"I think I can see now!"

"I think I can see now", says the old lady softly in her corner.  Alta asks curiously, "Do you mean you were blind and you can see?"  She still doesn't smile and repeats softly:  "I can see .... I could never read and that means I never new where I was going on the bus ..... but now I can see where I am going."   After spending some time with her we realized that through the literacy program this lady was able for the first time to read the destination on the bus she takes to town.  She got lost so many times and neighbours had to bring her back to her house.  This is but one of the most amazing stories after women found their way through the literacy program for women being presented.  The story of this 70 year old lady brought everyone to tears as she said "I met Jesus too!"  The literacy program uses the Bible to teach literacy.

JUST WOMEN ..... AND A SEMINAR

They travelled more than 800 km to get to their first seminar.  Through the literacy program the women participants in Northern Mozambique grew to more than 1 800 ladies eager to learn how to read and write through the "Simukai - Stand Up" program.  This year the seminar was held in Pina - a small rural village about 5 km from the mission base.  Five ladies were chosen by their schools to represent them.  

Everyone helped to organize the women's seminar at Pina.  Boys carrying a mattress for the ladies staying over.  Hospitality in Mozambique is something quite unique.

Ladies were not just taught how to present classes, but were taught how to teach and present arts and crafts to their villages and communities.

The women from Northern Mozambique presenting their "ministries" to the pastors.  Given the culture and its limits when it comes to rural women there are many bridges that these ladies need to overcome - the lack of literacy only one huge obstacle.  We work through churches and pastors to ensure the success of the program.

Learning how to be effective teachers and coordinators in their communities also ensure that leadership qualities are build into these brave ladies.

Time for a practical lesson.

Just one of the difficulties is that ladies travel and come to class with their babies and children.  Men will hardly look after them which means classes are often interrupted by the children.  Not easy when you try to learn how to read and write.

One of the wonderful moments ....... when ladies start caring for each other spiritually.

Teachers from the Women's Ministry praying for a sick child.

Proud class of 2011 completing their seminar.

 A STRANGE MIRACLE

Donalia (lady on the right) came from Tambara (450 km away) to attend the Lady's seminar.  Donalia, many years ago raised Maria (photo:  left) when she was orphaned.  Maria left the house of Donalia more than 10 years ago as she had to look after herself due to food shortages.  When Donalia came to the seminar she could not believe her eyes.  Maria (now nearly 30 years of age) was also part of the program in another province in Mozambique.  Tears started flowing when they recognized each other.  Indeed a miracle in a country where people struggle to travel and try to keep in touch.  It was a re-union like no other.  God truly works in amazing ways.  Both are Christians and Maria is happily married with her own child.  Just one of the ways the women's ministry bring people together!  And all of that through reading and writing.  VIVA!

Seminars galore!

We have had a busy time with several seminars the last few weeks.  I am currently on the road down south while our other partners are continuing seminars in northern Mozambique.  We have various objectives and strategies when it comes to training leaders in Mozambique.  We invite the core Mozambican leadership to central Mozambique twice a year (for the women once a year) and then visit each zone and province personally to teach and reward faithful students of course.

LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

To see these men in action is a jaw dropper.  Their training consist of a theological, leadership, community and health component through 6 years of training.  Some of our leaders just completed their 26 course journey and were handed their certificates.  It's amazing to think that these 50 leaders we trained will go back and teach another 1 000 leaders who then will reach more than 60 000 church members.  This is what we call serious multiplying in the bush!

They study under difficult circumstances but always seem to come back for their exams exited with the great things God is doing in their communities.  The study material is secondary ...... as the course concentrate on practical theology.  An area on which they are severely tested.  After all .... a theological doctorate degree doesn't meet too much in the bush!

A  more serious moment!

One of our classes studying hard for their exams.

A great moment as many of our new leaders receives their first Bibles that they will take back to their churches.  Mostly all of these Bible schools are so deep in the bush that it is nearly impossible to buy a Bible.

Most of our pastors live in the Delta, close to the Zambezi river and lives in extreme poverty.  At the end of the seminar they got some clothing donated by many friends in South Africa.  They will share this with their families as they travel back.

Meet Joao .... he was one of our students in our  primary school.  Due to his excellent performance he was chosen to continue his studies in high school.  He is not just an excellent student but spiritually has grown tremendously.  He was chosen by his church to lead them at this young age.  He was enrolled in the theology course and already completed 2 of the 26 modules successfully.   Well done Joao!!

MUSIC SEMINAR

If you've been in Africa you will know that music is EVERYTHING.  Really .... it's everywhere.  It's in the bones and DNA of every African.  They move rhythmically without even trying.  Young boys beat the drums before many of them can walk.  Babies go to sleep as their mothers dance them into an African beat on their backs.  Music draws everyone together around a campfire.  BUT sadly in many churches song writing and creating their own brand of music is neglected.  With this in mind, Rick Cogbill - a friend of the mission brought some friends from Canada to help the local church understand worship and how to start writing your own songs in your own cultural setting.  It was a highlight many will never forget.

Setting up the church for their first music seminar ever!

SOUND CHECK:  Rick Cogbill sorting out a few problems before he got started!

Tuning music instruments.  Churches has very little exposure to new music instruments .... something Rick introduced during the seminar.  They 'jammed' well!

Todd Green (left on the drums) and Rick Cogbill with the guitar getting into the African rhythm.

Tomas Same showing his skills on the keyboard.  It was amazing to see how quickly he learned new songs.  He cannot read music but he picked up new tunes within a few seconds.  Amazing!

Rick Cogbill teaching on "worship music" in the church.

The end of yet another day in the bush!  Many happy people and lasting memories!