As a part of our church multiplication program, we are authorized to purchase an occasional motorcycle to assist the leaders of this program to visit with new churches, conduct training, visit trainers and church planters, and generally further the work in our more remote locations. It can be extremely helpful because transportation he is always very much a challenge because people rely on buses, minibuses called 'chappas', and walking. I’ve previously written about the terrible corruption involved in getting a driver’s or motorcycle license and we’ve had great struggles getting people licensed to the point we’ve moved more to “mo-peds” because you don’t need a license for them. Others are doing the same, because we are seeing more and more of these 50 to 90 cc motorcycles dodging in and out of traffic here.
In addition, we’ve had a challenging struggle with a very nice bike we sent north and the repairs have been considerable because we aren’t there to mentor and help with teaching about maintenance and general care. In addition, we were told people had licenses, who didn’t, and after bailing people and the bike out of jail, etc. for driving without a license…. and after the last ‘rebuild’, we said “that’s it with this bike, no more money for repairs – take care of it or next time we scrap it.” So, I’ve been a bit soured to be honest.
We had also bought a nice Chinese 'road and dirt' bike in Maputo not long after we arrived, planning to send it north. However, the fellow who was to drive it could never seem to pass his driver’s license test, so, based on our other experience, we refused to send it until he had a license. So, it sat on our property for a long time and I’d start it and drive it around a little, just to keep it going. Yes, I know, it was tough but someone had to do it!
Our southern church multiplication coordinator was finally able to get his license and we started the process of training him on driving and caring for the bike (previous entries) and it has been a joy to watch this work unfold. He comes by quite often now as he has this new mobility and he is much more active in the multiplication work in Maputo Province because he can easily get where he needs to go in a reasonable amount of time. His skill as a rider has dramatically improved and his care of the bike is good and improving with his increasing knowledge and experience. It seems to have given him more confidence and given him more time for ministry in his church, the denomination, and the work we do with him in our church multiplication program. Instead of being satisfied to accomplish one thing in a day, the bike gives him the opportunity to accomplish multiple things because the uncertainty of transportation is removed. His entire work ethic has been shifting as he accomplishes more and more. Today, as he drove off, I couldn’t help but praise God for the opportunity to watch this wonderful man’s life open up a bit more because of a simple motorcycle. I’d never have guessed the blessing it has become.
Next week, we will be doing routine maintenance, changing oil, and that sort of thing. Thank you God for the leadership Pastor Abel provides, for his heart for you and your work, for his friendship, and for his faithfulness. Protect him on the roads as he travels to and fro joyfully doing your work.
In addition, we’ve had a challenging struggle with a very nice bike we sent north and the repairs have been considerable because we aren’t there to mentor and help with teaching about maintenance and general care. In addition, we were told people had licenses, who didn’t, and after bailing people and the bike out of jail, etc. for driving without a license…. and after the last ‘rebuild’, we said “that’s it with this bike, no more money for repairs – take care of it or next time we scrap it.” So, I’ve been a bit soured to be honest.
We had also bought a nice Chinese 'road and dirt' bike in Maputo not long after we arrived, planning to send it north. However, the fellow who was to drive it could never seem to pass his driver’s license test, so, based on our other experience, we refused to send it until he had a license. So, it sat on our property for a long time and I’d start it and drive it around a little, just to keep it going. Yes, I know, it was tough but someone had to do it!
Our southern church multiplication coordinator was finally able to get his license and we started the process of training him on driving and caring for the bike (previous entries) and it has been a joy to watch this work unfold. He comes by quite often now as he has this new mobility and he is much more active in the multiplication work in Maputo Province because he can easily get where he needs to go in a reasonable amount of time. His skill as a rider has dramatically improved and his care of the bike is good and improving with his increasing knowledge and experience. It seems to have given him more confidence and given him more time for ministry in his church, the denomination, and the work we do with him in our church multiplication program. Instead of being satisfied to accomplish one thing in a day, the bike gives him the opportunity to accomplish multiple things because the uncertainty of transportation is removed. His entire work ethic has been shifting as he accomplishes more and more. Today, as he drove off, I couldn’t help but praise God for the opportunity to watch this wonderful man’s life open up a bit more because of a simple motorcycle. I’d never have guessed the blessing it has become.Next week, we will be doing routine maintenance, changing oil, and that sort of thing. Thank you God for the leadership Pastor Abel provides, for his heart for you and your work, for his friendship, and for his faithfulness. Protect him on the roads as he travels to and fro joyfully doing your work.
(PS - he normally wears a helmet!)
Dave & Ann
“… The Lord preserves the faithful….” Ps 31:23
“… The Lord preserves the faithful….” Ps 31:23
No comments:
Post a Comment