Well at Picoco

The well at Picoco is underway as of today.  The drillers have encountered rocks that are causing problems but they will continue tomorrow.  We have a series of meetings tomorrow and will probably not make it out to Picoco until the next day.  Pray with us that they will be successful in penetrating the rocky part of the ground into good clear water.  It will really improve conditions in this community.

Today, I gave a presentation of sorts to our team in our weekly meeting to explain about our recent trip north.  I continue to be filled with a sense of urgency about the work and especially in the community of Rieque.  The lady in the back left of this photo is burned into my consciousness.  She is not a stranger - we have held her hands and heard her story.  She is very very sick and I cannot forget her and her community.  My heart's desire is that God will reach from eternity into time and place his healing touch upon this dear lady.  I pray that as a mission and as a church, we can affect lasting change in her small community 100 km outside of Nampula.  Pray for this small community and the considerable challenges it faces.  Pray for our small church as it develops and offers a lasting hope to this community.   There is such opportunity in this area and I pray that God will raise up people with a passion for the lost of Mozambique who will join with us and grab hold of our vision for church planting with accompanying compassionate ministries.  

Blessings to you on this glorius day. 

Dave & Ann

"May my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word."  Psalm 119:169

Cultural Challenges

Previously I've written about baby Ana, shown here with her mom when she came to visit us at our home this week. Mother and daughter are visiting family in Maputo while father continues the work in Nampula. Since the baby is named for Ann, that brings with it implied cultural responsibilities we are continuing to learn about.

The meeting was scheduled to be at our place as Mom had something very important to talk with us about - so important we had to be in a private place. However, we also got an earful from Ana's grandmother when we picked them up, so we had an inkling of what it was about. The evening was lovely as we talked around and around and around the issue, until we finally figured out what the problem really was. We have sinced learned that many many people know about this problem.

Well, it turns out that our dear friend's reed house in Khongolote was put on the wrong parcel of property many years ago. We couldn't get an answer as to how this happened but it's really not relevent to the story anyway. Our understanding is that the property was part of a flood relief settlement from the floods of 2000 and at the time the construction was started, the plot markings weren't crystal clear. There are four lots in a square, the neighbor owns three of them and our friends own one. While they were living in Khongolote, everyone understood the error but all was well as they were all good friends and the neighbors used their lot for a garden. In fact, Ana's big "coming out" party was at the neighbor's house.

But, with our friends now living in Nampula and working with our church planting program, they are renting the property out (for about 8 US dollars a month). The situation is no longer amiable and the neighbor has gone to the government and we are faced with tearing down the house because it is on the wrong piece of property. We suggested selling the property to the neighbor, swapping parcels, and other logical solutions but no one is interested in any of those options (and trust me, you can't tell the two lots in question apart!). There are lots of cultural reasons for this also, including if they sold it, the money would 'run away' to whatever the most immediate need is with the family, friends, or village. So, the way it was presented to us was that we need to help move the house (basically build a new one, salvaging the roof tin) to the correct lot 'for the future of Ana.' Sigh.......that's where we come in with our implied cultural responsibility!

So, now we face into this one - west meets southern African culture.

So, we went out and looked at the situation and are getting an estimate of what it would take to replace the house in kind but in our heart of hearts, we are struggling with this. As I've mentioned previously, in Mozambique, people will almost sell their souls to have a simple block house that is unfinished concrete block about 10 feet wide by 15 feet long. Houses have extreme importance here to a level we can't even begin to understand. The facts are that indeed they will likely lose the land to the government if they don't build something on it very soon (the government gives your two years to improve the land or it reverts back to the government and we're way past two-years). But on the otherhand, they live in Nampula now and at least for another couple of years. And I know they don't have the money or access to money to take care of this...

We're trying to work with their home church because they are essentially missionaries in Nampula; maybe a compromise where the church provides the labor and we provide materials, for example, but we think it is important that this be a joint venture. We may be able to replace it 'in-kind' (reed house - see photo) for a little bit of money, but the block house for 'Ana's future' is just a bit much! We think our goal in this is to help our friends think through the decision making process and then we will see where this takes us. We do love them.

In this case, it hurts our hearts a bit because our friends are ministering to the poorest of the poor in Nampula and yet they are being distracted at a deep emotional level about this house. Satan just loves to get in there and stir it all up so that people doing kingdom work can be made less effective. We truly appreciate the prayers of our dear friends back home who help us through situations like this and for the prayers for those we work with. When we evaluate the needs that we face everyday, this one doesn't tip my compassion scale very much, as we are dealing with people dying of disease or people who haven't eaten in days, for example. But, these are who God has put in our path and while we can't do everything for everybody, we can certainly do something.

Heh heh, out there, I need a house for each of my daughter's futures and while you are at it, I need one so if we ever leave the mission field, I don't have to live on the street!! Maybe on a beach or lake somewhere with a boat dock? ;-) [I am kidding, but I wanted you to get the feel! Heh Ann, have you finished matching up our girl's names to every friend we have?]

Blessings.

"And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." Mt 25:42

Well Update

As I write, the well equipment is being moved from Khongolote to Picoco and we should start drilling tomorrow or the next day in this area that is desperate for water. We still don't have the pump assembly but they are going ahead while we wait for the top pieces. So, one more step - quite a process to bring all these things together....The church at Picoco is really excited about this water well and there will definitely be a crowd when things get started! Please continue to pray with us about this well as the soil is rocky and the drilling of this well may not be easy - pray with us that they can slide that auger straight down into pure fresh water!

Sunday, we visited one of our newest church plants quite close to our home actually, maybe 15 minutes by car. Church was held under a tree next to the house of a relative of the church planter. We had about 12 people who came. Afterwards, we gave a ride to one of the men to a funeral service. We went through miles and miles of narrow sand streets that just further demonstrates to us how many people live in this area surrounding Maputo. It is quite deceptive until you really get out into the areas.

Afterwards, we went with Pastor Abel to give some motorcycle familiarization lessons to him so he can begin using a motorcycle we have available for use in our Evangelism and Church Planting program - and yes, I took it for a spin - have always like motorcycles but they don't always like me as I've wrecked a few in my life but God has graciously protected me from my stupidity each time! Motorcycles or scooters are becoming a more and more common way of transportation here and there are a number of Chinese bikes here called "motorbikes in a box" that are assembled here from the parts. They are quite inexpensive and we are seeing them everywhere. The small ones don't require a license and are the ones we see everywhere as the corruption and cost to get a motorcycle license makes getting a license nearly impossible for most people.

While we were at the church service, a man we knew recognized our car and came over to see what we were up to and that provided an opportunity to invite him to join with us. We have these crazy stickers on the side of our car window from a previous owner, and we can't remove them because that is what identifes our vehicle! And it is virtually impossible for us to go around incognito anyway! The prior owner had several kids and the stickers are bonded with the tinting film on the inside of the window so there is no taking them off at this point! They always provide opportunity to talk with kids.

We are preparing for a number of key strategic meetings next week in ECC and the seminary, so it will be a busy week of preparation, planning, and meetings. We are also doing a presentation on our trip north at our team meeting this week to try and explain everything we did and experienced in the north and hopefully cast a vision for the future of the program in the north.

In between the meetings we plan to get out to Picoco and get some photos of the well drilling in progress. So, stay tuned!!!

Dave & Ann

"No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light." Luke 11:33



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Reflections on Trip North, Rieque

We continue to try and process all we experienced on our trip through northern Mozambique. There is so much to explain but probably what touched me the most was our time on the outskirts of Nampula. We have three small church plants about 30, 50, and 100 km south of the city of Nampula. We traveled a horrible road to get to them each day we were in Nampula.

While each church touched us in different ways, the church at Rieque probably touched us the most. This area is near an area where many are digging 'precious stones' and there are various 'characters' that come and go into this area picking up these stones and taking them who knows where. I kept asking what the precious stones were, and no one could tell me - they just knew 'strangers' bought them for a little money. I suspect that people are making huge profits on the poverty of people who don't understand what they have but that is something to investigate more when we return in January. We drove through this area where the stones are traded on the way to Rique - it's in the middle of nowhere and it was not a very comfortable place to drive through. Our Pastor accompanying us advised us to not linger and just get through the area promptly. It felt dark and dangerous - small reed stores on both sides - something we are used to, yet it felt so different and the people there were a different type, many just looking plain dangerous. There was definitely a darkness there that was quite oppressing; a darkness that only the one who steals and destroys can impose.

Another 10 or so kilometers and we came to Rieque - where we held church under a tree. The community health needs here were overwhelming - more than we could process or even address with Ann's health kit that we carry with us everywhere we go. The young child in the photo above was quite sick, malnourished, and represents well the blight of the people here. Another young women who requested prayer was frail and thin with all the signs of advanced AIDS. A precious soul who openly accepted Christ, with a hope for an eternity free from the ravages or disease and malnutrition. We could not help but love these forgotten people and it is overwhelming to face into the need that they have. They work hard, are very clever with the use of local materials, and seek very much the same things all people of the world seek: food, shelter, a future for their children, and relationships.

We sat with them and just listened as they talked about their lives, about their families, about their community, about their medical issues, and about their daily struggles. Two of the local government leaders joined into our discussion, one who is also president of a mosque somewhere in the area. We mostly listened; one of our church planters preached a powerful sermon that Juka followed up on and many accepted Christ that day, including our government officials. As we sat, more and more people came as the discussion expanded.

Ann handed out some medications to help a few but the needs far exceeded anything we could do. We're working with our National Pastor to try and access other programs that can help this village that God has put in our path. There are numerous aid agencies here that we should be able to partner with. While we have offered the most important thing - transformed lives through Christ, we must remember Christ's admonition and example to show compassion and help where we can; but the challenge is always to establish sustainable programs. It's another place we need a well, a simple church structure, and compassionate assistance that brings hope but that doesn't build dependency - the tight rope we walk every day.

My long term dream is that our seminary will produce graduates who will be willing to go to a place such as this and teach the gospel and be an advocate for the people, teaching them as Paul admonished Timothy. People so sold out for Christ that they will readily move to such a place and grow the church and open doors of opportunity.

We left a big piece of our heart in this place and I don't think we can take it back until God releases us from what He has planned for His people in this remote place. A place he has marked well by a nearby mountain that glows all night with a white light (probably from phosphorous deposits). He knows this place, He knows the names of each of His people who are there; people like you and me but who find themselves near the mountain of white light (photo) that points to heaven, to the one who can solve every need.

Use all of us dear Lord in a way that brings honor to you and shows compassion to those whom you love. May we make a difference in the lives of those you bring before us. May we follow your example in power and strength, yet with humility and compassion because you first loved us. Blow Holy Spirit through Rieque; may it be a shinning testimony to your goodness and compassion. My soul cries out to you for your people in this place. Show us your plan.

"If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday." Is 58:10

Opportunities to Share

This entry is especially for my sister in Alabama, who attended the University of Alabama!

We were visiting with one of our trainers in a small village in the Gaza province and this young lady came to talk with us. She attends a bible study that our trainer (Jose Carlos on the left) teaches. I had great fun talking with her about her shirt - it was an opportunity for relationship. She had no idea what the shirt said or signified - now she does - not that it is really all that important!

The shirt probably came here through an aid organization - we see all sorts of T-shirts with various US organization logos on them. For those of you who don't know - I essentially grew up in Alabama and Auburn and Alabama are long rivals. Of course I always laugh and say that I looked around when I was a senior in high school in Huntsville, Alabama and tried to pick - Auburn or Alabama. But I decided I wanted to go to college, so I went to the University of Tennessee!! ;-). (another great football rivalry!)

The box you see the man on the right holding is a box of bibles in the local dialect that we brought up for Jose Carlos to help with his bible study. The study is already talking about being a church!

Thank you Lord for this young lady you have drawn to you!

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;" 1Pe 3:15

Wells

While we were traveling in the north, World Hope put in a well at our Intaka church (seen in the background with the sewing center). Right now all you see is a pipe in the ground but they hit good water and we are waiting for the top pieces. The company they get the hand pump apparatus from is currently out of stock. So, we wait aggressively! You kind of get used to that here....

But it is great progress and we look forward to seeing the change this well will have on the church and this small community.

As we traveled in the north, the need for good clean water struck us over and over again. In the more rural areas, people gather water from streams where people bath, streams where the water is dirty, full of debris, and we know a source of disease. Diarrahea is a common ailment, as are stomach ailments - it is no wonder. Good health starts with clean water....

Thanks to all of you who have made this possible. We will keep you informed.

Thank you for standing with us.

Dave & Ann

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols." Exe 36:25

Back Home

You've heard the expression about not burning any bridges?

This photo is of a bridge we encountered driving in the north. This is the main road going to Gurue. There is no easy way around this bridge. We think a large truck had hit the bridge on one side, completely pushing it over and the supporting concrete pillar holding up the bridge on one side.

So the question is - do you cross the bridge or not?

As we sat there debating this, I watched a small truck full of people pull up. They built the little ramp you see with rocks and sticks. The 30 or so people in the back of the truck walked across the bridge. The small truck then went over the bridge while I carefully examined the understructure as it went across. I knew that we weighed more than the truck by quite a bit. Mmmmmm..... So time to pray.

I'm happy to report that this photo is looking back at the bridge after I crossed it (making everyone else in the car walk across). The four wheel drive came in quite handy as there was quite an angle in the bridge - it is buckled in the middle with quite a climb up.

We've seen this before - and I imagine the fix will be to simply put another metal bridge over the top of it - with us driving up a steep ramp and then across single file over the bridge on a bridge. We crossed several of those on this trip.

I thought all my engineer friends would enjoy the photo!

My guess is that the bridge has collapsed now - several days later. There is certainly no need to fix it until it collapses!

I'll write more about the trip in the coming days as we digest everything that happened. Mozambique is an amazing country and the distances are vast. We drove dawn to dusk (about 12 hours) for three days to reach the northern provinces. Most of the roads were fairly decent but the ones that were bad were really really bad. The car took a beating and we had one blow-out - badly shredding the tire and we cut another one crossing the bridge above. I had carried an extra spare tire (no rim) and got it mounted at the ferry. You can see them working on it in this photo. They pounded the old tire off with a sledge hammer and a metal wedge - mounted the other one I was carrying - in about 15 minutes. Quicker than at NTW.

It's good to be home (4998 kilometers later) but we really wished we could have spent more time in the Gurue area and we will take more time when we are back in Nampula for the January ECC retreat. The needs we encountered were tremendous but I need to save that for another entry. I have much to write about and may put it in the form of an article for the OMS magazine. God is doing amazing things throughout this country but the needs are just astounding.

"He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him." Ps 66:6

Wells

We just received word that the well-drilling is on again for Monday morning. This is the same morning we leave for the long drive to northern Mozambique. We have delegated the following of the drilling of our two wells to Pastor Ricardo and I'm sure he will do a great job for us while we are gone. I hate to miss the opportunity to show you the 'in-process' photographs but look forward to providing you with the finished product photographs!

We've spent today trying to prepare for the trip north. I have a small box of spare filters, fan belts, radiator stop-leak, tire repair kits, etc. for the simple things that could happen and we'll carry four Jerry-cans of fuel on top as diesel stations can be few and far between!

In a way it is reminiscent of our previous life where we took the kids camping every year. We are taking tents and camping supplies for this trip, it is not a hotel-type trip! We are starting malaria medication tomorrow as we will be out of routine and out at night. Our tent also provides a great protection from mosquitoes. Ann and I are wondering if we are 'too old for this' staying in the bush. We will tell you in a couple of weeks!

Truly we look forward to sharing with the churches in the north and spending time with the leadership there. We pray that God will use us in a way that is honoring to Him.

Dave & Ann

"We will go three days’ journey into the wilderness ...." Exodus 8:27

In this verse, Moses was taking his people on a three-day journey to offer sacrifices and the next thing you know the trip lasts 40 years. mmmm, is this trip we are leaving on like Gilligan's three-hour tour??? ;-)

What Goes Up

What is this picture? Today Juka and I rode the seminary elevator for the first time. One of the prime design criterion of the seminary was that it be handicap-accessible. With a four-story structure, you need an elevator to do this. For our first year here, we called, urged, pleaded, and otherwise begged to get the elevator company to work on it and finish it. Well, finally it is done and Mike Thiessen, our seminary director, is applying for the license to operate it. It worked great - we went to the top and stopped at each floor, and lived to tell. When the permit is granted, we will be making our last payment on the elevator - one more piece of the construction completed. We are so thankful to have this completed. The last remaining thing is purchasing a small piece of adjacent land-locked land that we want to use for parking. This is presently with the government for approval and we continue to pray that this will proceed.

Also, we are delayed on the wells - one of the team drilling members passed away and they are delayed until after the funeral. It is a tragic part of life here.

Monday we leave for a car trip to the north to visit our ECC teams. Today we went around getting supplies together and have a bit more to do tomorrow. It's over 1000 miles one way so it isn't a light trip and the roads aren't the best. We picked up a few spare filters and maintenance parts for the car, just in case. I'm sure we'll have much to report when we return. It is a bit of a survey trip as well as we feel that missionary presence is needed to stand with our churches in the northern provinces. Pray for us as we go and return. It is three-days journey one-way as we don't want to travel after dark.

Dave & Ann