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.  

Reflections on my first month in Vilanculos, Mozambique

…Things that have I learned…or even expectations that have become true or proven false.  

Africa definitely has its own pace and perception of time.  Things just take longer.  But people just aren’t in a rush to do things like they are in the “developed world”.  At times it can be very frustrating when things don’t run as smoothly as planned or just take longer.  Like it takes a longer time to start something completely new…like a women’s bible study at church or successfully get the internet on my computer.  Often I find that God works in our lives in the same way…often time changes aren’t immediate..but come in layers and stages that often is not immediate.  Wait. And Listen. Or how about be still and know that I am God. 

I have had a few opportunities to teach.  On July 21^st and 28^th, I spoke at prison, as there is a consistent weekly ministry there. I also preached July 31^st, as Pastor Jaco and his family were in South Africa that weekend.   I’ve enjoyed teaching.  I sought the Lord for a word and he has given it to me.  I know that the when Scriptures goes out it is not in vain, but produces fruit.  The following is some of my thoughts after speaking on the 28^th.

I’m reminded of what Darcy (my roommate at the time) told me in Venezuela in 2006, “Leigh, you don’t know this yet, but you like teaching”.  And I feel like I am seeing this come true.  I remember being extremely nervous for that time, before speaking.  And here speaking in the prison, and even at church…when I was here in 2009 and I’ll speak on Sunday…minimal nervousness but surprisingly comfortable and at home doing what I’m doing.  And I know God uses it.  Today about 30 people were at the prison…and while I was talking about 10 left, one by one, as I was speaking.  But the 20 who persevered through my explanation of Romans 12…talking about the end not repaying evil for evil but Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.  I told them how each one of us is responsible for our actions and will be judged by God for everything we have ever done: good and bad.  But I am not afraid to stand before God, even though I know he could destroy me in one second if he so desired, because I am covered with the blood of Jesus, and therefore have the righteousness of Christ, and that is what the Father sees when he looks at me, the righteousness of his son.  And I wasn’t planning to but I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do a salvation invitation and so I did…and not to my surprise….one man wearing a black shirt sitting almost directly in front of me…you could just see he was intently listening..he gave his life to the Lord today.  Please pray for him that he may grow and mature in his faith.

Other things about Mozambique...   

It actually is cold here at night…like in the 50s. Its in the high 70s in the day.  This morning was cold…temperatures in the 60s.

This was taken on my 26th birthday...I had a steak dinner with cauliflour and mushroom sause... 

I eat lots of rice now.  Bread too,but I’ve pretty much always done that. 

Having a baby (or a few) before your 20^th birthday is the norm.  One lady at church is one year older than me-27 and already has 5 kids, ranging in age from a few months  to 11 years old.

Vilanculos really is a beautiful place.  Gorgeous beaches. But a little too cold to go swimming as it is winter here, which feels like going to the beach in March.  Flying into Vilanculos was by far the most beautiful areal view of the ocean I’ve ever seen: descending over the water at low tide when the coral reefs and different colors of water are most visible...absolutely stunning. 

Beach sand is everywhere.  I am sure that at one point the sea level was much higher because almost every corner of Vilanculos is covered with sand…I stay a 10 minute drive from town… (about 4 miles) away from the beach and I can’t get away from the sand…which means dirty feet and mataqueñas are a way of life.

Two weeks ago I had my first mataqueña…a flesh eating bug that lives in the sand until it finds a human host.  When I felt it I thought it was a splinter and attempted to get rid of it.  As mataqueñas eat flesh, they become fatter and look like an obese black head or other acne.  

Then last week I decided to trim my toenails and I was disgusted to find several (9?) mataqueñas where my big toenail used to be.  When mataqueñas are big enough to see them as yellow, and not just their black heads they’re huge and it’s just gross. I have never been so disgusted with something in my own body as I was with those mataqueñas. Sometimes you can feel mataqueñas bite when they’re in your skin, other times you can’t. I did feel some pain in my toe but because I didn’t see them under my toenail, I assumed I didn’t have mataqueñas. Was I wrong!  I had a total of 15 in my toes that were taken out last Monday.  Fortunately Clara, the maid, is quite skilled at taking out mataqueñas…it took her about one hour to take out 15 with a needle. Since mataqueñas are so common here locals know how to take them out.  Also, once the mataqueñas are gone the skin where they were dies, it turns black and hardens.

You might be thinking, “Leigh, this is disgusting, why did you blog about it?”  Although disgusting, it’s really a normal part of life here.  I want to give you an accurate picture of life here.  Pastor Jaco joked that my first mataqueña was a rite of passage for doing ministry in Mozambique.

I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for eating chicken as they raise and slaughter chickens here. Occasionally I’ll help feed them or clean the cage.   Also, I have eaten parts of chicken that I’d never tried before like stomach, heart, neck, and feet…which all taste better than liver if you ask me!  

Please keep me in your prayers as I'll be starting bible studies with women in the church this week....one on Tuesday-tomorrow and one on Thursday.  

Be Safe

“BE Safe” she told me as we were saying our goodbyes.  Not long before I had told her all about my plans to go to Mozambique in which she questioned me if I had the shots I needed, and the safety of bus travel, etc. 

Being involved in overseas missions, “Be Safe” is a fairly common phrase I hear, expressed by people who show a genuine concern for me and my safety.   But honestly, it can be annoying.  I know I was born to do more than be safe.  Nor is it not what God asks of me.  He says,

Be filled with the Holy Spirit- Eph 5:18

Be strong and courageous – Joshua 1:9

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord- James 4:10

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.  1 Thessalonians 5:16&17.

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12:2

Now there is nothing wrong with being safe or encouraging me or others to be safe.   It’s smart to be safe which can be wearing a seat belt or planning ahead, or having insurance, or saving money, etc.   Sometimes safety is as easy as avoiding idiotic behavior like: attempting your favorite stunts from action movies or playing with rattle snakes or standing on top of a building during a lightening storm.  There’s nothing wrong with praying for protection or traveling safety of loved ones or yourself.  Clearly safety is a normal, human concern. 

So why does it bother me when people tell me to be safe?

A few years ago I heard Louie Giglio teach about prayer. It changed my life.  I am still humbled and challenged by what was said.   He explained that the ideal way for us to pray would be the opposite of how we normally pray because we tend to be self-centered rather than God-centered in our prayers.  For example, “God, please bless me and give me this” which isn’t wrong or bad, but consider praying “God, how can I be a blessing to you? How can I honor you and serve you? What can I give you?”  A very different prayer, isn’t it?  Giglio specifically addressed the prayer for protection and safety- a very normal, common prayer.  A good thing to pray for but, in the Kingdom of God the glory of God always trumps personal safety.  That’s right; God cares more about his glory than my personal safety. Skeptical?  Let’s look at some examples.

1.       Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.  Three men were given the choice of bowing down to the golden statue (safe) or being cast into a fiery furnace (not safe).  Did they play it safe?  No. They said our God can save us from the fiery furnace and even if he doesn’t we’re still not going to bow down to you. Can you imagine the courage it would take to say that to a king, especially since he was giving them a second chance? But we know the story, that they weren’t burned because Jesus joined them in the fire. Then the king acknowledged that they were servants of the Most High God, mandated that anyone who spoke ill of their God would die, and the three men were promoted.  Daniel 3

2.       Apostle Paul.  He obviously failed when it came to the protection and safety prayer: Imprisoned, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, beaten, etc.  Clearly “being safe” was not his top priority. But Paul goes down in history as one of the most important leaders of the early church, starting many churches, and writing several letters that are in the Bible.  Paul’s lack of safety has resulted in millions coming to Christ.   Aren’t you glad He counted his comforts as a loss for Christ (Phil. 3:7)

3.       Louie Giglio told this story of an Australian missionary family who served in India.  A father and his 2 young sons were sleeping in their car overnight and were burned to death by Muslim extremists.   When his wife was interviewed by a national newspaper, it made the front cover when she said she forgave them because of Jesus Christ.   So the Name of Jesus makes headlines in a nation of one billion people.

Clearly God used these people who were not “being safe” to expand his Kingdom and His renown.  God uses persecution for His glory.  Even today, there are so many martyrs in unsafe countries around the world.  For instance, Voice of the Martyrs is an organization filled with stories of people who choose Christ rather than safety.

I don’t desire to be burned to death or beaten…I would much rather have an easy life without facing the kinds of obstacles I just mentioned.  Fortunately that’s what God gives us a lot of times.  I am very thankful that most of the time God does not ask me to comprise my safety to serve Him, usually I can obey God and be safe simultaneously.   

I am weary of the phrase “be safe” because if using it as a guide, its easy to keep from doing what is right (what God has said), if ever it seems unsafe or simply uncomfortable. If I focus on “being safe” its easy for paralyzing fears to creep in, in the name of safety, thus leaving me immobile and defeated.  But if I focus on being obedient and walking in the power of His Spirit, I am armed for battle, ready to fight off fears and any thing else, knowing I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

  But really, there’s only so much one can do to ensure safety anyways. There’s always a possibility of something terribly wrong happening- that’s what it means to be human-  we aren’t perfect or invincible- but we are frail and vulnerable to diseases, natural disasters, all kinds of oppression, wars, homicide, and  even freak accidents. 

What I'm doing

For three weeks in November and December of 2009 I served in Vilankulos, Mozambique, one of several ministry locations I visited while on the World Race.  I had only been there for a few days when I felt in my heart that God would bring me back to that place.  Now I am preparing to return and serve there for one year. My team worked with Pastor Jaco Rudolph and his family- a South African who has been serving in Mozambique for a couple of years with an organization called Jesus for Africa.  Our ministry was multi-faceted and flexible including prayer walks, visiting the hospital, the prison, and people in their homes, sharing the gospel and praying with them.  On Sundays our team would lead church services for the local Mozambicans.  During our final week in Vilankulos we experienced an amazing time of celebration as several believers were baptized in the Indian Ocean less than a mile from the church.   In Mozambique I’ll be serving in these ways, and my desire is to extend God’s love to the women in that community. 

While I was in Mozambique, one of the most exciting things was the prison ministry.  Over 100 people, from every corner of the prison, prayed to receive Christ when the gospel was presented to them.   I didn’t see them turn to Christ (only eight from our group were allowed to visit the prison each week) but I came the following week and to quote my journal entry, “this place is more alive than most churches I’ve been to”.

What strikes me most about spirituality in Africa is the intense hunger for God in spite of many demonic strongholds that are still intact. It’s a battlefield that has held dark strongholds for centuries but light is quickly conquering the darkness. It’s an intense and exciting place to be!  Many people are turning to Jesus yet there are few resources and few leaders to guide them into maturity. Not that I have all the answers, quite the contrary: I often feel insignificant, questioning what I have to offer.  However, I know that God has told me to go and I am confident that God empowers me and will work through me to draw people to know Him better.

My goal is to leave at the end of June and stay there for one year.  I will be working with Jesus for Africa, which is a recognized organization in Mozambique and South Africa, but not in the USA. So I am also partnering with a non-profit called beLOVE Inc. Check it out online at, www.beloveinc.org  In order to serve in Mozambique for one year, I need to raise a total of $11,000 ($5000 for visas, travel expenses, etc + $500/mo.) for the year as I step out in faith to the calling God has placed on my life.  If you would be willing, please prayerfully consider making a tax deductible donation by mailing a check to  beLOVE Inc with my name on the memo line.  Please join with me as I help bring His kingdom from heaven down to earth.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  I’d love to hear from you.        

           God Bless. 

Leigh Leckman