he headed back to their base. Oil leaks in plane engines causes the engine to “seize” if the oil level drops below a certain point. If you are in the air when the engine stops, down you go with little control! Ryan’s super alertness and lots of prayer for this trip, saved his life! Pilot Ryan of MAF. A man of God who listens when the Holy Spirit speaks After receiving the call (I had left at 3:30a.m. and was just 15 miles/33 kms from Pemba), I notified the Bishops that the plane wasn’t coming. They would have to reschedule. I was just super thankful that the Lord showed Ryan the leak at the ONLY possible moment when a crash could be avoided! So Bush Bunny and her faithful sidekick, Mario, a 2nd driver who always travels with me, changed plans and went on a shopping spree! Flexibility is a key item every missionary needs if they are to make the most of rapidly changing plans. I hadn’t been in Pemba since December 15th due to the rainy season road conditions, so much needed groceries and other supplies which are only available in Pemba were purchased. The local children’s clothing store surprised us with the early arrival of winter sweatpants, so an hour later, we left $200 lighter, but with most of the needed sizes for our 58 children. Our Visitors should arrive on May 10th, as that is the next date that both they and a different plane are available. BABY FRANCIANO JOINS OUR FAMILY AT 5 MONTHS, this orphaned tyke had the high fever of malaria, was super anemic (blood count of 4), and only weighed 2.6 kgs/5.7 lbs! His very ancient grandmother and a middle age Uncle had brought him to us, requesting baby formula. In critical condition, this little boy needed more care than they could provide. I rushed him off to the hospital, where he was immediately admitted and a blood analysis with blood type was ordered. By a miracle, a B+ donor was quickly located. By 5pm, he was receiving a life-saving transfusion. Still in a fragile state 2 days later, he received a 2nd transfusion bringing his blood count up to a safe 10. Tiny Franciano with Foster Mother Estevania, happy to be home from the hospital Released from the hospital on Monday, April 18th with no residual malaria, everyone is now hopeful that he will survive after such overwhelming challenges. Franciano is way too fragile to live in the bush, so with Social Service’s assistance, his family agreed to leave him in our care on April 22nd. GOD’S PLANS ARE ALWAYS THE BEST PLANS! Thank YOU, for your Love Gifts saved the life of this little boy. BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG: APRIL 16, 2022
FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: APRIL 16, 2022 MALAWIAN MOTHER CHURCH SENDS VISITORS International Missions Director, Bishop David Kazima, and our newly appointed National Bishop, Emmanuel Zalira, will arrive in Pemba on April 19th for a 3‑day visit. Neither has ever been here to see our program. Living Waters Church of Blantyre, Malawi, is the founding church for Igreja Aguas Vivas (Church of Living Waters) in Mozambique. IT IS A GREAT HONOR to have these men visit, as Bishop Kazima was on the missions Board who allowed me to register their church in this Province/State way back in 1999. That birthed this massive orphan/church program. We haven’t seen each other since 1999 due to the physical distance between our ministry posts and difficulties in travelling to this area. Both men will tour our entire program as well as meet with our Village Pastors and the BBC while here. Bishop David Kazima, International Missions Director Bishop Emmanuel Zalira, National Pastor for Mozambique FRUITS OF OUR PASTORS’ LABOR From January to March, the “rainy season”, our Pastors have trudged through the mud to reach 100’s with the gospel. Village Pastors in group prayer. Many refugees are now able to return to their northern homes, so our time to reach them with God’s Word has come to an end. SALVATION NUMBERS ARE: ADULTS 206 TEENAGERS 224 CHILDREN 954 REFUGEES 52 A MAJOR MIRACLE occurred when a mother in need of a C‑section was prayed for by one of our Pastors. As the staff was preparing her for the very rough 40km/24 mile ride to the Regional Hospital, THE BABY TURNED IN THE WOMB and was delivered immediately! HALLELUJAH! Thank you Jesus! LARGE PYTHON TRIES TO STEAL A CHILD! The 2 brave men who walk our fence each day heard a woman screaming from her field that a snake was after her baby! The men raced to the area and grabbed the child before this 2.8 METER/9 FT. PYTHON could harm the 1 year old. They then bashed in the snake’s head. 2.8 meter/9 foot python killed by our fence guards. Courageous python killers. It is rare to find a python this long in our area, so it was shown all around our area before finally being buried. Non poisonous, but still deadly, it has a gripping bite that holds a small animal, or child, while they squeeze their prey until they suffocate. Moral: Not everthing that hugs means to say “I love you”. Happy Resurrection Day! BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG: APRIL 9, 2022
FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: APRIL 9, 2022 CARING FOR HIGH RISK INFANTS FRANCIANO, a tiny 5‑month-old baby boy, was brought to our mission at noon on Friday after losing first his father, then his mother from illness. His grandmother and uncle had tried their best to save him since his mother died 3 weeks ago from dysentery, but he wasn’t responding. The thin grandmother, not very old herself, had been breastfeeding him as she has an infant of her own. His weight record of only 3kg/6.6lbs. told me he was not growing, and his high fever shouted malaria! Franciano has a chance, thanks to your love for these innocent ones. Please pray for this little one, as his blood test at the hospital revealed life threatening anemia as his Hbg (red blood count) was only 4! (12 is normal) A transfusion was organized by nightfall, so now our 2 foster mothers are giving him plenty of love and baby formula, as we all wait to see how he responds as Saturday dawns. Caring for these fragile, high risk infants is one reason Jesus sent me here. The Lord arranged specialized training for me in this medical field as I was attending Bible School, and working in PICU AND NICU at St. John’s hospital in Tulsa, OK. With God’s healing hand, and the ability we have to help the most fragile of orphans, these “innocent ones” are given every possible opportunity to survive and thrive! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE! I will keep you informed on how this little one does this week. LEARNING IN THE SAND Our primary school tutor knows how to make learning fun! With a week of dry weather, he had the 6:30 a.m. class outside in the sand doing their math lessons. The kids loved it as their faces beamed with happiness! Anna shows off her super math skills! Teacher PEDRO and our 2nd and 3rd graders enjoying “sand math”. NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! April 7th is celebrated in Mozambique as a day to honor all women. The hospital Director received a pick up load of food gifts for the women’s day feast, which she happily shared with our mothers. We honored all the foster mothers and female staff with the special “caplana” designed for this occasion. It’s a wraparound skirt that is the traditional dress of women in this country. 8 of our 21 foster mothers show off their Women’s Day caplanas! BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG: APRIL 2, 2022
FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: APRIL 2, 2022 JESUS NAMED US ORPHANS UNLIMITED… There is little doubt WHY God named us that. For those who don’t know the story behind the name, I can explain very simply. In the USA for a break way back in the late 1999 time, I knew the time was near for me to file as a charitable organisation. But I had no idea what I was to call this ministry. A simple prayer went up asking for the name God wanted to call us, and then I waited. That night, 2 a.m. on the dot, I sat straight up in bed from a sound sleep, saw a vision of a limitless sea of children’s faces, and heard the words Orphans Unlimited in my spirit. There was never any question in my mind that I had heard correctly, as orphaned/abandoned children keep showing up at our door each week. AND THE INFANTS KEEP COMING This week 4 more orphaned infants showed up at our door. Sadly mothers who have their babies at home, don’t always get the post partum care they need and complications set in which overwhelms their bodies. Three week old Ancha and 8 week old Papaito are prime examples. PTL these 2 have family who loves them, and went “the extra mile” to care for them. Ancha’s grandmother asked help from another suckling mother, who nursed her until the family could travel to Balama from 17 miles away. This is what we see most of the time. Papaitos family scraped together $6 to buy a can of powdered milk at their local market. It was a miracle this little one tolerated it, and didn’t get diarrhea. Both are now on formula and doing just fine. Children’s Director, Anna teaching this Aunt how to bottle feed 2 month old Papaito. Ancha, lost her mother 4 days after her birth. Granny will now raise her. On average, we have families bring Social Services documents weekly for 2 to 3 infants, plus older orphans, who need our food assistance program. Just today, we had grandparents bring us their 1 year old orphaned grandchild. They said he wouldn’t sleep because they didn’t have enough food to feed him. We organized baby food, and a gift of corn flour, beans, and salt for this family. They are now registered in our weekly food program. We know that the “sea of children’s faces” will continue until the Lord’s return. Our staff and I are totally dedicated to meeting their needs, 1 child at a time. THANK YOU FOR FILLING UP EMPTY TUMMIES WITH YOUR LOVE GIFTS! It makes our job so easy when we know we can give what is desperately needed so these little ones can survive. BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG: MARCH 19, 2022
FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: MARCH 19, 2022 ADMINISTRATOR MEETS OUR FAMILY The Balama Administrator and 10 of his staff blessed us with a one-hour visit on Thursday. All the permanent Foster Mothers and the children who were not in school, attended to hear his encouraging words. It was a great time of fellowship where he encouraged the Foster Mothers to tell him about themselves and the children they care for. Our family is much appreciated by this powerful man who runs our District. Administrator meets with our Foster Parents and children. The County/District Administrator is assigned by the State Governor to oversee all activities in his/her District. My staff and I are very grateful for his support of our program as this is his 3rd visit in 2 years, which is a great honor. I took advantage of the moment and snapped precious photos of the children and toddlers who attended. Of our 14 youngest, only 3 are not walking. Toddlers Chebany and Gilda couldn’t sit still, so provided a few laughs by trying out their new walking/falling skills. Toddlers Chebany and Gilda decided to explore the area while awaiting our visitors. Watch Video –> https://youtu.be/l41-6g0FjGY Our happy family is growing strong youngsters, thanks to your prayers and Love Gifts. THANK YOU for sharing your love with them. BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF Toddlers Mazinha and Juma love Capena, our office manager (who really adores loving on all the youngsters). L to R. Foster Mothers Naiba and Zainaba holding Chebany and our newest addition, Ambrosio. Head Foster Mother for the babies, Gilda, with Susana. L to R. Foster Mothers Tina and Cecelia with Baby Gilda and Fatima. L to R. Petrito, Foster Mothers Angelina holding Reginalda, and Aua (holding sleeping Quiston) with big Sister Nazarena in the middle. |
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG: MARCH 15, 2022
FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: MARCH 15, 2022 BABY MARCOS GRADUATES TO HEAVEN Marco’s was a fighter from the moment he took his first breath. He gave his all, but couldn’t overcome the suspected e. coli bacteria that got into his system from the toilet. E. coli kills almost everyone who is infected with it, as it is meant ONLY for the large bowel. For 4 days, Marcos was fine, but Sunday he suddenly became too weak to drink from a bottle. My team and I rushed him to the hospital where he was admitted to the maternity ward, as that is where under 30-day-old infants are treated. Even with the best of care, he became weaker during the night. He met Jesus at 2pm Monday. Marcos, barely 24 hours old, sleeping peacefully. The hospital staff, Social Services, and members from the local government attended his funeral yesterday afternoon. They gave him a very honourable burial, as this is the first infant we’ve cared for who was abandoned in this way. Thank you all for keeping all our children in your prayers. Marcos is with our Lord, and we will meet him again someday in the future. Blessings, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG: MARCH 11, 2022
FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: MARCH 11, 2022 BABY #15 RESCUED FROM OUTDOOR TOILET! A baby boy was born in a remote village on March 9th, his cord was broken (not cut), then someone, we “guess” that it was his mother, dumped him into a nearby outdoor toilet, head first! Teresa, the woman who lived in that mud hut heard the infant crying, and immediately tore the log top off the toilet with her neighbor’s help. L to R. Estevan, foster Mother for Marcos, and Teresa, the woman who rescued him from outdoor toilet. After pulling the baby out, she immediately tied his umbilical cord, and bathed him to remove the excrement from his body. Teresa doesn’t speak Portuguese or Makua, just Makonde, so she asked Fatima, her trilingual neighbor, to go with her to the village clinic with the baby. The clinic called the Balama hospital which immediately sent their ambulance to fetch the infant and the 2 ladies. Marcos, barely 24 hours old, sleeping peacefully. This precious little one miraculously survived the night in the maternity ward, showing NO SIGNS of any medical problems 12 hours later. Social Services called me at 10:45 a.m., Thursday, March 10th, asking us to accept the infant into our family. Our Foster Mother, Estevania, was orientating at House #7. She gladly received him as her own. This little boy, now named Marcos, became the 5th infant in that house. Our staff gathered under the Mango Tree, discussing a name. Marcos was chosen. As that is Portuguese for March, his birth month. On Friday, day 2 of his life, Marco’s has no fever, and only mild inflamation around his umbilical cord. The Balama Doctor placed him on an Antibiotic syrup, and gave us a special antibiotic umbilical cord gel to apply. OUR MIRACLE BABY, MARCOS, needs a sponsor of $40/month to cover his baby formula and Foster care. PLEASE email me directly for more information if you would like to sponsor him. GOD TRULY HAD HIS GUARDIAN ANGEL CATCH AND PROTECT MARCOS. There’s not a scratch on his tiny body after a 6‑foot fall onto his head! Under “normal” circumstances, Marcos should have a badly infected umbilicus AT THE VERY LEAST! OUR GOD IS TRULY AMAZING IN ALL HE DOES FOR HIS LITTLE ONES! GOD’S BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL! BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |