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!
After a two day trek, we made it safely to the Rudolph family homestead around lunch on Wednesday. We have just a few minutes at the internet right now, but we just wanted to let everyone know we made the 18 hour trek and we are excited to be in Mozambique!
Well, most of us anyway. I (Jessica) am sitting in the comfort of the AIM office typing this blog while training camp is still going strong outside, feeling a little lonely because I dropped our team off at the airport early this morning to catch their flight to South Africa. Beacuse I came onto the trip late in the game, I could not be added to their flight and am taking one tommorow morning and meeting them in Jo'burg almost 24 hours after they arrive. Marissa will be meeting them at the airport tommorow and soon our little family will finally be complete. It will be a great feeling.
I have been so impressed with our team this week, and praise God for what I have seen happening in the minds and hearts of these young adults. We have sweated, crawled on our bellies through obstacle courses, cried, laughed and worshipped together. There has been vulnerability that sometimes can take months or even years to reach that has happened in a matter of days. And as we have stepped out and opened up to one another in a very raw and real way, love and grace has abounded. We desire to be a team of prayer and for all the ministry we do to flow out of intimacy and knowing the Father's heart. Since we will beserving in places that AIM has never gone before, this heart connection will be vital as we become pioneers of sorts in this new place of ministry.
Here are a few pics taken at training camp this week:
Jarribel and Ben hanging out with the two new additons to our team :)
meet our new teammates Moz and Beak (he he...get it?)
Jody, Megan, Elaina and Ruthie all smiles under the big tent
Stephen turned 27 this past Wednesday and we had a little partay. Happy B-day, Stephen!
One big happy family. Yay for team Mozambique!
We will leave Johannesburg on the 11th and begin the long 18 hour trek up to Vilanculous. After a day or two of rest, we will begin ministering alongside the Rudolph family in whatever way the Lord opens the door. While we are still unsure of what it will all look like, we know that wherever we go, we are called to love and proclaim hope and light where there is darkness. Please pray for us, that we are obedient to His voice and open to how God is already working in that place. We love you and thank you so much for who you are in our lives. We will update again as soon as we have internet access.
Peace and love,
Jessica (on behalf of Team Mozambique)
"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem [Mozambique], not knowing what will happen to me there. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
The
airport run went well and we are happy to tell you that everyone is now
at training camp and are getting settled. They are getting to know
their teammates and are all safe. Stay tuned to the blog for more
updates.
