My visit to Beira

This past week I visited Beira, the second or third largest city in the country that is about an 8 hour bus ride north of Vilanculos, where I live.   I went because William and Tara are in Beira for two months, assisting our Mozambican friend, Elias in building an orphanage.  William and Tara are friends from the World Race who also work with Be Love Inc.   There was also a World Race team of 7 American women in their early twenties staying with Elias and I was particularly looking forward to meeting them and being with them for one week.  Because I was on the World Race two years ago,  I knew we could relate to one another in special way.  I prayed that it would be a refreshing break for me, and that I could pour into their lives as well as them into mine.  And I thank God that that’s exactly what happened.

One of the biggest challenges for me in being here is being and feeling alone and isolated in what I am doing.  Although I’ve worked and lived with Pastor Jaco and his family, and now there’s another family here too I miss being on a team with others who are close in age and stage in life.  That is the reason why it was so good for me to be with other Americans who are also single and missionaries.  It’s hard to articulate just how good it was to be there.  I really miss the sense of community that is part of the World Race: the mutual and healthy give and take that naturally comes as you share stories, prayers, Scriptures, struggles, and life.

When I arrived in Beira I immediately noticed a lighter atmosphere or “feel”.   Spiritually Beira is at a very different place than Vilanculos.  There is often oppressive spirit in Vilanculos that keeps people down and indifferent about the Lord.  Conversely in Beira there was a lightness in spirit and a peace and a joy that characterized the city.  I was surprised just how many people go to church and how fervent and excited they are to be in the house of the Lord.  There are people so hungry for God and passionate about reaching those around them.  Last Sunday evening I was at a church service in Beira that met in an outdoor stadium.  Not that a church is  better because of more people, but it was cool to see so many in church as it doesn’t happen around here.  I pray that the churches in Beira continue to grow and glorify the Lord, and reach out to the rest of Mozambique.  God showed me I am strategically placed in a dark area to be a light.