We have been in Mozambique for 10 days now and are getting the hang of this “roughin it” life! The first few days were focused mostly on unity and allowing our team to rest up before the intensity began. We have just finished our first week in the bush and the Lord is stretching us like crazy. Working with the children at the school and singing “Boom Chicka Boom” over and over by day; showing the Passion film and praying for healing by night-we’ve been a busy team. The Lord has poured out his love and blessing on our group and we are very excited for our next adventure (although dreading anywhere roosters like to wake us up all through the night. TIA-this is Africa!)
Seeing as this is the first blog from a team member, I feel it necessary to give a little insight on how God is working in me personally. Inadequacies and fear of breaking down walls has seemed to be a common theme amongst our group, myself included. Being in a new environment with little rest due to anxiousness, different foods (which include me pulling the heads off prawns-be proud, Mom J) and a major language barrier can bring some uneasiness to say the least. However, that all has been pused aside with one glance into a child’s eyes. One boy in particular tugged on my heart and brought a joy I had not yet felt. Our team has been praying daily for our hearts to be breaking for the people we encounter and that we become desperate for them to know the Lord. That finally happened with Armando.
The kids adore singing and dancing with us. Nothing hinders them. Armando is not one of the kids who has money for school, but his huge smile always ended up by our tents with about 15 others. Elaina and I were playing with them during free time and much to our delight, realized they will repeat anything we say. “ELAINA”….”ELAINA”…..”Erin”….”ERIN”….”WOO”…”WOO”! It means the world to them when we remember their names and it made more sense when as we were driving away I still held onto Armando’s hand and heard “ERI N!” Something so simple, yet it is love. Such warmth, yet eagerness came over me realizing how badly they wanted someone to know their name-and how Jesus Christ does! While we may not be able to heal every sick person or feed all of the hungry, we can know a name and love them. ‘Do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things and your Father knows you need them. Instead seek His Kingdom and these things will be added to you. Luke 12:29-31
Bread and peanut butter are temporary. The bread of life and full satisfaction of hunger from the Lord is eternal.
On behalf of the entire team, than you for your prayers and please continue to pour them out! We miss you and love you all!
~Erin (and Team Moz)
We will be heading back into the bush Monday to spend about two weeks working in the same area that we just came from. After that, we are moving into an even more primitive area to live amongst 75 orphaned children Jaco found and working with the churches in the surrounding area. Our internet access will be limited, if at all. We will post again when we can. Blessings from Vilanculous!
Ruthie, it was sooooo good to hear your sweet voice today!!!! The best birthday present I could have received!!!!!
I just finished reading
Erin's blog. Amazing how something as simple as a child's smile can warm our hearts and give us a precious glimpse of the Father's love. We continue to pray that lives will be transformed as a result of all of your efforts in Mozambique. May our truly wonderful Savior be glorified through the works of your hands.
Our love and prayers to all of you,
Dora Phillips
2Posted by Jane Scott on 6/21/2008 10:25:33 AM
Megan,
It was wonderful to hear your voice and get an email the same day! We miss you very much but I am very glad to hear that you are doing well. Your efforts (and your team's) will reach far beyond what we can know or understand in this life, but God knows and holds their future in His hands. The amazing things that you are experiencing and the sweet spirits of the children you encounter are all part of His plan. And though it is in no way a sacrifice for us here at home, we're eating PBJ sandwiches for lunch to in some small way honor the efforts of you and your team. You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I will pray for clean water, rest, and endurance to meet the demands of each day. All the family sends their love!
In His loving care,
Jane Scott
3Posted by Celia Deneen on 6/21/2008 10:48:54 PM
Dear Ruthie and Team,
Having lived overseas, I know you are being stretched in ways you had not imagined! I'm so thankful that you allowed the Lord to lead you into this position where He could teach you new truths about Himself and His great love for the nations. And I'm thankful that He's there with you as you learn the new lessons, encounter the tough situations, get exhausted, etc. etc.
We're excited about ALL that God is going to do through your team this summer. May He encourage you this day and be glorified through you all this summer.
Love,
Aunt Celia
4Posted by From Beverly Cameron on 6/23/2008 4:40:41 PM
Dear Ashley and Team,
Thank you Erin for the update as you press your hearts to those there in need, we pray many times a day for you all. Do allow you to be melted into them there so the Holy Spirit will bear witness of JESUS CHRIST'S loving salvation message to be received. It will go from your heart into theirs I'm sure of that. As you rest in the night, keep looking up as the day draws nigh for our JESUS to call us in the rapture and the children will go up with you all. We serve an awesome healing JESUS and whatever you all can do, HIS VICTORY IS YOURS. Blessings and more to each and everyone of you as you carry HIS MIGHTY WORD WITH LOVE and to HIM be all the GLORY. Love you,
Grammy, Beverly
5Posted by Samantha on 6/25/2008 10:09:31 AM
Jessica,
You are so far away, but I am glad to hear that all is going well. I know those children just melt your heart and you enjoy loving on them very much. I admire your spirit! I believe you are doing a good thing leading this team of people to reach out to people across the world. I hope you are happy, healthy and having fun. Much love to you from TN. You are in my prayers!
Love you,
Samantha
6Posted by Hannah Spires on 6/26/2008 9:43:30 AM
Dear Ruthie,
I am so very proud of you for following the Lord's calling on your life to serve in Vilanculous this summer. The Lord has chosen you to serve Him in a way that many people could not, or should I say- would not- . I am sure that the children have fallen in love with your precious smile, your funny faces, your loud silly voices, your tight hugs when you just throw your arms around them, but most important of all- your JESUS. We are praying for you on a daily basis and can't wait to hear more about your trip.
Love you, Love you, Love you sistuuuuuurrrr.
Hannah
7Posted by Emily "LS" on 6/27/2008 5:58:12 PM
Erin!
I'm so glad to here your doing well and learning alot! I just wanted to tell you we are all praying for you and your team in all that you are doing! I am soo proud of you. I know i would not be able to do that but its good too know we have amazing pepople like you and your team who are willing too! Everything is great here! I leave for Doe Rive on sunday with mac! im kinda nervous but i know i will have a blast! Chris came in town for the weekend and it was really great too see him! Well I absoulutly LOVE YOU! and can't wait to see you when you return!
MUCH LOVE FROM YOU LS!!
Emily
8Posted by Rachael Elliott on 6/29/2008 1:21:50 AM
Praise! It's wonderful to hear that God is working in such a powerful way in your life, Erin. Great post! My continued prayers for every team member.
Amie, much love from CC. We love you very much and we're praying for you everyday!
Love,
Rach
9Posted by Barb Nelson on 6/30/2008 8:34:41 AM
Erin,
I am praying for you daily and so happy to read your wonderful blogs. You are no doubt touching lives for Jesus and being filled with God's power and love. God is amazing! Enjoy every moment of your experience and keep that beautiful face smiling and shining for Jesus!
Love to you,
Barb N.
10Posted by Hannah Blanton on 7/1/2008 8:34:47 AM
Ruthie!!
How amazing to see all your group has experienced and done with the Lord's blessings. Praying for you daily...and the children are including you and your team in their prayers each night. Virginia, Charles and Brown want to make sure you are teaching them "Gimmme that milk" chant!:)
We love you and are so proud of you.
Aunt Hannah, Uncle Charles, V, C and Brown
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I just finished reading
Erin's blog. Amazing how something as simple as a child's smile can warm our hearts and give us a precious glimpse of the Father's love. We continue to pray that lives will be transformed as a result of all of your efforts in Mozambique. May our truly wonderful Savior be glorified through the works of your hands.
Our love and prayers to all of you,
Dora Phillips
It was wonderful to hear your voice and get an email the same day! We miss you very much but I am very glad to hear that you are doing well. Your efforts (and your team's) will reach far beyond what we can know or understand in this life, but God knows and holds their future in His hands. The amazing things that you are experiencing and the sweet spirits of the children you encounter are all part of His plan. And though it is in no way a sacrifice for us here at home, we're eating PBJ sandwiches for lunch to in some small way honor the efforts of you and your team. You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I will pray for clean water, rest, and endurance to meet the demands of each day. All the family sends their love!
In His loving care,
Jane Scott
Having lived overseas, I know you are being stretched in ways you had not imagined! I'm so thankful that you allowed the Lord to lead you into this position where He could teach you new truths about Himself and His great love for the nations. And I'm thankful that He's there with you as you learn the new lessons, encounter the tough situations, get exhausted, etc. etc.
We're excited about ALL that God is going to do through your team this summer. May He encourage you this day and be glorified through you all this summer.
Love,
Aunt Celia
Thank you Erin for the update as you press your hearts to those there in need, we pray many times a day for you all. Do allow you to be melted into them there so the Holy Spirit will bear witness of JESUS CHRIST'S loving salvation message to be received. It will go from your heart into theirs I'm sure of that. As you rest in the night, keep looking up as the day draws nigh for our JESUS to call us in the rapture and the children will go up with you all. We serve an awesome healing JESUS and whatever you all can do, HIS VICTORY IS YOURS. Blessings and more to each and everyone of you as you carry HIS MIGHTY WORD WITH LOVE and to HIM be all the GLORY. Love you,
Grammy, Beverly
You are so far away, but I am glad to hear that all is going well. I know those children just melt your heart and you enjoy loving on them very much. I admire your spirit! I believe you are doing a good thing leading this team of people to reach out to people across the world. I hope you are happy, healthy and having fun. Much love to you from TN. You are in my prayers!
Love you,
Samantha
I am so very proud of you for following the Lord's calling on your life to serve in Vilanculous this summer. The Lord has chosen you to serve Him in a way that many people could not, or should I say- would not- . I am sure that the children have fallen in love with your precious smile, your funny faces, your loud silly voices, your tight hugs when you just throw your arms around them, but most important of all- your JESUS. We are praying for you on a daily basis and can't wait to hear more about your trip.
Love you, Love you, Love you sistuuuuuurrrr.
Hannah
I'm so glad to here your doing well and learning alot! I just wanted to tell you we are all praying for you and your team in all that you are doing! I am soo proud of you. I know i would not be able to do that but its good too know we have amazing pepople like you and your team who are willing too! Everything is great here! I leave for Doe Rive on sunday with mac! im kinda nervous but i know i will have a blast! Chris came in town for the weekend and it was really great too see him! Well I absoulutly LOVE YOU! and can't wait to see you when you return!
MUCH LOVE FROM YOU LS!!
Emily
Amie, much love from CC. We love you very much and we're praying for you everyday!
Love,
Rach
I am praying for you daily and so happy to read your wonderful blogs. You are no doubt touching lives for Jesus and being filled with God's power and love. God is amazing! Enjoy every moment of your experience and keep that beautiful face smiling and shining for Jesus!
Love to you,
Barb N.
How amazing to see all your group has experienced and done with the Lord's blessings. Praying for you daily...and the children are including you and your team in their prayers each night. Virginia, Charles and Brown want to make sure you are teaching them "Gimmme that milk" chant!:)
We love you and are so proud of you.
Aunt Hannah, Uncle Charles, V, C and Brown
Add Your comments:
Use this form only to comment on the article that you just read.
If you have a question, please click here to use the Contact form instead. Thanks!