Day 7: The Gift of Joy
“Where in the world is Carmen Gomez-Jeffrey ?”
A week into my first missions trip to Mozambique and I’m still in a certain kind of “fog” that has yet to lift, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I believe Holy Spirit, in the midst of this fog, is truly opening my eyes to what it means to count it all joy.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2-4 ESV
A week into my first missions trip to Mozambique and I’m still in a certain kind of “fog” that has yet to lift, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I believe Holy Spirit, in the midst of this fog, is truly opening my eyes to what it means to count it all joy.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2-4 ESV
The team started our first full day in Gaza with breakfast and a devotional presented by Ada Jones.
Ada read from Mathew 6:1-4 to remind us to give without the intention of being seen or admired by others. and also posed the question “ why do we do what we do? As Jesus not only cares about what we do but why we do it. God always sees!
Ada went on to challenge us, as I now challenge you to do as well this week: “Do one kind thing no one asks you to do without them or any one knowing.”
Ada read from Mathew 6:1-4 to remind us to give without the intention of being seen or admired by others. and also posed the question “ why do we do what we do? As Jesus not only cares about what we do but why we do it. God always sees!
Ada went on to challenge us, as I now challenge you to do as well this week: “Do one kind thing no one asks you to do without them or any one knowing.”
Spreading Joy
Next, our trek to the agricultural fields was divided into two trips as the Land Cruiser was the only one of three vehicles that could traverse the roads that were damaged by the recent massive flooding.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the joyful singing from the ladies and men who work the fields in the area .
One by one, each member of our team thanked them for their warm welcome while also expressing our sorrow for the devastation the floods had brought to their homes and fields.
Words can't express the true rawness of joy in the midst of pain and heart ache — as the men took a walk through the fields - the ladies spent time encouraging one another through testimonies, scripture, song and dance . All of it exuding sheer joy even as tears flowed.
In the face of a natural disaster, there were other hardships taking place in the lives of someone of the women present. Widows recalled losing their husbands and some could only shed tears as words were much to difficult to speak. Still, the smiles , laughter dancing and singing told another story—- there was hope and joy in the midst of hardship and we were all reminded that Jesus is close to the broken hearted and is very familiar with pain and grief. He is always near and loves us very much !
“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.” Psalms 126:5
T he ladies and gentlemen were gifted with the bandanas and gift bags sent by yall back home. They appreciated them all so very much. A special shout-out to Big Dawg (who, by the way, is celebrating his birthday today!). As Amanda spoke with the women we met, she passed along one of his words of encouragement: "When hard times come, they don't catch God by surprise. He already knows." Those words were just as encouraging for us to hear as they were for the women that day.
So often, wherever we go, our brothers and sisters in Mozambique sing over us as a blessing. This time, we wanted to return that gift. We sang over them, praying that the same God who had carried them through unimaginable loss would continue to strengthen, comfort, and fill them with His joy. It wasn't polished or planned. It was simply one group of sisters in Christ reminding another that they were deeply seen, deeply loved, and never alone.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the joyful singing from the ladies and men who work the fields in the area .
One by one, each member of our team thanked them for their warm welcome while also expressing our sorrow for the devastation the floods had brought to their homes and fields.
Words can't express the true rawness of joy in the midst of pain and heart ache — as the men took a walk through the fields - the ladies spent time encouraging one another through testimonies, scripture, song and dance . All of it exuding sheer joy even as tears flowed.
In the face of a natural disaster, there were other hardships taking place in the lives of someone of the women present. Widows recalled losing their husbands and some could only shed tears as words were much to difficult to speak. Still, the smiles , laughter dancing and singing told another story—- there was hope and joy in the midst of hardship and we were all reminded that Jesus is close to the broken hearted and is very familiar with pain and grief. He is always near and loves us very much !
“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.” Psalms 126:5
T he ladies and gentlemen were gifted with the bandanas and gift bags sent by yall back home. They appreciated them all so very much. A special shout-out to Big Dawg (who, by the way, is celebrating his birthday today!). As Amanda spoke with the women we met, she passed along one of his words of encouragement: "When hard times come, they don't catch God by surprise. He already knows." Those words were just as encouraging for us to hear as they were for the women that day.
So often, wherever we go, our brothers and sisters in Mozambique sing over us as a blessing. This time, we wanted to return that gift. We sang over them, praying that the same God who had carried them through unimaginable loss would continue to strengthen, comfort, and fill them with His joy. It wasn't polished or planned. It was simply one group of sisters in Christ reminding another that they were deeply seen, deeply loved, and never alone.
After lunch back at the compound, We went to see one of the churches led by Pastor Benedito that was recently built. Pastor Chase prayed over the church, Pastor Ben, the community, and prayed for the breaking of strong holds of darkness in the community giving way to the Lord's marvelous light.
After that, we were joined by Pastor Maulidio , Pastor Ezekiel, Missionary Michael, and others for a delicious dinner hosted by Pastor Benedito in his home.
We also celebrated Pastor Chase's birthday a little early. His actual birthday isn't until next week, but since we won't still be in Gaza, Pastor Ben's family surprised him with an early celebration. We sang "Happy Birthday" and enjoyed what felt like a 100-tier cake (okay... maybe not 100 tiers, but it was HUGE!). It was a sweet evening filled with laughter, lively conversation, and great fellowship.
Pastor Eugenio, the pastor from the Chiamete church who will be instrumental in setting up for the crusades tomorrow, was present as well with his wife. They were prayed over and encouraged as well .
To end the evening , our hosts gifted each of us with beautiful Capulanas as a gesture of love and appreciation for support and prayers.
They also sang a most beautiful song that when translated said —
“We don’t have much but we have joy so we give you our joy.“
No one had to tell us this moment was sacred.
Our tears said enough.
After that, we were joined by Pastor Maulidio , Pastor Ezekiel, Missionary Michael, and others for a delicious dinner hosted by Pastor Benedito in his home.
We also celebrated Pastor Chase's birthday a little early. His actual birthday isn't until next week, but since we won't still be in Gaza, Pastor Ben's family surprised him with an early celebration. We sang "Happy Birthday" and enjoyed what felt like a 100-tier cake (okay... maybe not 100 tiers, but it was HUGE!). It was a sweet evening filled with laughter, lively conversation, and great fellowship.
Pastor Eugenio, the pastor from the Chiamete church who will be instrumental in setting up for the crusades tomorrow, was present as well with his wife. They were prayed over and encouraged as well .
To end the evening , our hosts gifted each of us with beautiful Capulanas as a gesture of love and appreciation for support and prayers.
They also sang a most beautiful song that when translated said —
“We don’t have much but we have joy so we give you our joy.“
No one had to tell us this moment was sacred.
Our tears said enough.
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Gorgeous pictures and beautiful words! Thank you!
Praying for you all! Thanks for the updates. In Jesus, Adrian & Kelley