Mom to 19 children shares her story of faith
Compiled by
Keagan Wren

Brenda Johnston with one of her children at Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries in Namibia, Africa

Brenda Johnston, working with Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries (HPOM) in Namibia, Africa, is touring in the U.S. to raise awareness and funds for orphans in sub Saharan Africa. Johnston is Project Director for HPOM.

There are approximately 34 million orphans in sub- Saharan Africa and 11 million are due to HIV/AIDS. Fifty percent of Namibia's population are under the age of 14. HPOM hopes to reduce the amount of orphans almost 50 percent by the year 2010.

The mission of HPOM is to care for and educate the vulnerable children of Namibia. HPOM helps place no more than ten children in a single home. HPOM also assists Namibia's current social service structure in finding and training quality foster families for these orphans.

Jean Caude is an excellent example of how HPOM has supported and guided young children. Jean Claude is presently 22- years- old and is aspiring to be a medical doctor. He started his life with many hardships including running from civil wars and the death of his father. He and his family traveled ten years to get to Namibia.

Upon arriving to Namibia with his family, Jean Claude requested help from HPOM in order to attend school. He graduated at the top of his high school class. He speaks five languages including French and English and was accepted to the University of Namibia.

Through donations made by families from other countries like the U.S., Jean Claude and many orphans have found a home and received a formal education. Though donations have been generous, HPOM is still in financial need.

Brenda Johnston visited the home of Kathy and Al Morganelli of Lexington, S.C., Tuesday, Feb. 27. Kathy Morganelli started Beads of Hope/Seeds of Promise which is partnered with Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries. She is trying to raise the awareness of the seriousness of the orphan problem in Namibia.

Johnston shared her journey how she came to be director of HPOM. Johnston spent 28 years of her life preparing for this job without ever realizing it. She attended a faith- based college, made many trips around the world, moved numerous times in a 15- year period. Johnston said she spent a little time away from her faith and then Jesus led her to Namibia to help her realize what the meaning of life is.

Johnston has worked in many different backgrounds including marketing and management. She has also worked for organizations such as TWA and the Walt Disney Corporation.

Johnston is currently a "mom" to 19 orphaned children.

Monetary donations are needed and appreciated greatly. Donations can be sent to Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries. 309 Jerry St., Suite 202, Castle Rock, CO 80104.