A few months ago, I was really struggling with the purpose of me being in Mozambique.  As I walked on the hot sand, I saw something shiny in the sand.  Initially I thought it was a piece of trash, which can be found everywhere in Mozambique.  Looking more closely I could see that it was something of value- a glass marble.  I picked it up and for a moment I marveled over this colorful glass ball that seemed so out of place, a small treasure among the sand and trash.  And the Spirit brought to mind this story: 

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.  When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.   Matthew 13:44.

 This story Jesus told reminded me why I am in Mozambique.  You see, Jesus is my treasure.  He is a treasure so great that it is well worth dropping everything that glitters in this world in pursuit of a treasure that can’t be rusted or stolen.   My allegiance and loyalty belong to Him. And He has said go to Vilanculos, Mozambique and love and serve the people there, and so that is what I am doing.

I arrived in Vilanculos at the beginning of July 2011 and it seems so strange and normal that I’ve been there for 8 months now.

It is an exciting time for a few reasons.  I just returned from South Africa, where I got a 60 day visa, saw lots of people and went shopping for my new place.  South Africa has a special place in heart because I was born there and lived there until I was 11 years old.  I’m blessed to have the opportunity/requirement to visit.

 Lord-willing, next weekend I am moving into a room in town.  It will be nice to finally have a place I can call my own and no longer worry about taking half an hour or longer to get into town.   Please pray that things would go smoothly and that indeed there would be a room and bed ready for me next Saturday.

The Jesus for Africa family has also grown.  Arthur Purdy and his family are now in Vilanculos and it’s a blessing to have them here.  You can learn more about them at their blog: www.purdy.co.za  Another South African family is also planning to come up and live in Vilanculos and so I am looking forward to that.

   I would absolutely love to return to the States in May this year.  I would love to see my family and friends and church family as well.  Lately I’ve been missing people a lot and I think it would be good to return for a while and really maintain relationships with people.  I need about $1500 to go to the States and I need your financial help and generosity to get there.  If you want to see me, let me know.

Also, as I have prayed about my purpose and ministry here I really sense the Lord’s guidance in staying here for more than one year, which is the time frame I  was initially thinking.  Being Africa, it takes a while to really get things started and rolling here.  So much of what I do is based on building relationships with people and that just takes time.  My heart is to reach women and disciple them. This includes: learning about them and their culture, building a relationship with them, teaching them the Word of God, encouraging them to pray and reach out in their communities, and to love God with everything.   I feel as though I am just getting started and there is so much more to be done.  There is so much need here, it is ridiculous.    I would like to have ladies who can lead and teach others by the time I leave.  With this in mind, and the Lord’s guidance in this area, it just makes sense to stay for a longer period of time.  As of right now, I believe I will live here for 3 years, which takes me into 2014.  Beyond that, I’m not sure where I will be or what I will do, although I think I’ll be in Africa.  I feel as though I am in a video game and I am currently on the “Vilanculos level” in which God is preparing me for the next step or next level…whatever that may be.

So I am here, living by faith, believing that God has called me here and is continually accomplishing his purposes in me and through me.  If you believe in me and what I am doing there are a few things you can do to help and encourage me.  You can send me money.  Thank you to all of you who have given.  I am 100% dependent on God to provide for my every need and I am confident that He will give me what I need.  He uses people to give…so please consider giving to me so I can continue living here in Mozambique and return to the States to visit.  You can also pray for me.  Its been so cool to feel prayers of people this year…like that weird indescribable sense of there’s something amazing happening in the supernatural.   So thank you for all your prayers.  I know prayer is so powerful.  A third way you can encourage me is to keep in touch with me.  I love getting emails or skyping with people. And hopefully I will much better internet connection once I live in town.  My email address is leighleckman@gmail.com.  My skype ID is feebeelee12. And you can even call or text me at +258 84 261 3653.  I genuinely would like to know what is going on in your lives as well and how I can pray for you too.    If you would like to give to me, you can write a check to BeLOVE Inc. and put my name on the memo line and mail to

PO BOX 1742 
SILVER SPRING, MD 20915

Or you can give online: http://www.razoo.com/story/Beloveinc?referral_code=share

Also, one cool thing about BeLove Inc.  is that I receive 100% of what is given, there are no administrative fees.