Hi-Yo! June 10, 2009

Estamos aqui, en Jo-Burg once again! Our flights went great. We had dinner at the food court in the Jo-burg airport. Shwarma, yum. So, I am ready to come home. Working with God was great; I know that we did the job that God called us to. And, now, I’m ready to be home once again.

I had a great time in Mozambique. Every place I go has its unique beauty, and Quelimane is definitely one of those places. The people, the sky, the trees, the children, the food. It’s all so good. As we drove home on the highway from our last village, I stuck my head out the window to watch the sunset behind us as we drove toward darkness. With Jeana and Philip talking in the seat next to me, I sat and stared at the orange African sky, with the grey clouds and the silhouettes of the coconut trees. No matter how many pictures we take or journal entries we write, we can never capture the beauty of some moments in order to relive them. I reminded myself of that, so I didn’t put my head back in the car until the sun was all the way down.

Sorry, that was cheesy, but it’s really how I feel! Plus I just watched Blood Diamond today.

Anyway, I think the highlight of the trip for me was simply sending God’s word out, in order to be planted in the lives of those who need it. Teaching True Love Waits was so important to me. And we did it. The second highlight was seeing the awesome men of God that are doing a great work in Moz. And the third highlight was my team. I love all of them. We had so much fun together! We are all really close since we spend every waking moment laughing together; I hope we keep hanging out when we get home.

I love whoever is reading this! Ha ha, see you on Friday or soon after!

Ciao,
Jess (S.)

Posto Campo June 9, 2009

We got back from the last village yesterday and it was very hard for me to leave. We met Dino, oh I really like Dino, and worked at his church in Posto Campo. It was a very long drive, but not actually that far from Quelimane, we just had to go all the way around to get there. We took a dirt road for about 2 hours after the paved road for about an hour and a half. It was beautiful as we drove through forest and saw the vines hanging from the trees. It reminded me that the God I worship and who is the Lord of my life cared so much that he created beauty. Wow…just one way His love shines for us.

Tim gave his sermon the first day and I taught. Tim’s sermon was really good and I think the people really related to it. My lesson went pretty good, but I was really tired and right before I went up to teach I was about to fall asleep in my chair. But, when I got up, I became a little more lively. The people heard the message and after, Dino said he really enjoyed my message and especially the illustration with the paper heart.

We participated in Sports Evangelism, or at least drew the crowd and then they shared the Gospel using an evangelistic tool called the heart of man. 22 people decided to follow Jesus. Then after the Jesus film, 2 people decided to follow Jesus. It was really cool to see so many people surrender their life.

The next day, only one young person stood when there was a call to purity. Some of the leadership stood up and said that they would be faithful to their wives, but only one young person stood up. This was disheartening, but also encouraging. There was one young man who stood by faith, strong faith and said he was going to make this commitment to the Father. It was so encouraging to find one so BIG in his faith.

During a break, Dino said he really wanted us to come back many times, and that maybe one of us could come back and work like the journeyman Chris worked for two years. In my heart this was just confirmation that the Lord wanted me back here soon. The surrender of my will brought about confirmation of God’s. He is faithful in allowing us to know the next step even if it is at the last minute!

Thanks so much for your prayers. The people here are amazing and the leadership gives me hope. Thanks for all your support. I love you all! I cant wait to enlighten you to the journey that I will be taking as I get back to the States! It may be a rough road, but fortunately there are pioneers who have been down the same road…(Jim and Susan)…ok…well that is all for now. I am so excited about God’s direction in my life!!! He is writing a beautiful story and I get to be the main character!! Ha! And…Jackie, I picked up a kid for you yesterday!! She was pretty content in your metaphoric arms!!!

Jessica R.

Si Senhor June 9, 2009

Bom dia, this is Jeana! So we are officially done teaching true love waits but our job as missionaries has only begun. It’s mind blowing to think that we will be home soon, I can’t believe it. The last church was really neat, even though only one guy, Chico Famia made a decision I was encouraged by the leadership. Orlando was this amazing man of God who, even though didn’t speak the same language, it was evident that the same Holy Spirit was living in him! Definitely fixe! (which means cool in Portuguese) Our friend and translator Philip has been helping me learn some new vocab, it’s quite exciting because it’s a gorgeous language!
We had 22 saves with the sports evangelism, and 2 with the Jesus film…a grand total of 24! Totally worth all the mosquitoes. Actually if you want to know the truth, I was not really bothered by them. But the boys….Maaaaaan! it was hilarious. So, I wake up early and I’m sitting on top of the truck having my quiet time and I see their tent shaking and I hear: “Are you not entertained?” From Gladiator. They were hilarious! Quoting Gladiator and engaging in this war against mosquitoes. They left their tent open a tiny crack and were attacked by the nasty buggers, gruesome actually.
Anyways, today is our free day and the smell of toast is thick in the air. It’s been one crazy ride full of laughs and God’s gentle voice. He has been working in everyone of us and it’s muito boa. I’m excited for the plans that God has for all of our lives and I trust that He would continue to lead and protect all of my brothers and sisteres that we’ve met. Thank you for reading and responding, it’s one of the biggest encouragements. WE LOVE YOU!

Jeremiah June 8, 2009

okay okay, so i know i haven’t written in awhile but ive been so distracted with everything thats been going on. im so bummed that were on our way home it feels like we’ve been doing alot but we’ve only been here for 13 days. God has really challenged me and i love it. i have really learned alot and man has John put me to work but i wouldn’t have it any other way. see you when i get back.

Last Church June 8, 2009

Well, sadly we have finished our teaching. We got back from the last village a couple hours ago; it was pastor Dino’s church too. In many ways it was more trying that the other places that we went. It took us about 5 hours to drive there even though it wasnt that far away. But the roads were really bad and were just barely trails. So by the time we got there we were all really tired. This church was by a swamp and there were SO many Mosquitoes. The constant battle against them kind of wore us out.
Well, then I had to preach. I got up there and it went really well!. Got gave me so much energy and the message came off much better than I thought it would. The same thing happened with my teaching. God got us through the last message for all of us. Even though it was a hard trip for traveling and camping, he gave us the strength to pull through. During the Jesus film and sports evangelism there were 22 converts. Then after out teaching there was one person who made a decision. All together it was a good end to our trip. It feels kind of good to be done teaching. Now we can relax a little.
On a more silly note. Me and Jeremiah had an interesting experience with Mosquitoes. I didnt sleep very well in the tent because it was warm and muggy. And I had to stay in my sleeping bag to stay away from the bugs. It was hot. Then we woke up and there were about 50 Mosquitoes in the tent. We kind of freaked out a little. I wet on a rampage trying to kill them. We were later told that several people were staring at our tent as we were shaking it. They probably thought that we were crazy. It was funny and a little painful. Haha. Anyways we will see everyone later this week. Thanks again for all of your prayers and support!
-Tim

Stand Alone June 6, 2009

This is going to be a fast one. Yesterday we were at a newer work way far out from town. This area still has problems with the older traditions and ceremonies entering into the church ( according to John it has gotten much better but still has some problems). As we were teaching I began to become discouraged. There were hardly any youth there. So I kind of went on auto pilot after giving my lesson. But then when Jessica gave the invitation and only one man stood up. But he had the courage to stand alone. When all his friends wouldnt stand and surrender control to God he still stood. John was reminding us on the ride home how important one convert can be. It was cool to see the youth’s determination. It was really cool to see God working when I was not at all focused. God is really cool like that.
-Tim

THE WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT June 6, 2009

Today we have the morning off. It has been really good, because we were all exhausted from our back to back trips out into the villages. I was definitely feeling the effects of those days out. I disappeared at about 9:00 last night, headed to bed. I am refreshed this morning and am excited about the remaining days here in Mozambique.

Yesterday and the day before we were in a Sena village called Boroma. It is a small village with a new work. No group has ever been taken there so we did not know what to expect. Usually as described by John, a new work is not as organized as many that have ben around a while. When we got there after a 2 1/2 hour drive we were confronted with lunch not being ready for us, people completely amazed at so many white people and they were really not ready for us to teach. So, we were patient and waited until all was organized, set up our tents and then started teaching. Me and Tim actually taught and then darkness was coming.

The people were so attentive and listening it was amazing. I don’t know if it was because they were an older group, or because they were a smaller group, but their attention span amazed me. Kelly gave her testimony and the people really related to her testimony. They realized that the Father can really transform someone and that a person who has not lived as God intended can be forgiven and give the Lordship to Christ.

That night we did the Jesus film, with no response. This was heartbreaking, but it is not our work that God is a part of, but His work we are priviledged to take part in. I have to remember this because we do not measure success in numbers or failure in lack of numbers. It is our job to be obedient to the Father, and only that. We are to teach, share, but we can not convict a person. Only the Holy Spirit can convict.

The next day we finished our teaching and then called for a commitment to sexual purity. Practically the whole church stood up, but then John clarified the decision we wanted was from unmarried youth, and only one remained standing. We prayed for Him and got his name so that we could continue praying for Him. Praise the Lord for convicting one heart and working in this youth’s life. If only for that young man, the trip was worth it.

Also during our time of teaching we got to suggest names for a set of twins that were born a while back. We each put two names on a piece of paper and then Sobreno and Choosi picked from the names and chose one from two different papers. They chose Kelly’s paper with the name David, and then they picked mine with the name Peter. The act of naming a child makes you the godfather/godmother of that Child. Technically now, I have a godchild named Peter in Mozambique, Africa and I commit to praying for Him as He grows. What an honor to name a child and be so intimately connected with the people of BOROMA.

I think I really might start the process to be a journeyman when I get home. I feel at home here, I feel at peace here, and I know I am called to African people. The Lord is my passion, and He has given me a passion for the people of Africa, whether from Niger or Mozambique, I love them and know I am supposed to be here. When I got news of more people coming to Mozambique and getting approved for God’s work here, I wanted so bad to know myself that I was coming back, but I don’t. There are no guarantees, I want the whole process to be over, and I think that means I should really start the process. Well…I think that is all for now…know that I am really searching for the purpose of the Lord in my life and the more villages we visit, the more I want to be somewhere in Africa. It may be Mozambique, it may not. I see the Lord clearly at work here and I want to join Him where He is at work, but if that is somewhere else in the world, I am open to that as well….pray for me as I begin the process to go as a journeyman…I think I have given up my will, may the Lord’s be done…and only the Lord’s will…

Jessica R.

Insert Clever Title Here June 5, 2009

Jeana

G’day mate!

This is a warning to tell you that I am extremely hyper and this might affect my writing, so just a heads up.

Today I started out teaching in Boroma, and I was actually not very nervous at all. God has completely calmed my nerves and everything, it’s quite amazing. I felt that this group was definitely more attentive than the church before, but I had this yuck feeling the whole time, and didn’t really feel like I was being the best that God made me to be. He totally still used it though.
There was only one guy who made a decision today, but there were a lot more marriages in the church than in the others. Normally it’s one or two married couples and today there were more than seven or eight; which is AWESOME! But this guy stood up and said “Yes, I want to make a commitment to save sex until marriage.” He was the only boy who stood, but nevertheless, he stood firm. Super encouraging to see the Holy Spirit work in this young man’s life.
I love experiencing everything: from tasting “goat nuggets” to touching the Zambezi, everything has been new and exciting!
Yes, today I touched the Zambezi river. It was extremely NEAT to see :0
Anyways, I really need a shower and although I would love to stay up and type, I must go. The sugar rush has dried up and now the crash landing.

Please continue praying that God’s will would be done and that we puny, little humans would jump out of the way. We love you and tomorrow morning we are eating WAFFLES FOR BREAKFAST!!!!!

ADEUS

Deep Thoughts From a Shallow Pool June 3, 2009

Well I am blogging yet again. I was actually going to bog on Monday night, and I even wrote one out. Then the computer wouldn’t work and I lost everything that I wrote. Needless to say I was frustrated and deeply hurt be the cruelty of the computer.
Here is a recap of Monday: we went shopping, explored an old Catholic church, and went to the beach on the INDIAN OCEAN!!! We also played cricket which, although english, was fun. I also learned that I was funny. Who knew!?!
Yesterday, we went to another church. There were even more people there than at the previous areas. John thought that during the Jesus Film there were over 1000 people! There were 58 decisions for Christ from the film and the sport evangelism. It was amazing to see. It is completely not us too. It is God working through the leaders here (and hopefully through our teaching as well). Then we spent the night there and finished our teaching in the morning. We also presented dramas, Jeremiah’s testimony, and some songs.
Personally, I am somewhat fatigued. We are at our half way point and I it starting to wear. Please pray for me as I lead worship (scary!). I am struggling with it a little. But it is still exciting to see what God is doing and his strength is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9 I think…). Thanks.
Now here are some random and cool things that have happened that I am not willing to properly organize into a paragraph. We ate goat (me and Jeremiah got to see how you get from living goat to dinner on your plate if you catch my drift) and it was really good. The plague of grasshoppers has left us. We got to eat dinner with our hands ( a very liberating experience by the way). We learned a vicious game called Mata Mata (kill kill) that is only for the girls! Me and Jeremiah were disappointed. We saw sting rays and ells that were caught at the beach. I learned that I cannot bat in the game of cricket and after nothing but rice for two days a coke tastes pretty good. Yeah sugar.
Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers! Your comments and both encouraging and hilarious. We will see you all in about a week!! Thanks again.
-Tim

I Hate Computers…But I Love God!!!!! June 3, 2009

Hello, this is your friend Jeana. Just wanted to let you know that the same Holy Spirit that does amazing things in AZ is working and moving in Mozambique! It’s so uplifting to see these people respond to God’s unending love and compassion; don’t get me wrong though, it was a difficult day. We lost the people’s attention at around nine, which is not good, but God does things in ways that are not my own.
The children are so desperate for love, you can see it in their hollow gazes, but when you reach out your hand they draw back. It can be extremely heart wrenching to experience. When it gets down to it though, they are still kids; they laugh, play, smile, giggle and love the same. Yesterday I was tickling some kids with long pieces of grass and they LOVED IT! It totally made my day to see their little smiles and hear their soft laughs. Another thing, I will never complain about anything ever again (or at least I will try my best) I saw some women pumping water from a well and I decided to give them a hand and I realized how difficult and demanding their lives are. Pumping that water was really HARD and I just cant imagine how I complain about everything and these people have to walk for who-knows-how-long just to get a jug of water.
I am really enjoying my quiet times with God, as well as spending time with minhas irmaos (my brothers in portuguese) b.t.w I love Portuguese Spending time with my brothers and sisters. We have tons of inside jokes that you’re probably itching to know about. Well I will tell you one, but don’t tell Jeremiah. Tim and Jeremiah were having a contest to see who could hold their poo in the longest, eww I know boys are gross and weird. Well I’m going now because they’re both breathing down my neck!
Please don’t stop praying! We have a huge day tomorrow and I think we all need an extra dose of Holy Spirit~