NEWS FLASH: It's raining Bibles!

Zimbabwe has been in the news all over the world. Mostly all of the media coverage was negative - and rightly so. Tens of thousands of Zimbabwe fled the country and reside mostly in South Africa and Mozambique. Of these fleeing Zimbabwe many are trying to survive with only the clothes on their back. These people, far from their homes, family and friends are continuing to struggle.

FLEEING TO SAFETY: A Zimbabwean woman with her child on her back flees across the Zimbabwe-South Africa border at Beitbridge Border Post in Musina, South Africa. There are reports about Mugabe loyalists sweeping the countryside with wooden sticks and hunting down opposition supporters (AP)

Photo taken from www.businessworld.in/.../New-Avenues.html

One of the biggest battles is not just to help them physically but also spiritually. It all started many years ago when we provide Shona Bibles to believers who were in desperate need for Bibles. Trying to meet the demand we realize how difficult it was to get these Bibles. In fact - the Shona Bible is currently the scarcest Bible in the world. There is currently only one organisation in Africa (South Africa) who keeps them at this stage - and no it is not the Bible Society.

Shona Bibles are not printed anymore in Zimbabwe and getting the printing rights is currently not possibly. It is reported though that http://www.biblesforbelievers.org/ will possibly be getting the right to print Shona Bibles.

We have been extremely fortunate to have wonderful people come on board to help us get some of these Bibles. We yearly distribute many hundreds of Bibles. We could distribute thousands if we had the funding but a few good people came on board and helped us to get at least 350 Bibles sponsored. These 350 quickly grew to 550 and we are currently standing on 700 Bibles being sponsored.

I will share some stories as we hand over this precious cargo to many pastors waiting. We only hand out Bibles to pastors and leaders we have a relationship with and to those who can read and write - for obvious reasons.

I have just had the opportunity to hand over some of the precious cargo (again brought over the borders very quietly) to some amazing growing churches. Areas like Malape, Nhamadzi, Pungwe-Sul (new churches planted) are areas in central Mozambique that has a great hunger for the Word of God. I wish you can be with me as I hand over these Bibles. The joy, screams and total chaos as many receive their first Bible ever.

Thanks to many sponsors it is now possible to hand over some scarce Shona Bibles to women who could never read or write. The woman action has more than 700 women waiting to receive their first Bible.

Our team on the mission base with SAM Ministries (our partners for the last 14 years) are an integral part in helping all of us to reach out to our more than 400 pastors to each have their own Bible.

Thank you to Bellville Congregation, Naomi and Johan van Loggerenberg, Anton Louw, Jan van den Bergh, The Bible Society and http://www.biblesforbelievers.org/ and other friends for their generous contributions to buy 550 Bibles. Bibles are currently R80 a Bible and very expensive. Thank you for taking your bread and butter money to make it possible for someone else to read their own Bible for the first time.

On the road 4: Three cups of tea with the Queen!

Well to be very honest I never really saw the Queen (the one with Sir Phillip as husband - not a very friendly man I hear). And I would never say that I was disappointed either. You see I feel that I have really met the REAL Queen of England. Their Excellency Lady Barbara and Sir Alan from Budleigh.

Having some cucumber sandwiches with cream scones is the way to do it in England they say. Meet Barbara (the real queen) and Alan as we join them for English culture - bathing in the English late summer sun outside East Budleigh. What is the UK without the old red phone booth?

Pebble beaches in England is quite common .... and if I might add locals are not afraid to sunbath as soon as the sun shows its head. I was shivering from the cool air but I think I heard the lady say something like "I ain't afraid of no cold!" (She could have been American, I think!)

A small coastal village, Beer.

The English countryside is something that you just have to experience. We've spend many miles walking over many days. The small village of Beer in Devon county is in the background.


After Alta and Barbara fell into the river, Barbara was still agile enough to jump on rocks. If I might add (I will not mention any age) that Barbara still plays tennis, golf and bridge very competitively - and winning.

Both Alan and Barbara visited Mozambique on various occasions and even travelled on a Zimbabwean bus to get to us. They have changed our future and what we are doing in Mozambique in a big way. Barbara was a nurse and Alan an engineer and stayed most of life in Iraq and other Arabian countries.

O yes, and Barbara drives better than the Queen. They took us for the week we visited their cottage to the most interesting sites of which .............

a visit to one of the oldest bridges (the Clapper bridge) in England. It was apparently build 2000 years ago. A clapper bridge is an ancient form of bridge found on the moors of Devon (Dartmoor and Exmoor) and in other upland areas of the United Kingdom.

On the road 3: Dynamite and small packages!

It started many years ago when David and Kate Phillips asked for a few pictures of Mozambican children and their way of living. I shared a few pictures of our Amigo Orphan program at our ASAM headquarters in the bush. The program is being helped by SAM Ministries, Canada and Love Mozambique.

Well, Daisy ( she could have been 7) saw the pics on their freezer and decided with her parents that something had to be done. A few girls (Mimi and Poppy ) joined and started selling cake to sponsor the annual Christmas party for orphans. This meant that we could take all our orphans and treat them with a festive meal and lots of brand new gifts.

I was astonished when I received the first gift from their Dad, David! The girls made a huge difference - bigger than they could ever comprehend.

I had a longing for some time to travel to the UK and hand over some special certificates from our orphans in Mozambique. The dream was made a reality by an amazing generous guy (we call him General Piet). We travelled to Godalming, London and met the girls to hand over their certificates.
The other kids watching the ceremony said as one .... as their teacher did: "We want to make a difference too in the lives of orphans in Africa." "Watch us ...........!"

And I realized ......... hey ..... dynamite do come in small packages and when they ignite (without asking someones permission) they truly become heroes of the faith.

Thank you Daisy. Thank you Mimi. Thank you Poppy.

You are my heroes ........ and so say all our orphans in Mozambique.

On the road 2: From Cape Town to the land of Royalty

So I left Cape Town on an important mission: "Mission Royal". I would have a great opportunity to "knight" three girls who played a great part in helping our Orphan program in Mozambique.

Daisy, Lilly and Poppy are just the three most adorable girls you can lay your eyes on. They have had one special thing in common though: They decided at the age of 7 to tackle, on their own - the orphan problem in Africa. To do that they started selling cake at their schools to raise funds for orphan Christmas parties. The money came to Africa and we sure did have great orphan parties. They even purchased blankets and toys which was received by the orphans with huge smiles and laughter.

I had the privilege of meeting these girls in London, Godalming and "knight" them at their local Sunday School with a certificate. The girls even made it possible (through their great mom and dad - David and Kate) so that I could preach in their amazing church - St John the Baptist, Church of England (see their work at http://www.busbridgechurch.org/)

I came to England to talk about Mozambique and its wonderful and courageous people - but what found in England was just as astonishing. We met the most amazing people here. I remember talking to a group of Sunday school 10-12 year olds. I though of an ice-breaker. Maybe I could start teaching a little Portuguese. Well - to my astonishment 80 % of the class could either speak Spanish, Mandarin, Greek, French and Arabic. I never knew England had such a diverse community!

Follow us as we travel through the UK - and really it's about the people you meet .............

Shopping in Godalming, London.

Daisy Phillips teaching us how to shop in the UK.

The local street band did impress me!
And the flowers in spring time ..............

We were privileged to stay at Bryan and Ruth Phillips as we arrived in the UK. Bryan is heading up the youth at their local church in Gilford, London. I should maybe add that Bryan is a youth like no other and at the young age of 75 knows everything there is to know about PlayStation and interacting with young people.

Bryan and Ruth with Alta. They got up early to get us at the airports on time. We shared some great times together. Ruth helped us by selling birthday cards for Mozambique and its kids.

Watch our next post and meet real heroes of the faith!

On the road 1: Cape Town happiness

I always associate Cape Town with laughter, die Kaapse Klopse (a local Malayan band with fresh, lively cultural Cape Town music - very unique) and off course Table Mountain and a pristine coast line. Good food, good people and a very laid back atmosphere.

Photo: Dr. Theo Geyser from In Via

I had a great opportunity to preach at a new groundbreaking church (In Via). Follow them if you dare on http://www.invia.org.za/ Their approach to changing our world is fresh and dynamic. The group of young people were inspiring to say the least .... and oh yes ...... if they do invite you to speak in Cape Town be prepared that they might just stop you in the middle of your message to ask you a few questions on your content.

Photo: Table Mountain from Blouberg Beach

I did spend a few days in Cape Town though and caught some of the scenery I can never get enough off. If you have never been in Cape Town make sure to mark it on your agenda as one of the places you just have to see before you ...... well ...... travel again!

Photo: Typical sounds from the Kaapse KlopsePhoto: A visit to the Waterfront is a given.

Photo: Chapmans Peak is a great drive around Table Mountain. It is usually

closed due to rock falls but this time around it was open so we took the

opportunity to see the beauty it beholds.

Photo: Stellenbosch where I also had the opportunity to share. Also a place

where I studied many moons ago. Stellenbosch was founded in the 1700

by Simon van der Stel and is well known for its immaculate wines.

Keep following my route ............

TOURING: The most amazing people .........

Yesterday was election day in Mozambique. There was a spirit of expectancy in the air. There were so many people on the road waving and shouting messages of hope that it was actually contagious. Tell you what ...... I met people that was quite contagious in what they are doing currently in the Kingdom:

MEET THE VLAEBERG COMMUNITY

One of the groups I had the privilege to share about "being missionally present" in the world was a community of people in Stellenbosch. It is run by a "Koi San" pastor, Johannes. He is an amazing passionate man that works with very poor people in his community. He runs several schools for under privileged kids. He is a truly transformational agent who is not easily scared when it comes to challenges. The church also raised money to sponsor 3 Bibles in the process.

LEGACY CENTRE IN STELLENBOSCH, CAPE TOWN FOR AIDS PATIENTS

I had the privilege to buildt this centre in Cape Town some years ago with Stellenbosch Congregation and some wonderful people. It started of as a community centre with the dream of creating a caring community which would look after the 1 000's of aids patients who no one wants to take care off. Some fantastic people were involved throughout the years and I think back of a HIV positive transformational agent, Charlie from LA, San Francisco.

Well I visited the project to see what was happening and to my astonishment it grew fantastically under the management of Louise Fourie and Stellenbosch Congregation where I worked for a few years.

Join me as I travel through Cape Town and meet more awesome people changing the lives of others.

Around the world in 80 days!

Nobody really cares if I would try to explain why the blog has been soooooooooo quiet. I have been all over the last 2 months of which England, Belgium and Germany were on the cards.

Back to Cape Town - speaking at many very interesting communities - back to Johannesburg - back again to Cape Town and wola ....... home at last (but first had to survive Zimbabwe again).

GOOD PEOPLE

I am now very convinced that God has very awesome people all around the globe. And not just people ...... transformational agents ........ reconstructing new communities as they go along. During the next few days I will introduce some of them to you ............

Hope all of you are doing just fine!

Wildlife in Cape Town?

No .... I am not talking about the interesting and somewhat strange people I have lately seen in Cape Town. Cape Town is a cosmopolitan type of city ...... many interesting tastes, flavours ..... and people off course.

I tried to start a conversation but could not get any reaction. I actually thought the hairstyle was beautiful.

But who would have ever thought that you would find wildlife in Cape Town! On our way down we stopped at a farm - it looked curious and I was just to inquisitive to let it go. I drove in and to my amazement I saw .....................

These elephants were rescued from the Kruger Park (they would have been shot to try and control the expanding herds) and brought to the Cape Province. The lack of trees though didn't help too much either. Here they are grazing at the few trees.The rhinos did look very content though - the park even got a new baby in the process.We saw lots of zebras in the park each with their unique print. And off course the king of the jungle - the lion. I love their eyes (from a distance off course)!

Running ...... but not from the Law!

I have been awfully quiet the last few weeks .... apologies! I am currently travelling and on my way from Mozambique - Johannesburg - Cape Town - England ..... and beyond! Busy time with so many speaking engagements. Off course met some awesome people on the way. Will keep you updated as we move along!

And the road was long ...... 3 000 km long! I had to bribe my wife to pose for this photo on the road. Alta just re-cooperated from various tropical diseases and I though she needed a rest. She doesn't like photos but I stole this one!
I love flowers and can never resist the opportunity to stop and take photos. These grew next to the tar road and I though ............. where in the Bible did God said that He would take care of us like the wildflowers ................ ? Did I mention that it was cold in Cape Town. Snow on the mountains greeted us as we entered Cape Town.
Will keep you updated on all the travels. Thank you for your prayers and caring as we continue to share the great things God are doing in Mozambique. Join us on His Missio Dei as we travel and share on His presence in a broken world. Bless ya all!

President of Mozambique visits!

PHOTO: Even the flags are waiting in anticipation!

Photo: The president arrives with 6 helicopters in formation.

Photo: At last they all land! Who will meet him first? By the looks of it the men are winning the contest.

Photo: The president, excellencia Amilio Gabuzu greeting the long line that awaits. Tribal chiefs get the first opportunity.

Photo: Ok, it is our turn at last. While the private bodyguards look us straight in the eye we dare to greet the man of the hour.

Photo: Everybody turned out to meet their leader.

When you get the news that the President of Mozambique is visiting and is requesting to meet our staff (although be it a handshake and a few words) an expectancy quickly fills the air. Everyone wants to meet the President! They even asked that our truck would be used to carry the communities to take part in the festivities.

PHOTO: Even our police commandant made some time with an adopted baby that are being taken care off by Rick & Heather on the mission base.

Anyway .... yes we did greet him and waited in the long queue to shake his hand. He stopped .... shared a few friendly words and off they went to greet the other multitudes. What is it with politicians that when you meet them they are so likable?

PHOTO: Our mission staff team that accompanied us to see the President.

Special note: Thanks to Heather for borrowing some of here photos to get the whole picture of the day!

Charlie Company: 25 amazing men!!

PHOTO: Leaders getting ready for a training session.

Ever watched the series Brothers in Arms? Well if you are a guy I suggest you get to see it! The most amazing story on friendship and loyalty through troubled times I have ever seen. Really worth it.

PHOTO: Recieving more Bibles

We have men like that in Mozambique. They are poor, their income are beneath the breadline, their homesteads are far off in the bush but year after year they influence their communities and try their best to uplift everyone around them. They are men of great influence and more important men of great character. I know them by name and after 10 years we have become more than just friends. These are our Pastors from northern Mozambique. Many situated around the Zambezi river and others in areas which is not even shown on the map. They fight death, hunger and dangers daily. They are real transformational agents working in Mozambique. And they work for FREE, VOLUNTARILY - with God as their employer. These men together leads another 400 leaders in their Bible Schools - influencing more than 25 000 people in churches in the north.

PHOTO: Sharing a lunch together with Community leaders.

We had the privilege to have them with us again as they keep on studying. They are currently busy with their 6 year Bible Diploma. The most amazing thing is that we have never had a dropout with any of our core leaders. Some died ..... but they all kept on studying.