God’s timing has us in awe. Recently we celebrated 10 years in Mozambique as an organization and that brought back so many memories, especially of God’s provision and direction over the last decade and more. When we as a couple, back in 2002, were looking for a mission organization to join, we had no idea that the Chronological Bible Teaching material we were already using, actually belongs to a mission organization – not a publisher! The Lord however led us clearly to New Tribes Mission who were in the beginning stages of entering into Mozambique right when we felt led to join them. By that time, we have been in Mozambique already for 6 years, but heard God’s call to work further north among unreached people groups. And here we are, for the last 8 years already, living and working among the Mwinika people of Mozambique! Beginning our team celebration, our field leader, DJ, shared from Nehemiah 8 & 9 …‘Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.’…He also led us in a prayer of confession. Dan Rabe (African director) pointed out ‘Worship and confession go hand in hand…’ Failure to remember is a huge thing with God; remember Him and what He has done! We had 4 wonderful days of testimony from team members, and those who have walked closely with us or have been a ‘link’ in the story of what God has done in these last 10 years.
A photo of our team during the conference. Our youngest son, Waldo, is hiding behind his sister! 🙂 God has done so many amazing things, not only in our hearts and lives, but also in those of other church plants in Mozambique:
The Yao people- during these days are attending weekly teaching of God’s Word. Almost every family group in that area are represented. They are studying through the Bible chronologically and are now past Genesis chap. 9. We have one family working under the Yao, partnering with a family from another organization.
The Lolo people- discipleship is going on with two groups of believers and several faithful men have stepped forward. People have been baptized and the Bible translation is continuing, along with plans for further outreach to other areas.
The Mwinika people- in our own church plant there are now 4 groups of Believers meeting to continue studying God’s Word. Two other locations have the evangelistic/chronological teaching taking place and another area is asking for someone to come teach them. One of these areas is in fact among a bordering people group who has never heard the Gospel. We have one Mwinika family, Abar and Liberia, working there full time. Bible translation and discipleship continues, as well as 2 literacy programs.
The Maindo people- our team is doing well in their language and culture study and will soon be starting to develop literacy materials, with Scripture translation and Bible lessons to follow.
The Ngoni people- team formation is being pursued by two families, and a strategy for reaching this people group is being discussed. There are some interesting dynamics with reaching this people group.
AND….curriculum is being developed (with a team made up of people from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Tanzania) for church based training for African cross-cultural missionaries. Some members of the team are already getting opportunities to put a portion of the curriculum into practice.
How faithful is our God! May His name be known to the ends of the earth!
“Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. ‘Blessed be your glorious name and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.’” Nehemiah 9:5b