T-3 Preschool is Open!!

Monday was the opening day for the T-3 preschool. After a year and 1/2 of trying to get through the gauntlet of new government regulations, construction of a new building, training of teachers, and gaining the needed permits, the church finally has the license they need to operate at long last. Monday morning we visited and were greeted by the Isabel the school director seen in this picture coming to open the gate for us.

They started with only a few students on Monday, with more expected over the coming days. We hope to return to our former levels of nearly 100 students but it is good to start back up slowly. There was alot of crying and when Isabel left the room, the kids all started boo-hooing but it was music to our ears. After all, it is pre-school!... But we know she'll have them all happy and well adjusted in short order! Isabel, Luisa, and Theresa (the staff) were grinning ear to ear; the school is open at last.

We praise God for His faithfulness. It has been a long journey in this land where the harder you push, the slower it goes.

In the one photograph you can see the little kitchen room with the small fire where Theresa was fixing chicken and rice for the children.

Wednesday, the Khongolote pre-school has called us up to train them on health and business ideas for the pre-school. They are using a rented 1968 VW beetle (I'm not kidding) as a school bus, running the pre-school kids back and forth each day, making three runs (how many pre-school kids can you fit in a volkswagen?). They want to purchase the car, but based on the economics of the pre-school, I figure they are losing money right now just on the gas. They wanted us to help them purchase the car, which isn't a bad idea actually (to have a bus-type vehicle), but the tuition needs to cover it and that concept seemed to be lost somewhere. So, we'll sit down with the leadership and try to work through the issues with them. The government wants pre-schools to have buses but the economics just don't work; you can cover the operating expense, but not the initial capital expenditure for a small sized pre-school.

We'll sit with them Wednesday and work together on a budget for this current school year and see where that leads.

Ann is especially excited at the invitation to train the staff on health issues.

As an update, the rumor is that the police have arrested someone they think was stealing wells and they may have our well. Wouldn't that be a great answer to prayer! We're waiting for some of the people at Intaka to advise us on the next step. It is better if we don't show our face at the police station until they are ready for us to go get the well parts. Keep praying!

Blessings to you this week!

Dave & Ann

"Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." Mark 9:37

Picoco Well is Complete

Today we finally made it out to Picoco and verified the well is operating. That is great news and while we were there, we watched family after family come and receive the water. Yes, we tasted it and it is good clean water. We will make the final payment on the well tomorrow and we pray it will bless the church and the community and draw people to this quiet and peaceful place. Thank you to all who contributed to this wonderful cause.

On the other side is sad news about our well at Intaka and generally about Intaka in general. We received a call that the well had been stolen at night. We found that hard to believe as it is no small task to unbolt a well, dismantle it, pull the rods, and put it in a truck all within easy earshot of numerous homes of church members. To top it off, there is some sort of strife within the church and the pastor has resigned. This pastor we count as a personal friend and we had talked on the phone about the well and now he isn't taking our calls. We received his resignation letter and we had a special meeting with the denomination leaders about it. The culture would have the denomination issue a letter back inviting him to a meeting with the leadership to discuss his letter. So, more to come, but we believe our long friendship provides the right to drive out and visit with them over this. It has rocked our world a bit as we have spent much time with this church and the Pastor and his family, so we are wanting to very much understand what is happening.

Today, I drove out to Intaka with a visitor from OMS, and confirmed the well was indeed gone, along with some damage to the inner casing that I think is more of a sabotage thing. It's all fixable but experience has taught us that the culture has a way of bringing these kinds of things around. The church and denomination has posted a reward for information leading to..... so we shall see. I talked to some people we know nearby and learned that indeed a car stopped there late one night and that was about all I could get - no one was talking. There is lots of gossip and finger pointing and the police are involved, but we just don't know anything. I drove by very similar wells that are around (although not close) and this seems to be the only one that was affected. We are praying that something good will come of this and I hate to admit it, but I'm praying for God to have His way with the culprits.

So, heartbreak and jubiliation; life here challenges the emotions on a regular basis.

Tomorrow, our long-time and dear friend Karlene returns to the States after three wonderful weeks (at least for us!) with us. This photo is of her today at Picoco. We covered alot of ground with Karlene during her time here and we hope that this trip will help her with the prayer ministry she leads that is so vital to the OMS work in Mozambique. Her leaving will leave a big hole here, for she is really much more family to us than a friend.

People do come and go, for yesterday Lon arrived from OMS headquarters to do some filming and documentary work and so he is also with us and we are enjoying introducing him to the work here.

"Arise, O LORD! O God, lift up Your hand! Do not forget the humble." Ps 10:12

What Seems Normal?

While we were in Mocuba last Sunday night, we were at one of our Pastor/Trainer's homes quite a bit after dark. We were out far from any electricity and light pollution and we sat around a table in a mud house with a thatch roof to the light of a single flickering candle affixed to an upside down can placed in the center of the table. With this small light, which illuminated the entire room, we shared our prayer concerns, requests, and stories. We heard the stories of God's provision and those things that we continue to wait on God to reveal the path forward. We prayed together and enjoyed a special fellowship. Near the end of this special time, I received a phone call from our landlord in Maputo advising us he would be gone when we returned (we live near each other and are friends) and he needed to talk to me about some other schedule related things. I excused myself and stepped out into the night and absolutely gasped into the phone and my friend Don says, "Dave, are you alright, is every thing ok?"

The night sky was like something I had never seen in my life. The milky way just jumped out and it was as if I could reach up and touch it, to the point I actually tried to. The stars were sparkling and twinkling and I could detect reds and greens and blues in some of the light. I turned around and around trying to drink in the absolute incredible breadth and vastness of it all. The southern cross just leaped out of the sky and I could only stare at the absolutely breath-taking glory of the heavens and is seemed as if God were speaking in a shout for all to see, "I am here, I am with you, I am your Creator and God". I was brought to my knees and my life flashed before me as I was brought low in awe of our awesome God.

"Dave, are you ok?....Dave, Dave.." The phone finally pulling me back to my senses.

"Oh, sorry Don, I was just blown away by the majesty of the sky up here. I just exited a house in a rural area and wasn't expecting this." I could sense his smile. "Yes, it is really incredible, isn't it? I know exactly what you are talking about for I have felt the same thing many times when out away from the light pollution of the cities."

We shared a few minutes than then it was back to business.

Yes, He is glorious and everlasting....All of heaven cries out....

Dave

"The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork." Ps 19:1

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse..." Romans 1:20

Back from Mocuba

We return to Maputo late on Tuesday to start meetings with our regional director on Wednesday and so we're a bit backed up on entries on the blog. But, we got a call from the US embassy today with people checking up on our visiting friend Karlene because people in the states hadn't heard from her! That was amazing - how did the embassy put all that together - aren't computers amazing! But we felt bad - we have a cell phone and could certainly provide the number and we'll need to remember to do that next time. Our kids text us short messages from time to time! We are certainly reachable!

So, yes, we are alive and well and Karlene is not suffering too much from sleeping in the rain and surviving on bugs, ants, and worms! ;-) Proof positive is in the photo.



The trip north went quite well and we were pleased that some of the worst roads at least had patches on the patches, which really improved the overall ride and we got back with no flat tires - a first! We traveled a shade under 4000 km in about a week. We took up seven boxes of bibles, many supplies, and two of our Christian Micro-enterprise Development fellows traveled with us as well. Two hard days of travel each way. The ferry crossing went well and we could see great progress on the great bridge being built over the Zambezie River. They are pushing to a June completion date and it might actually be possible - speeding up the trip by a couple of hours maybe plus taking the pressure off - the ferry has limited hours, a two-hour lunch period, and there is no where we stay if you miss it. We got the last ride over on the way up, for example!


Our air conditioner went out in the first three hours, but we were able to arrange a re-charge in Xai-Xai and continue on after picking up the Bibles. Our friends at the Weslyan mission helped connect us with an honest mechanic. Networking is so important here. We have a very small leak that we've not be able to find yet and that is fustrating in this climate where we really need the air conditioning in the car. It lasts about three months on one recharge - a very small leak but still an inconvenience and expense we'd like to eliminate!



The first photograph is of us standing on some land we have purchased for a training center in the Mocuba area. It includes Antonio, his wife Theresa and their son Jori, Dave, Ann, Karlene, and Juka. We continue to work to finalize this beautiful peace of property, currently planted in corn, bananas, and pineapples. Our plan is to build a training center for our church multiplication program, including limited housing to accommodate guests, visiting pastors, and someone to just keep an eye on things. It will also double as a seminary extension center someday. All it takes is a little money!


We continue to be greatly encouraged by the work in this area. The trainers are following the church multiplication model and we are seeing amazing growth - a church multiplication movement. We visited with one training center where we watched our country coordinator oversight a trainer as he trained a church planter on how to conduct Baptisms. It was a beautiful picture of 2 Timothy 2:2. Dave had three opportunities to preach in the three days we were in the Mocuba area, Ann worked with the ladies on community health, and Karlene shared about her prayer ministry. Karlene has been such a blessing to have with us and she feels strongly that this trip has really opened her eyes about the work and how better to encourage people to pray for the work. We held a number of meetings and the time past very very quickly.



One really exciting thing happened that I must write about briefly. In January we took a Men for Missions Team (MFMI) into this area. At one location, we were unable to get to a cetain church because of the roads and we didn't want to leave the cars far from where we would need to walk to. So, the church came to us and we had a service in a public shelter near the dirt track road but actually quite a ways from the church. People from the surrounding area came to hear our preaching and singing and we have learned that since that time, the people of the area approached the church planters in the area about establishing a church plant at that location - and it was and has been functioning as a church since our visit in January. So, MFMI group (Kent, Berry, Michael, Shawnee) - you started a church! Praise the Lord! They taught all the people a 'round' song in English and everyone had fun with it. We tested it on our trip and the people remembered the song, but we were able to change it to Portuguese because one of the verses from the Bible they read that morning was exactly the words of the song - (another one of those mere coincidences we see all the time!). It was a great time and encouragement to have us visit them again so soon. But, we only touched briefly a few of the more than 50 churches that have sprouted up in this area in the last 18 or so months and long to visit more in the future. The photograph is of the shelter and the people with the MFMI team last January.



We'd like to have had more time in the area - we need to visit an area called Milange where another movement of church multiplication seems to be developing. We also need to check on our other works in the north on a more frequent basis as well - we have recently learned of some challenges in a few areas. But, I need to share the story later when I have the facts straight. It seems here that the 'facts' on stories change so much, you must proceed carefully without reacting.


Tomorrow, Karlene speaks at Chapel at our Christian School, while we try to get our passports from immigration (visa renewal time) and take our regional director to the airport. Then, we have a long list of people wanting to talk with us from being gone for a week plus deal with a couple of challenges. The days are certainly full!


On a sadder note, a dear friend of ours has passed after a brilliantly courageous battle against cancer. A sweet lady who passed through this earth, making a mighty splash in her energy, enthusiasm, and friendliness to all. God has answered our prayers in His perfect way as she has marched into the gates of heaven to the shouting of the angels. You are home and we look forward to sitting with you in Heaven to catch up with you dear Margie. Father God, fill those dear ones who remain and grieve with Your presence, comfort, and love. Amen.


Dave & Ann


"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30;5

On Travel

Tonight's story and update is about our car adventures. But first, an update; A close friend of ours from the States is with us for three weeks and we are thrilled to have her here. It is just a joy to wake up in the morning, head to the kitchen, and there is Karlene. Karlene heads up the Men For Missions International (MFMI) prayer initiative for Mozambique and we have been very close to her for many years. Our plan this week was to get the car back from the repair shop in the country of South Africa, and then head north to show Karlene this work she has been reading about, praying about, and hearing about.

She arrived on Friday minus one bag and we've been busy making frequent trips to the airport. Normally, the bags come in a day or two later but so far the bag seems to be still traveling the world. On Sunday, we took her to our church at Khongolote and then we went up to our church at Intaka so she could see the well. We also took some other new missionaries from another mission that live near us to help show them around a bit. It was their first foray through the dirt-track roads of Mozambique and they were a bit shocked according to Ann, who rode in their car with them in-case we were separated. I guess that means we've acclimated a bit because I remember well wondering if I'd ever learn all these dirt-track roads and know we drive on them as much as we drive on paved roads.

On Monday, we headed early to South Africa to pick up our tired car which was ready. (Photo is of me under the car during brighter days!) The Toyota dealer had fixed the damage caused by my close encounter with a tree-stump, did some needed suspension work, replaced some seals, lubricated the four-wheel drive, and told me the starter was fine (wrong - that is one of the main reasons I took it in.). After we crossed the border into South Africa, we called ahead to a further town (Nelspruit) where we maintain a post office drop that is more secure than the one in Mozambique. We learned that our International Drivers licenses were there, so we decided to head on up to get the mail after stopping at Toyota to pay the bill (don't want to carry the money with us). So, I verified that the work was done and then fussed a little about the starter, that they said tested out ok. I told them I knew it wasn't ok and to please check it again and the crazy wiring set up for the battery I'd had installed in Mozambique in January.

We went on and got the mail and returned, being stopped by the police a couple of times to show the license, receive a 'safety check', and sent on our ways. I think they know that most cars from Mozambique are held together with bailing wire, duct tape, and nylon wire ties.

We picked up the car and I started it, and the starter was still sluggish and it was not starting well, but starting. I decided to continue on anyway and we stopped for diesel fuel a little ways from the border crossing. When I tried to start the car, it wouldn't. The gas station guys pushed me off and when the car started, there was an explosion under the hood with smoke flying. I left the car running and pulled the hood to find the positive terminal of the battery had blown out and the top of the battery was melted. Not good. I prayed. The car doesn't need the battery to run, only to start, so I elected to drive the hour back to Toyota. Ann is following with another car we had rented from our School, and we limp back to Toyota. The electric system is acting all spastic. The radio antenna goes up (it hasn't worked for two years) and the radio comes on. Wow. The windshield wipers start working on their own and the flashers and signal lights are doing a little strobe dance and we head down the road and 1/2 the posted speed limit. The bumps seem to aggravate the electrical problems. Pretty soon, I smell smoke, and then I see smoke coming out of the front of the hood. I think that maybe the cable is shorting against the hood, so I pop the hood to the safety catch to give a little clearance and more air - bad idea. The smoke increases so I pull over to flames coming out of the front. I pop the hood and the liner on the hood is on-fire and 1/2 burned away, I think from arcing from the battery. I run to Ann's car for a fire extinguisher and some drinking water, and soon the fire is out.

I call Toyota as we're about 15 km out but the car is still running. They offer to send a tow-truck but I imagine waiting for hours and decide to go for it. So, I put our windshield shade over the cable to keep it on the battery yet not able to touch the hood, and take off again for Toyota. When I arrive, they are waiting and I got my 2 minutes of fame as they were lined up waiting at the door, ushering me straight in to a bay through a gauntlet of service people. That was pretty cool.

The long and the short of it is the battery I bought in Mozambique was put in incorrectly and it was too high of a battery. They used metal pieces to extend the reach of the connections to the terminals, which caused a lot of resistance and a voltage drop. I think when we hit bumps (every few seconds!), the hood would flex and actually sometimes touch the battery terminal. Not good and I praise God that we drove to Nampula and back with this set-up without difficulty.

So, they fixed it and ordered a new hood liner and we made it back to Mozambique quite late without our 'four hour tour' stretching into a marathon day. However, I'm relieved to have everything working now and back to normal. The problem is fixed but I'm kicking myself because I had wanted to re-wire the battery myself and I didn't like it, but finding parts like that here is such a challenge I didn't jump on it. And so I paid.....these experience-based learning opportunities sure can be expensive!

So, in the end, I am thankful that we were able to fix it before traveling. I'm thankful the fire was controllable and didn't cause major damage. I'm thankful that we can leave in the morning with confidence that we've done the best we can to prepare. I'm also incredibly thankful that all of this didn't happen at the border, that it didn't happen on the road in northern Mozambique, and praise God for his mercy and grace on the little things in life.

We head out in the morning and will be out of touch for about a week. We are really looking forward to some special church services this Saturday and Sunday in the Mocuba area and are thrilled at the opportunity to show our friend Karelene what God is doing in Mozambique.

We got pulled over two more times by the police in Mozambique at the normal places. They flagged me through because my car is often taken to be a UN or embassy rig, but then pull over Ann and Karlene. I would stop and wait and the police would actually yell at me to go on - and I know enough Portuguese to yell back that my wife is in the car back there and I'm not moving. They all laughed at that and one of the policemen told me she was a beautiful wife - true. You have to learn to roll with these police stops - they are random and we went a long time without the harassment, but with the little Toyota we rented from the school, we get stopped all the time - show your license, show your car papers, talk a little, sometimes get harassed a little, but generally it's just an inconvenience and goes with the territory.

At the Border, as I stood in line, I watched several guys break line in front of me with the car import form, greased with a 100 metacais bill (about five bucks) that goes in the officials pocket, and they move right on through. I wonder what they are getting away with for five bucks. It's how things seem to work here.

See you on the other side of the trip. We're loaded with Bibles, training materials, medical supplies, and prayer. Our two micro-economic enterprise workers are going with us on their way to Gurue, and we are looking forward to our time together.

Pray for us as we travel.

Blessings,

Dave & Ann

"Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live an possess the land the Lord your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 16: 19-20

Well Photo

One of the fun things we get to do here is visit all of our different churches - it's like being a member of a bunch of churches and we truly love each one of them. Today, we went back out to Picoco to check on the well and visit with this newer church. We had made the arrangements before we knew it was going to be raining hard today, but we managed to make it out just fine. Our normal car is in the shop being repaired after the grueling trip to the north (parts had to be ordered from Japan) and we are renting a mission car from our Christian School in the interim. We ran it through the paces today as we slipped our way through the mud, water, and torrents of water.

The photograph is of the well at Picoco - it's like pulling teeth to finish this thing (no offence, Dr. Fran!) We are still waiting for the top pump assembly and this next week is the third "it'll be done next week" we've heard since getting back from our work in Northern Mozambique. It's a nice base and it has a drain field on the far end for mosquito control.

In the middle of church, the pastor leaned over to me and said "you are going to preach today, right? It's the first time you've visited here in 2009 and so the church wants you to preach." So, I did as God really had put something on my heart - in Portuguese (no English-speakers in this particular church) with the pastor translating to Shanganna because most don't know Portuguese, a condition that is typical in rural Mozambique. I'd speak a little to Ann in the congregation from time to time so she could be finding upcoming words I needed - it takes both of us to equal one whole person here! I use the analogy of she is 1/2 a brain and I'm the other 1/2 - it takes two. Today was no exception. But, I think the Pastor was doing a bit more 'interpreting' vice ' translating' but I don't know enough Shanganna to have a clue! Every time I do this, it just drives me to the dictionary when I get home as I need more words - I keep rearranging the same words and need a bunch of new ones!

I love this church (don't I say it about all of them?) - it is full of people who are joyful in the Lord and when you leave, there is no doubt that you have been in the presence of God. The singing and dancing is especially wonderful although they still laugh with me at my apparent disability - my feet don't seem to move well when I'm singing! (That's two things at the same time - singing and dancing!)

Happy Sunday dear friends.

Dave & Ann
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Chorus from Ps 118; 24)