Mozambique

Laid down lovers, stopping for the one (Luke 10:25-37)

Pemba Base, Iris Ministries, May 2011, our team of 37 from all around the world: Australia, South Africa, Sweden, and the greater United States, began with exhilarated anticipation and opportunity to love those of Mozambique. We were not disappointed, in fact we received more than we could have possibly imagined.

Ministry scenarios were numerous including a village feeding program, prison ministry outreach, playing with children, the baby house, “bush” outreach, visiting the sewing school, painting girls dorm rooms, hospital outreach, visiting the farm in Mieze and preparations for Children’s Day.

First on the list was painting the girls dorms. A dedicated crew spent several days painting and revitalizing the girl’s dorm rooms. Although laborious, hot, and seemingly endless, the transformation was glorious, from worn out paint to soft fresh that invoked charm, joy and rest. The rooms were completed with curtains, lovely bedding fabrics and wall décor which spoke love and belonging.

Friday we loaded up two flatbed trucks with supplies, camping gear and all willing personnel. We then embarked on a four and a half hour journey out to the “bush” to a remote village. As we arrived the “Jesus film” translated in native Makua, was playing and reverberating urgently through the speakers. Quickly the team set up tents for the night. After the film finished, the Global team swiftly manned their position for prayer ministry. Numerous lined up and for prayer, as others form the village watched intently. The presence of God was incredible.

Later that evening there was a torrential downpour of rain, long after the end of the rainy season. It had not rained as that evening for over a year and a half. To Mozambicans, rain falling out of season is regarded as a sign of heavenly blessing. Three witch doctors gave their life to Christ as a result of the prior evening’s events. The following day the team was able to participate in the dedication of the local church plant. There was much celebration, praise, worship, dancing and joy, followed by the marriage of two Makuan couples. Stoic by nature, hardly a smile succeeded by either couple. We were able to lay hands upon and pray for both couples. Generous in nature, we were invited and blessed by the village community to share a meal afterwards of goat, beans and rice.

Iris Ministries held a regional conference at Mieze (approximately 12 miles from Pemba base) June 2-5, for Regional Pastors and leaders, commensurate with the new Iris Harvest Mission School, the Iris Bible School, and the team from Global Awakening. Thousands attended. Randy Clark spoke on healing on Friday evening. Many were prayed for and miracles followed. A lame 4-year-old boy who had never walked was healed and began running around. An 8-month-old girl born blind with no pupils miraculously received dark brown pupils and was restored to fullness of sight as Heidi tenderly held her.

Our journey witnessed much, first-time commitments to Christ, numerous healings, and abundant testimonies to the goodness of God. The entirety of what transpired, the love given and received cannot be put into words. We remain resolute ‘to stop for the one’ wherever our feet tread.