Back to Language School

While our Portuguese has been improving all the time and we can function in the culture, our speaking is still crude and basic. Our comprehension is decent both reading and listening, but we really speak poorly with regard to accent and sentence structure. As an example, I sat next to an English-speaker in church this morning and was able to translate the sermon into English for her, but in the midst of all that, the preacher decided to ask me point blank a question and in the midst of the translating, I realized he was asking me a question directly. Now somewhere in all of it, I missed a vital piece of information and pretty much missed the question and then he used a little different bit of language. The question was basically, can you work for two masters? But what I heard was can you do two different jobs at the same time. So I missed the intent of the question and didn't help him too much in his technique of seeking audience participation! It all worked out, but it is an example; I knew enough to translate the gist of the sermon, but got pinned on the matt with a question that was worded just a bit differently than I expected, and I missed the meaning.

In addition, there are a couple of tenses that Portuguese uses that we don't even have in English, so that kind of stretches the mind a little also. In the end, there is also just alot of plan memorization - no way around it.

We have been able to move things around sufficiently with our work here, that we think we can make time to once again enter into language school. Because of the unusual situations we found ourselves since arriving here, we have not been able to give language the time it truly deserves. So, last week, Ann set up an appointment with the Language Institute in Maputo. We went on Friday and were evaluated as to our proficiency (tested!). We talked the entire time in Portuguese but they were asking tricky questions and we didn't do as well as we would have liked - a lesson in humility! We signed a contract with the Institute and start classes on Tuesday. We will have to juggle some things around and it will limit our availability for other things, but it is really important to do this. We will go four days a week for the next three months - kind of intense, but so very important.

We also think this will be better than meeting in our home as those lessons in the past have drifted off point and became more of a time of fellowship as opposed to structure language learning - both approaches have their place and value, but we're ready for some disciplined study outside our home.

The sermon in church this morning was from Acts Chapter 2 - about Pentecost and where people were gathered from all over and as the disciples preached, everyone heard the message in their own language. In addition, it says the disciples were filled with the Spirit and speaking in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. It would have been great to have been just blessed with the inate ability to speak another language, like magic!, but in our case, it is going to take disciplined study, practice, and more study. That's perfectly ok but wouldn't that be nice!

We're looking forward to the class with a new instructor (his name is Junior) and pray that we can move quickly through the material we know and that our tired old brains will assimulate the new information quickly! I think I've forgotten enough other stuff I knew that their should be room in my brain now for new langauge words!! ;-) We're especially hoping that we'll get lots of help with our pronounciation; we speak with a horrible accent!

So I can add a picture today!, we did ship seven boxes of Bibles in various tribal dialects north today to our church planter / teachers in the north. Included in one of the boxes is the wedding dress that we loan out from time to time. The first place we stopped and have used in the past didn't have a bus going where we needed the boxes taken until Friday. That won't work because the wedding is Saturday. So, we went down the the crazy "Junta" where there is the chaos of busses parked in a dirt parking lot where you wander around trying to find your bus. It went well and they weighed and stuck our boxes on top of the bus; they should arrive on Tuesday. The system is that they load the bus and sell the tickets the day before it leaves - so this bus, headed to Nampula, will leave about four in the morning tomorrow, stopping to unload (we hope!) in Mocuba. It's almost become 'old hand' going into that place that scared us to death the first couple of times we would go there. So that is progress! The crazy Junta seems quite orderly to me now, now that I understand the way it works and that I can communicate now! After we visited with Mike Thiessen at the airport (he left today), we drove back by the Junta and saw our boxes still on top of the big bus - and the stack of cargo on top of the bus was easily about 12 feet high so far; I really should have taken a picture of that!

Blessings to you!

Dave & Ann

"Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language." Acts 2:5-6

Projects

There are two projects we are working on that we’ve been consuming our minds with lately. One is the Mocuba Ministry Center and the other the property we are currently living on. I’ll post the words first but then switch computers to try and upload some photographs.

Mocuba Ministry Center

We have bought a nice piece of property outside of Mocuba for a ministry center that will provide classrooms for training Mozambican pastors and church leaders, a well for community water, a small house for our country coordinator as we need a presence on the property, a bath house, and student dormitories as when people come in for training, we need to be able to house them. We have received our construction permits from the local government and they are excited to have us there. It is such a difference from trying to do things in the city here relative to bureaucracy and road-blocks. To date, we have minimized missionary involvement in the project and I think that has been a part of the success as well. Juka gave me copies of the construction permits and we are ready to go. We have about $30,000 for the first phase which should get us the well, the first classroom building, and a small house and I hope a fence of sorts around the property. The classroom building is basically the same as what we built at T-3 for the pre-school (at around $14,000). Belarmino is planning to be our construction supervisor and thinks he can complete the first phase in three to four months. We need additional funding (another $30,000) to finish the overall plan, but we can at least secure the land by building on it and start using the training building. Eventually this will morph into a seminary extension site! This is exciting stuff! Project Number: 407680 - Mocuba Ministry Center

Boa Nova Property

Another idea we have is buying this piece of property we are living on. Rents in Mozambique for missionaries are escalating at an unbelievable rate and the mission has paid so very much out in rent here in Mozambique over the years with nothing to show for it asset-wise. This beautiful piece of property we are living on may be for sale early next year. It has its own electrical sub-station, a good well, six modest houses, a church building, two dormitories with a bath house, a ministry center, a pre-school building, and an out-building. One of the houses has two mirror-image apartment units that we use for guest housing at the current time. We can rent the housing to missionaries (including ourselves) to pay for the property and building assets in-country in the process. We can house teachers, do medical work out-of it, host teams, and use teams to help us re-furbish the buildings and facilities. We can experiment with micro-enterprise projects (animals, chicken farms, agriculture, and the like). We get extremely exited about the possibilities but as in all things, it takes money. We haven’t opened a project for this yet although we are feeling that this is the direction we should go. It’s around $250,000 in price, which is truly a bargain and by charging rent on the six houses, we can easily pay this off on an ongoing basis. In addition, there are basically two roads into the city; one is very good and the other is being re-worked, so this area will continue to grow as access to the city is quite good and for us, access to our rural churches is quite good. It would provide great stability to the OMS work here. Pray with us about this potential opportunity.

As an aside, Bruce and Mabel left on the bus for South Africa early this morning to begin their journey home. We stopped along the side of the road in Matola, waiting for the large buses that are headed to South Africa. First the City Bus stopped, but that was not for us. Then came the Greyhound bus, but that wasn’t it either. Then came the Intercape bus – the right one, but it flew right past us and then disappeared down a side street in front of us. The four of us, suitcases in hand, ran after the bus, following it down a side street to another street, into a parking lot – where we barely made it before they loaded it and headed off. We said a hasty good buy as they headed to the upper level for good seats from which to enjoy the ride to Nelspruit, South Africa. We’ll know for next time where this bus stops.

We will put our car in the body shop on Wednesday to have it repaired. Our neighbor has agreed to ferry us to the shop and back at which time we will sit tight until it is ready. This is finally to get the damage repaired from our accident on June 1, when a man hit us on his first day with a driver’s license. It has taken this long for the insurance carrier to clear everything. The damage is rusting quite a bit so it will be nice to have this all fixed although we really don’t know how long it will take. I’d guess a couple of days, but that might be optimistic….We believe it to be a reputable repair shop and know others who have had repairs done there.

Last night, Raul and Felda came over to visit with Bruce and Mabel and ended up staying for dinner. It was nice to spend some time with them and to hear about all their cultural struggles as they try to finalize their wedding. They have had to put their wedding off once again until May of next year. They are both trying so hard to do the right thing but the cultural barriers are huge. They are a lovely couple with bright futures. Felda is finishing her university thesis. Raul is looking for work because the Non-Government Organization (NGO) he works for replaced their top man and his first action was to fire everybody (how to make friends and influence enemies!). I had to laugh because the Labor Laws here are very much in favor of the employee and this new man has just painted a big bulls-eye on himself and the Ministry of Labor will come quite quickly as soon as the first employee complains. In the mean-time, Raul is trying to get work with other NGOs and we are confident he will land something quickly - he has several interviews lined up already. He has lots of experience, a good education, and God's hand is on his life. As it turns out, Raul was the only one who did not complain to the Ministry of Labor and the new manager was impressed by this and called to ask him to please come re-apply. Raul isn't so sure....

Tomorrow is a baby dedication at the Picoco church.

Dave & Ann

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.” Proverbs 15:30

Seminary Dedication

It has been an interesting week with Bruce and Mabel Callender. They headed up the OMS work here for many years and had returned for our seminary dedication service. In the first photograph, they are standing with Ann at our Khongolote ministry center. It has been interesting to hear their stories about the past work and to see through their eyes the many changes in Maputo since they left about four years ago.

We (Ann especially) had done much preparing for the dedication service. We had an order of service that was designed to be 1.5 hours in length with a time of food and fellowship to follow. Our intention was that the service would be in Portuguese, with only one part being translated to accomodate our Regional Director and the reading of a letter from the OMS president. Well, as the service started, a translator went up front and so we had English and Portuguese. You might not understand the significance of that subtle change, but the service just went from 1.5 hours to 3 hours.

We had about 150 people attending the event and it went really smoothly. We started by shuffling everyone out into the lobby and we then had the former director (retired) of the Department of Religious Affairs cut the ribbon opening the chapel. After a time of worship, we were challenged by the Minister of the Department of Religious Affairs (photo) on the importance of fully using the opportunities that we have before us. One of our OMS board advisors brought an inspiring message on how we can't do things our way, but rather need to seek His way; that the seminary should be a house of prayer, fully belonging to the Lord. Our OMS regional director emphasized the importance of the day; to dedicate this work and building fully to the Lord.

Rev. Mike Thiessen summarized the vision for the future of the OMS seminary, focusing on 1 Timothy 3. He emphasized two points: 1. Having a holy and transformed life; and 2. Teaching God's word. Bruce and Mabel discussed the history of the seminary and their joy at seeing what God had done. They were then greatly surprised when Larry and Susan Weil presented them with a plaque that was installed in the seminary entry way, thanking them for their vision and work on the seminary. In addition, the seminary chapel was named in their honor.

Afterwards, we gathered in the Lobby for refreshments and fellowship as person after person spoke to Bruce and Mabel, thanking them for their work here in Mozambique. Afterwards, we all went to a nearby restaurant for a team dinner to end the wonderful day. So, we start the new page of history tomorrow and wonder what we will see in 10 years looking back to this day that we gave this building back to God. As the 20 current students stood up, I couldn't help but feel a great sense of satisfaction that the work has continued forward despite the hurtles and struggles. As we watched Pastor Daniel "MC" the entire service with such poise and grace, we could see Bruce and Mabel beaming as he is like a son to them.

It is so clear. God will complete what He has started. May we go forward under the shadow of His wing and on the path that He has laid out before us.

The final photograph is of the OMS team with Bruce and Mabel and Bruce Bennett. If you look closely, you can see all the photographers relflected in the windows! Note the plaque over the door although the picture isn't really the greatest.

From left to right, Aimee, Chris (teacher at CAM), Susan, Larry, Mike, Bruce, Mabel, Bruce Bennett, Ann, Dave.

Blessings.

Dave & Ann

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith" Romans 1:16-17

Bruce and Mabel Have Arrived

Bruce and Mabel Callender, former OMS field directors here for many years, arrived today and we had a lovely afternoon touring them through the new seminary and different parts of Maputo. It was especially fun to listen to them discuss the seminary planning and how the building compared with what they expected from the plans they were so intimately involved with. They were very pleased with the final result. And everywhere we went, there was much joy to see them again by all those whose lives they touched. They were also very surprised at the many changes in Maputo since they had left some three or so years ago.

Pastor Abel stopped by the house late this afternoon and they had a nice visit with him in advance of our normal meeting to discuss ECC issues.

Tomorrow morning, very early, Mike Gaunt from the UK leaves after three weeks of helping us out in many different ways. We said our good-byes today; he is a delightful young man. We will head up to Khongolote with Bruce and Mabel in the morning and possibly back into Maputo to settle with a shop that is making some student desks for our seminary. We also need to continue to check on the progress of the preparations for the Saturday dedication of the new seminary.

Friday we have our regional director coming in as well as our friends from Xai-Xai who will be attending the dedication as well. We will be quite busy in the coming days and I'm not sure who much writing I will be able to do! But then again, a busy day is pretty normal actually!

Blessings all!

Dave & Ann

"Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip." Ps 17:5

Week's Summary

I have suddenly realized I haven’t written in the past week. I’ve started a couple of times but struggled with the topics, wrestling with what I want to write but you’ll have to wait for the book! I have a lot of topics I want to write about but need to understand so much more to provide any kind of realistic perspective or suggested solution, so I just ponder and try to gain experience. As the story goes, the young pup asked the aged man how did he get so good at making good decisions? The old man pondered the question a while and answered “from making bad decisions.” So, we’re still in the ‘making bad decisions mode’ so any book at this point would have little use to anyone! However, at 56, there’s not a lot of time left to become experienced so maybe that book will have to be written by a young pup who perseveres for 30 or so years. I think my friends Jason and Rachel may be the ones to write the book about 25 years from now except they already seem to be in the 'good decision' phase.

But I ramble. Much of our time the past week has been about administration. It was a week of reporting and we still aren’t done. Normal stuff that seems to take a lot more of our time than we would like (I’m sure many of you can relate to this!). In addition, we are entering our busy time of visitors and that always takes quite a bit of preparation and we have a Seminary dedication this Saturday and it seems that we’ll think of ‘something else we need to do’ right up to the moment of the service. So, it’s hard to write something spiritual about ‘do we have enough table cloths for the food,’ or ‘are the speakers all lined up,’ or ‘ooh, we didn’t know they were coming and where will we house them’ kind of things.

Wednesday our short-term computer wizard, Mike Gaunt, went with me to Khongolote and he checked out some problems they have been having with the computer we are using to manage the finances of the pre-school. He did some testing and some ‘tweaking’ and basically gave the computer a ‘thumbs up’ except for one small problem. There is no fan inside the casing. In addition, mice or rats had gotten in the casing and eaten a few wires before they blocked the hole! Anyway, Mike did his magic and everything is working well again except that we need to get a fan in the casing. When the guys at Khongolote did their upgrades to the computer, they removed the fan for some reason and so it was running slow because of heat buildup. Good thing it is winter here! He didn’t have a fan but it is an easy addition later on. It does make me wonder what happened to the fan. When I originally brought the computer out and put the second hard-drive in it and got it going, I know there was a fan in it. So, where did it go? Maybe the mice are more clever than I thought….

We also visited with Ricardo and Olga for a little while, the first time since they left the denomination a few months back. I just showed up with Mike, who knew them, and it provided a great opportunity to catch up and extend the hand of friendship. I still have my list of questions but that will wait for another more private time. They are pastoring a small church near one of our churches and actually we’re losing a few people to them. I suppose it should bother me, but it doesn’t at all. I know R&O very well; he is a good Pastor; and the people are in church and he is a dynamic leader so whether it be in one of our churches or another, it’s ok as long as the Word is being preached and lives are being transformed. My issue is more of wanting to fully understand what really happened and learning from it (see paragraph one above!).

Our short termer wanted to travel a bit in Mozambique and so we agreed to take him north to the city of Xai-Xai. I thought it would be good for him to experience the Bible School there as well as the agricultural project they have going to support the Bible School. In addition, we wanted him to meet the young couple running it as we thought he might enjoy a ‘younger’ perspective. So that was a quick two-day trip north. The photo is one we took of the beautiful undeveloped coastline near the Bible College. Breath-takingly beautiful. Mozambique has miles and miles and miles of rugged undeveloped coast line.

For me, one of the highlights was Jason and Rachel's ‘new’ second car. A fellow near them rebuilds VW beetles. They had bought a 1956 rebuilt Beetle. What many of you may not know is that my first car was a ½ 1962 other half 1963 VW beetle (two wrecked cars welded together but that is another story) that I did just about everything to. I was in heaven and couldn't wait to tinker! Jason had lots of questions and as we tinkered on the engine, it all started coming back to me about the carburetor rebuilding, adjusting valves, and all the tinkering those old models required. So, we started in to it and lost all sense of time. It wasn’t running exactly right and through our tinkering, it was running like a champ after a couple of hours and I don’t think I’ve smiled like that in a long time. But, things have changed, we got on the Internet and were able to look up part numbers and the like and I think their car is more like the Johnny Cash Cadillac from the song (It’s a 1962, 63, 64, 65, etc…..) The carburetor was a 1970, the engine a 1956, the rear deck 1975 plus, the rear fenders 1968, bumpers – who knows but certainly not 1956, I’ll guess 69. What a hoot it was. I got to drive it and I felt like I was 16 again for just a brief moment the memories flashed back - oh my. And everyone just loves it and waves and smiles as you drive by or was it my grin from ear to ear?! It was only $1500 and voila, a second car for when the other is in the shop – problem solved for few dollars. And they are great in the sand and mud (is why people make them into dune buggies!). So, that was probably a highlight of my week although it isn’t very spiritual!

We did start a fire in the engine while we were working on it; I only mention it here because if I didn’t, Ann would have to make mention of it. We did the manly thing and tried to blame it on two-year old Tristen who had climbed in and fiddled with the ignition while we were working on it – but the second fire when he wasn’t in the car ruined that idea! Just a wee problem with a wire that had no insulation on it and was grounding – we fixed it, but it was a bit exciting at the time....causing Jason to rightfully question my prowess as a 1956 VW mechanic. We came up with a list of the basic tools he needs to tinker with it and I just may have to make routine trips to Xai-Xai to satisfy my desire to make/tinker/fix cars (and see my surrogate grandson!).

Sunday, we went back to Intaka for church and to assist with communion as they had requested during our last visit. We arrived early but no leaders were there, in fact, they didn’t show at all. We asked about it but no one was sure. One of the ladies took charge and we worked with her to prepare for a communion service. We had a wonderful time of worship, prayer, and song followed by communion. The service is in the tribal language as many do not know Portuguese. I recruited one lady from the congregation to assist me with translating, but she had a difficult time understanding me. So, she became the Bible reader. A second lady whom we knew a little better and who understood my terrible accent volunteered to help me and so the three of us did the talking. Afterwards, I invited the preacher to come speak, only to find out that he didn’t show. I learned long ago to always be prepared with a message and this week had especially done some preparing in case. God knew and helped us through the language and although I did struggle with words, God was gracious and helped me with words I didn’t know I knew. I had gotten up quite early Sunday to study and pray, and had spent quite a bit of time reviewing Portuguese and some of the words I commonly mix up and wouldn’t you know that I needed each of those words. God doesn’t 'call the equipped, He equips the called'. Thank you Lord.

After Ann finished all her community health consults, we headed home, passing by two of the missing leader’s homes – one was traveling according to his children, probably a funeral although they wouldn’t say. The second was home and we talked for a while and listened to a long story of how one of his children (11 year old girl) didn’t return from school on Friday and he had spent day and night looking for her – finally found her. Because of this, he didn’t return home until 3 in the morning Saturday and so he decided to not go to the church. Certainly understandable, but I still don’t quite understand the story because he has young children at his house and this daughter lives at another house and ……well, after traveling in circular discussion for a while, I decided we might pursue it a bit more later when we weren’t all so tired! Thankfully the daughter was safe at home although there is some sort of Tribunal (judge) review this week about it all because the police were involved with the search. So, you probably think I’m some sort of crazy, but honestly, I understood all the words he was saying, but the conversation traveled in a circle as it often does when they don’t quite want you to know everything, and you have to just let it lay for the time being. He certainly didn’t have to tell me anything and we are thankful that everyone is ok. The rest of the story will probably come later, as is usually the case. But there seem to be some red flags flying…..

Today we spent precious time with our wonderful seminary guys; getting reports on the classes in progress; meeting and planning this weekend’s events and doing quite a bit of phone work. The days go by so quickly. In the morning we hope to finalize our review and comment on the church discipline draft before going to our team business meeting. Juka should be arriving tomorrow or the next day from the north also – somehow we must squeeze in significant time with him about our church planting program. He will also want our comments on the discipline!

Blessings,

Dave & Ann

“Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience.” Romans 14:5 (The Message)

Another Grandchild

One of our Village Church Planting program Trainers, Nelio, just had a beautiful baby girl. They have named her Dolce (means 'sweet') Nelio. She was a bit overdue but everything has worked out well. It is their first child. We have been involved in this dear family's life for quite some time, participating in their move to a new house, their official wedding, and standing with them in their new church plant. It was a wonderous priviledge sit with them and share in this joyful time of celebration.

But with this comes an interesting question. They asked us to be the Padrinho and Madrinha of this precious child (Godfather / Godmother). In this culture this is a tremendous honor that brings with it great responsibility. It is a life-time commitment where you agree to help with the child, make sure the child is receiving good care, throw parties for the child at the 30-day point when she is introduced to the community, at the 2-year point when continued life is more certain, and other specific times in the child's life. You are to ensure to the detail of when to start feeding the child food vice milk-only, when it is potty-trained, help with school costs, etc. You are expected to be a significant player in the child's life essentially for your life.

We have dodged this before because we think it causes various problems. For one, we probably won't be here in Mozambique for the life of the child, for example. Also, we do not have the cultural knowledge or sensitivity needed for such an important role. We would make the child "different" from the very beginning. We talked with our cultural counselor (Juka) and he agreed that it would be best that we not take that role. So, we need today to go have that discussion with Nelio and Zenia, backing out graciously even though in our hearts we would like to do this. It's hard to explain fully to our dear Western perspective friends - this role is extremely important here and is not one of a title only. We also discussed this with another close friend who said the same thing. Both of these men serve in this role for a number of children and know our hearts well - both advising "no". For example, during times of furlough, important things could happen in the life of the child and our not being present would be a great affront, even though there is a good reason.

We didn't talk about this (or at least not enough that I remember!) in our cross-cultural training although I suspect there is a connection across many non-western cultures. Most missionaries we know (but not all) do not serve in this role for many of the same reasons. We've read several books about things like this since being here and there is as wide a various of opinions as there are opinions. As a general rule, if the person/author has not lived for extended periods (decades) in another culture and fully engaged in the work in some fashion, I don't put too much credence in what they are trying to sell as the longer we live here, the more I understand what I really don't understand. It would take a life-time, truly, and our western "solve the most complex world problem in one-hour" mentality really hinders what we can do in relationships. I only say this because I am probably one of the worst of the worst for wanting quick resolution based on expert opinion, and charging ahead full speed.

We must learn to wait quietly on the Lord as we continue ahead gently, step by step.

Thank you Lord for this precious new life. May Dolce grow to know you and walk in Your paths and fulfill Your plan for her life.

"The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Sunday

This morning, we attended church at Intaka, introducing Aimee to this precious congregation. (No pictures - the camera is acting up again so I've pulled in this one when my daughter Sarah and her husband were here during better weather!) This is the church where we installed a well earlier in the year. This has been a vibrant church but it has been having some struggles. Their pastor resigned and the denomination put lay-leaders in place to continue the work. When we arrived Sunday morning, the church was nearly full and the singing had already begun. But, as the worship time continued, the clouds rolled in and a thunderstorm started. As Aimee shared her story, the rain began to pummel the metal roof, the wind rose up, and the lightening was striking all around us. The translator (to the Shanghanna dialect) spoke louder and louder trying to overcome the weather. The storm increased in intensity during the preaching and the roof leaks caused many to move the wood benches all around but the preacher never missed a lick. The dark-sky made it especially dark in the church and I couldn’t read my bible or the small hymnal. Eventually a small oil lantern was lighted at the front so the preacher could see his Bible.

At the end of the service, we were asked to come forward to pray for a sick baby as the people sang and it quickly turned into a special prayer service where many with various needs came forward to receive a touch and a prayer. We moved from spot to spot within the small church, trying to stay out of the water pouring through the open middle eve of the church. We continued for quite some time as so many had needs and perhaps in part, there was certainly no hurry to rush out into the pouring rain, wind, and mud.

One older women who we know asked me for prayer and as she began to speak, I began to hold her hands as I listened and at that instant a lightening bolt hit nearby lighting the church and the instantaneous “crash” made us both jump back away from each other – you could smell the ozone in the air. For a second I wondered how ‘under cover’ we really were with my head about a foot below a metal roof, in a muddy water puddle, and standing next to a reed wall with an window of chicken wire. We both laughed and then continued as she told me her story and health concerns, using a mix of Portuguese, Shanganna, pointing and motions.

Afterward the service, two of the lay-leaders who I know quite well spoke with me for quite a while. They were quite discouraged because the former pastor has been taking some of the people over to his new church and even one of the leaders has gone over. I guess you can say this amounts to a church split and they seemed to think I had the authority or power to do something about it. I tried to encourage them to stay the course and work to evangelize their community and invite new people to come; to make the church a place of joy and encouragement. I also told them that in these cases, some people leave, and others stay; but you must continue the work. They asked us to please return next week when it was a little better conditions and to help them with the service, mainly to help with communion, which we agreed to do.

We gave rides to many through the now flooded roads. The water had gotten so deep in a few places, that once again we saw the water pour up over the hood of the car for a moment. That always makes be nervous since we do not have a snorkel for the engine.The roads were mostly flooded much of the way home.

At one point, we were stopped by a Mozambican who tried to say he knew us (he probably recognized us because we drive the sand track often but he was not familiar to us). He seemed to be quite drunk and we kept trying to ask him what he wanted and he just couldn’t seem to get a clear thought out – not upset so much but having some difficulty in his life because of the weather. Now, let my try to explain. We understood the words he was saying, but it just didn’t make any sense, not because we didn’t understand in this case, but it simply didn’t make sense. In the end we said good-bye and drove away. There was nothing to be done and through my rear-view mirror, he seemed to just stagger down the road behind us. We will have to watch for him in the future, perhaps catching him at a more cognitive moment.

We found our way home to the power being out (it always goes out when it is a little windy) but our gas stove solves that problem. The power was out until the early evening and it made for a slow afternoon. It was too dark to be able to read well, our computer batteries are shot from all the power fluctuations, and it was too wet and cold to do too much. I studied Portuguese by candle-light while Ann worked on the computer until it died. We talked about some things about the work and the upcoming week. Our stove is gas, so we sipped on hot coffee to take away the chill. Yes, those reading this who know us well, coffee continues as our comfort drink! We were disappointed about the power because this is the day we listen to sermon CDs - but we'll reschedule.

Late in the afternoon, Mario called, he was at the airport headed to Nampula for his conference. Shortly later, a former worker for the mission called us a couple of times (call and hang up) wanting us to return the call (our dime, not his). I called him back and we had a nice chat and said he just wanted to see if we had any work he could do. I know he must need the money and I know he is a very good worker but we just don’t have anything right now. He worked for the mission for many years but due to various changes here, he was laid off because the work disappeared. Even knowing it isn’t my fault or really even my problem, it still grieves my heart as I know his need is real and I really like him. Dear Lord, help him find respectable work so he can provide for his family. We have told him we would vouch for him with any potential employer and have talked to our small circle trying to help find him work, but without luck. It is a fact of life here, jobs are few and far between and the fact he is a bit older hurts him.

Finally, the power is back on but the day is done. We'll call daughters on the computer (Skype) and then call it a day.

Tomorrow is our “at the seminary” day where we meet with the workers and we are taking a missionary from another agency who has a bit of interest in our seminary project. That will be followed by our weekly ‘business’ meeting.

Blessings!

Dave & Ann

"For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land’ Deut 15:11