My time in Nova Sofala

I’ve been in Mozambique since Saturday, July 2^nd.  On July 3rd a South African team on their way to Sofala, (the province directly north of us) surprised us with a visit because one of their vehicles had broken down.  It was truly God’s plan for them to stop and stay here…as it provided a time for them to bond and unify as they came from different cities and churches, as well as an opportunity for Jaco and I to go to Sofala with them.  It was a blessing for me to be part of a team my first week here in Mozambique.

 On Tuesday July 5^th, the long ride north began and about 7 hours later we arrived and tented on the shore.  The group I was with has been coming to this area for a few years and so they already knew Pastor John and some of the other locals.   A typical day would begin with a team devotional time, then going to a church and having a time of  singing and worship, followed by  separate teachings for the children and the adults.  Once the sun went down, we showed the Jesus film and many people came to Christ.  We had three short days like this, then we returned

My favorite things were playing games with the children in the afternoon and praying throughout the day, and especially praying for people after teaching and  the Jesus film. 

Here are some pictures of my experiences.  Thank you for your love and prayers.  

We stopped to pick up a chameleon crossing the road. Barnie's head was its favorite place. 

This is the beautiful beach where we tented.  Unfortunately we did not get to spend much time there as we were busy with ministry in the day.  

A nice African mud puddle.  This vehicle did not get stuck...the other one with a trailer got stuck. 

The crowd welcomed us with songs.

My favorite picture from Sofala.  The boy is walking home from school...note the bookbag on his shoulder.  Women in background carrying yellow water jugs on their heads. People, especially women,  can balance just about anything on their heads. 

This is Pastor John- who we worked with in Nova Sofala. 

Blessing the children.

We had a medical clinic every day....people would come non stop...for many it was their only chance of getting medicine unless they go to witch doctors.  Natasha, a nurse is on the left, our translator, Carter, in the middle, and a local woman on the right. 

The church kitchen.  Most kitchens in Mozambique look something like this. 

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On another note....as you may or may  not know right now it is Ramadan- the Islamic month of fasting and prayer. About half of Vilanculos is Muslim owned...even the lodge where I am currently sitting.  So although they are not the majority, they do have a lot of influence in the town. 

  On Wednesday a few of us were praying at the church and I saw this dark cloud over Vilanculos..its like something that limits the prayers and then on Sunday Pastor Jaco sensed the same thing and they say there's always darkness like this during Ramadan. Plus we're starting up some new  ministries so I know that we are under Satanic attack.  Please pray for me and other believers here.