Mozambique – June 2018

Quite a thought….. Repent from repenting of your sin….  Now that is a challenging point to get across.  Even more so when you are ministering in your second language, which is translated to Portuguese, which in turn is translated to Makua.  But Jesus never said that spreading the good news (His Gospel) would be easy.  He did however say,’ And lo, I am with you always, even unto the ends of the earth.’  And God is faithful…. No if’s, no but’s.  Faithful. (read full stop 🙂 )

When God is at work, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.  God is in control and even when it seems as if He is not, remember, He has made a public spectacle of principalities and powers.

So here is the scorecard for the week:

  1. Plus minus 1200km travelled;
  2. 19 hours 15 minutes travel time of which 13 hours 45 minutes was for 563km (eisshh, mission is tough….);
  3. About 10kg of rice consumed…. 🙂 ;
  4. 2 new ‘fellowships’ visited;
  5. 2 days building on the foundation that is Jesus Christ;
  6. 30 people willingly bowing their knee, and choosing the Lord Jesus as the only way to the Father;

Enough said.

As for me, ‘I will bless the Lord all the time, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall boast in Him alone.’

Please remember our brothers and sisters in Mozambique in your prayers, and do not forget the mighty man of valour, which is Elias.  He especially needs your prayers as he is still in extreme discomfort and pain from his back.

Lord bless,

André

 

Mozambique – Outreach and Building

Report back on Outreach Activities in Mozambique.

This year 2018 was blessed year when God spiritual brought us to deep understand in His Will through His Son Jesus Christ. John 6:39,40.
We believe that when Jesus spoke in his word Mathew 7:21 – 28 that “The Will of his Father” requires us to be hearing and do Jesus sayings, because Jesus is the only one and author of our faith.
Since we have applied Christ Jesus’ principles in His Word as the Head of the Body (Church), we have seen believers coming as true members of His Body added with such spiritual understand.
Our prayers is to reach more and more understanding in three major groups of people, that the revelation of God’s word come to full in hearts of; youth, women and men in our fellowships here in Mozambique.
This year 2018, we just planned in our prayers that the only way how to reach groups of these people was to bring true teaching of God’s word in some events as Youth camp, women meeting and Bible study, where God’s word will be exposed as our spiritual life and food. And by doing that God was so gracious to us in Mozambique to see many times in such events, people to rejoice in God’s Word even giving their life to Christ Jesus. In two first events, youth camp and women meeting, we were amazed, how great was God using young men and women sharing from heart with confidence that Jesus is the source of God’s word in our daily life.

Youth Camp at Nhamu Fellowship in Gorongoza

         

Women’s Meeting Chimoio

Bible Study at Biarro 5 Fellowship

Our recently bible study at Bairro 5 fellowship, God through His Word challenged us that “if we are in Christ Jesus, and Christ in us” we have received a gift by grace and each member is called to exercise God’s gift for Christ’s glory in His Body. Ephesus 4:7-12.
Praise God for such teaching from God’s word which came to fulfill in our hearts the joy that we are stewards of God’s mystery. We are praying for God to reach us in full understand and to be the doers of God’s living Word which is Jesus Christ.

Building Project at Bairro 5

   

Please, please, pray for us for our building construction at Bairro 5, as we ask the Lord to provide us with funds to finish it by next year June 2019. By God’s grace is in our hearts that building is going to be training place and accommodation will be needed in yard also for the brethren who will come to be taught during one week. God bless you

By Elias Ernesto Paulo Jorge.

Malawi Trip

Rupert, Alex & Tony left Cape Town on Tuesday morning at 4:15. A few short body break  stops and change of driver along the way made the time go very quickly. We arrived in Gauteng (about 1400 Km) just as the sun was setting. We followed Mrs Google maps exactly to the “pin drop” sent to us and soon realised we were in the wrong spot altogether!

A few phone calls later and some “traditional” directions we met Steph Valle at a petrol station. We followed him into what looked like the “grammadoelas” over a single lane steel bridge and arrived at their beautiful home at about 6:30 pm

We were welcomed by Steph & Nadine and fared sumptuously with a lovely meal, a hot shower and a warm bed to sleep in!

What a blessed refreshing along the way to send us on our way the next day.

Mozambique November 2013

Before going into the detail of our visit to the fellowships in Mozambique, I would like to point out that GOD had his way, HE provided and HE showed us HIS glory! From booking additional tickets the day before departure to arriving safely back home on Tuesday 2 December at 23h00.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8) How we experienced this verse during our visit…..

Thursday, 28 November 2013

So I depart for my first ‘outreach’ of my life.


  Excited, nervous, but willing.  We left Cape Townat 09:40, departing for Johannesburg.  From there we would fly to Nampula, Mozambique, our ‘home’ base for the stay.  Or so we thought… Already in the plane and ready for takeoff, we were informed by the air hostess that we will not be flying directly to Nampula, but go via Maputo. Why?  Because they said so. So off we went. After an eternity of nothing but waiting, and being  ‘ordered’ to wait when inquiring about the wait, we were at last on our flight to Nampula. (patience tested to the extreme). At 21h30 we stumbled into our accommodation in Nampula, exhausted, but grateful.


 Rupert informed us that Elias (our brother in Mozambique and translator) would only be joining us late Friday evening, as there were no flights from Chimoio to Nampula on Thursday. Friday will accordingly be spent seeking the face of the LORD. 

Friday, 29 November 2013

A band of brothers (in SA) meets on Friday mornings at 06h00 to pray.  Francois suggested that we also get up at 06h00 to be with them in spirit. And so started the first of many prayer and worship sessions. We prayed that the Spirit might lead us and we prayed for miracles. It is difficult to explain in words what we experienced during these prayer and worship sessions, but take my word for it… it was unbelievably blessed and amazing and awesome and powerful.

While preparing breakfast, Rupert contacted an old friend, Johan Cilliers, who also stayed in Chimoio.  Rupert was informed that Johan and his 2 boys, Matthew and Daniel were very ill, with high fever, and the doctors did not know what caused the sickness.  Johan was very concerned as he was in Chimoio and his wife and kids in Natal. Rupert told him that we would pray for them.  So, at 09h30 we prayed. We finished at 09h50 and within 5 minutes we received a message that the fever of the kids were broken and that they were sitting up and eating. (something that they were unable to do for the 3 days before) Praise the LORD, oh my soul!  Miracle performed…

After a lovely bowl of Oats, courtesy of Francois’ cooking skills, and inspired by what we experienced through prayer, we headed into town to get much needed supplies. Unfortunately this experience was disappointing, as poverty and a struggle to survive were written all over the people’s faces. 

Upon our return we decided to take an afternoon nap. The previous days’ travel, and the humidity taking its toll.  We woke up about 2 hours later and spend time together in the presence of the LORD, reading and discussing HIS word and praying and worshiping HIM!

Come dinner time, I was informed that I was in charge of dinner.  Ok,  Francois did help.  (a bit ) 


After dinner we waited for Elias.  And waited. And waited.  He only arrived at 12h05 AM (Saturday morning), exhausted, but with a huge smile on his face.  Elias had a quick bite to eat and then it was off to bed. 

Saturday, 30 November 2013

After breakfast we thanked the LORD for Elias’ safe arrival and a good night’s rest.  We prayed for the day’s activities and for Johan and his family. The presence of the HOLY SPIRIT was extremely intense.

The plan was to be at the fellowship at 09h30.  Our SUV was to be delivered at 08h00.  Please note…that was the plan.  At about 09h00 we gave Kabul (Taxi man) a call to enquire about our car.  Apparently it was in an accident the previous night, but Kabul was on his way with another car.   If I recall correctly we received the car at 10h00, with almost no fuel in the tank and a funny smell coming from the engine. After refueling and opening the bonnet to look at the engine and fiddling with a few tubes and cables and some more looking and imitating mechanics, we decided that the car was ready to go, so off we went. We arrived at our designated parking at about 10h45, greeted by Sebastian. The heat and humidity hit you like a brick wall when getting out of the air-conditioned car. We all took a gulp of our 500ml water, while being informed that we will be walking the rest of the way to the church. 


25 minutes later we arrived to warm welcomes, big smiles and singing.  The church was a brick/ mud building with a grass roof, 2 doors and a window.  There was about a 5cm gap between the top of the walls and the roof.  This was ingenious, as all the warm air rose, and escaped out through the gap, while colder (only very slightly) air came in through the doors and windows.  Air conditioning – Africastyle….

We introduced ourselves and then Rupert communicated the first 2 principles of the doctrine of Christ, i.e. repentance of dead works and faith towards God.  The fellowship struggled with the concept of dead works. “Dead works” was repeated so often that I do not think that I will ever forget the Portugese for “dead works”, “aubresh mortesh”.  (don’t quote me on the spelling) I then also had an opportunity to share a testimony with the fellowship.  My first ‘action’ of our ‘mission’.  We took a break and Francois took over from Rupert.  Rupert concluded and responsibility was allocated to a few brothers who really understood the 2 principles.  It was very enlightening to see the eagerness with which they accepted the responsibility.  They were informed to communicate these 2 principles to friends and family. 

We left at about 16h30, eager for a cold shower and dinner. After dinner we praised the LORD for the day and the work that HE has done through us.  We prayed for our families back home and the days ahead.  The LORD was exalted through song and prayer.  Rupert read from 1 Sam 17 (David and Goliath) and the day was ended on a high! I went to bed excited, and with the anticipation that this was only the beginning.

Sunday, 1 December 2013

At 06h10 we were in our car on our way to the fellowships in Mossuril.  The reason for the early departure was two fold, one – local elections that should have taken place the Wednesday before was moved to Sunday, and we wanted no part in the chaos associated this, and two – it is a two and a half hour drive to Mossuril.

We arrived in Mossuril at 08h36, after an uneventful drive. (thank you LORD) We did however enjoy glorious worship and prayer on our way to there. Mossuril is the home of the first slave trading post and first Catholic Church in Africa.  Rupert took us to the sight were thousands of slaves were auctioned off.  One could not help to feel very sad when walking down the ramp that was many a slave’s last step on dry land.


After the sight seeing we headed off to the fellowship at Namikop 2.  Here we were REALLY welcomed.  The presence of the LORD was tangible and you could see it on the faces of the congregation.  Everyone was excited and anticipation lingered in the air. 

After introducing ourselves, Rupert started with the teaching.  It was about the HOLY GHOST and how you know that you have received it. Various answers were given, but not the one Rupert was looking for.  I felt the Spirit moving in me and felt that I should say something.  While Rupert was waiting on his preferred answer, I asked if I could have an opportunity to talk.  So there I was in front of the fellowship, with nothing prepared.  And so, I started at the beginning.  Why did GOD allow Jesus to come to earth to die?  John 3:16.  And from there I was guided by the HOLY GHOST to end with Luke 11: 11-13, where Jesus said that all you have to do to receive the HOLY GHOST is to ask our FATHER in heaven.  That was really, really AWESOME!  I sat down and Rupert continued.

Rupert asked the fellowship if there was anyone who wanted to receive the HOLY GHOST.  Everyone got up and went to the front of the church.  Rupert explained that we will be praying and asking GOD to send the HOLY SPIRIT.  And they will know that they have received it, by praying in tongues.  (somewhat of a challenge to know if someone is praying in tongues if you do not understand Portuguese or Makua)  Elias assisted in this task.  After a while, the prayer subsided and we asked how many received that SPIRIT.  About 2 or 3 raised their hands.  We were obviously very excited, but not satisfied and could see that the ones who did not receive, was disappointed.  So, we prayed again. And continued, and motivated and assisted and encouraged.  After a while I could not stand as my legs and arms went weak. (the last time I experienced this sensation was when I received the HOLY SPIRIT) The SPIRIT was moving and when finishing about 20 people were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT! Unbelievable? Believe it!

We braked for lunch (rice and beans), which was lovely prepared by one of the woman in the fellowship.  Pudding was a mango or two. We also went to the local fishmonger’s to buy some dinner. Prawns!

At about 14h30 we met at the church and Francois led the meeting for the afternoon session.  I was once again in awe to see the HOLY SPIRIT in action through the message. We ended at 17h30.  The fellowship then entertained us with some lovely songs. Tired, but extremely excited we ended the day.

The night was spend at Sunset Boulevard Guesthouse.  Do not be misled by “guesthouse”.  There was no running water! 

Toilets had to be flushed using a bucket and showers were taken by pouring water over yourself.   At least we had a continental breakfast to look forward to….. 

Monday, 2 December 2013

Much to our surprise the breakfast only consisted of a few Portuguese rolls, with jam, and a mango. 

After breakfast we took Elias to the local hospital to get his wound (from his shoulder operation) cleaned and bandaged. 

While waiting for him we discussed the fact that GOD is the ultimate and best provider.  Was it coincidence that the ‘leader’ of the fellowship of Namikop 2 was a hospital administrator? We think not.  What under normal circumstances would take the best part of a day took 30 minutes. Elias was taken directly to the doctors without having to sit in long queue.

With Elias cleaned up and bandaged we went for a quick visit to the Island of Mozambique.

 This island is connected to the mainland through a 3,6km single lane bridge and was the first capital of Mozambique.  We had a lovely espresso at the upmarket hotel and then onto the fellowship at Namitartare.

Namitartare is situated inland from Mussaril and on our way back to Nampula.  We arrived there at about 10h00 and were once again greeted with big, white smiles.  Today our church would be under a huge Cashew-nut tree. 

It would be slightly more challenging than the other days, as our English message would have to be translated to Portuguese and then to Makua.   While Elias spoke to the fellowship, Rupert leant over to me and said that after the introductions I will be the one to speak/ preach to the fellowship.  Nervous and excited I stood before the fellowship and began talking. 

Now looking back, it is difficult to remember what I said, but all I know is that the messages of myself, Francois and Rupert fitted like it was rehearsed.

That night while lying in bed, I felt exhausted, but contend and at peace.  Francois and I agreed that this is the way life is supposed to be.

Tuesday, 2 December 2013

Going home day! Hopefully there will be no unexpected or unpleasant surprises and we will be home by the end of the day. Whatever….  First plane from Nampula to Maputo– almost 2 hours late.  Fortunately our plane leaving from Maputo to Johannesburgwas scheduled to take off only at 17h30 to land in Johannesburg at 18h30.  So we had some time to play with.  We arrived with some time to spare in Maputo.

The plane from Maputo took off 25 minutes late, but we were informed that the flight would only take 45 minutes in stead off an hour as indicated.  We would therefore still have time to catch our connecting flight to Cape Town.  To our surprise (do not know why we were surprised) the flight did take 1 hour. To add insult to injury, we landed on the runway that was furthest from the airport building.  We had to taxi over 3 runways, and then still had to board a bus to go to international arrivals. Entering the airport building, it was 7:10pm.  We still had to go through passport control, collect our luggage, go through customs, check in on the next flight and board.  This had to be done by 19h20! 

Passports were stamped by 19h17.  Rupert and I told Francois to run to the terminal to get our boarding passes. We will bring the luggage.  Approaching the carousel, our bags were next to each other and the first ones out of the plane. Never on the entire trip were our bags together, even though we always checked in at the same time.  GOD listened and answered our prayers on the plane.   Francois ‘charmed’ the lady behind the counter and by GOD’s grace we boarded the plane at 19h40 and left for Cape Townat 20h00.

On the plan I thought about what I have experienced over these few days, and looked back at disbelief….

From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank each and everyone who prayed for us.  Prayer is never in vain and we often underestimate the power it has.  A special thank you goes out to our families who send us and allowed us to share the unbelievable WORD OF GOD.  Each and everyone who supported us from home played a massive part in the success of this visit to Mozambique.

GOD bless….

– by André Gerber




Testimony

Just a short personal testimony. Going on outreach to Africa (or anywhere) has proven to be life changing for me. We go on outreach, while God is doing major “inreach” into our hearts. To illustrate – we were at O.R.Thambo waiting for our outbound flight when a shop attendant in the Ferrari shop asked Andre where we are going. He replied “we are going to do mission work in Mozambique“. The man asked, “so are you a man of God?” Andre hesitated for a second and then answered, ” uuuh, yes…, I certainly want to be…”
That summed up the kind of hearts we had on our way there, but what grace the Lord Jesus had, and what change occurred as we spend time together with Rupert and Elias in the presence of the Lord, in much prayer together and in reading, and exhortation and ministry. Our hearts were melted together, our love for Jesus renewed, our vision and purpose shaped by His will. The dross that we carried with us was removed and we just experienced a “new touch of fire on our souls”.

If I can testify on behalf of André and say that in this year he has gone from being a ‘good nominal christian”, to being truly born again, baptised, filled with the Holy Spirit, and eagerly desiring the sincere milk of God’s word. Coming on outreach with us has catapulted this man into ministry and a desire to serve the Lord. We praise the Lord for His great grace on us all and the privilege to serve Him. Other brethren should plan and look to the Lord for an oppertunity to go with on these outreaches, and experience the amazing “inreach” that God performs.
Francois Visser


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Mission to Northern Mozambique June 2013


The purpose of this trip to Northern Mozambique was two-fold, first to visit and encourage the believers of the three fellowships in Nampula, confirming them in the foundation and secondly to travel further North to Mossuril, to accomplish the same purpose in the believers there.
Our journey began with a day’s lay-over in Johannesburg where we were hosted by the Botha family; Sean, Peta, Helen and Estelle (please forgive me any miss-spelling) who’s warm hospitality and rich fellowship stirred our hearts and in no small measure contributed to our readiness for the task ahead.

Nampula City is one of the larger and more populous of the cities in Mozambiqueand like much of the country is sadly lacking in basic infrastructure, sanitation and a good lick of paint! The roads are honey combed with pot-holes that require serious driving skills, made more dangerous by what seems like thousands of crazed motorbike taxis who pull out in front of oncoming traffic without a care, zigzagging between obstacles at breakneck, kidney jolting speeds.


We began our stay visiting the first fruits of the work in Nampula, a fellowship in the suburb of Namekope 1. Approximately 18 months previously Rupert and Kurt had visited Namekope 1 at which time a wonderful outpouring of the Spirit resulted in many being transferred out of the darkness and into the light. Gloriously in the interim young people full of the Holy Ghost began evangelizing the local area founding two more fellowships, one in Namekope 2 and the other at Saua- Saua.


The Lord is saving and using young men and woman to build His church in Mozambique. They demonstrate a wonderful eagerness and desire to evangelize their communities. It was a privilege to witness the book of Acts in action “… and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”.
Elias reports that through-out the work in Mozambiqueyoung people are standing up and getting involved, proving their ministries and sharing the Gospel at every opportunity. The work as a result has become self-sustaining and self–perpetuating to a far greater degree than ever before.



Before visiting Namekope 2 and Saua–Saua we traveled two and a half hours north to the historic town of Mossuril. The national Highways are usually in good repair but the drivers are a law unto themselves. En-route a large horse and trailer overtook our vehicle passing us in the lane for oncoming traffic and continued in that lane around a blind corner. Two blind corners later the truck collided head on with a minibus full of passengers. We arrived moments later a midst scattered debris and a large dust cloud, expecting the worst type of carnage!


Miraculously no one was killed; the driver pictured with Elias does not know how he escaped death with only the odd scrape! It is a reminder of the keeping hand of God upon us as we travel. The roads hold many dangers and considering the large distances traveled over the many years on these missions with very few incidents, give witness to the Lords goodness and keeping power.


Much of Northern Mozambiqueis heavily influenced by the Muslim faith and Mossuril was exclusively Muslim until a young man named Paive moved there. Paive along with another young man began to evangelize the local community. Mossuril is the seat of the district governor and has a hospital and a school; as a result there are a large number of young educated men and woman who are teachers, nurses and government administrators.



It is among these people that Paive found good ground for the seed of the Gospel. This was the only Christian Church in the town, perhaps in the whole district. This is the first time Elias had been able to visit them. We were warmly received, they anticipated our every need, gladly extending themselves to ensure we were comfortable and lacked nothing. This generous spirit enriched our entire stay with them and was evident in both the men and the woman.

Having such a large group of well educated people in the congregation provided the opportunity for more in-depth ministry. The Lord has begun a good work and we have every confidence that He will finish it! Like Nampula the church in Mossuril has begun evangelizing in the local area and a second fellowship is in it’s infancy a few kilometers out of town.


The Sunday morning meeting provided opportunity for the Gospel and over 40 people responded with heartfelt and sincere cries to God for transference out of darkness and into light! With great joy we were able to conclude our stay with an afternoon baptismal service in the very waters where once Arabs and then the Portuguese loaded the enslaved onto ships.


Traveling back to Nampula on the Monday, Elias received news that some men had tried to break into his home the previous night. Fortunately his wife heard them and screamed, alerting neighbors and frightening the intruders off! It was quickly settled that two young men from the Chimoio fellowship would sleep over at Elias’s house until his return.
With every blessing and advance there is an attempt by principalities and powers to undermine the work through attacks on the Lord’s laborers. We must never stop praying for each other as we labour together and I ask we specially remember Elias and his family before the Lord as often as possible, they need much grace.


Tuesday found us traveling along a very sandy gully masquerading as a road to Saua- Saua before crossing the river via a “rock” bridge, often on three wheels. This area is being evangelized by a young man from Namekope 1 named Jucinto. He walks this road twice a week, a 60km round trip.


The people in this area are predominantly involved in ancestor worship and have proved to be very resistant toward the Gospel. Jucinto faithfully used of the Lord has however established a small fellowship of believers. Land has been obtained for a church and they have begun making the 1000 bricks they will need. Preaching here provided new challenges, requiring 3 languages (English, Portuguese and the local Makuwa language) and two interpreters! The Lord was gracious and the word was warmly received and much was achieved in the short time we could be there.

Our last day of ministry took us to Namekope 2, a wonderfully joyous group of believers with a good understanding of the Gospel. A sister named Sara having moved from Namekope 1 began evangelizing in this area. At first, among her family but later the community at large. She has a wonderful spirit, full of the joy of the Lord and has demonstrated a gift for evangelism. She is supported by another young man who oversees the fellowship named Olivia. This young fellowship meets under a tree but is looking to the Lord for ground for a building.


Believers from SA donated funds to assist the work in Nampula and this was put to good use through the purchase of a bicycle. This bicycle was duly presented to Jucinto so that he could travel more readily the long distance from Namekope 1 to Saua-Saua. The bicycle was joyously received and will be put to good use in furthering the Gospel in the area.



What became so obvious during this trip is how much the work in Mozambiquehas grown and become more established. Young people have made strong commitments to the Lord and are at the forefront of the work, displaying a great fervor and capacity for evangelism. It was evident that sisters are very active and have a liberty in Christ Jesus.


It was wonderful to renew fellowship with our Brother Elias and it was amazing to see how hard he works and with what passion he applies himself. Pray the Lord continues to restore his body to full health, keep his family and give him wisdom. We also pray for the work in Mozambiquetrusting the Lord to establish each believer on that one true foundation, the Rock Christ Jesus and for the many brethren who labour with the Lord, together building His Church. Amen.

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Brethren’s Seminar Mozambique February 2013

“Available/want to come with me to Mozambique 20-25 Feb?” read the sms from Rupert. After making arrangements with my family and work, the date was set. Fortunately we could fly from Cape Town to Beira all in one day. Our host for the next 5 days in Chimoio (Johan and Anne Cilliers) fetched us at the airport and first treated us to a lovely supper at a very rustic beach restaurant in Beira.

                                         (Johan, Anne, Danielle, Matthew)

Then we hit the 4 hour journey to Chimoio by car. The bakkie we used was a Toyota double-cab, that I dubbed “The Dodge”, since dodging massive potholes is all it does!

Leaving the 99…

Our day before the seminar started, was an extremely productive one. That Thursday afternoon we had it in our hearts by the Holy Ghost to visit a man called Karlito, who had been deceived by a false ‘pastor’ to see Elias and the missionaries from SA as ‘crooks’. Karlito was one of the brothers in a rural area of Gorongoza. He met the team from SA first in 2006, when he walked a 100km to get to a meeting to hear the word of God. The trip was about 200km from Chimoio to Karlito’s place.

After turning off the tar road onto dirt road for a few kilometers, we turned onto what looked like a rough pedestrian trail. We drove as far as the Dodge would go, parked under a tree, and did the rest of the distance by foot – crossing small rivers, sometimes getting muddy shoes, over a few hills and eventually reached Karlito’s homestead, where a small mud ‘church’ was. I just want to mention that bro Elias’ condition is improving still, and he was able to do this walk with us, with only mild discomfort. Please continue to pray that God will complete the healing work He has begun in Elias’ body.

Now there was no way of contacting Karlito beforehand to make sure we would find him there. We did a 3 hour journey there to rescue a brother and that fellowship, without any guarantee of seeing him. My heart was moved with the love of the brethren for this man, causing them to make such a journey to find that ‘one sheep’ that was lost – only the Great Shepherd can pour such love into men’s hearts!

Arriving at his place, Karlito’s wife and children met us with great joy. We went into the small dark meeting house for prayer and sang a hymn together. Then we waited for about an hour while Karlito was being called. Eventually a small, sweaty, panting man appeared from the fields. His shirt was tattered and drawn out to almost reach his knees, his pants were patched in various places and he had no shoes.

                                         (Karlito, his daughter, and Elias)

Overjoyed to see us, we went into the church to discuss the matter and strengthen the bond of fellowship. After much discussion, and more prayer, the Holy Ghost seemed to win the day and rescue Karlito from the trap of the evil one. With a freshly roasted mielie each, we started walking back with great joy.

                                            (About to walk back – mission accomplished)

Please pray for Karlito and that fellowship in Gorongoza, that the Lord will continue to strengthen them and protect them from savage ‘wolves’ who seek to destroy the work of God.

Seminar in Chimoio

We spent 3 days in Chimoio with leading brethren from all over Mozambique. The Holy Ghost lead us to preach about the ‘New Man’ in Christ, being free and delivered from cultural traditions which obstruct the purpose of God in the Church. The trend of giving men titles and promoting them to ‘positions’ in the Church was addressed.

The grace of God has been given as a gift to every believer in Christ, outworking God’s power in the five gifts of Christ. In this way the work of Christ will go forward. The  superstitions and fears of the Mozambican people were shattered by the Word of God and the Holy Ghost brought a wonderful liberty and joy into the hearts of the people.

We thank the Lord for the opportunity to participate in the work He is doing in Mozambique. Our prayer will continue for God to raise up Mozambican men and women after His own heart, who have a vision to care for the flock of God in that country.

Francois Visser

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Elias Update

Praise the Lord Elias is on the mend! The prognosis for a full recovery seems very good and with the Lord’s intervention an absolute certainty. With this in mind please pray earnestly that Elias has a speedy and full recovery.
Thanks to the kindness and love of brethren in SA, Elias was transported via air ambulance back to a hospital in Chimoio his hometown, from where he should be able to go home to finish his recovery. Pray for the Work in Mozambique, that the Lord bless and keep it during this extended period while Elias is healing and to grant wisdom and insight to the brethren who will be stepping into the breach!
Glory to God who makes the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the dead to rise! Hallelujah!

Prayer For Elias

The Lord has been doing a mighty work in Mozambique; establishing believers on that one True Foundation even the Rock Christ Jesus, bringing unity and a shared vision among the brethren in the region. Brother Elias is instrumental in all the Lord is doing and travels vast distances to visit the various fellowships, not sparing himself in the work of the Lord.
Those who have traveled through Mozambique will know that there are many hazards, stray animals, pedestrians and dangerous drivers to name but a few. While en-route from Chimoio where he lives to Lichinga in the north to visit fellowships in that area, Elias was involved in a serious road accident. Early reports suggest that the vehicle Elias was traveling in narrowly avoided a head-on collision with another vehicle traveling at high speed toward them on the wrong side of the road.
The driver of the vehicle Elias was in swerved to avoid the collision, taking his vehicle off-road where it rolled a number of times throwing Elias clear of the wreckage. The first bits of news we received indicated that Elias had sustained some very serious injuries including multiple fractures, a head wound and that he had lost a great deal of blood.
 
It is with thanks to God that Elias and those with him where spared and miraculously a friend of the driver came upon the scene a little while later and recognizing the car was able to render assistance. Without such prompt intervention Elias could have bled to death on the side of the road waiting for help.
Last reports have revealed that Elias lost a lot of blood, dislocated and tore ligaments in his shoulder, suffered a head wound and a broken or crushed vertebra in his back. The most worrying injury is the damaged vertebra which has rendered Elias immobile for the time being. It appears likely that Elias will need a specialist depending on the severity of the injury.

 
Please pray for Elias and his family. Pray for his healing and speedy recovery, pray for means to assist this brother no matter what may be required and pray for the work and believers in Mozambique who will feel most keenly this attempt by the wicked one to undermine their faith and confidence in the Lord Jesus. The Lord is building His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it but as this incident so clearly proves it does not stop the enemy from trying!
As and when more information becomes available we will post it to the Blog.
Thank you Gerrit for the pictures of Elias.