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.

 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