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