LOVEMOZ - Created by Francois Rauch

Modern Cowboys

2012-01-24T09:16:00.001+02:00

I love cowboy movies ..... and have to admit my favorite cowboy of all times must be Clint Eastwood. Too young to enjoy John Wayne. My friend Clint (Eastwood that is if I may call him my friend) had the ability to be cool, calm and collective. Those focused eyes made me wanna be Clint! I saw that same kinda focus in a few visitors we received. They arrived without a horse ..... well came here with a flying horse 747 ..... or so they call him. 'At 30 000 feet they even got a toilet with running water', they laughed. Modern cowboys ..... Burnie (sheriff and head hunter), Gary (bouncer) and Al (collective).

As you know we are putting up a hanger on our runway that has been officially cleared by government. Now to put up a hanger here in the middle of nowhere is not an easy thing. But after the logistics miraculously worked out ..... we only needed a few cowboys from the US of A to make things happen. And these guys are as tough as they come. Mean, big, masculine, hardworking - your no-nonsense type of guy. I mean .... I love Texans .... but these guys from Michigan, USA know how to tackle a problem. But enough of my cowboy drooling - let the photos do the talking!

Burnie ...... head chief, mechanic and sheriff. He had all the ideas .... and they worked first time up! Amazing skills and a strong man.

Tools of the trade to make any job take notice.

Gary putting hanger walls together.

Modern cowboys do still carry a lot of weapons with them.

Ron Wayner .... head of our Aviation Ministry does the quality check at the hanger. Looks pretty good to me ... but then I ain't no Clint Eastwood.

I tried too ..... got the measuring tape out to help make sure we get the walls all square. My expertise unfortunately doesn't go very far. I would probably be compared to ...... the accountant in the bank in a cowboy movie .... lol!

Time for action ...... getting the trusses ready for the hanger.

The hanger getting its shape.

Lifting the panel into its place.

Big equipment on-site helped to make the job very easy indeed.

Burnie .... making sure with Gary up high that everything locks into place. I heard them shout in that American Cowboy dialect: "Hey you .... 5 inches to go .... ok 1 inch". I mean I work in millimeters and centimeters .... what's this 'inch' thing?

And there we go one section completed!

"I cannot sleep"!

2012-01-23T09:18:00.003+02:00

It all started a few years ago. We met Sinambale Paradzai when he visited us on the mission base. He had a warm passion to study teaching. He wanted to be a teacher so bad .... he would do anything to make it happen. With the long list of people in Mozambique trying to get into college Sinambale didn't make the final cut on the list. He was devastated. But the true story was going to be unfolded soon.

Sinambale had his own dreams but as we were sharing life together we realized that he was the oldest brother who had 3 brothers and sister he had to look after after their parents died. He were selling ice in town to try and get a few pennies to keep the family alive. His story was heartbreaking. We decided to give him an internship at our bush school and see how he would cope. He did wonderful. Our orphan ministry decided to take him and kids on their program and provided monthly emergency food supplies. With Sinambale earning a little bit more cash he could also take care of them better. They still had no house though. After some great miracles the next phase in this family's life was about to be realized:

We found a great spot to build Sinambale and the family a new house.

Time to get all the logistic in place.

Sinambale proud to see the project taking off. He was speechless and struggled to find the right words to share is feelings.

This was the house the orphan kids had to share.

Sinambale stayed in this house on weekends when he looked after the family.

The new house of hope .... nearing completion.

Meet the Paradzai-family.

I simply couldn't resist this photo - best smiles in the bush!

Another very happy family!

Special thanks to everyone who participated to make this dream come true.

Meet Charles Sixpense

2012-01-22T09:16:00.002+02:00

Charles Sixpense has been working with the mission since I can remember. He must be six foot ... something. Tall, skinny but probably one of our most experienced handyman on-site. He can fix just about any leak and understand pipes and plumbing like no one else I know around here. When there's a problem, thunderstorm chaos ... or fire raging and threatening the farm our houses ..... who do you call? No 'ghostbusters' here .... you call .... 'Charlie'. He's always ready, always smiles ..... and always have a plan ready to meet the need.

Charles Sixpense on the left (after the operation and in re-cooperating mode in an interview with Joao Benjamin - reporter on the scene.

Charles is a Christian while is wife is a witch doctor and although she opposes what we believe we still reach out to the family daily. Good seed will never return void, we believe. When Charles got very sick a month ago, and in his own words - "I though this was the end - I am dying", we all quickly had to come up with a plan. With very limited medical services available we realized that Charles needed an operation immediately. Lynn Lagore, our medical 'Dr. Quin' did all the homework and Charles was rushed to a clinic where we found a doctor who could operate! Although extremely costly .... it was important to save Charles' life.

Joao had an interview with Charles after the operation. I place the article as Charles answered Joao. Here is the article written by Joao Benjamim.

JOAO: Baba Charles how do you feel after the operation?

CHARLES: I am very grateful for the miracle that God did in my life. I suffered from this disease called hernia for a long time, but only when there was bad weather. This time though it was a very critical situation to the point where I lost the hope of life in this world.

But because God has a plan with my life, He did not want me to die at this time. God used the mission a lot through there love and they did everything they could to save my life. They took me to a private clinic where I had better and more urgent surgical intervention which was a great priviledge because few or almost non one else in the bush is able to afford such costs. Today my health is restored, the hernia passed, the pain is gone as well and I feel only joh.

One thing is important to tell everyone. Although I am still sick and often lie at hom because I'm still not capable to work, I have the privilege of spending my free time to read the Bible.

JOAO: What is your favorite part in the Bible?
CHARLES: My most favorite verse is Mathew 7:7. This reminds me of God's promises of when we call Him, He hears us and gives us what we need at the right time. When I needed health and graces .... He gave them.

Another thing I learned is that I realized how much the brothers in the mission and in the community loves me. All the missionaries and fellow employees visited me constantly and expressed their true love towards me showing me how much they care about my life.

I thank God for this healing. I also thank the mission (missionaries, First Aid officers from the mission clinic and all our workers here) for all of this helped me to find true meaning for my life.

NOTE/COMMENT:

I Joao Benjamin (accompanying Mathew and Pastor Francois), I went to Charles' house, and I saw that he had a Bible beside his bed on the floor. He was reading it. It was very impressive because as you know his wife is a Witch doctor but they were sitting together in the same matchessa (house). It seems she heard some loud reading what Charles did. And if someone from the mission goes to visit him, he asks for prayer all the time ... which she also hears.

Through an African lense

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000+02:00

Good morning Africa

Waking up

Ready for business

Gotto build my house .... now!

Around every corner - purple delight!

My space

Going back west

Another thankful day

Zzzzoem!

2012-01-10T14:54:00.001+02:00

Just had a swarm of bees pass over my head with that fearful 'zzzoem' sound. If you've ever had bees in your hair you would know how alarming the sound of a swarm of bees sound. And that is how the year started here on the base. The first week has gone by so quick ..... that I have totally forgotten where I was on the 1st of January. Much good and wonderful things are currently happening on the base here but also mixed with a little sad news. But let me get right into it:

STARTED OFF WITH A 40 FOOT BANGER

At last all the materials for the hanger arriving after 2 1/2 months on the open seas from the US of A! Ron Wayner (Mercy Air) was responsible for organizing all the equipment and worked hard to make this miraculous reality.

Joao Benjamim (left) .... chief in charge with the driver of the truck that carried the container. Joao made all the paperwork possible and had to 'rescue' the container from Beira.

Taking out the new grader for the runway.

Due to the fact that we do not have much equipment in the bush the arrival of this welder will make a huge difference here.

HOW TO MOVE A 40 FEET CONTAINER IN DA BUSH!

Ron Wayner on the backhoe in full action. The base was in full action from 06:00 in the morning to move the big 40 feet container. The container had to be dragged for about 3 km and were carrying 26 steel trusses that were approximately 37.5 ft long. A huge task in itself!

"Stop Captain!" Bridge ahead.

"Ugh ...." after scratching his head .... the captain had a plan! In Africa you never have a plan ready .... you make one on the way! Two logs were put under the container to simply role it over the bridge. Did I just say ... 'simply'?

'Will the bridge hold?', is on the minds of many careful onlookers.

And there she goes .... with the bridge still in tact! Ron said afterward he had to wheelie the backhoe to get the container uphill. "It was my longest wheelie ever", he said with his soft smile.

Unpacking the container. The most amazing miracle about the container was that it was never locked when it left the US and arrived safely on the mission base. Nobody touched it! Awesome GOD!

Precious cargo.

AND THE WORK IS NEVER DONE ......

Now figuring out how to putt everything together. Constructing a cement wall for the hangar with the help from our Mozambican brothers. Ron asked many times: "So where is the cement truck when you need one?"

Very sharp building skill were needed to place the 20 cm wide strips accurately. Ron and McGuyver (dog that is) busy teaching our Mozambican friends how to do the job.

Corners and rebar in place. Ready to pour some pillars. Now I am extremely technically challenged so I am always puzzled on just how great all these guys are at getting these things done.

Ron Wayner (kneeling) the master of his crafts. He can just about do anything. A great pilot who survived 2 crashes in the icy waters of the Alaskan sea, a phenomenal carpenter and well ... I can go on and on! Great man with a great plan.

Why do we do all this stuff?

Yes we are in the process of building a hangar for the runway ... but why do we do this stuff? Valid question. Ron and Barb always answers: "To rub shoulders with people, who otherwise wouldn't get to know JESUS. To teach them job skills that will help them support their families. It's not really about building hangers and houses, and bridges and flying airplanes, it's about touching people for Jesus! Thanks for helping us do that!

Lastly and sadly ......

A few days after this photo was taken Ron was busy cutting wood, when through a freak accident he cut off his index finger of his left hand. It was a traumatic incident for everyone on the farm. Please keep praying for Ron as he is working through this. We have NO hospitals or doctors nearby and rescuing the finger was not possible.

All photos taken by: Barbara Wayner

Thanks Barb for putting together the documentary!

Make it your best year ever!

2012-01-01T01:57:00.000+02:00

Most people never really LIVE; they just exist. "I came so that YOU may have LIFE and have it to the FULLEST." - JESUS

Christmas and the 'morning after'!

2011-12-25T01:01:00.029+02:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU! May you have a great, joyous day full of laughter!

"No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began." 1 Corinthians 2:7
When the day after Christmas feels like "the morning after" to you, one feels like crying. Christmas is over and with it - all the excitement. The promise and excitement of gifts is finished and all that remains is a bunch of papers and empty boxes. The left over turkey and gammon are staring you in the face again and yesterday's dessert looks like an accident!

What has happened to that Christmas feeling, you wonder?
Be glad you feel that way. That's how you should feel when after all the 'ooops ... I ate too much' and 'oops my credit card is maxed after Christmas' get hold of you the morning after. Christmas really begins only after the actual celebration is over when the events are stripped of everything shiny and worthless. It's Christ in its simplicity for you that really makes you think what this time is about.
No .... relax I love Christmas and don't want to take the joy out of this festive time. This tired feeling in the aftermath of Christmas is not what God really wanted. God has his biggest rescue plan launched when his son was born on earth. It was not easy for Jesus to go through the pain of birth in a world where people on earth couldn't imagine in their wildest dreams what Jesus had to leave behind to become human and join us on this dusty earth. Keep the crib in your heart
No, God who became man is not just a season's excitement and entertainment. The birth of Christ is a miracle. Let us therefore keep the crib in our hearts to remind us of His goodness in our lives, like the Israelite's kept the sacred ark of God wherever they traveled. Let's look past the temporary to the eternal which God has for us through His Son, to a new heaven and a new earth which have been prepared by God.
So enjoy the pleasure and joy that characterize the season, but keep your heart open for the Living Christ which you cannot pack or hide in a box.
May you have a wonderful Christmas for all the right reasons and enjoy all of it - even if you did receive the gift you always wanted!

Christmas through an orphan's eyes

2011-12-14T11:30:00.000+02:00

Living in Mozambique as an orphan is a challenge like everywhere else in the world. In the developed world many orphans are held in state institutions – cold places, shades of grey places – survival is the key and if your lucky you could be placed with a family for Christmas ... maybe. I understand why God would state in James 1:27 “Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless (orphans and widows) in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.”

Our annual Christmas Orphan party was again a huge success with orphans waiting somewhat patiently for the big occasion.

Mozambique has very little or no state institutions for orphans. In a way they are luckier than those hidden in grey, cold buildings and sometimes find themselves in loveless surroundings. Orphans in Mozambique is just as a harsh environment. Most of the time they simply just stay in their mud and grass hut after parents die and look after themselves ..... going from hut to hut to ask for food. In villages where food is scarce people try to help these orphaned kids but sometimes the church is the only place where they can find some refuge. They are true ‘surviving heroes’ but heroes only go that far without good nutrition, medical help and education. Kids are lonely and kids as young as 9 has to take care of younger brothers and sisters. Kids are in survival mode and only God really knows what they see .... when they get up in the morning.

At Love Mozambique we have shared many a tear when we come to villages and see the multitudes of orphans looking for help. In Northern Mozambique alone we help more than 1 700 orphans by using the local church through various programs. Our little help looks like a drop in the ocean ... but on our base we could again spoil some of our orphan kids in our Amigo Orphan program. Heather Neufeld organized a great Christmas party again which .... as you will see .... the kids enjoyed thoroughly.

Our orphan girls celebrating their gifts at the Christmas Orphan party.

I just love this face .... a happy orphan is our aim and when I see this .... I know God is happy too.

Girls celebrating their new Christmas gifts.

GAMES AND FUN THROUGH TEACHING

Meet an amazing young pastor and our co-ordinator of our Amigo Orphan Program - Past. Mariano Joao. The kids love him and if you see his moves and the way he connects and loves the orphans .... you would know what I mean when I say .... he's an orphan heroe!

Past. Mariano shares the Christmas story with orphans under the tree.

Games with the orphan girls led by Heather.

Lots of games with the kids made the day much fun.

Dancing is part of the festivities and all our widows joined us for the occasion. Many of these widow mothers also look after all our orphan kids. All our Amigo Orphan kids has an adopted family through the widows that help us.

One of the widows, Mai Vaida who looks after some of our orphans, prays for the food and the event.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE XMAS ORPHAN DAY

Eating chicken and rice with Coke must surely be one of the highlights!

Widows being treated to a special meal!

A happy day and the team (still looking energetic) with our local orphans.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Photo: And yet another orphan enjoying the day. Love those

eyes and smile!

Please pray that God will reveal HIM (as he always does!) Maybe on Christmas eve you could say a pray to the millions of orphans around the world and those who die so young in Mozambique. Join us in prayer or if you want to give a gift that lasts .... contact us at lovemoz@sg.org.za

Thank you to the many who never forgets .... who reaches out and through your help says: I am here ....! Thanks for "being" in the moment with us.

Many blessings on you and your family!

All photos taken by our reporter and missionary on the ground: Heather Neufeld (thanks Heather!)

When servants come together!

2011-12-13T09:29:00.000+02:00

Past. Toca, he must be very close to 60 years of age, got up and started testifying. Testifying the ‘electrifying’ way, if you ask me. He was fired up and started sharing: “God has a special plan for each. I started this program as an illiterate man, forgotten by many until I joined the 6 year Bible program. I told God ... here I am ... illiterate, poor and someone that never went to school. BUT ... I have a desire ... I want to be Your servant and teach your people in the Zambezi Delta your Word. Help me! And GOD did”, he told 48 other pastors who by now could not sit still on their chairs. Past. Toca joined the SBF (Bible Faith Seminary) program more than 10 years ago as an illiterate man staying in a small forgotten town, Baue on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river. Through a truly amazing miracle from God he started reading and writing the Bible .... and a ‘walking miracle’ as he describes himself.

Past. Toca (left) from Baue with his interpreter, Past. Elias from the same area.

One after one pastors got up and shared their miracle stories of how the program not only changed their lives and the lives of their churches, but how communities were totally transformed as they were busy completing their 6 year theology course.

Some of the students busy with studies on the book of Revelation. All of them are pastors of their own churches. Most of the are from Northern Mozambique.

We have a total holistic approach when it comes to the understanding of theology. The nearly 1 000 pastors in the SBF program follows an extensive 6 year course while they concentrate on various social problems within their immediate communities like:

· Orphan problems – creating orphan programs to take care and feed them with the help of the community;
· Starting pre-primary schools to educate kids before they start their official school year;
· Sustainable agriculture programs and food security for their communities during starvation periods;
· Using the church to teach hygiene and help local communities with literacy in various health issues;
· Providing solutions in agri programs by getting water to people;
· Using the church to help neglected women to empower themselves through literacy programs and participating in the 6 year theology course the moment they can read and write.

We just completed yet another intensive seminar with these great servants. We were fortunate to hold our first seminar in our newly built (although not yet finished) Leadership and Training centre. We shared various topics from Sustainable Agriculture, servant leadership techniques, health and hygiene related issues, food procurement models for communities, counselling techniques to mention but a few.

Once you meet these men who serves God without a salary, without any additional benefits just plain pure raw love and commitment ... you are truly humbled. And when you, as teacher , want to share .... you immediately decide to keep quiet .... and just listen to what God is already doing through them!

One of our new students, a pastor from Northern Mozambique receiving his certificate after completing 2 modules of his 26 module theological course.

It takes a lot out of these pastors to complete their 6 year course successfully. All of our monitors completed their course successfully with not one quitting. Despite community problems, hunger, sickness and disease and even death that plague the families so often could not hinder these great men from completing their studies.

Meet the two brothers - Mathew and Prosper! They both participated in the program by being our interpreters. We host a multitude of languages during the program. Shona, Portuguese, Chewa, Senna and English are but a few of the dialects we have to make provision for.

YES ... and some strange food. Roasted flying ants. They are actually very nutritious and don't taste that bad at all. And if you are hungry .... this really would get you going throughout the day!

It's that man from Mutarara again!

2011-12-12T19:04:00.000+02:00

It's that man Joao - wrestling with a crocodile - and he always does it with a smile!

Joao Benjamim grew up in Mutarara .... and I have shared many postings on his many gifts as he serves God with us in Mucombeze. As you know Joao speaks nearly 8 languages and carries a degree in Economics and Business Management. But what you don’t know, is that being from Mutarara, a small town on the banks of the Zambezi river, he knows no fear. To survive in Mutarara you need to overcome the extreme 45 degree Celsius heat but even more crucial – when it is your turn to fetch water in the Zambezi river, you have to overcome crocodiles and hippos. Which he did!

We have been terrorized on our mission farm by a few crocodiles who killed more than 8 of our sheep we keep on the farm. Well ... the crocodile was caught (and although he doesn’t look all that fat to me ..... we did call him the “Sheep Dundee” of our area.

Well here is Joao showing off at the catch of the day!

Just checking on the vice-grip hold! And those teeth looks ..... well very clean and very ready for action!

Domingos Oziah - our animal guru. He knows animals, the bush and all the creatures in the river. Visiting him is an experience you will never forget. He cooks a mean eal from the river!

Joao Benjamim and Domingos Oziah just showing the crocodile who's boss in the open bush!

Now this photo teaches you many things! Tendai shows the world that fear is secondary in the bush. OK her face does show another story altogether - but for a 3 year old to that ..... she gets the prize of the day.

And that was enough for the crocodile!

Please note: ALL PHOTOS taken by our photographer on the spot - Heather Neufeld. Always at the right place at the right time. Thanks Heather!

It's Red Alert for Mozambique

2011-11-30T10:13:00.001+02:00

Mozambique is the only African state shown in red on a world map of countries most affected by extreme weather.

The map was released at the United Nations climate change conference in Durban on Tuesday.

Drawn by German-watch, it forms part of the seventh edition of the Bonn-based non-governmental organisation’s Global Climate Risk Index (GCRI).

The red color indicates South Africa’s northeast neighbor was among the top 20 countries affected by extreme weather -

including events such as flooding, drought, heat waves and severe storms - from 1991 to 2010.

A table in the index ranks Mozambique 19th in the world when it comes to the death and losses - relative to its population size and its GDP -that it has suffered as a result of this.

It shows the country suffered 50 extreme weather events, which cost it 1745 lives and US96 million (about R802m) in losses over the two decades.

Over the same period, South Africa was struck by 307 such events, at a cost of 1216 lives and US242m (about R2 billion)in losses.

The index looks at only the direct impact of the weather events, and not the often much stronger indirect impact.

It also contains a section on the impact of climate change on African countries, which notes the continent is particularly vulnerable, although most of them score low on the GCRI.

“In the African regions, indirect impacts like food scarcity as consequence of droughts often cause the most severe consequences which cannot be considered with sufficient reliability in the data that provide the basis for the climate risk index,” it states.

According to the index, the three countries most affected by severe weather between 1991 and last year were Bangladesh, Myanmar and Honduras.

All of the top 10 were developing countries. - SapaPublish Post

Transforming women in Mozambique

2011-11-23T10:46:00.000+02:00

Thanks to the endeavours made by the government of Mozambique, the country is witnessing significant progress in gender equality. Although women make up more than 53 % of the Mozambican population many people in the society still refuses to acknowledge women as creators of wealth and as the guarantors of economic and social well being. In rural Mozambique, where we live and work, this problems becomes an even bigger problem. Culture plays a big role when it comes to determining what women may do. The local church in Mozambique actually holds the answer in their hands. We work through the local church to reach most of the women involved in the Simukai program.

Women in their cultural role at home providing
in the needs of her family.

In government we currently have 28 % of the ministers who are women, 20 % are deputy ministers, and 27 % of the women are provincial governors. 39 % of the members of the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique are women.

But working in the bush is a total different issue altogether as I have said. Treading carefully and not stepping on toes is a nearly impossible task if you want to uplift and transform women to play a more active role in the community affairs. As you know we are currently helping women through various programs which include:

Literacy programs - using the Bible as tool to teach them to read and write. More than 2 600 women are following this program in various languages, eg. Shona, Portuguese, Sena, English and Chewa.
Entrepreneurial programs - teaching women various crafts which they sell. Many women was enabled to earn enough money to care for their families and even buy cows to plough their fields.
Other social economic endeavors - a trial project with water pumps to help women to set up food gardens close to rivers to help in sustainable food provision for their families.
Health and family care manuals: After teaching women how to read and write we are involved in teaching health classes to women and how to take good care of your family. We stay as culturally sensitive as possible in these matters.
Currently building a Women Training Centre where literacy and entrepreneurship will be the main focus point. The centre will be a hub where women will gather and be equipped for the Mozambican challenges ahead.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

Alta testing one of the water pump models available which women could use to procure water for her garden and even for family use.

The idea is to start a trial project to provide women with some of these pumps to ease the load they are carrying each day. All women in the community has the tiring job of carrying water to their homesteads - sometimes many miles away.

LEFT: Carrying water in the community is a tough job for the woman.

OTHER NEWS:

One of our co-ordinators for the Simukai Women program, Eunice, had to leave us after 10 wonderful years. Family commitments and responsibilities had to come first in Eunice's decision to continue her new season. Although we did not want her to leave we place a huge emphasis on healthy family life and agreed, with many tears, to let her fulfill her next dream. She will be missed. Eunice will still be available in the future to help the women's ministry, but on a much smaller scale.

She has a wonderful heart for women in Mozambique and were actively involved in training teachers in the rural communities. She also played a very active part in the arts and crafts entrepreneurial projects in the various districts in Mozambique.

We wish Eunice all the best!

Colorful school year ends!

2011-11-16T11:11:00.000+02:00

Africa is a land of many sound, rhythms and colors. People here dance to the rhythm and the beat of the drum .... and they even dance to rhythms they cannot hear. Africa is a great continent full of people of all colors. It's a proud mother who loves her children. But it is the kids who usually suffers the most. African children are more likely than children in the rest of the world to grow up malnourished, without an education, and affected by conflict and HIV/AIDS. Stats are scary - with more than 140 000 000 kids in sub-Saharan Africa living in extreme poverty. And although children here face some of the most challenging circumstances we believe in helping them to DREAM BIG. War and poverty have destroyed most dreams here in the bush. And although many of us manage to dream achievable dreams many of our kids don't even have a dream.

STATS: 175 children out of every 1 000 dies before they reach their 5th birthday. We have 200 000 child slaves in Africa. 120 000 kids involved in armed conflicts. Nearly one third of children in sub-Saharan Africa are underweight. Between 12 - 14 million kids have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Only 57 % of African children are enrolled in primary education and 1 in 3 of those does not complete school. For every 100 boys there are only 83 girls enrolled at primary school.
STATS: World Bank/UNICEF/Africa 2015

That is why we make sure that every kid who joins our bush schools has the opportunity to DREAM BIG. We don't have businesses in the bush and the chance to find a job here is about 0 % - but we found ways to help our kids dream through:

Exposing them to excellence and serving in their communities;
Starting a 'Buddy Project' where they have the opportunity to see some of our ministries working eg. mechanics, teaching, health workers, administration workers, orphan care, agriculture and many other areas where we specialise in;
Teaching them various skills;
Entrepreneurial opportunities and teaching them the basic principles of 'business';
Emphasis on character.

Our bush schools have become 'Dream Centres' where we go the extra mile. At the end of the year we invite parents and the community to share in those dreams as we celebrate the achievements of their kids at our schools. Here is a few pictures to share in the occasion.

LEFT: Sport Woman of the year award. We have spend a lot of time making sure girls are part of our educational process and have the right to basic education until 16 years of age.

Joao Benjamim (suit and tie) opens the day with prayer. Joao Feniasse (left) is the school principal and acted as the master of ceremonies.

There were a lot of prizes for the annual school closing event where we celebrated the achievements of our school kids. First prize - Grade 4 was a mountain bicycle.

A colorful picture in the bush. Our school has grown tremendously the last few years which meant we do not have all the facilities to gather inside a hall. The sun was fierce but the expectation and contagious excitement kept everyone pinned to their seats.

Time to receive their certificates and prizes with proud parents watching.

Little Chimboma has an interesting story. Her mom is a old widow who is raising 4 kids on her own in the bush. She somehow manages to spend a lot of quality time with her kids. All of her kids has shown that they can academically achieve top spots in their class. Little Chimboma was the top student in 2010 and followed that up with a great 2nd in her class in 2011 for academical achievements.

CLASS OF 2000. It was great to see old students who we taught and completed their studies in our Primary bush school. Many of them are parents and are sending their infants to the same school where they graduated. Many of these kids started under a tree with us as we had no facilities at that time. Left: Dwight and Lynn Lagore (Canada), Right: Joao Benjamim and Francois Rauch (Mozambique and South Africa) with the rest of our old students.

Dwight Lagore and Francois Rauch handing over gifts to the top achievers. The 'bubbles' you see on the foreground was the idea of our school teachers. Lets call it: "side effects" since we don't have dry ice in 40 degree temperatures the teachers felt the students should be treated with bubbles to make them feel extra special. I laughed so hard at the gesture .... but everyone enjoyed it thoroughly.

FIRST PRIZE - Grade 4 top student receiving his bicycle ( with our 'bubble making team' working hard).

Sinambale Paradzai (teacher Grade 2 and 3) getting to the highlight of the day. RESULTS for the end year exams being shared with the parents. Will I make it or will I have to ....... (well you know what!)

When an African kid worships .......

2011-11-13T19:20:00.000+02:00

I have been humbled so many times in the African bush that I have stopped counting. It's 09:00, Sunday morning - Mozambique. The temperature gage already reads 35 degrees Celsius in my vehicle. My air con is running on its maximum setting - I am on my way to another bush church which formally invited me to come over.

Now if you believe all the latest statistics on church growth and spiritual formation all around the world, Europe is currently going through a spiritual dip. Africa on the other hand is spiritually growing at a rapid rate with church growth booming in countries like Mozambique and even Nigeria. But I don't read to much into stats. It's when I enter a church that I immediately know what is actually happening there. The maturity, the purpose in worship, the preaching, community, love and the relationships. This morning yet again I was humbled beyond reason. The amazing worship .... grabbed me. It was yet again the kids .... when they stand up and worship without anyone telling them how .... they simply lift their hands and start praising GOD.

No band, no separate benches or a quiet corner for those 'naughty' kids .... they are part of the full package! Their joy brought so many tears to my eyes again this morning that I could hardly share a Message of a God who finds so much joy in the African church. You see ..... it's authentic, real, in your face without pretence. I love that. And this morning in this very simple (and I say that with the greatest respect) African church ... they had it all. Viva!

Kids getting into the groove of worship!

And then the gracious offering from the church pastors! I receive a chicken for coming and being part of their celebration of GOD. Awesome! I love Africa and its people.

SMALL CLIP TO REMIND YOU OF TRUE AFRICAN WORSHIP .....

Going Green

2011-11-13T08:24:00.000+02:00

GREEN is the way to go - even in the bush where everything around us is shades of green! After a visit from Stellenbosch, Johan Roos - a wine farmer was touched by the agricultural project of the mission. He decided to get involved with help from friends and farmers in Stellenbosch and they donated these T-shirts to our co-workers in Mozambique.

The farmers in Stellenbosch, South Africa also donated irrigation equipment that will help all our food gardens to produce veggies for orphans and more than 300 children in our primary schools. The irrigation equipment will be installed as soon as our rainy season finishes in March 2012.

Our team ..... ecstatic about their early Christmas gift

Meque Raeni - our sustainable agriculture worker and guru showing off his T-shirt.

Americo and Alex (Head of AGRI PROJECTS) felt they should visit Stellenbosch after this gift.

Walking on Sunshine

2011-11-03T19:06:00.001+02:00

It's nearly 08:00 clock in the morning or so my watch says which is wet on my arm from the high humidity. If there is one thing we all own in Mozambique, except for mosquito repellent that is, it's a barometer hiding under a tree somewhere. The mercury reads nearly 30 degrees Celsius. Hot and sticky and I cannot but help thinking of the 40 degree Celsius mark midday. It's VBS (Vocational Bible School) time again and kids have been anxiously waiting for the program to start after their 'tough' exams behind them.

I get on my motorbike to travel the 20 km to our bush school to see how many kids would actually pitch up for the fun and games. To my amazement 179 were waiting on time in the heat for the fun to start. Their anticipation is actually quite contagious. In heat like this water games must be the biggest attraction apart from all the cool drinks and biscuits. Between the games, Bible stories, role playing and fun there was a lot to learn.

Before we even knew it day 1 was finished ..... and we didn't even feel the heat. Special thanks to Rick and Heather and all the helpers for hosting yet again a marvelous time with our kids. Their laughter still rings in my ears ...... a sound I always cherish.

Photo 1: Cooling down session - passing sponges!

Photo 2: Quickly catching a drink and grabbing a biscuit before continuing the race.

Photo 3: Enjoying a break!

Photo 4: Simon Nicalau one of our pre-school teachers (and first aid officer) making sure all is well at the starting point.

Photo 5: Oh the joy of studying - Grade 5 students could not participate in the VBS fun. They are in the final stages of preparing for their external exams in a week. With all the joy and fun outside ..... it seems hard to concentrate on the job on hand.

Photo 6: Exploding balloons and more cooling down games.

Photo 7: Who can drink the most juice through a straw?

Photo 8: VBS is all about having fun while learning. Little Tito is getting ready as David to attack Goliath. Bible verse memorization is a key part of the fun. Bibles stories are being taught through role play ..... ! Amazing fun.

This morning ......

2011-11-02T14:51:00.000+02:00

I was on my way to our annual VBS program presented by Rick and Heather Neufeld when I just had to stop and admire God's artwork in the middle of nowhere!

Will be back shortly with all the action, fun and noise from our annual VBS program at the Mucombeze Primary School.

Reptile fever!

2011-11-01T11:14:00.000+02:00

Now I have been blogging in the past about our rich and diverse nature in Mozambique - and specially here in the bush and all the inhabitants we are sharing life with. But the last week was a little but just too much. Imagine waking up late night ...... nature calls (did I just say that) and you just have to go. I mean you don't want to go .... but there comes a time when your bladder screams out and you have to obey, leave your bed and feel your way into the dark. No electricity in the bush and candles are just too far to get to. At least the flashlight was next to my bed ... so all settled after I forced my one eye open. I measured my steps half asleep not to get lost. With only my weak light to guide me through my bush house something told me to stop .... and so I did. To my amazement a big black scorpion follow my light. Now I know that Psalms 119 says that: "Your Word is a light unto my path" but this was too much. After a quick and loud 'rebuke' my wife was next to me. What would we do without them, I wondered. She reckoned the bigger the scorpion the less dangerous they are. Now I have been stung by them once ..... and to say the least .... I thought God was calling me 'yonder' at a young age. I survived. With one sweep of her shoe my wife decided it's better to kill it. I wanted to gather the poor creature and leave it outside - but to no avail. It was not the end though. Two days later .... another BBS (big black scorpion) under my bed. And I slept on the floor next to my bed due to the extreme heat and temperatures during the day and night. But yet here I am .... alive. Yes we caught the second one and he also met his Creator alongside his other friend.

Two days after the invasion that is now testing my bladder even more during the night time I met this reptile on my veranda watching me through the window. Black Mamba - one of the world's fastest and most poisonous snakes. I got so upset when I saw the snake I ran out the front door, collected a tent pole and tried to kill it. It was much faster than I was and after my 17th shot the tent pole was in pieces, I was tired and the snake escaped into my rock garden.

This morning I realized that we had reptile fever again. I visited the house of a fellow missionary to see the progress on his house when I literally stepped on a Twig snake. NOW ... to really see how poisonous these snakes are ... you should perhaps Google the black mamba and the twig snake. They are NOT your friends. This morning though I am not sure who got the biggest fright ...me or the Twig snake. I jumped to the west and he fled to the east. Thank you for continual prayers for safety. I shall now retire to my house where it should be a little safer .... I think!

Mozambique's First Lady visits

2011-10-21T14:25:00.001+02:00

After all the hours on the road back to Mozambique it was satisfying to hear that the First Lady of Mozambique, Maria da Luz Guebuza visited our community to specifically check up on how women and orphans in the communities are doing. She got a change to see what the woman are producing in our area through the Women's Ministry. As a mission we are currently training more than 2 800 ladies across Mozambique with special emphases on central and northern Mozambique.

When an important official, like the First Lady, visits there is a huge entourage that follows her. It is very often that close to a 100 people may follow her on her visit. From the police, education and health department to all the tribal chiefs and their assistants. Why they all come is still a mystery but it really is something to behold. However, having a visit of this nature takes a lot of preparation as the photos will testify.

Photo 1: An offering is always in order when someone of this stature arrives. A sheep was the offering for the day. By the looks of it ..... it accepted its fate.

Photo 2: Our one and only Fire Truck also arrived for the occasion. Why? I not exactly sure but it really did look spic and span for the occasion.

The whole of Mucombeze turned out for the joyous occasion. Dancing and singing is so part of life here - wish we could do it all over the world.

Photo 4: Everybody brought their instruments and the band got the party going.

Photo 5: Eunice (Lady Ministry National-coordinator) setting up her exhibition for the First Lady.

Photo 6: Heather representing the mission, meeting the First Lady with Tendai (an orphan adopted by Heather and Rick).

Just perhaps ......

2011-10-10T12:43:00.001+02:00

I speak MAC

2011-10-06T10:28:00.000+02:00

While on my way back to Mozambique I heard, like the rest of the world, via Facebook and Twitter of the death of Steve Jobs (CEO Apple, modern day Architect, entrepreneur, visionary). There was a lot to learn about Steve Jobs and his way of doing things! Graeme Codrington shares a few amazing things we can learn from Steve who died on Wednesday (05 October 2011) from cancer:

One man can change the world. It will probably work best with a great team and a growing tribe, but one man can change the world.
You don’t have to be normal. You can break the rules.
You don’t have to listen to all the voices. You can give people what they need, and not just what they want and what they know to ask for.
There are second chances.
You can change the world. Steve Jobs devoted his life to giving human beings the most powerful devices ever to be put into the hands of individuals (you’re reading this on one of them). He has given me power and abilities that were only available to royalty just a few centuries ago.
Beauty matters. Design wins. Do gorgeous work.
Steve Jobs showed us that presentations can be exciting, visually stimulating, enriching and uplifting. We should not copy his unique style, but we should understand the principles that made his presentations so compelling: simplicity, personality, visually gorgeous, “edu-taining”.
The 1950s were a great time to be born. Baby Boomers are a privileged generation.
You can keep doing what you love until you die. You don’t have to retire. No-one is asking, “If he was that sick, why did Steve keep working to the end?” Everyone knows the answer.
Cancer sucks!
And finally, his death to cancer teaches me that no matter how rich, powerful, connected, clever or technology advanced you are, death comes to us all. I need to live my life in the knowledge that this life is not all there is. I don’t know what Steve Jobs believed would happen after he died – whatever he believed, he now knows the truth. Each of us will soon know that truth too; some sooner than later; some sooner than we think. We need to be sure we are ready to face that. I am. Are you?

RIP Steve Jobs. Thank you. Your legacy is assured.

On route: Living Legends in the Kingdom

2011-09-29T11:08:00.002+02:00

I am still breathless (although I had some good rest the last few days) - mostly due to the fact of meeting the most wonderful 'creatures' God has created on this planet - HIS people. If I have to share all the many faces it would be a blog post that would be considered for the 'longest blog post' in modern history. But some of them went out of their way to influence my lifestyle ... forever.

To get to the first lady .... I had to use my GPS and found her at an amazing spot in Cape Town:

I think I am the only one that can still get lost with a GPS on board. Luckily I had my
talking GPS with me ... my wife. She brings sanity to a 'lost case' like me.

Arrived at last .... and the view was spectacular.

A life changer - Annemie Bosh. I met Annemie at an Amahoro Gathering for African leaders in Rwanda and again in Johannesburg at the same gathering a year later. Annemie Bosch, the widow of the late South African theologian and missiologist David Bosch (author of Transforming Mission and Believing in the Future) is an exceptional lady (although she will have my head for saying that)!

“The popular term ‘missional’ has meaning largely because of David’s work. David was not just a thinker, author and teacher; he was also an activist on the street, a courageous white South African who was deeply involved in the struggle against apartheid and for justice and reconciliation", so say Claude Nikondeha - director of the Amahoro Institute.

“But David didn’t work alone: at his side was his wife, Annemie Bosch, and she has continued their work since David’s death in 1992. In addition to being the beloved mother to their seven adult children and grandmother to twenty grandchildren, she continues to work and speak for justice and reconciliation in South Africa’s ongoing struggles.”

Alta (my wife) with Annemie Bosch.

What a great privilege being a friend of a legend. And at Annemie's youthful
age she has true fire in the bones.

Even the Bible Society pitched in to help us on our way. On the same day I met Annemie I was struggling to get hold of 100 special Bibles for Mozambique. Due to paperwork, red tape (yes, they have all of that too when purchasing Bibles) this unnamed gentleman below took ACTION and got the Bibles CHOP-CHOP as we would say in Cape Town. He made my day and saved us a lot of traveling in the process. Without the Bible Society it would be nearly impossible to do our work and share the Good News to the many thousands in Mozambique who still doesn't own their own Bible.

I still don't know who this gentleman is BUT this is to all the unnamed and quiet heroes out
there who changes thousands of lives without them even knowing it (or care not to
think about it!!) VIVA

My next legend is a gentleman supreme. He influences more people missionaly than the Pope himself. Past. Christo Walters is a man of little words but when he speaks it is loaded with God's Missio Dei and it's powerful and life changing. Met him Saturday at a mission's breakfast of Blouberg Congregation with Past. Brad Espin.

HAUNTING FACTS:

In a village of 100 people: 13 Would be born-again Christians, 21 would be nominal Christians in word, 47 would be non-Christians and 19 of them have never heard of JESUS CHRIST.
1,5 Billion people of the 7 billion on our planet has never heard the Good News that Jesus has come to set us all FREE!
Of the 40 000 churches in South Africa only 1 500 of them send out missionaries (transformational engineers);
For every R1 a church collects most of them spend 98,2c inside the church.

Makes one think ..... great then to end with the words of Jim Elliot on the next photo! Blessings.

Past. Christo Walters teaching with passion in getting churches 'mission ready' for
Mission Possible!

Waking up this morning!

2011-09-28T07:07:00.001+02:00

My wife always says the best time of the day is EARLY morning. In her wisdom she always quote: "The early bird catches the best worm!" I tend to think that the early worm always gets eaten. I struggle waking up at 05:00 am and feeling fresh and ready to attack any Goliath coming my way. My wife .... totally different. God has a great sense of humor putting people together. Anyway .... these photos taken this morning was taken by my wife (obviously) .... and yes even the sun was struggling to rise through the cool morning mist!

GOOD MORNING WORLD!

On the way back: Meeting Lifestyle Architechts!

2011-09-26T21:34:00.001+02:00

Who are the people that makes it possible for us to keep on 'keeping-on'? I met a whole bunch of them throughout our time here in Cape Town, South Africa. Their stories in their 'faith communities' were amazing and made me realize that the same light and fire in their 'communities' is the same light that shines throughout Africa. It was great sharing our stories of hope, faith and perseverance and realized that it doesn't matter where in the world you are .... the same stories of a transformational Jesus is the same everywhere.

Dr Henri Weideman - leader pastor from Bellville Congregation and his wife Margaret taking some time to share a moment in Cape Town at Mama's Africa.

On our way to another great meeting in Cape Town.

Stellenbosch Congregation organized a great evening event 'Food is on the Table' to
give us time to share with mission minded agents. Andre Serfontein (back right) is the Ministry Leader
from Stellenbosch Congregation.

Friends enjoying time with us! Elma Marais (middle) visited us a few months ago
on the base in Mozambique after their Africa visit through Tanzania.

Past Dewald de Kock and Susan Bosman sharing a lighter moment in the kitchen.
Dewald is a legend when it comes to Mozambique (5 visits) and Susan visited us in July this
year .... sharing her cooking skills with us.

Alta with friends at the Stellenbosch missions evening.

Dewald de Kock sharing some of his friends with me. Many of them have had the
opportunity to visit me somewhere in their lifetime. Was amazing to see how many students
and friends visited us throughout the years.

Always time to enjoy nature as we travel to meetings and engagements. Sunset in
Blouberg, Cape Town.

And what would a visit be without a picture from Table Mountain.

Breakfast joy! Johannes (second left in the back) was my roommate in Uganda as
we shared stories in Amahoro on post-Colonial missions. Attie (congregational manager from
Stellenbosch Congregation) and his wife, Jansie organized some time together.

Johan Roos - one of the farmers visiting us showed his wine farm to us!

And YES ... we did get some time with my own family. Mom and step dad enjoying
FOOD AGAIN!

Off to Kayamandi I went - a township in Stellenbosch where I had the opportunity
many years ago to build a community center called the Legacy Community Center.

Had the opportunity to lead a Bible study and share some transformational stories with the
amazing staff of the Legacy Community center. Was great to see what they did with the
center. Louise Fourie (left) runs the center with medical and community staff.

Being spoiled!

2011-09-20T18:34:00.001+02:00

If there is one thing you do as a transformational engineer it is talking ..... and eating. I spend many hours explaining that "mission ... is not just the traditional getting people INTO the church, but that mission is EVERYTHING around us. It includes all - creation, humans, relationships ... and bridge building too". Here in Cape Town people don't just listen to what you say ...... they go into ACTION mode.

But I do think in the last few weeks as I am visiting churches and other transformational agents that they are under the impression that living far out in the bush is synonym with "not eating". Oh my goodness .... they fed us well around here in Cape Town. Yesterday for example I ended the day with my 6th meal. Gluttony is a fact and a close companion which you have to fight all the way. Outrageous .... but that is just how South African hospitality works.

And to round it off ...... one of our missional minded "green" churches spoiled us by taking us up the mountain and down the valley. A few quick pics to share the day:

We were greeting on our "green echo trip" with the most beautiful scenery imaginable.

The old Bedford truck took us from the main road to the "Echo friendly station".

Arriving at the station

Well ... sort of a train .... greeted us at the starting point.

The start of our 5h trip up the mountain.

"Runaway train"

Meet Past. Nico Botha - mission pastor with a passion for God's work all around the globe.

There were many stops on the way - and even some water holes where we found interesting refreshments. The spirit was great amongst all the transformational engineers on the route.

Light at the end of the tunnel.

On route: It's about people .... all the time!

2011-09-16T17:38:00.000+02:00

WOW ... God has great people all around the globe. My long-long road journey from Mozambique has finally reached its final destination - CAPE TOWN - at last. We have had a great time on the road and met amazing people. We had various preaching engagements with exhibitions and here is a few of the people we met at the Goodwood Mission Conference 2011. They had a 8 day missions event that blew us away. The hospitality .... well to say the least .... was breathtaking!

People opened their doors from everywhere - and gosh the food everywhere was amazing. Meeting in a house with missionaries from Turkey, Madagascar, Zimbabwe with the local mission pastor in the middle.

House- and cell groups came together to celebrate the stories from Mozambique. Even though so many go through their own deserts and storms they came in numbers from everywhere to praise GOD!

When it came to exhibitions and helping us setting up or prepare food we never had a shortage of help and smiles.

And people came from everywhere to celebrate God's goodness - even in Mozambique.

A lighter moment with Naomi Moss - lecturer at Africa School of Missions and Annette Burger (far left) - missionary in the Kalahari desert (of all places! Really!)

Flowers of every kind everywhere

2011-09-09T17:58:00.000+02:00

I love flowers and travelling through South Africa you just find them around every corner. Not that Mozambique does not have them ..... they are hidden everywhere if you are willing to go out and look for them - specially after fires (which just about now should be raging in Mozambique - burning season as we call it.)

Flowers do remind me of people (sometimes) - colorful, different, shades, smells and varieties. And on our way we met some of the most amazing people who have changed our lives for the better - forever. I am still travelling and have forced myself to back off from the 120 km/h speed limit to about 90 km/h .... and amazing what you see at slower speeds.

Meet Ans van der Hyde. This remarkable lady has done a lot of translations for us with some amazing books for kids. "English for Africa" was one of her creative ideas and we used these books extensively in Mozambique. She is currently translating a book in Chewa for the Malawian women. She retired in Oudtshoorn and we were fortunate to visit her. I salute our more senior Transformational Agents .... who refuses to retire ... rather "re-fire"!

My wife thought (since I love the bush and flowers) that I should pose for this one. Except for me - the flowers really compliments the photo.

AND ON TO THE COAST WE GO!

Leaving Oudsthoorn for Mossel Bay and Stilbaai

The small coastal town of Stilbaai - visiting more mission friends!

Seagull with an attitude - and some lipstick for the occasion.

Villages on the way .... Part 3

2011-09-07T21:05:00.005+02:00

The quaint little Victorian town of De Rust, on Route 62, is conveniently positioned at the southern entrance to Meiringspoort - a magnificent gorge through the Swartberg Mountain Range - and just a few kilometres from Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the country.

De Rust might be small but it is charming and has become something of a haven for artists and is famous for its dessert wines and cheeses. The area, though sometimes dusty and hot, is malaria-free, safe and boasts a fantastic climate with perfect summers and gorgeous winter days, with the chill factor striking only in the evenings. The streets are tree-lined and host to a number of wonderful examples of late 19th century architecture and the town’s drinking water comes from a mountain spring, which residents claim far surpasses that of bottled water.

De Rust was also named town of the year in South Africa. It had amazing things all around and we found the most interesting houses.

On of my favorite shots .... just caught the donkey car on our route with the ostriches in the background.

And then .... as you drive through this little town .... you are met with this peaceful scene! Just amazing.

It's a man's thing ...... I answered as my wife asked why would I want to drive pass my old Army training facility. I mean ... this is where I can recall a lot of sweat and pain! What can I say ... "I am from Mars" .... and my wife still doesn't understand. I spend 12 months of my 24 months of compulsary military training here. OUCH!

Where am I ....? Part 2

2011-09-05T23:59:00.001+02:00

I am currently on my 3 000 km journey to get to Cape Town. On my way I am turning off and taking the road less travelled through a semi-desert area to reach a town called Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn is well known for its ostriches and caves. We are on our way to meet a lady who has done great work with us to share and translate educational books to learn Mozambicans how to read and write. She has just finished a book in Chewa language for the people of Northern Mozambique and southern Malawi. God's people are really everywhere ......

On the road again ...... Part 1

2011-09-05T20:42:00.000+02:00

I invite you to travel with me through Southern Africa (South Africa to be exact) and many of its hidden treasures in small towns .... through valleys and mountains. I have been quiet through the many thousands of kilometers travelled .... apologies. This time of the year is extremely important as we connect with friends, partners and many many other transformational agents who helps us in Mozambique. It's a time to share vision, God's calling and the many dreams we have for Mozambique and Africa. Between the stories, smiles, DVDs, promotional material and slide shows ..... it's really the miraculous story of God that surfaces as the highlight of it all.

By the time you read this I would probably have had more than my share of breakfasts. This is our second stop in Johannesburg sharing the Good News with friends and mission partners.

A great setting and a great breakfast. Amazing when we look for great settings like these to invite our partners how open the owners of guest houses is to help us out.

Elaine Prinsloo our South African liaison and national coordinator answering questions.

One of the many exhibitions on the Women's Ministry arts and crafts produced in Mozambique.

"I think I can see now!"

2011-08-16T12:21:00.000+02:00

"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!

2011-08-15T18:13:00.001+02:00

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!

Ever been to "shoe heaven"?

2011-07-31T19:10:00.001+02:00

If there is something many kids in rural Mozambique does not own then it must be a good pair of shoes. Many of our school kids walk an average of 8 km per day to get to our bush school. Some have to cover more than 16 km through the bush and rivers. But day after day they arrive .... barefoot. Most of them never had the privilege to have their own pair of shoes.

As 'prayer' would have it .... we received help from the south. Mellville Botha and Rudi van Tonder visited us from as far as Polokwane to make our dream a reality. He had boxes of shoes with him. Mellville saw the need a few months ago as they visited us with an outreach team. Needless to say .... the kids were ecstatic when we shared the news with them. Owning your own pair of shoes for the first time was just to much for some as they couldn't stop laughing. It was ...... seriously contagious throughout the more than 150 kids that lined up.

Christmas arrived early! After fitting the shoes (many of them absolutely brand new) some struggled at first to get going ....but once they got the feel of it .... they kept on walking! We had to stop a few in the process .... priceless to experience.

SUPERMAN shoes!

Brand new school shoes.

My personal favorite.

GOOD NEWS WILL TAKE THE 'GOOD NEWS' MUCH FURTHER

Just as I though I have seen the best for the day - much to my surprise a deep longing and a prayer that I have been quietly praying for some months now, has been answered in a spectacular way. My Jesus-film equipment has been in service for the last 10 years but after a decade their time was nearing its end. I told no one .... and yet again to my surprise God answered. Through some great friends I was provided with BRAND NEW equipment to continue a ministry that is very close to my heart. I have seen thousands of people finding joy (and Jesus) through the Jesus film ministry.

I mean .... when GOD gives .... he gives in a way that makes your jaw fall! God is so gracious and He is using people who is willing to go the extra mile. The equipment that was received was very expensive but God made a way through the hearts of HIS people. And yet again (shamefully) my socs have been blown off by GOD's nature.

Mellville from Polokwane handed over the brand new generator, lights and a new
contraption he designed to put up our movie theatre.

Seriously need to thank all of you for not forgetting our kids and all the projects we run through HIS grace. Without you we would never have been able to show God's love in a practical way. Thank you for being a co-worker with us and Christ!

Always time for a BBQ!

2011-07-31T12:07:00.000+02:00

South African fighter aircraft on a training mission over a cold and snowy South Africa.
Photo: www.dieburger.co.za

So while South Africa is covered in snow in various places and many people try to stay warm during power cuts in other places we have had very nice warm days in the bush reaching 30 degrees C on some days. Weeks are flying by and the last few weeks feels like being on auto-pilot. I know we are flying .... but it goes by soooooo quick! We have had a busy week with Women Seminars and Intensive Training Seminars with more than 50 leaders from all over Mozambique. (Blog postings to follow!)

BUT .... through all of this we have had great visitors too from Polokwane helping us with training and outreaches. And through all the activities we even had time to prepare for a nice BBQ (read: BRAAI as we call it in Africa!) It was a BRAAI with a difference though as I took our visitors for a braai at a "higher altitude" as normal.

They say meat tastes different at higher altitudes .... so we tried it out! We went up
a hill and tried it out - carrying even our small "braai"! We call everything here a "braai"!

ACTION! One of our visitors making sure that the precious cargo on the fire does not
become a "burnt offering".

Just showing off .... and trying to convince everyone that I can actually "braai".

GORILLAS IN THE MIST:
A quiet moment as we are contemplating on our good plate of food.

Urs Bricker ... our Swiss social pedagogue decided that table manners is not needed
in the bush. He enjoyed lying down while he was eating.

A Swiss Elephant!

2011-07-28T19:48:00.000+02:00

Urs Bricker has given up 2 months of his personal time to travel all the way from Switzerland, the Alps, the snowy peaks, green parks, flowing rivers ..... and oh my goodness .... the Lindt Chocolate factory to come and help out on the mission base in old dusty Mozambique.

Urs is a social pedagogue who helps kids in distress to find their way back in life. Come to think of it .... he is a compass giver and has done this successfully for the last 7 years. Not just did he cross the Alps he also walked with a group of teenagers across the Alps to the coast of Italy as a character building effort - he also speaks Japanese. Imagine that! A Japanese speaking Swiss German who is working in Portugeuse Africa. But for us - we call him the man with the smiling eyes. He has a joke ready when you least expect it and always a wise word or two.

So when Urs asked me to see some wildlife in Mozambique I decided to take him to the well known Gorongoza Game park in Central Mozambique. He was looking for lion and elephant .... so the hunt was on. (All photos taken in the Gorongoza Game Park)

We saw some amazing Nile crocodiles. Fat and overweight if you ask me!

Bushbuck in the Gorongoza. A very shy buck that won't stay to long for a picture.

Waterbuck - the round circle on his backside usually gives him away. (Looks like a "she" with
the eye-shadow!

We witnessed some amazing birdlife in the park.

Warthog is plentiful and running around everywhere.

The Gorongoza Game Park has been upgraded and service is friendly
and professional in English and Portugese.

Urs Bricker (left) and Andy Kuret both Swiss German gentleman
ready to hunt for lion and Elephant. The new restaurant was a welcome site after a sunny day.

At last .... elephant. Elephants in the park are very shy and are not use to tourists.
After driving on un-drivable roads we at last saw some really wild elephant. Urs was ecstatic.

The bush was beautiful in the park and a true African scenery followed us throughout the park.

Time to go home as the sun sets on a great day!

Entering the unknow - Part 3: The heart of an outreach

2011-07-21T15:07:00.001+02:00

Mount Humbe - our home!

THINKING AND RE-THINKING MISSIONARY ISSUES

I've just said goodbye to a few great groups of people visiting us as you know by now. As I am writing this they have already reached their destinations and have been re-united with their families and loved ones. When I work with amazing teams like these, I always have to ask myself the question whether it is worthwhile. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into an outreach like this. The people making the trip are investing huge amounts of money and when they leave, they want to know that they have made a difference.

Teaching ladies how to knit.

Karien from Blouberg Congregation getting a few lessons from on of the ladies on how to knit.
It was a true cross cultural experience for both.

There's a number of arguments against short-term outreaches. Why go to a far-off country if there is so much need right where you are? And this is indeed a very valid argument. A few things can be said about this. It's never one or the other. Do what God wants you to do, whether it’s close or far. The downside of this argument (and the most people using this argument, in my experience, fall into this category) is that people are actually saying: If you get involved in another place, you make me feel guilty.

Somebody has to take care of the local needs and if you’re not here to do it, then who will? So rather remain behind, take care of the local needs and I can go on with my life. Or something to that effect. If someone goes on a mission trip to avoid getting involved locally, then that is wrong. But the reality is that many people return from a mission trip abroad and get more involved in the local community, because often people undergo a heart change while on a mission trip.

A scene that totally captured my attention. Niell, a young student from South Africa
praying for a blind lady at a church service. In a "normal" church he would have probably never had
the opportunity to pray for someone in need.

The other argument is that the money could rather have been sent to the country where the outreach would have taken place. This sounds logical. Unfortunately it won’t happen. We need to see and feel and smell and taste the needs of people, before we will really get involved with this. And, in any case, for too long have we seen people writing out cheques while relaxing in front of their TVs, believing that they have then fulfilled their mission obligation. Obviously not everybody can go on a short-term outreach.

But those who do, need to go back to their own communities and become advocates for the cause to which they were exposed, wherever that may be.

Dwayne Luddick(left) a young theology student preaching for the first time using
an interpreter.

I have seen the positive effects of short-term outreaches. When done in the right way, with the right attitude, with a teachable spirit, focused on building relationships rather than just solving problems, short-term outreaches can possibly become the greatest learning school that any Christian can be exposed to.

A visiting group sharing with a group of mourners at a funeral. Now where else could you do that
at home?

AND HOW DOES ALL OF THIS MAKES THE COMMUNITY FEEL?

Worshipping together. As on lady told me after the service: "We would have never ever
gotten the opportunity to meet other brothers and sisters from neighboring countries serving the same God,
if you didn't bring the along!"

Another special moment that captured my attention!

HOLISTIC APPROACH

Due to the holistic approach we follow we use short term groups to touch communities
in a wide range of activities and upliftment projects. We even had Dr. Henri Weideman (Theology and Leadership)
getting wood ready for a roof!

Margaret Weideman teaching kids how to paint by using a potato.

No fear as Ansonette (Bellville Congregation) tackles a government school in Pina. We try
to color in all government schools to create an atmosphere of learning with the kids in the bush.

Always time for soccer!

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE GROUP

Time to leave again. Naomi van Loggerenberg (WEN - Win the Nations - Goodwood Congregation) leaving the base. We tried 10 years to get her here too ..... and eventually persistent prayer paid off!

The team from Blouberg (Table View Congregation) sharing a moment.

Entering the unknown - Part 2: Cape Town charging for change!

2011-07-19T10:50:00.000+02:00

Another team we have had long relationships with on the mission base arrived shortly after the Stellenbosch team left. And yes ... you are correct - we have been thoroughly blessed by all the great friends caring for Mozambique. Henri Weideman, a friend I have known for more than 20 years arrived with a group of nearly 30 people ranging from nearly 80 to the youngest member, 13 years of age. Henri Weideman was probably the reason why I am a transformational engineer today when he introduced me to the concept of living a "true mission".

HOW TO CROSS A BORDER POST SAFELY!

Crossing borders through an average of 3 countries at a time can be hazardous for your health!
A lot of prayer and grace is needed as many groups carry materials, clothing and food to make it through the trip.

The group, consisting out of 3 different congregations (Bellville, Blouberg and Goodwood) arrived quietly through the borders after 52 hours from Cape Town. Without wasting much time they got into the groove quickly by helping us with the many jobs on the base. After a short introduction on the ministries and visiting some of them the team chose the areas they were interested in. From painting our bush schools to helping government schools many buildings and lives were coloured in.

GOD USES MOZAMBICANS TO CHANGE THOSE WHO CAME TO HELP!

We were totally blessed by the inward changes God was doing throughout the team. As many members kept on telling us: "It is not so much the Mozambicans that are changed through our coming but rather us that are being changed inwardly through their commitment and lives!"

Mozambican ladies praying for one of our visitors.

Visiting ladies paying a visit to one of the "SUMUKAI" lady schools in Macadeira.

"An old dog can learn new tricks!"

As we listened to the team witnessing how they were changed by the Mozambicans, Dwight recalled one story that was quite amazing: Willie ( a 65 year old South African gentleman) should really not have come on the trip because he recently had back surgery, and a 52 hour bus ride would normally discourage even those in fairly good health. But he felt he had to come and Henry, the pastor leading the short-term mission had the courage to bring him along.

“I don´t know why I had to wait this long in my life or why I had to come to Mozambique for this to happen,” said Willie, “but for the first time ever I had the courage to lay my hands on someone and pray publicly for them.” Willie went on to share how he had never even been able to say grace publicly, but since praying for a needy person in Mozambique, he has been set free and has prayed out loud a number of times now. The excitement and transparency with which Willie shared touched us all.

Don´t ever give up on yourself and your Heavenly Fathers amazing ability to take you to a new level of faith and experience!

To give you some highlights of what the team achieved during their time here is nearly impossible! I will cover their story with photos in 2 posts!

BRINGING HOPE

Dr. Henri Weideman handing over some Bibles to Past. Tome Mabuleza. Bellville Congregation
is one of our main supporters when it comes to helping us getting scarce Bibles to communities in the bush!

Even the local government school in Mucombeze was blessed with sports equipment. The Director of the school (the more serious gentleman) Senhor Almeida receives the soccer balls with his sports teacher, Maria acknowledging the gift.

So what do we do when groups arrive on the base and how do they meaningfully change poverty around us? Is there still a place for short term "outreach"? See our next posting on how we tackle these questions?

Entering the unknown - Part 1: Stellenbosch agents for change

2011-07-16T11:48:00.000+02:00

Twelve disciples left the winelands, Stellenbosch, South Africa on a cold morning. Destination: Central Mozambique. On a scale of 1 to 10 we would probably rate 1 on any tourism brochure. I mean it's bush, more bush and 500 km later more bush. It's just that sort of place. To come here you really need to have lost loved ones or want to be part of something bigger.

Stellenbosch in its full glory!

Ok ...ok ... I know you get the full story. But our Stellenbosch team gave a lot up to travel more
than 6 000 km up and down to get to us.

Stellenbosch Congregation sent a team for a week to find out exactly what we are up to here in the bush. The vision of Stellenbosch Congregation is to assure that they can make a difference in this world through following Christ in community. Without hesitation they tackled the adventure .... with interesting consequences. As usual my directions were ...... well about 5,7 km out and the team stood on a lonely road in the dark trying to send sms's to my phone (which I never carry around!). They were looking for a white painted entry (which looked quite white to me) but was actually gray. If you looked carefully at the individuals who travelled from Stellenbosch Congregation you would find out that 100 % of them are extremely successful leaders in business, community development, farming and other areas of expertise. Their brain capacity is enormous .... (most are left brain functional) so I was so glad I was not in the vehicle as they were trying to make plans to find me in the "jungle". As I was worried I patrolled the long stretch of road with my motorbike ..... only to find their vehicle very close to our base. Their faces lit up when I pulled aside - reassuring them that I was not a South African hi-jacker! After setting up camp my transformational agents made sure to remind me of my faulty directions ... over and over again (I think it was the left brain thing again - being analytical an all!!!). Their stories of being "robbed" at border posts are ones that are not just sad but very common. But .... they have crossed the border into the unknown successfully!

And what an amazing team they were. We scouted our communities days on end showing them the great people of Mozambique. Although we have great and enormous projects running daily - it really is about the people ... ALL the time.

Explaining our vision: "To love GOD and to love PEOPLE, so that others can love GOD and love PEOPLE" can only be fully understood when you visit the base in Mozambique. The group from Stellenbosch Congregation understood!

To package their ordeal and experiences can only be done with photos .... so let me share that with you as our friends learned the laws of the bush:

1. BUSH LAW 1 - TACLE ALL TRANSPORT AS DIGNIFIED AS POSSIBLE

The Stellenbosch ladies being transported to some of the ministries in the bush!

2. BUSH LAW 2 - DO IT THE AFRICAN WAY

Visiting the Women's Ministry - Simukai and sharing a lighter moment.

3. BUSH LAW 3 - CONTEMPLATION

Louise Fourie, Community Engineer from Stellenbosch Congregation in a deep contemplating mood.

Eunice, our Women's Ministry national co-ordinator explaining how to teach literacy to women.

4. BUSH LAW 4 - YOU WILL HAVE THE BUSH PAPARADZI WITH YOU ALWAYS

5. BUSH LAW 5 - TEAMWORK MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

The team decided to paint our entry wall WHITE as to overcome my color blindness.

6. BUSH LAW 6 - BANKERS MAKE GOOD PREACHERS

Dirk Ehlers, banker from Capitec RSA, bringing a good message for the huge Sunday crowd
in the church. Mathew Hurekure is his interpreter for the occasion.

THE TEAM:

Stinking feet and malaria!

2011-07-14T16:56:00.000+02:00

What do mosquitoes like more than clean, human skin? Stinky socks. Scientists think the musky odour of human feet can be used to attract and kill mosquitoes that carry deadly malaria. The Gates Foundation announced on Wednesday that it will help fund one such pungent project in Tanzania.

If they can be cheaply mass-produced, the traps could provide the first practical way of controlling malaria infections outside. The increased use of bed nets and indoor spraying has already helped bring down transmissions inside homes.

Dutch scientist Dr Bart Knols first discovered mosquitoes were attracted to foot odour by standing in a dark room naked and examining where he was bitten, said Dr Fredros Okumu, the head of the research project at Tanzania's Ifakara Health Institute. But over the following 15 years, researchers struggled to put the knowledge to use.

Then Okumu discovered that the stinky smell -- which he replicates using a careful blend of eight chemicals -- attracts mosquitoes to a trap where they can be poisoned. The odor of human feet attracted four times as many mosquitoes as a human volunteer and the poison can kill up to 95% of mosquitoes, he said.

Although the global infection rate of malaria is falling, there are still more than 220-million new cases of malaria each year. The UN estimates almost 800 000 of those people die. Most of them are children in Africa.

Taking the fight outside
"This is the first time that we are focusing on controlling mosquitoes outside of homes," said Okumu, a Kenyan who has been ill with the disease himself several times. "The global goal of eradication of malaria will not be possible without new technologies."

Some experts worry eradication is unrealistic because of the lack of an effective malaria vaccine and because some patients have developed resistance to the most effective malaria medicines.

Other scientists -- including some funded by the Gates Foundation -- are also researching equally novel ideas, including breeding genetically modified mosquitoes to wipe out malaria-spreading insects and creating a fungus that would kill the parasite.

Research showed that about 40% of new malaria infections in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam were taking place outside the home, he said. The number of outdoor infections varied in other locations but was generally increasing as more people sprayed or slept under nets, he said.

Cost implications
Okumu received an initial grant of $100 000 to help his research two years ago. Now the project has been awarded an additional $775 000 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Grand Challenges Canada to conduct more research on how the traps should be used and whether they can be produced affordably.

Okumu said more research was needed to find the right place to put the traps. Too close would attract mosquitoes near the humans and expose them to greater risk of bites, but the devices would be ineffective if too far away.

The current traps are expensive prototypes but Okumu hopes to produce affordable traps that can be sold for between $4 and $27 each. He said they hoped to develop the devices so they would work at the ratio of 20 traps for every 1 000 people.

Edward Mwangi, who heads an alliance of 86 aid groups working to eradicate malaria in Kenya, said keeping costs low was key to developing successful technology in the developing world.

He said the current interventions such as the treated nets and malarial drugs had managed to reduce the child deaths caused by malaria in Africa by 50%.

"It's African innovation for an African problem being developed in Africa," said Dr Peter Singer, the head of Grand Challenges Canada, one of the project's key funders. "It's bold, it's innovative and it has the potential for big impact ... who would have thought that a lifesaving technology was lurking in your laundry basket?" - Sapa-AP

Article from: Mail & Guardian Newspaper

Meeting old friends

2011-07-13T10:43:00.001+02:00

I have been awfully quiet the last few weeks due to many friends visiting the base in central Mozambique. They came by bus (and some travelled more than 52 hours on the same bus), some left by plane ..... but they all travelled from very far. They varied from so many backgrounds and geographical locations that it was amazing to see how God brought everyone together. We had theologians with doctorate degrees, theology students, nurses, carpenters, social advocates, air traffic controllers, bankers, business people, farmers, chefs, school students, insurance guru's, revenue service auditors and even chimney specialists .... we had them all!

From a youthful 80 years of age to an experienced 13 year old teenager they had one thing in common: To bring transformation through serving, loving and being present in the lives of many. I am busy updating the blog at a fast pace .... so will be back in a few hours with fresh stories from the bush!

Catching babies in the dark

2011-06-28T10:14:00.000+02:00

Living in the bush as a so-called "missionary" has many interesting adventures. One of them is "cathing babies"! Well nearly! I wonder what is up with babies wanting to enter this world at unholy hours. To make things just a little bit worse is the fact that in Africa expecting moms always wait until it is too late. The baby is about to say "hi" to the world when the mother usually arrives in a wheelbarrow. Yes, you heard right! A wheelbarrow.

The "mother-to-be" arrives in the "bush ambulance".

Bush paths are too small for any vehicle and I have yet to try and fit a pregnant mother on my motorbike. And so it happened last night again. An anxious call from the bush. And seeing that we are the only people within a 40 km radius who has a vehicle that means playing ambulance. Now I have once had a birth on my backseat due to the bad bush roads. The screams of the lady behind me (already in labour) was terrifying to say the least. I softly prayed and thanked the Lord that I am from Mars and prayed feverishly for my passenger from Venus. She made the trip and named the baby after me (and I was thankful)!

As is the custom - the whole family is part of the "new born adventure". There is singing, screaming, worried faces and lots of hands to help the "new mother". By the looks of it nobody is actually calm.
Oh the joys of motherhood!

This time around though I asked my wife to come to the rescue. She drove deep into the bush to meet the "screaming" lady (must be a woman thing) being transported on bad bush paths. She was not the only one screaming for help as the family joined her in an opera of expectancy. A sight to behold, my wife tells me.

Luckily again we had no baby in the car - who knows we might have called her "Ford" or "Fordie"! They both made it in one piece to the hospital. And praise the Lord - we survived yet another baby born in the dark!

M & M fever

2011-06-26T18:49:00.001+02:00

In our part of the world we follow African politics very close. It is important for various reasons as the Zimbabwean tragedy enfolded. We were, within weeks, bombarded with thousands crossing the borders. These tired, homeless and wonderful people of Zimbabwe was looking for a roof over their heads and something to fill their stomachs. No jobs, families scattered and a nightmare enfolding in front of their and our eyes. And it happened quickly.

Much like the chaos all around the world. If CNN can hardly keep up with the latest uprising and news what makes this thought special. Well - I have carefully observed the following which could influence us in the near future:

SOUTH AFRICA (Bordering Mozambique)

A young, arrogant leader, Julius Malema, stood up and got a stage from government to speak up on behalf of all the young, unemployed and poor people of South Africa. In any normal setting this is applaudable. But unfortunately that is where it ends. Malema - a populist with a disastrous agenda has started a revolution of hate speech against all white South Africans calling them thieves and threatened to take away all land and distribute it to the poorest of the poor. Although some ideas and thoughts have merit the nationalisation of mines and banks makes absolutely no economic sense.

He supports Mr. Robert Mugabe and both "leaders" share the same philosophy - politically as well as economically. Most South Africans have responded with fear - with some even leaving their beloved country altogether.

Please pray for sanity!

ZIMBABWE (Bordering Mozambique)

Mr. Robert Gabriel Mugabe is still successfully clinging to power thanks to the army and police. The police state (which means road blocks every 3-5 km's) has paid huge dividends to keep Mr. Mugabe in power (and of course the newly found rich diamond mines in the east). Many people still live in fear, poverty and many lost loved ones due to Mugabe's criminal thugs attacking and killing young ones.

Mr. Morgan Tswangerai (Prime Minister and opposition leader) has been named an enemy of the state and one of his leader has been taken into custody and disappeared. Mr. Mugabe is trying to call early elections to be re-elected at the age of 85.

What is sad and worrisome as I spoke to an ex-Zimbabwean who fled to Mozambique when he said:
"Mugabe is a good man, my family has food on the table and we have fuel and maize in the country. If we have food .... we vote Mugabe." Trying to explain a gospel of justice to the man was impossible. And again I realize how much prayer Africa needs.

Thank you for praying with us.

Using an effective weapon .....

2011-06-23T15:02:00.001+02:00

It was Mark Twain who once said: "The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. And we go around sharing a lot of that around here. Here is a few pictures to tell some interesting stories:

Meet little TITO for example. He is an orphan and lives with a widow about 5 km away. He lost both his parents when he was a baby. Our food gardens provides food to many orphans in our Amigo program. Through a sustainable veggie project all our orphans are provided a good diet through these gardens. Here little Tito receives his cabbage for the house. BIG SMILES all around.

We also grow our own banana trees in our gardens. Stopping at the school with bananas is a big affair. Everyone runs to help and wants to offload the produce. Our schools feed about 250 kids every day of the week. Fresh vegetables and fruits are part of the diet we provide daily.

Meet Rosa (thanks Rick & Bob) who has lost her husband during the long civil war in Mozambique. She stood on a landmine as she was working on the fields. Her right foot was amputated at the shin. To keep herself alive and her kids she kept working on her fields on her knees. Through so many kind people on the base she was provided good quality crutches to help her move along. The only crutch she was using was a wooden stick. I love the SMILE again!

SOCIAL PEDAGOGUE BRINGS MORE SMILES

Visiting our school clinic with our first aid officer, Ernesto Abudu.

Urs is a Swiss social pedagogue. He specialises in youth struggling to adapt to social life. Very interesting guy and listening to his stories makes you salute the man. He climbed the Alps and once led a group of teenagers from Switzerland to the coast of Italy .... across mountains, valleys and rivers (on foot of course!). Believe it or not he speaks Japanese and lived in Japan for 10 months.

He is currently serving us for 2 months and visited our bush schools. Although the biggest trouble our kids have in the bush is not wanting to wash the pots for their parents ..... we still learn a lot from people like Urs.

Saturday Night Fever

2011-06-19T19:47:00.001+02:00

Just could not resist this photo! A bit more dusty where we are .... but about the same moves
here in the bush ....! We danced for different reasons though .... oh yes ... and the white
suit would not work here!

If John Travolta was ever in Mozambique he would have loved the "Saturday Night Fever" moves I witnessed yesterday in a small village called Macadeira. Imagine leaders getting together for an "evangelism seminar" on a Saturday (can't see that happening in the western hemisphere where church is limited to about an hour if you're lucky). But that's how I found them. Dancing, screaming and loud shouts of excitement as I arrived with their materials. And the moves ..... in the dust .... coughingly priceless.

Even ladies who struggled to read and write was taught how to effectively share the Gospel with their friends through friendship evangelism.

The ladies who passed their practical couldn't believe when they too received their kits.

There is no tango, samba, ramba or a salza but pure African beat and "tampa" as we call it here. All because they were getting ready to receive evangelism materials. What made it special and exciting was the fact that we had training for our first women evangelists ever. A sight to behold as they appeared from everywhere to do their first training session.

And yes ... of course the men were there too. In their serious suits and ties too! The day ended with practical lessons and everyone had to pass the practical exams before receiving their "package". We concentrate on friendship evangelism where building relationships with neighbours is the focus point.

Graduate students - some more serious than others.

Like everywhere we train .... their is always smiling kids nearby!

The Church in Macadeira arriving in full force on Saturday for a day's training!

God's Investment Bank (Inc. UnLmtd)

2011-06-19T10:40:00.000+02:00

Banking with God has amazing advantages. And for the average Christian ..... they would probably nod in acceptance! But I have seen yet again how interesting the economics work when you bank with God. Before I share the bank policies ....... a story about a pastor who visited me a few days ago on the base and shared his "investment story".

Past. Gonsalves (left) sharing his story and receiving even more Bibles to take to the mountain people of Gorongoza.

His name is Pastor Gonsalves. I met him more than 10 years ago when he heard that new missionaries arrived in the bush who would probably be able to help him to acquire much needed Bibles. I liked him. His smile and extremely humble personality impressed me, I remember fondly. The outreach to Gorongoza was a difficult one from the start. The community on the Gorongoza mountain was nearly impossible to get to. I remember leaving the vehicle behind due to the terrain. Many smiling faces and willing hands were available to carry the heavy generator, speaker system, fuel and Bibles up the mountain for another 15 km. It was the community's first visit ever by a "foreigner". I remember showing the Jesus film and even after we finished at 23:30 in the late cold evening people still arrived after the movie. The need and hunger was tremendous! It was like sheep without a Shepherd! I was sad when I left as I always felt that I could and should have done even more.

Past. Gonsalves arrived this morning with such a smile that I wondered what was so good on this cold morning. He shared how after the Jesus film we shared "Jesus stories" and testimonies. These stories travelled amongst the communities and small groups were established all around the mountain. It took ten years to complete and cover the entire mountain with small groups and churches. Church not only grew but new buildings were erected everywhere. God has changed a total community on the mountain. The seeds sown 10 years ago was harvested and the harvest is plenty. He nearly danced as I committed to visit the mountain people of the Gorongoza again with a stash of Bibles.

Past. Paulo Escova from Honde receiving his "investment seed".

And I realized .... God's banking is very unique:

The interest will sometimes only pay out after 10 years - and although short term investments do pay off it is really the long term investments that is worth considering!
God's Bank works exactly the opposite of any earthly bank.
There is no bank charges.
The Bank Manager is always available and you need no credit record.
There is no financial collapse or Greece who needs a bailout.
It's open 24-7!

Thank you all for playing such a big part in making great investments in Mozambique. May God bless you all. Thank you GOD - all the honour belongs to you!

When an African women cries

2011-06-13T19:20:00.000+02:00

I have been so deeply moved this weekend as I visited yet another bush church in the community. Church services in the bush has a Western taste as they try to introduce a very "formal" liturgy through the secretary of the church. It's formal .... but never too serious. Through the rhythmic songs and the drums beating faster than your heart rate you seriously try to follow the words which after many years in the bush still seems to evade me.

I am cordially invited (as usual) to bring a message of hope in an area that can really do with hope! "It's Pentecost Sunday" the preacher introduces the topic .... "we are expecting many things from God" ..... and as I stand up to take my place and look over the crowd I again realize that even after preparing the message .... my words are few!

It is when I call the people forward for prayer that the scene again touches me unexpectedly. Voluntarily people started praying. It starts as soft rain ..... like wind picking up the showers and it continues as thunder as the many lift op their heads and cry to God. I see many women cry! Tears in the bush is not a common sight. The hardships, deaths, diseases has hardened many hearts. There is no time to cry .... and women mostly carries many burdens and here in the bush they show very little emotion. BUT today .... they cry. I stand and listen to their cries ..... and realize GOD must be listening. And softly I see God touching people. Old women with many scars and crooked backs look at me with tears running from there faces, they smile and disappear back to their grass huts! And I realize .... they have been touched by their Saviour. Another day in an African church!

GOOD NEWS

We were also able the last few weeks to distribute Bibles to many believers in churches from every denomination. The thirst for Bibles is so huge here in Central and Northern Mozambique that I always wonder if we would ever be able to quench the thirst. But partners like Taberna Dei (Polokwane) and Bellville Congregation understands this thirst and his currently helping us in a big way! Thank you! We have great news on new developments on the Bible front and is starting a project called: "Lotz" of Good News (named after a partner who is helping us to establish an audio Bible project)! But more on that later.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

The choir leader on the right can hardly keep up as the kids gets into the worship part of the service!

There is not a lot of sophisticated music instruments in the African church in the bush and this boy is the only staff member in the church music department.

Church leaders receiving their first Bibles in their mother tongue.

I was privileged enough to have had great company from Mercy Air who
joined us in the celebration.

Pastor Mabuleza (blue jacket) and the district and national leadership was invited
to participate in the Bible miracle (as they described it!)

Dust storms

2011-06-07T10:20:00.000+02:00

A lot of dust this morning as everyone is working around the base this morning! A few highlights here and there to show how great the team is working in the various departments on the base. Nice to see!

SCHOOL "SPRING-CLEAN"

Ready? Action ..... cleaning the school yard.

Lost in the dust!

Everyone partakes in the fun. Here is one of our girls carrying water to the kitchen after the big "spring clean".

"To serve" is such a frightening few words that we quickly tend to get out of the way when it's mentioned. Humans are wired to sustain themselves and serving doesn't come natural - we would rather sit and watch someone else do what we are suppose to do! Rather sit back and see someone else stand up and fight for justice or rather with a shrug of the shoulder say: "that's just the way it is"! So glad this morning for everyone around me taking up whatever tool they are using and say: "I choose to do this - I am here - use me." Very cool indeed.

Photo left: Ron Wayner (Mercy Air) working the "Scorpion" to fill up foundations at the newly build Training Centre.

Photos below taken by our base journalist (she is everywhere ... lol): Lynn Lagore

Photo left: The Training Centre is quickly taking shape thanks to all the equipment that is currently available and working.

The Training Centre will serve not only the mission base but the broader population with various training modules planned. A program for teachers and older orphan kids includes modules in computer literacy, mechanics, teaching, language studies, carpentry etc.

Photo left: The roof going up at the training centre. The wonderful part of the construction is that so many took part in the process and many skills were taught to our local workers which are all from the surrounding community.

Meet the "rest" of the family

2011-06-01T16:14:00.000+02:00

PHOTO: A colorful noise! I was greeted this morning by a lot of dancing and singing
on Children's Day - 1 June 2011

I was thinking of the Hollywood version of "meet the kids" if ya know what I mean but decided to rather "Africanize" the topic a little. Anyway .... looking at pictures makes our world come a little bit closer to your world perhaps. But if there is one thing I have learned from a few visits to Rwanda .... it's not just about the photos - it's about the names and personalities behind those photos that brings people very close in your face.

So let me share a few of your family members to you which you have not personally met (yet). They are all seeking Christ in their own way and I have no doubt that they all will become phenomenal human beings changing the lives around them with not just social answers to difficult problems but also with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here is a few I caught this morning by surprising them with a LOT of food for their Children's Day party:

NAME: "Scotcha" - Eliza

AGE: 5

PERSONALITY: Dynamite - very alive, great leader abilities

LIKES: To sing, dance, play .... loves milk

NAME: Naomi

AGE: 5

PERSONALITY: Very friendly, small heart (Wants to be a teacher!)

LIKES: Sweats, cool drink and friends

NAME: Anna-Lynn Abudu

AGE: 3

PERSONALITY: Shy, sweet

LIKES: Sweats, playing

NAME: Regina

AGE: 5

PERSONALITY: Very friendly, playful - a good friend (Wants to be a nurse!)

LIKES: Chocolate, biscuits, milk. Don't like boys that makes fun of her.

NAME: Lingizai
AGE: 6
PERSONALITY: A team player, friendly (Wants to fly a Deca Helicopter one day!)
LIKES: Soccer, friends, and satza (local maize meal)

NAME: Paulo

AGE: 13

PERSONALITY: Mr. Cool, kind, warm and friendly (for a teenager that is!) (Wants to be a RAP star)

LIKES: Music, soccer and friends. Very social!

NAME: Unknown (I met him on the road this morning on his way to school!)
AGE: 12
PERSONALITY: Friendly, shy and caring (Wants to be a truck driver)
LIKES: Soccer, family, friends .... and lots of fish!

Children's Day in Mozambique

2011-06-01T09:11:00.002+02:00

I think you know how I feel about kids! And maybe you share the same emotions as I do when I look at children. They are all such unique gifts to mankind! Their smiles, personalities are as unique as every star that shines.

We take kids very seriously where we labour in the Kingdom (of Mozambique). And we start early. Our two pre-schools are a small testimony to the fact that we want to be part of the lives of our kids here in the bush from the beginning. Pre-Schools are not common in Mozambique and to say the least even government schools are overcrowded and does not always create a good teaching environment. Lynn Lagore (our Health guru on the base) just sent me a very interesting article which reads:

PHOTO: Here is one of the classrooms we transformed in our community. Once a dark
and dirty place where no one had a smile! A bit of paint and ..... VOILA .... smiles and fun!

Poor school performance in Mozambique may be due in large measure to the fact that most Mozambican children have had no access to pre-school education.

According to statistics quoted on Monday by Education Minister Zeferino Martins, only four per cent of children aged five and under have had access to crèches or other forms of pre-school education.

“We all know how important it is for children to go through pre-school education before they enter primary school”, said Martins, “since it is in the pre-school institutions that children acquire the assumptions necessary for learning”.

He was speaking to a group of 40 children from to Maputo crèches, who visited him as part of the celebrations of International Children’s Day, 1 June.

Martins stressed that they children who visited him were from a fortunate minority, since the great majority of their peers are quite unable to attend pre-school education.

Pre-school education does not yet form part of the National Education System. Creches, mostly privately owned, exist in the cities – but the cost of sending a child there puts them out of reach of most parents. In rural areas crèches barely exist.

It was in pre-school education, Martins said, that children came to know such instruments as pencils and rulers, and had their first contact with reading and writing, which would stand them in good stead when they entered primary school.

“So we can state that much of the poor school performance is partly because the children did not undergo any phase of pre-school education”, he added.

The Ministry of Education is now studying the possibility of re-introducing standardized pre-primary education into the National Education System.

(SOURCE: AIM NEWS)

PHOTO: In a place where there is very little .... I keep on realizing that it is the small things
and the quality time you spend with kids that makes ALL the difference.

With our pre-schools we seriously try to make the time the kids spend with us their happiest of their day! In includes a lot of games, a lot of Bible stories and fun - and some teaching in the more basic things. Playing while learning is a primary emphasis in the process. Our prayer time with the kids is something to behold and when they start praying at the age of 5 for their own families we know that God is listening.

AS A LAST NOTE:

I want to dedicate this space to all the kids who never made it because there was no doctor, no hospital and no medicine. I dedicate this to all the kids who never tasted the joys of life or marriage and to the parents who had to let a young kid go!

BUT a big high five also to all of those who are fighting with us to brighten up the day of every kid we come in contact with. Thank you to every sponsor - whether it is helping us with text books, Children Bibles or just a packet of sweats .... THIS IS TO YOU! VIVA!