I left Boane, Mozambique on the 13th around 3:30am and took a 13 hour bus ride north to Vilanculos. There the rest of the squad had been camping all month at Eagles’ Nest. Bamboo camped for two nights and got to enjoy a restful day at the beach and a great night of worship and encouragement with everyone else. Beginning the 15th, the 27 of us began a 36 ½ hour journey to get to Malawian border. Our entire squad crammed with our packs, daypacks, and bags of snack foods into the cab of a tarp-covered 27ft semi-truck. We drove day and night straight through the interior of Mozambique to the border. This was the most intense few days of travel our group has experienced on this trip thus far. The roads were bumpy, the heat was intense, and the space was bare minimum (lots of spooning going on so that 90% of us could lie down in some fashion). By the grace of God we survived unscathed and extremely tired from lack of good sleep. We camped for one night in Lilongue and enjoyed the pleasure of a cool pool, hot showers, and an early bedtime!
On Friday, our squad met with the regional leaders of Harvesters’ International Ministries in Malawi. Pastor Gama and his brethren orientated us about the many labor opportunities our group will be partnering with these three weeks in Malawi. Illumoonations and in.tent.city are remaining at the campground in Lilongue to do ministry in the Central region. Team S’mores will be travelling throughout the Northern region and Team Bamboo is flying solo again (with the awesome company of NEON alum William Miller!) in the Southern region.
This month our team is living in Pastor Gama’s house with his lovely wife, Rose, and several of their grandchildren in Zomba (5 hours north of Lilongue). Rose is an awesome cook and has been taking excellent care of us as we get settled into “our” home. Pastor Gama is a passionate man of God who is ready to put us to work to share the gospel anywhere and everywhere we can get to. After a much needed Sabbath with God, we have begun enjoying opportunities to preach and share lots of our testimony with the people of Zomba. This morning I had the privilege of preaching about Jesus Christ at a mountain church. The church was filled with at least 100 people (not including children) who heard the gospel and practically the entire church came forward asking for prayer. I got to hear some of the most beautiful singing and praise this morning at church. The women’s and youth choir were phenomenal and I actually cried because my heart was so full of joy and thanksgiving for getting to be part of this church family. My heart is on fire for these people and this place!
I’m expecting God to move in big ways through our team here!
Prayer requests:
-Fuel and food are expensive here. Unfortunately not being to pay for the high cost of fuel can hinder our ability to get further to the really rural areas to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that God would move resources (money and fuel) in our favor to be able to do everything we want to do for the Kingdom.
-Continued boldness and energy as each of our team gets to share parts of our testimony of how God has transformed our lives.
-That we have money/minutes/internet/phone capabilities to be in touch with family on Christmas Day and to enjoy the holidays while away from family and friends.
-I have only $1,260 left to support raise to finish the race, whoo hoo!
…pray that internet works where we are so that our team can post a special Christmas video!!!!!!!
Love you all and Merry Christmas!
Issa
