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.”
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