Greetings from Gorongosa, Mozambique!
Wow.
It is crazy to think that we only have one more week left in Mozambique! So many amazing things have happened this month. A lot of things have been “firsts.” I would like to share some of these firsts with you:
Preaching
I had the opportunity to share two messages with the congregation last week. I had never preached before and was definitely a little intimidated. I am a teacher. I enjoy talking in front of people! However, I caught myself wondering if I knew enough to teach others about God. Was I qualified? I’ve learned that I don’t need to have a theology background to be able to share what I have experienced with Christ and the love that He has for us. When I think about it that way and let the Holy Spirit do the talking, preaching isn’t too intimidating.
Praying for a witch doctor
We had the opportunity to do about 20 house visits while in the bush. One house consisted of one extremely hot and dark room. The odor was unpleasant and several cats were walking in between my feet. There was an older woman laying on the ground. Her right leg was very swollen and she was in a lot of pain. Between my team and some of the members of the church, we had about 15 people squished into the hot room. I began to pray over the home. At this point I had no idea that the woman was not a Christian, but I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to pray that the members of the home find Chirst. The team and I then laid hands on the woman, and prayed for her leg. We said goodbye to the woman and left for the next house. Only later did we learn the woman that we had prayed for was a witch doctor. This means she offered healing to people and herself with the use of demonic vices. Unfortunately, this is very common in the area we were in. While I will probably never know what happens to that woman, I pray that she does find the Lord. I pray that her leg will be healed. I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to pray for her and I am hoping we planted a seed of light and hope within her heart!
Squatty potty
I won’t take to much time to explain this one. Just know this, squatty potty’s are very doable! I have to admit that I was more nervous about them than I should have. Word of advice from my teammate Janelly, “Guys, don’t look down!”
Off roading in the back of a pickup truck
Our vehicle for the month is a white pickup truck. With the six of us on Team Rhema, my two amazing ministry hosts and our gear the truck is often full. My mind is constantly blown by how many things and bodies we can fit. I think we are getting pretty good squeezing in there. Personal space flew out the window a long time ago! When we are in the truck “real” roads are rarely a thing. Jaco often blazes his own trails, whether we are going to our house (which is about 30 minutes from civilization), going up a mountain, or going out to the bush. If you know me, you know that I don’t enjoy being in a car for a long time. My 6’1’’ body rarely fits comfortably into any vehicle. This month has taught me that beautiful things can happen when your squished for hours in the back of a truck in what feels like the middle of nowhere. I can tell you that the countless laughs, beautiful scenery, and quality time with my team has outweighed any discomfort!
Animal encounters
Since I have been in Africa I have held a chameleon, pet a baboon, found a scorpion crawling in my tent, and saw a python. I did manage to scream in all of their faces, but I’m not going to say I survived, I am going to say I thrived.
What a blessing this month has been! The experiences I have had thus far are pushing me to better, stronger, and braver. God is so good and I can’t wait to see what other ‘firsts” He has in store for me.
Just a reminder: I am $1,100 from meeting my $13,000 deadline on Feb. 28th and $4,500 from being fully funded! I would love for you to considering partnering with me, and financially donating so I can continue this kingdom journey! I love you all!
