SIMPLICITY
PRAYER
REST
These three words define my time in Chimoio, Mozambique. This last month has been our shortest location of the race, as we have only been here about 2 weeks. After multiple locations, the Lord brought us to a family of 4 (Joao, Jennifer, Daniel & Jonathan) that serves here with Iris Ministries in Mozambique.
Over the course of our time here we have spent time at their center planting trees and praying for the land and all the Lord will do there. It was exciting to be a part of seeing something starting from the ground up and to pray big things for those God will bring there. This base is only a year old and currently there are 12 boys, 2 mom’s, a couple girls and some men that help care for the boys.
This month looked a little different as we paired off and went in two’s to different locations. Kristen and I spent 2 days in a town called Vanduzi and it was pretty much the most simplistic lifestyle I have ever seen. There was no power, only a lantern when it got dark; our bathroom/shower was dried out cornstalks surrounding a hole in the ground and we slept under the stars in our tent. These people had so little, but were full of joy and thanksgiving. Their requests were for basic needs and they asked believing God would provide. We shared meals, we worshipped the Lord and we prayed a lot. Literally we walked miles, entered many mudhuts and prayed over sick people. The more we prayed the more I asked myself why I don’t operate this way in my daily life at home and the more I prayed, the more I believed in the power of what God does when we come before Him on behalf of one another.
The next few days we headed to a city called Tete where we got to be a part of food distribution to orphans. We were able to participate for 2 days and watch the Lord provie the exact amount both days. Many children and families were blessed with maize, which will feed them for the next month. We again prayed, played, gave lots of hugs and watched the Lord love and bless His children. (When I am somewhere I can do it, pics will be posted).
The last week, somewhat due to sickness, has been one of rest. It was needed and I am thankful for it. I am thankful for the time God has given me here, the ways He continues to reveal Himself to me and the things He is teaching me from His people, specifically the children. I make life into so much more then it needs to be. At the end of the day, simplicity, prayer and rest is choice and I hope it will be more a part of my life when I return home.
We start the trek back to Nelspruit, South Africa tomorrow for debrief. Please pray for safe travels through Zimbabwe and for a restful and refreshing debrief. We are unsure where we will be next month, but we are hearing Botswana or Malawi. August is looking like Zimbabwe. More to come soon! Thank you for all of your prayers and support!
