July 20– Ronilynn

Our last day of ministry began with another unexpected twist, no running water!  We were left to complete morning hygiene with bottled water, still feeling a sense of gratitude in that after all that we’ve seen this week. 

First on our schedule was a visit to the Orphanage in Xai Xai that is currently home to 41 (including children and several handicapped adults, ages of 2yr-32yr).  The team was looking forward to spending quality time with them, planting seeds of love that would hopefully bring a glimpse of hope in their uncertain and often tumultuous lives.  After speaking with the temporary Director about the general policies and structure of the orphanage, we dispersed into the dusty courtyard shaded by one lone tree. 

Some of us were making crafts with them, others were providing pedicures to tiny toes and many were playing games all the while giving desperately needed hugs and gentle touches of affection.  The general consensus of the team was that while these children were being provided their basic needs more adequately than those in the rural communities, they most definitely lack in spiritual formation, community and familial bonds. 

After sharing lunch at a local bodega with a few of our favorite translators, we headed off to visit our brothers and sisters in Christ at the Bible College in Xai Xai.  We were barely out of the vans when our ears picked up the melodious sounds of their worship that beckoned us to join in.  A gathering of approximately 70 people (pastors, future pastors, their wives and children) filled the cinder block meeting hall and they greeted us with great warmth and sincerity.  Sabrina led us in a beautiful time of worship, Victoria shared scripture and her testimony (which the Senior Pastor said was “very powerful”) and Ryan spoke with great passion as he delivered a no-nonsense message on the gospel as only a southern gentleman could.  Before leaving the Bible College some went to visit the farm (which helps to feed the students and their families) while others ministered in prayer or met with leaders to delve deeper into the unique challenges of this community. 

Our day draws to an end as we ponder our visit here, the impact that we may have had in an area that is in desperate need of God’s truth and love to be revealed to the hearts of the precious men and women here.  Some hungry, some thirsty, many both; who will be the ones to give them the TRUE bread and water of life in the days come?...              

Quotes of the Day:

“I’m not really into wet chicken.”

“I actually didn’t enjoy that long of a plane ride.”

July 19 - Julisa Myers

Our well dedication ceremonies ended yesterday, but we had the day to visit a village that took part in the “Cattle Project”. This project is basically an initiative to help communities become self-sustaining…they are given one bull and a few heifers and can breed them, then pass the offspring to another community member. This community received their first cattle in 2005.

We noticed that this initiative brought the community together. We all agree that this was the most-developed “village” that we have visited so far. The bulls and heifers have provided food, resources, and fertilizer for crops. The fertilizer, and well (drilled by World Hope, 2007) have both been used to create a beautiful garden that the community tends together. The Africans talked to us through one long musical. Instead of walking us through the garden, they danced us through the garden. The words to the songs were along the lines of “ Come see our garden, walk along it and admire our produce.” (Alex and Steffan recorded us dancing with the women through the garden, maybe the footage will be shown in service one day!)

One of our translators was so impressed, that she decided to buy a few lettuce heads.

We broke into two groups (men and women separate), like the days before. Sabrina shared her testimony with the women, and I (Julisa) felt that God really spoke through her story. Several of the women also shared their testimony, and then Tracy shared the gospel. Although the conversation ended “rough”, we believe God will use our words.

The men started into fruitful conversation immediately. Ryan noticed the prominence of the Wesleyan church in the community… the pastor is a strong, influential leader with Wesleyan training. An African man stated, “ Even though we live far away, we have similarities.” Ryan brought some truth with the aid of Alex and Steffan. From what I overhead, there was honest conversation, rather than fluff.

In other news:

Rachel, a missionary here, made us chocolate chip cookies…I am sure it won’t surprise their wives, but Alex and Ryan ate more cookies than the rest of us combined ;) They also did the dishes… Is that surprising? Alex claims to be a “dish-doer, and a clean person”

Steffan is excited that he learned the new word “aquatard”…Robyn, is his love of sophisticated words typical? (Steffan also used the word equivocal in conversation last night…)

Roni made friends with a little boy today, and left him with her scarf. Her love for the children is evident… Victoria agrees J

Currently, Sabrina is teaching our friend, Daniel, how to play the guitar…she got ‘dem gifts 

Tracy is praying hard and leading well!

And Dad, I am watching out for mom J  

Our prayers for the community we visited:

Pray for leadership, and influencers to raise up in the community…also pray against witchcraft and baby dedication to demons.

*** Sorry no pics today, Internet is being a little funky.  Tomorrow we hope!! ***

July 18 - Steffan Snodgrass

Today started out with a visit to one of the wells actually being drilled. It was messy, loud, and fascinating. They've got a pretty sophisticated process, with skilled World Hope workers directing the action, as well as members of the community helping keep the critical systems clear of mud and water. 

We also got to view the hand-dug well that this new one will replace, as well as the labor-intensive process of getting water from it. In the midst of that, our group had our first real moment of shame today.

Sabrina had a moment at the drill site out of view of all us and the translators, and experienced one of her biggest fears about going on a missions trip: that she would be left behind in a foreign country. 

Fortunately, she was not actually abandoned, and in reality was quite safe with the company of the World Hope workers!  We only went about a hundred yards away, and did come back after about a few minutes but Sabrina had to overcome a fear she had and actually handled it very well!!

But most importantly, today featured one of Sabrina's high points for the week. She got to lead a huge group of the village women and children in worship with her guitar. They sang songs like "Our God," "Break Every Chain," and "How He Loves Us." And she gave a guitar lesson to several of the interpreters, one of whom is a HUGE Chris Tomlin fan. They had been very interested in learning from her all week. Tracy felt that many of these villagers were standoffish until the music kind of broke the ice, at which point conversations began happening.

Marcia had an opportunity to share the gospel with a large group of women. About 35 women and children professed faith in Jesus in response to her talk (watch out PK - she knows how to preach!!). Julisa was very nervous for her mom having to preach, but she did AWESOME!. After praying, the villagers talked very genuinely about what their lives would be like now that they had Jesus in their hearts. The mood was very celebratory, and Roni demonstrated the rejoicing in heaven with a tribal yell, which was entertaining to all.

Ryan and I sat down with the men of the village at their insistence. We were conversational with them and had a long talk about the gospel. They had some mistaken beliefs about the nature of sin and salvation, but we used the evangecube to walk them through the gospel, and even had a guy tell it back to us. By the time our talk was over, the gospel was shared probably three or four times. Several of them stood up to receive Christ.

Both Tracy and Julisa had sweet little girls who adored them, and stuck by their sides for much of the day.

The day was capped off with a full meal of authentic Afri-Mex Kudu Tacos prepared for us by Jason and Rachel.

We are looking forward to tomorrow, when we'll get to see one of World Hope's cattle projects.

------------------------'

Quotes of the Day:

"Are those REAL coughs? Cause they sound real." 

Tracy, to the gecko: "Get out of this house! Go!"

Sabrina's options when abandoned among foreigners: 1) Hide in the car, 2) play dead, 3) get in the fetal position.

I didn't get to beat the ground with a bush today.

I feel like the Kudu is one step away from a unicorn. If it spoke to me in the forest, I would follow it.

July 17 - Roy Watson

This Tuesday in Mozambique opened with another beautiful sunrise over the Indian Ocean for some of us. For the others, we awoke to a fairly good night’s sleep after such an amazing first day on the field for all of us. Departure from our host home was around 8:30am.

After an hour ride down the main highways of Xai Xai, we took a right turn, leaving civilization. Thirty minutes later, a bumpy dirt road lead us to a small “school” that we had the opportunity to tour. This school consisted of three grass huts with nothing but a chalkboard. Across the street we had the privilege to watch children as young as 4 years old carrying jugs full of water on their heads. They warmed up to us once they saw the sight of candy. They went on their way with pocketful’s of Tootsie Rolls and Sweet Tarts.

Another short drive into the bush brought us to the Village of “Ghanjan“. The community welcomed us with song and dance, as we gathered around the well to cut the ribbon and pump the water. Marcia Myers had the honor of cutting the ribbon and drinking from the well with the locals.

Many dances and songs were prepared for their unique guests. A few of these songs required involvement from the ladies of the group. Afterwards, the women of the west shared the sacred dance also known as, “The Cupid Shuffle.”

Following the ceremony, the women of the village and the women of our group gathered together to share stories of our lives in America and to also learn what life is like in Africa. Ryan Britt led all of the men of the village in a huge spectrum of conversational topics. It was a huge blessing that those conversations led to the chance for the gospel story to be shared twice to the men. One elderly man in particular told us that that was the first time he had ever heard that story.

The women had the opportunity to pray over several of the women in the community. Many of these women live with several health problems and asked for prayers of healing. It was an intense spiritual experience for all of us. The amount of sickness and darkness that exist in these villages is incredibly heartbreaking.

The community graciously provided lunch for all of us and then we were on our way. 

A storm has rolled in with rain and heavy winds. The power has been flickering on and off. We sat down for a delicious dinner in the dark with our host.

The rumor is that tomorrow we get to experience a well being drilled.

Thank for your continued prayers as we are away. The people of 12Stone are dearly loved in these communities.

Funny Quotes of the Day:

“Can I be your husband’s second wife?” –woman villager

July 16 - Victoria Ramos

It started with a well, but it soon became apparent that this trip is about so much more. In the morning we visited the World Hope International office, got our itinerary and met the translators that will be helping us throughout the trip. After a drive filled with naps and Chris Tomlin praise music (our drivers favorite singer) we arrived at the site for the wells we were dedicating.

The team was greeted by a crowd of smiling faces that consisted of government officials, local pastors, and numerous families. We were quickly ushered under a canopy with chairs and tables overlooking the hundreds of villagers to watch performances and listen to speeches. If you could characterize the community in one word it would be joy and that challenged us. Even though the people in the village lack clean water, electricity, and even homes in some cases they find their joy in their families and hopefully one day God.

Even though we didn’t see mass conversions, miracles, or things you typically expect to happen in Africa we were drawn back to Ecclesiastes chapter 3 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” We are excited about the rest of our trip and look forward to what God is going to do.

Funny Quotes

 

She’s like, “You tall American watch me with this bucket”

“Jesus is a big deal, pay attention.” 

July 15, 2012

Good evening from your Mozambique team! Thank you for supporting us, your prayers got us here safely, around 4:00pm. God is good. We arrived in Johannesburg safely last night! The 15-hour flight was delayed two hours, but we all managed to get sleep (a few of us more than others).

We stepped off our plane and were welcomed with winter weather. We decided nothing is more relaxing than a T-shirt and shorts in 30 degree weather! (Joking, of course). The hotel we stayed in overnight was luxurious, and had heat ☺ In the morning, we had an early breakfast and headed to the airport. Obtaining boarding passes proved difficult, but God got us to the gate just in time! We walked to our gate and rode a bus to the door of our plane. After our air travel, we still had a 4-hour car trip before arriving to the Lehman’s house. This is the gracious, missionary family that we are staying with for the week. Breathing in African air and surrounded by the Indian Ocean, we made our way to the Lehman’s house. From our car windows we observed the African culture, which included burning sugar cane, red dirt, vacant houses, young children carrying even younger children (playing with toys that we would consider “trash”), and women balancing enormous loads on their heads. Finally, we made it to our destination! Another missionary couple, Jason and Rachel, greeted us and helped us settle in. We then ate dinner as a team after a short beach walk. We are so blessed to be in a nice house that provides all we need, with some African decorations.

Thank you for your prayers, we will go to our first well dedication tomorrow! Shaqwimbo ashime kate kees! (God bless you!) Famous quote from today: “ Alex, if you get me a cup of coffee, I will give your left foot a massage…” “I thought khani mambo (English translation, “Thank you”) meant can you mambo? Because I can mambo!” (Then proceeds to mambo)

Our mission may be done here, but God's mission continues...

We will see you back home in two days!

Thank you again for all of your support and prayers!

Love,

Todd, George, Chris, Daniel, Danni, Ellyce, and Logan

From Cattle to the Sea

There was a low tide at the beach this morning. Chris was able to join Todd, Danni, Logan, and Ellyce as they explored the rocks, and sat on the sand during the sunrise. Instead of going to a well dedication, we visited The Cattle Project that World Hope International has been doing for the past few years. The village we went to received the cattle from another village when their cattle had produced offspring.  It is very similar to a pyramid, as the herd grows, the villagers give a certain number to another and so one, until there are many cattle.  The villagers were so thankful and praised God along with us for the well they had received (in 2007) and the cattle they were given.  The people of the village had been taking care of both and their lives had changed so much.  We could see it in the smiles, and they could see it in ours. As a team, we were able to enjoy hot tea and boiled cassava root with the villagers. Thank you for the gift ya’ll gave us today! 

It was a shorter day out in the field today, so the team seized the opportunity to visit the local beach and do some swimming.  It could only be described as amazing!  The tide was very low and what was left before the large rock reef were large crystal clear pools of water containing everything you might see in a local aquarium store (including the colors).  Each of us took turns using the one pair of goggles to see some of the most beautiful sights. For dinner, we had kudu chili with delicious mango cobbler provided by Jason and Rachel Helm. We are ending the night with a great game of Apples to Apples. Tomorrow we look forward to visiting the orphanage. Please pray for our team as we continue our mission trip for one last day. Thank you again!

Love,

George, Daniel, Chris, Todd, Logan, Ellyce, and Danni

Cattle from the village we visited

Danni helping a lady pump their well

Ellyce, Chris, Todd, Daniel, and Logan exploring the rocks at the ocean

George enjoying the low tide

12 Stone??? More like 12 Shoes!

We had another great day today! Todd, Danni, Logan, and Ellyce started out with another beautiful sunrise at the beach, while the guys got some rest. We got to visit a village that was getting their well drilled. George, Ellyce, and Danni were able to help clean out the mud that was being pushed with the water while they were drilling the hole. Daniel helped the men by placing a large drill stem into the system. After about 30 minutes of staying in a village (that we thought we would be spending the whole day at), one of the World Hope International workers came up to us and told us we would be leaving soon to go to another well dedication. It was very unexpected, and was something we were not prepared for.

All of the villagers were excitedly standing in a group singing as we pulled into their village. Ellyce had the great privilege of cutting the ceremonial ribbon and pumping the well for this dedication. George helped a lady from the village pump the well, too. After the dedication, our group headed to the area where they used to get their water. It was a large area that had tall grass. It was also an area that had been filled with water during a flood. They told us when the land started to become dry, they would dig holes so that the water could be preserved. It was very hot while out in the sun and the insects were very prominent. It is easy to imagine the struggles they had to go through just to get water to do their normal routines of cleaning clothes, bathing, and drinking. Next, we headed back to the village to start the ceremony program. Unfortunately, when it came to doing our skit on how 12 Stone got its’ name, our sheet that we used to represent the river was left behind at the Lehman house. So, instead of using our blue sheet, we used Danni’s blue-green bandanna to represent the water. We also weren’t able to find any of the monkey fruit that we usually use for the stones. Instead, we used our shoes. The villagers greatly enjoyed our last minute choice in props.

We divided the village into men, women, and children and began speaking (or playing) with each group. Chris and Todd were leading the men and shared good discussion with them because they were believers and already had strong faith. Daniel, Logan, and George told the story of David. While George was slaying the impromptu Goliath, Logan recited the popular bible story. Danni and Ellyce sat with the women of the community and discussed how God provides us, even when we feel hopeless. The women also taught the girls some songs and dances. Even George had to join the dance class with some of his own special moves. We ended the celebration with a meal and some good laughs about the possible proposal and dowry payment of what appeared to be a lemur’s tail.

For dinner, Rachel and Jason made delicious tacos and homemade chocolate chip cookies. It wasn’t until after we had all finished the meal that Jason told us that the supposed ground “beef” was actually Kudu. We enjoyed relaxing with the Helm family. Tonight, we discussed how we are leaving God’s mark on the people we are in contact with and how we see God changing, not only our hearts, but the hearts of the villages here in Mozambique. It is simply amazing that we have been here for 7 days and will be heading back home so soon. Our time here is precious and we are so thankful for the opportunity to witness and actively participate in God’s plans for this nation. As always, please continue to pray for our team and the people of Mozambique. Your prayers are powerful and important to the heart of this mission team. Tomorrow we head out to visit a cattle project. We hope to learn more about the other project that World Hope is implementing here in Mozambique. Thank all for your support!

Love,

George, Logan, Ellyce, Chris, Daniel, Danni, and Todd

Daniel helping to put the drill stem in

George helping to clean out the mud from the water

Danni helping the women to clean out the mud

Ellyce dedicating the well

George helping a woman to pump the well

We. Are. Lost.

Today began with an amazing sunrise viewed by Todd, Danni, Logan, and Ellyce while George, Daniel, and Christian got a little more rest.  When the World Hope staff member (Daniel) arrived to pick us up he told us that today we were going to do 2 well dedications. Some of us knew that we were in for a special day.  As we drove to the village of Mangone’ north of Xai-Xai, we picked up two “officials” (one Chief, and her assistant) our anticipation greatened.  The Lord had a special event for us and we were ready as a team to receive the gift.  Shortly after we arrived, Chris cut the ceremonial ribbon off the first well with his Swiss army knife. Todd was invited to pump the well also. Soon after, we headed “in the truck” to see where the villagers used to gather their water. We saw the swamp that they used to get their water, they also took baths there. Insects that lived in the swamp would bite the villagers frequently.  It was while we were headed towards the old water hole that we stopped at a local house to get directions.  Our driver, Daniel said, “We. Are. Lost.” Those of us in the truck started laughing and someone said, “Yes, we are.” It took us awhile, but we were able to get directions from a local.

After a long down-hill hike, the old water hole they used to use for life can only be described as something that would be an old drainage pipe. The hike to the old water source was quite difficult (without 5 gallons of water on our heads). Insects swarmed the area and the air was filled with the indescribable smell of stagnant water.  Over and over the people of the village thanked us for helping change their lives.  As we walked away from the well,  it was difficult to comprehend what a gift the people of  12stone have given these villagers. 

When we finally got to our next well dedication, Daniel was given the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon and pumping the well. As well as an important time for the village, today was also Mozambique’s Independence Day. So, there was a large number of people in attendance (at least 300) to celebrate both the dedication of the wells, and Mozambique’s Independence.  We were able to witness the two communities from both well dedications coming together to celebrate not only the wells, but also their independence from the Portuguese. They had a grass star  with a stone altar in the middle to honor their independence.  At the monument, all of the villagers sang their National Anthem, and afterwards, a few of them put flowers on the stone altar in the center to represent the lives that were given up for their independence. Then, we were moved to another area to celebrate the well dedication.

Under a large “shade tree” all of the leaders, dignitaries, and our team sat facing the smiling faces of those living in the village.  Singing, dancing, local skits of village stories, and skits of  the independence began the celebration.  A most moving moment happened when an elderly woman spoke to the team and said thank you, by explaining that “our tears became our water” as they waited for clean water.  During the celebration, we were given the opportunity to introduce ourselves, and afterwards Todd explained the story of  Joshua and how 12stone chose its’ name. This was then followed by a silent skit explaining the story.  When the time of introductions was over we all shared in some wonderful food and bottled cola. 

On the way home, we all realized the gift we just received, and would like to thank each of you for helping us along the way. For dinner tonight we ate “crock-pot-cooked” chicken, and had some wonderful peanut butter pie prepared for us by Jason and Rachel . The night winded down with a game of “Scatagories” and journaling. Please pray for us and the village we go to tomorrow. We will be witnessing the drilling process, and planting more of the Lord’s love to everyone we encounter.

Love,

George, Todd, Ellyce, Danni, Daniel, Logan, and Christian

Swamp where villagers used to bathe and get water

Independence Day Celebration

Chris dedicating a well

Performing our skit on how 12 Stone got its' name

Daniel after dedicating a well

Todd dedicating a well

Feel the earth shake

Today, we went to church here in Xai-Xai.  It was a gathering of the districts in Xai-Xai, so there were several hundred people in the new church located at the Wesleyan College.  We each had a chance to introduce ourselves and while Todd was speaking about his family, the translator mis-spoke and stated to the congregation that he was married to 2 wives and had 1 son.  It brought laughter in the church that could most likely be heard around town.  Daniel remarked after the service that during the “open prayer” part of the service, he had seldom (if ever) felt the presence of the Holy Spirit like he had.  After church the team was treated to a lunch at a local restaurant that overlooked the Indian Ocean. We all enjoyed some of the finest food we’d ever eaten. An unexpected treat was the pair of kitten cervils (miniature cheetahs) that the owner was trying to domesticate. We followed up lunch with a trip to the beach where Ellyce, Daniel and Todd swam, Christian, Logan and Danni explored the surf, and George enjoyed some time with the dogs back at the Lehman’s. For dinner, we went to Jason and Rachel’s for sandwiches, popcorn, and laughs about the day we had just experienced.

            Love,

            George, Logan, Ellyce, Danni, Todd, Chris, and Daniel  

Sunrise on the beach this morning

Church Choir

Our new friend from the restaurant

After lunch in front of the Indian ocean

Daniel and Ellyce exploring on the rocks

OoooEH!

Dancing, singing, and simply being together.  Today began with an overwhelming welcome from the village of about 200 people singing us songs of praise and thanks!  They had some of the most awesome dancing that any of us have ever seen. (check out the pics!)  As the villagers explained to Todd, George, and Daniel, each song told a story about strengthening community.  The children played games with Logan and Christian with smiles and laughter that can only be explained as perfect.  The ceremony began with Todd telling the villagers about how 12 Stone got its’ name, followed by the entire team doing a skit that explained the story.  Danni and Ellyce shared what life was like in America for young women, and followed it up by teaching the ladies of the village how to do the “Macarena”.  After our meeting with our groups, we were able to share a meal that the villagers had prepared. We had some REALLY good chicken, Casava, with some Fanta/Coke in the bottle. As the amazing day came to an end the villagers thanked us repeatedly for sharing the word of God with them, and for being people of such faith.  One man stated, “ we must all face ourselves at least once in our lives” . 
When we got back to the Lehman house, some of the local salesmen were waiting outside the gate ready to sell us oil/wax paintings, bracelets, carved wooden jewelry boxes, and much more hand made things that they or family members had made. For dinner, we went to Jason and Rachel Helms’ home about 1 mile away. They made us a grilled dinner with salad, beans, and kudu/wart hog sausages. As, Ellyce was about to take a bite of the wart hog sausage, she wished Pumba a warm farewell. We were also introduced us to a delicious vanilla custard from a box to go on top of our fruit cocktail dessert.

Tomorrow, we look forward to a sunrise on the beach, and church in the morning. We would all like you to know the face that the people of Xai-Xai saw from us today was that of Jesus. Thank you all for giving us this wonderfulgift.

Love,

Todd, Daniel, Ellyce, Danni, George, and Christian

Dancers from the village

Wart hog (Pumba) we had for dinner

Kudu we had for dinner

We found the ducks and whales!

Our 2-day travel to Xai-Xai went so well! No luggage went missing, and the duck design fabric that we tied to the bags definitely helped. Although, when we arrived in Johannesburg, none of our bags were to be found on the carousel. However, the nice guy working the baggage claim informed us that it was safe in cage ready to go on the plane to Maputo. This morning we left from the Johannesburg airport where we discovered that it is indeed winter here in the southern hemisphere. We were picked up by two of our fearless guides: Daniel and Andrés. We ate sandwiches and had fresh cashews along the four hour car ride to Xai-Xai.  As we drove through the Maputo area heading out to Xai-Xai, anticipation of what was to come was filling each of our thoughts (and dreams….as several team members caught a quick nap). 

Excitement is almost tangible among the team. We have already explored the beach here in Xai-Xai. Some of the team swam and played in the surf, while others watched whales and the sunset from the shore. A total sense of peace and belongingness has been our constant companion these last few days. It is apparent that our faith will be tested, but we know that we serve a great God. With many busy days ahead of us, we will need that same joy and laid-back nature that have been so beneficial on this trip.

We have had an awesome two days of travel and all of us are ready to go to our first well dedication tomorrow.  Tomorrow we are going to meet the people of Xai-Xai for the first time.  The dedication of the well is in an area of the Gaza Province. Your thoughts and prayers are so important to the strength of our team. Please continue to pray for our team and the people of Mozambique. Thank you for your love and prayers and support!

Love,

Todd, Logan, George, Christian, Danni, Daniel, and Ellyce

The boys at the ATL airport

The girls at the ATL airport

In Johannesburg airport at Indian Restaurant

On the drive to Xai-Xai

From the beach. Goodnight!