Culturally, Pemba is significantly different to South Africa. We are in some ways forced (in a good way) to immerse in the culture and learn either Portuguese (national language) or Makua (the people’s heart language) or both depending on who you needed to speak to. In some cases even Makonde.
We have been taught many useful things in order to communicate and build relationships, to honour the Mozambican bible college students and pastors that we are living in community with. Language lessons and tips on what honoring and love looks like to them have been much appreciated.
Some highlights in our cross cultural experiences:
In one of our morning classes, we joined together with the Mozambican bible college students and pastors that had been assigned to our colour group. Not only were we going to pray for one another but we were going to wash each other’s feet as Jesus had done for His disciples. This touched my heart in a deep way as it painted a picture of unity and reminded me of the scripture “By this the world will know that you are my disciples, that you have love one for another”. It was a sacred moment – more profound than I can express here.
We also engaged in a number of fruitful village excursions. One time we went out with one of the bible college staff members, by the name of Biche. His family live in the village not far from the base and he invited us over to meet them. It turned out to be an evangelistic adventure that saw 5 people throughout the village give their lives to Jesus after we shared the gospel and had it translated. Two of those people were Biche’s neighbours. God is amazing and has such a heart for these people. We had a 2nd visit to See Biche’s mum to get measured up for some traditional African clothes as she was skilled in sewing. During this visit another neighbour who wondered in to visit was drunk. She asked us if we had beer and we all immediately thought of the scripture of the man at the temple begging for money and Peter saying, “Silver and gold I do not have but what I do have I give you…”. Another opportunity arose to share the love of Jesus Christ. We were translated from English to Portuguese, then to Makonde. This beautiful Mama gave her heart to The Lord and was immediately delivered from her alcohol addiction. Praise God!!!
Biche and his mama, Inesh and sister, Betty. Precious family
In our practical missions I got to sit and make jewelry with the mamas while Craig went to do jail ministry. Even in my limited vocabulary, I discovered later that simply sitting with the mamas and spending quality time, even if we weren’t saying much was an expression of love. This was evident in my 2nd week of sitting with them that one of them shared a cake that she had baked with me. That brought such joy and sweetness to my heart. Such simplistic love – spending quality time and sharing. The two things I love about Mozambicans.
My friends Anifa and Casilta
Craig’s time at jail ministry saw God move in a mighty way. A group of about 26 men were ministered to in a dark room where the gospel was preached and love poured out. By God’s grace, 21 of the 26 men gave their hearts to the Lord and half of them saw physical healings and deliverances. What amazing love God has for these men!!!
A few friendships have also been formed with some young men in the village, some who later approached us for either money or possessions. Such is the situation in this nation that many of them look to foreigners as their providers, but by God’s grace this is changing. These times were great opportunities to pray for our brothers and contend for breakthrough with God’s provision. We saw God move with miracles of opportunity and provision for these young men 🙂
Another really cool experience was that we were asked to photograph a Mozambican wedding of Heidi and Rolland’s spiritual children. While we didn’t bring any of our photography gear, we were able to round up some equipment to bless this beautiful couple. It was such a blessing and privilege for us to be involved. An unexpected opportunity that we would cherish forever.
A familiar pose from our photography days 🙂
The last experience I will share is one very dear to my heart. When we first got here we started building relationships with Pastor Miguel and his wife, Jacinta, that just lived opposite us. Pastor Miguel oversees 47 churches in the provence of Chuire. (Most of the pastors here oversee many, and up to hundreds of churches – that is kind of a mind blow in itself). Anyhow, we had been conversing with and learning Makua from them each day through necessity as neither spoke any English. One night when Craig and Miguel were sound asleep, Jacinta ran over with joy and hugged me so dearly. We sat and chatted for over an hour in my broken Portuguese and Makua and shared so much laughter it was hard to believe. I felt such a heart connection with this beautiful woman who seemed to beam with joy and smiles each time she saw me. My heart melts.
Pastor Miguel and his wife, Jacinta
The cheeky Jacinta smile is what I will remember most
Thank you Jesus for the people of Mozambique! May your love be encountered over and over again in this nation as you continue to draw the hearts of your children to yourself!