As my second week in Mozambique comes to an end, I reflect back on all that I experienced these past few days. Here’s a briefing…
Last weekend I traveled with a group of 11 people (5 team members and 6 nationals) to a church plant 8 hours away (we literally spent three days in “the bush”). The road trip was quite an adventure since infrastructure and transportation are less developed here. I felt as though we were off-roading for the entire duration. The purpose of our trip was to participate in a wedding (the Pastor we traveled with facilitated the ceremony). It was so cool to witness the cultural differences between a traditional/Christian American and African wedding. The bride and groom stayed stone faced the entire day. This is normal etiquette to show that they are sad to be leaving their families. I was also surprised at the amount of singing and dancing that took place. There were countless presentations prepared for the ceremony and the reception. We even danced our gifts and offerings up to the happy couple (it is typical to dance our offerings up during church service. To me it depicts joyful giving). And to my surprise, the bride and groom had a place for us at the head table, as their special guests. It was quite an honor!
I continue to enjoy my time teaching English to the students here in Dondo. More and more, I begin to understand the extreme importance of education. Although my time here is limited, the knowledge that I’ve shared with the children in the schools is more significant than I could understand, as it provides hope for a better life. I would encourage all of you to consider investing in a child’s life through education. Even if you don’t have teaching experience (I sure don’t), you can truly impact a child’s future.
I also participated in “Project Life”, which is a hospice program for individuals infected with HIV and AIDS. I traveled with a translator and a couple nationals as we visited different women in the case load. During these visits relationships are formed as we take time to have conversations, check on their health, and pray over their needs.
Most of the women in “Project Life” are Christians; however the first house that I visited was that of a witch doctor. As we discussed the importance of salvation and restoration, she informed me that she practiced witch craft and wasn’t ready to give up her life style (she even had “clients” waiting for her while we were there). It was disturbing to have such an “in your face” encounter with the dark side. However, I wasn’t surprised that this happened. There are approximately 20,000 people living in the district of Dondo where we work, and 7,000 – 10,000 of them are witch doctors. I think this statistic paints a picture of the battle between good and evil that is prevalent in Mozambique.
Darkness is deep in this country, but there is also light. The people of “The Ray of Light Project” and many other individuals continue to bring hope, truth, and life to the people of Mozambique.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.
Last weekend I traveled with a group of 11 people (5 team members and 6 nationals) to a church plant 8 hours away (we literally spent three days in “the bush”). The road trip was quite an adventure since infrastructure and transportation are less developed here. I felt as though we were off-roading for the entire duration. The purpose of our trip was to participate in a wedding (the Pastor we traveled with facilitated the ceremony). It was so cool to witness the cultural differences between a traditional/Christian American and African wedding. The bride and groom stayed stone faced the entire day. This is normal etiquette to show that they are sad to be leaving their families. I was also surprised at the amount of singing and dancing that took place. There were countless presentations prepared for the ceremony and the reception. We even danced our gifts and offerings up to the happy couple (it is typical to dance our offerings up during church service. To me it depicts joyful giving). And to my surprise, the bride and groom had a place for us at the head table, as their special guests. It was quite an honor!
I continue to enjoy my time teaching English to the students here in Dondo. More and more, I begin to understand the extreme importance of education. Although my time here is limited, the knowledge that I’ve shared with the children in the schools is more significant than I could understand, as it provides hope for a better life. I would encourage all of you to consider investing in a child’s life through education. Even if you don’t have teaching experience (I sure don’t), you can truly impact a child’s future.
I also participated in “Project Life”, which is a hospice program for individuals infected with HIV and AIDS. I traveled with a translator and a couple nationals as we visited different women in the case load. During these visits relationships are formed as we take time to have conversations, check on their health, and pray over their needs.
Most of the women in “Project Life” are Christians; however the first house that I visited was that of a witch doctor. As we discussed the importance of salvation and restoration, she informed me that she practiced witch craft and wasn’t ready to give up her life style (she even had “clients” waiting for her while we were there). It was disturbing to have such an “in your face” encounter with the dark side. However, I wasn’t surprised that this happened. There are approximately 20,000 people living in the district of Dondo where we work, and 7,000 – 10,000 of them are witch doctors. I think this statistic paints a picture of the battle between good and evil that is prevalent in Mozambique.
Darkness is deep in this country, but there is also light. The people of “The Ray of Light Project” and many other individuals continue to bring hope, truth, and life to the people of Mozambique.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.
1 comment:
They boys are praying for you every night. :) We're missing you a ton, but happy that some other parts of the world that need it are getting some 'Becky time'.
Be well, be safe, be strong in the Lord.
Wes
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