A Mozambican Prayer.

I was recently in Maputo, the largest city and also the capital of Mozambique.   On September first there was large meeting in which many churches and other Christian organizations gathered to pray for Mozambique and hear from the Lord.  It was really powerful seeing them confess their personal as well as their country's sins, repent and believe God for renewal, hope and change.

One of the pastors speaking that day...there must have been at least 10 and they were rotating Scripture readings. 

 For me the most moving thing was one of the pastors standing up and publicly apologizing to his wife, on behalf of all Mozambican men who have wronged their wives in one way or another. He apologized for adultery, abandonment, laziness and several other vices.  He had only said a few words and many women around me started crying and then I started crying too.  It made a strong impact on me because I've seen how poorly women are treated here- and its hard to combat because there are historical and cultural roots with this problem.

Everyone prayed this prayer.  I think it gives a good general understanding of where Mozambique is in their relationship to God:

A day to bow before our God.  Mozambique bows before God. 1 September 2012

Let’s pray together: (everyone kneels)

O Lord, God Most High, Creator and Possessor of heaven and earth, we, the people of Mozambique acknowledge that we and our country have sinned against You in several ways, especially, but not limited to idol worship.  Instead of looking to You to satisfy our needs, at different points we have sought help from Satan.

We look to evil spirits for: rain, abundant harvests, children, health, progress, protection, direction, guidance, wealth, victory in war, and other innumerable blessings .  You have blessed us in more ways than we can count but we have not thanked you as God.  Countless times when we dedicate new buildings, bridges, roads, schools, etc. instead of thanking You, the Provider of all things, we look to priests of idols to mediate and make blood sacrifices to Satan and dedicate buildings to Satan. We dedicate ourselves, our wives and our children to the enemy in several ways, including but not limited to ceremonies such as welcoming a newborn, rites of passage, weddings, funerals, etc. We fear evil spirits, curses, witchcraft and dead family members more than we fear You. 

Instead of looking for Your direction, we regularly consult the dead and different evil spirits.  We enter into alliances with Satan through various methods and we turn our backs on You.  In arrogance our land declared, “There is no God.” 

  We have sinned against You in these and many other ways. Our sins include, but are not limited to the following:  Idolatry, the spilling of blood,  bribery,  corruption, atheism, assassinations, love of money, violence, rape, prostitution, bitterness, witchcraft, occultism, consulting dead ancestors, sexual sins, broken marriages, lack of the fear of God, sensuality, loving pleasure rather than loving God, disunity within the church, idolatry within the church, sins of occult in our lives, oppressing the poor and underprivileged, human sacrifice, human trafficking, slavery in modern day forms, drug abuse, selling of drugs, respect for tribal customs above the word of God,  lies, hypocrisy, false religion, illegality; etc.

Today we are guilty before You.

Today we declare the following:  We confess that we have established many altars to Satan throughout our country.  We repent for these altars.  We renounce all the altars of Satan established in our land.  We renounce all the evil alliances that we, our leaders and our country has made with Satan.  We renounce and we withdraw our submission to evil spirits to whom we were bound through these altars and alliances.

Today, we dedicate to You, our lives, our families, and the generations that have yet to come, forever.  To You we dedicate our nation and all of its resources.  By faith we form a New Alliance with You sealed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We declare, “God is.”

Now and forever, we acknowledge you as our Creator, we honor you as our Father, we adore you as our God, we submit to you as our Lord and Savior, and we proclaim you our King.

Please forgive us our sins and heal our land according to your word. Please accept us and be our God.  Destroy all satanic foundations in our lives and nation.  Together we pray, “Our Father in heaven, Holy is Your name.  Your kingdom come and Your will be done in Mozambique as it is in heaven.  We declare that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God of Mozambique now and forever more.  Govern every area of our lives and our nation.  Let the knowledge of Your word cover our nation as waters cover the sea.  Open up the heavens above our land and bless us.” Amen. 

Watch your mouth!

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

James  1:26

I had two long bus rides on my way to Johannesburg, South Africa.  I had to go for my visa.

On the first from Vilanculos to Maputo I met a South African girl who lives in Tofu, another area on the Mozambican coast.  We chatted quite a bit about our lives and shared frustrations about living in Mozambique. 

The following night I was on a bus to Johannesburg, and as I tried to fall asleep I heard the (Portuguese) conversation around me.  They were talking about me and general frustrations they have with white people.  I felt hurt and judged before I was even given an opportunity to prove myself.  As I crossed the border I prayed, telling God I was upset by what had happened.

His response to me was hearing them complain about white people was no different than the night before when two girls were complaining about Mozambicans.

This surprised me.  It wasn’t until that moment that I even considered that our conversation could have been offensive to any hearers.  After thinking about this for 2 seconds I realized any Mozambican who understood our conversation would probably have been offended.

So turns out, when you ask God to reveal sin in your life to you, He does it.          

   

Over the last five years or so -one tiny step at a time- the Lord has taught me more about the importance of words and the power that they carry- to bless or curse- to bring life or death, to heal or to destroy.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.  Matthew 12:34

These types of verses make me glad I’m naturally not too talkative…but it still doesn’t mean that I am exempt from this problem.  As Matthew 12:34 points out, the hurtful things that come out of our mouths are really a reflection of our hearts.

A Time for Everything

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:

 A time to be born and a time to die….a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2,4,11.

I get to see many births and many deaths in Mozambique and I would bet there’s a higher percentage birth rate and death rate in Mozambique than in the States.  Somehow, here death is less shocking as it is more common, but it is still difficult and painful.

This morning (August 7^th) I found out that Jeremias died, and I went to his funeral this afternoon.   He was one of my neighbors during the first 8 months that I lived here. I know his wife, mother, brother, in- laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, etc.  I sat and cried with his daughter (9 or 10 years old) at the funeral.

He died on Monday.  Cause of death?  Maybe I can figure that out later.   He was in his late 30s or 40s.  He was friendly, good guy and I distinctly remember my last conversation with him.  It was in July and he greeted me warmly as I had recently returned from the States…it made me glad to be back.

Also, Carlota- the woman I wrote the “tangerine” blog about died last Wednesday when I was in South Africa.  I saw her a few times since I wrote the blog and she was hopeless. She had no will to live.  I think she briefly wanted to be better and then it was back to the same old “better dead” mentality. I’m telling you, she was a different woman the day she ate the tangerine.  She had hope.  I gave her another tangerine…she ate maybe one third of it…and hid the rest.  She refused to eat other food as well. 

From the first time I entered her house, I wondered if there were other factors (not just physical) contributing to her illness. Something just didn’t seem right. Her neighbor (my friend Tina) told me that prior to getting sick, she would walk around paranoid and would frequently try to hide though no one was chasing her.   I agree with locals who conclude that she was harassed by a bad spirit.

So lately it hasn’t been happy go lucky around here.  But you know what’s interesting; the Lord has reminded me of this since I started writing.  I know that the Lord wants me to spread his love to nations, and just in the last week He re-iterated being a heart- mender…and death often brings broken hearts and it’s in times of sorrow like death where I can embody the compassion of the Lord.

Food in Mozambique

“Estás gorda” (you’re fat) he told me after he welcomed me back home. (Apparently it was obvious that I had eaten well in South Africa).  Now in America that would be a clear insult but not around here.

 So why is being called fat not insulting?

“Estás gorda” was more like an observation with a positive connotation.  I visited a friend and with pride she showed me her chunky baby sister, as if to say “What a good, strong, healthy baby!”  When I lived in Venezuela a lady at church called me “gorda” as a term of endearment.

Living in Mozambique has changed me.

One aspect of change is my perspective of food.

I personally know people who are hungry.  Not I haven’t eaten in three hours hungry-but I haven’t had food in three days (not by choice) hungry.  These people have no body fat so starvation is not so far away. (Like Carlota in the tangerine blog). And so a few months ago when I saw TV commercials for Man versus Food I was so disturbed, wondering how eating enough for approximately 10 people becomes this virtuous feat.  The way they cheered when he entered the room, you’d think he climbed Mt. Everest or cured cancer.  No, he just eats a lot.

                                                           "American food"  I decided to use the first image that popped up on a search for both American food and Mozambican food.

Here in Mozambique, people eat to live.                                                                                                         Perhaps on rare occasions they will have something special, out of the ordinary.  Like chicken for a birthday party.  But in the States people eat whatever they feel like. Even if you subsist on food stamps, you have far more variety and selection in food than 90% of Mozambicans I’ve met.  On second thought, make that all Mozambicans, because American grocery stores are substantially bigger (therefore have more variety) than those in Mozambique.

"Mozambican Food" matapa..looks like its with cassava. 

You see- its only being here that I’ve realized I’ve never been truly hungry.  I’ve never been malnourished or anywhere close to starving.  If I choose not to eat, it’s because I’m fasting.  Sometimes I’m naturally hungry, but I’ve never wondered if I could afford to eat.  I might not have known exactly where I’d eat or what I’d eat…but there’s always rice.  There’s no way my Mozambican friends (and even strangers, I’d be willing to bet) would let me go hungry.  I’ve also realized how much I eat for reasons other than hunger- whether it’s out of habit or pleasure or emotion.  I definitely spurge on occasion, eating like an American: at a restaurant, or buy expensive things (by Mozambican standards) like cheese or a box of cereal or ice cream.

For many Mozambicans that I know and regularly visit- food is one of their most valuable resources; which is why eating whatever they offer me is one of the best ways for me to honor, love and accept them.  Just last week as I was visiting Julia and Sergio they killed a small goat early that morning and so after our Bible Study I ate a goat leg and xima (like cornmeal).  I actually really enjoyed the meal and felt honored by the gesture.  When it comes to eating unusual foods, I can be paranoid and worry about the unsanitary conditions that the food was prepared in, or focus on different flavors I don’t like, or humbly and gratefully receive what has been offered, and thank God that I can eat just about anything.

Tangerine

The highlight of my day (Friday) was watching Carlota eat a tangerine.

Why? What’s so special about eating tangerines?

I visited Carlota on Tuesday.  She was starving. It seemed clear that she would starve to death- this old, feeble woman who was too weak to move and speak, and refused to swallow porridge.  She seemed to have lost her will to live.  Her friends and relatives refused to take her to the hospital.  Death was spoken over her from all sides.   She was waiting to die.

On Tuesday Danie and Wendy (South African missionaries) and I saw Carlota and we discussed what to do with this person who would probably die soon.  We prayed for her and decided to visit her every day (I would alternate days with Danie and Wendy), try to feed her and encourage her, and pray that she would come to know the Lord before she dies.

She was still very feeble when I visited her Wednesday morning, but already a little stronger and more energetic. 

So today when I saw her feed herself that tangerine I couldn’t help but smile in awe and excitement.  I don’t think I’ve ever taken as much joy watching somebody eat.  I could see God’s hand at work as well.  After she ate I started to pray.  God was there.  It was beautiful.  It was so obvious to me that the Spirit of the Living God was there (definitely the most I’ve sensed the Lord’s presence since returning to Mozambique).

 I was humbled and amazed.

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!  For my soul longs and even faints for you…”  Psalm 84:1&2

I marveled at how the flea infested soil beneath my legs in this puny reed shelter had transformed into the sanctuary of the Most High.  I didn’t want to leave.

Surely the Lord uses the simple and foolish things of the earth to confound the wise and display his glory.  1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Every day Mozambique

This is Nely.  I rent a room from her in-laws.  She is has a 2 year old son, takes care of almost everything in the house, and goes to high school at night.  She is grinding beans...a very common chore for Mozambican women. 

Nely's son...looks just like his daddy.  He's mischievous and loves bicycles. 

This is church.  Pastor Danie is teaching.  Andre interprets from English to Portuguese, and there's another person to interpret from Portuguese to Xitswa. 

Tina and I meet weekly. She works as a maid at a hotel to provide for her 5 children and aging parents.  She also really enjoys cooking and is good at it.  We're about to eat fried fish and rice.   Guess what she asked me to bring her from the States.  A blanket.  It cools down to the 50s at night in June and July and Mozambicans get quite cold. 

Tina's oldest, Stelio is about to score a goal.  Their house is to the left of this sand road. 

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A normal rural Mozambican home. small house, storage area above  the ground, shade-giving tree and machamba (field).

My time in America

I cant believe that I've been in the USA almost 8 weeks.  My time is up.  In less than 48 hours I will board a plane taking me to South Africa and a few days later I’ll head to Vilanculos, Mozambique. I feel like my time here has just flown by, especially coming from slow-paced Mozambique. 

 Here are a few words that describe my time in the States:

 Fun. Relational. Memorable. Special. Busy. Variety. Efficiency. English (only). Relaxing. Stressful. Shopping. Many purchases. Food. Cereal. Cinnamon toast crunch. Meat. Milk. Sweets. Mexican. Chinese  Driving. Clean feet. Air conditioning. Cooler weather. Family. Friends. Relationships. Love. Atlanta. Marietta. Washington D.C.  NYC. Encouraging. Hiking. Tennessee. Maryland. Americus. Liberty Church.  Abundance. Blessed.  Hard-working. Tall trees. Wedding. Multicultural. Hectic.  Brazilians. Bolkim Meadows. Legal documents. Visas. Money. Prayer. Songs. Joy. Connection. Peace. Planning. Homeless yet Spirit–filled.  Movies. Abundant internet. Computer (dead & new). Hope. Precious people. Discovery. Community. Fellowship. Belong. Bargain-hunting. Portuguese Bibles. Bacterial infection. Pills. Museums. Spies. American flags. Huge roads. Famous places. Consumerism. Materialism. Headaches. Hot showers.  Friendship. Gifts. Receiving. Stories.

 I want to highlight a few of my favorite moments in the last few months.  Much of what I did was re-connect with family and friends.  It was special to visit each of my siblings where they live and connect with them.  I enjoyed staying with my parents in Georgia and visiting many people from church.

I had a Mozambican Open House, with pictures, food and stories about my time in Mozambique.  I was dressed like a typical Mozambican woman- with a capulana (wrap skirt) and head scarf.   The next picture from the open house has food and drinks including hot tea, tang, water, baji (made from bean and spices, then deep fried) , bolo (fried sweet dough), coco cookies.

I also was able to visit all of my siblings and spend time with them. 

My sister Sonya was helping make baji. 

 This is Felicity and her husband Ian.  They just celebrated their first anniversary yesterday. 

My brother Isaac and I.  It was good to visit him in Tennessee and go hiking together. 

Also I was a bridesmaid in Laura’s wedding. She’s a friend from college and I’m so excited for her as she enters this new part of life.

The last 2 weeks in Washington D.C., where BeLOVE headquarters are I’ve been staying at the

 “Haverkos hotel” and enjoying my time reconnecting with other world racers  

 (friends on the same mission trip in 2009-10). It's been fun and also spiritually significant and encouraging. 

Becky and her son Matt. Becky and her husband Dan opened their house to us and also started 

 BeLOVE Inc., (the organization I'm with).