I leave tomorrow morning at 6am to go to the airport. We have a 10am flight…I think it is to Dubai and then we have another flght to South AFrica. Then we will be taking a long bus ride to Mozambique. We have a LONG journey ahead of us. We don't really know what we will be doing in our ministry setting, but we will be working with an organization called Iris Ministries. Below is information about their ministry. For the first month, we will be all together with our squad. This is not normal and so I am excited for time to get to know our squads in a really intimate way. (50 of us). I have heard that the time on Mozambique is one of the prettiest places on the race, but one of the hardest. NOrmally a squad does not go there on their first month, but our squad leaders and other leaders have felt that we are being called there first. Please pray for safety for travels and just peace and patience. Pray to prepare our hearts and minds for our ministry and for our travels. Please pray, also, for my time away from Jan as we say our good byes in a few hours. I love all of you and I Know that God has BIG plans for me and our squad and team. I have a wonderful group of women in my team and a wonderful group of people on my squad. We are covered by Christ and are under His protection. I love you all and will update you when I am able!!!
Iris Ministries is a holistic ministry that we began in 1980 as we took small evangelistic street drama teams to Asia on short-term mission trips. Our emphasis was the creative presentation of the Gospel, and our ministry grew greatly. But we were so impacted by the condition of the poor that we changed direction drastically and began to stop for the one and prove the love of God by first addressing the temporal needs of the broken and humble, "the least of these." We focused on the bottom of society rather than the top. Now, after coming to Africa and starting with street beggar children in 1995, we have seen a people movement spread across the ten provinces of Mozambique. Massive desperation for God rising out of a long history of repression, poverty and natural disasters has fueled revival, one that is sparking more fire in nations around the world. And signs and wonders are following all the way.
What began as a ragged band of young beggars, thieves and delinquents has developed by the power of the Holy Spirit into a closely-knit national family of thousands of churches and a broad ministry encompassing Bible schools, children's centers, church-based orphan care, primary education, medical clinics, constant evangelistic and healing outreaches, farming, well drilling and much else. Our vision in the Lord is constantly increasing.
But most of all we proclaim Jesus. He is our salvation, our prize, our reward, our inheritance, our destination, our motivation, our joy, wisdom and sanctification — and absolutely everything else we need, now and forever. All His grace and power flow to us through the Cross and no other way. We are glad to be known as social workers and humanitarians, and to have a reputation for doing good. But all is in vain if we do not bring to the people faith in our God and Savior Jesus Christ. We want to be known by His Name, first and foremost. And we do not expect fruitfulness to come out of anything but intimacy with Him…
Iris Dondo, Sofala Province, Central Mozambique
We have a missionary team of 6 currently, along with many Mozambican staff and volunteers. We have free housing and kitchen facilities for visitors, functioning solely on donations as you feel led. Go to "Contacts" to find more information under "hospitality". The following descriptions will give you a taste of what we do here. Visitors are welcome to join in with any of the following ministries. God bless you!
