Last month we were in the African bush – Machanga, Mozambique to be exact.
It was a lesson in needs vs. wants and God as our Provider. It was a month of sleeping in tents. The sun was blistering hot during the day but as soon as it hid itself behind the horizon in the evening the temperature plummeted and we were left layered in clothes, gripping hot drinks and watching the stars after the cloud from our breath disappeared. There were triple carbs for meals and as much as I love carbs I am even tired of them. We had a 24 hr fire pit going because that was the only way to cook our food. The guys stepped up and killed and cleaned some animals for us to have something to eat. Our water was from a sand hole by the river that was supposedly purified but every bucket had a couple of inches of dirt in the bottom and we occasionally found a worm floating in it… good times. And let us not forget the hole in the ground to squat over for the potty that by day 5 had flies swarming all around.
After all the trouble of just getting to ministry, we had 9 or 10 days actually at ministry. The whole time was like running up against a brick wall and was quite frustrating. We did dramas and games with the school kids and teaching/preaching for the adults. Then finally on the last day – breakthrough! God moved and people came to know and understand the Gospel. After a conversation with the pastors, Nick and Tim were able to communicate with them their position as shepherds of the flock. There is a huge need for discipleship in the area for the pastors. It’s not from lack of desire for God, it just from lack of discipleship.
We are now back in South Africa, finishing up debrief. I’ve been sick, which is why this isn’t a fun, well-crafted blog like normal. Manna is staying in South Africa for the month of July. I have no idea what we are doing this month but we are leaving in the morning to find out.
