Day 10: The Best Birthday Celebration
Everyone loves a good birthday celebration.
Today is the historic 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the United States Declaration of Independence. Today is also the 15th birthday of my youngest daughter, Maranata, known to many of you as Nana. One of my highlights from my first mission trip to Mozambique in 2024 was when the ladies from the agricultural fields blessed her with singing and dancing. This year, even though she was not with us, we were all able to record our birthday wishes and send it to her. I love you Nana and pray God’s blessings upon your life.
Today is the historic 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the United States Declaration of Independence. Today is also the 15th birthday of my youngest daughter, Maranata, known to many of you as Nana. One of my highlights from my first mission trip to Mozambique in 2024 was when the ladies from the agricultural fields blessed her with singing and dancing. This year, even though she was not with us, we were all able to record our birthday wishes and send it to her. I love you Nana and pray God’s blessings upon your life.
While both of these celebrations are great, today, we were blessed to be a part of the ultimate celebration, the celebration of those that have put their faith in Christ and went public with it by way of baptism (more on this further down the blog).
The morning kicked off with Amanda and Meka leading us in our time of devotions. They reminded us that, as believers, we need to surrender all. Total surrender is what Christ calls for, not just the left over things that we do not want anymore, but everything we have needs to be surrendered. I know from personal experience that this is easier said than done.
After breakfast, we all headed to Mukatwane where we were greeted by the Mukatwane church family. In attendance were about 30 followers of Jesus that desired to be baptised. I was given the opportunity to share a condensed version of our baptism class. I reminded them of why they should be baptised, what baptism is and is not and that what was about to take place, was an outward expression of what has already happened on the inside when they received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
I have been to many baptism services but this was the first time I was in the water with those being baptized. It was a humbling thing to take part in but also so encouraging to hear each on answering “Yes” to the questions we asked them, then seeing their smiles as they were “raised to new life in Christ” - Hallelujah! What a Savior!!
After each person stepped out of the baptismal pool, members of our team were there to pray with them, hand them booklets or give bibles to those that are able to read. All this was taking place as the ladies of the church stood by and sang songs of praise. It was such a joy to be a part of this and it became the highlight of my day.
After breakfast, we all headed to Mukatwane where we were greeted by the Mukatwane church family. In attendance were about 30 followers of Jesus that desired to be baptised. I was given the opportunity to share a condensed version of our baptism class. I reminded them of why they should be baptised, what baptism is and is not and that what was about to take place, was an outward expression of what has already happened on the inside when they received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
I have been to many baptism services but this was the first time I was in the water with those being baptized. It was a humbling thing to take part in but also so encouraging to hear each on answering “Yes” to the questions we asked them, then seeing their smiles as they were “raised to new life in Christ” - Hallelujah! What a Savior!!
After each person stepped out of the baptismal pool, members of our team were there to pray with them, hand them booklets or give bibles to those that are able to read. All this was taking place as the ladies of the church stood by and sang songs of praise. It was such a joy to be a part of this and it became the highlight of my day.
After a quick trip back to the compound for lunch, we went to the church in Mukalawan where we held, what they referred to as, a seminar.
At the seminar, we covered three topics: 1) Prayer, 2) Scripture and 3) Spiritual Warfare.
Pastor Valmir and I covered the topic of Prayer. We used the beautiful aid created by members of our church family. A special shout out to - Claudia, Jessica, Momma Jones and Raul, Pastor Benedito’s son. After we walked through the booklet, it was so sweet to see them holding their hands together and then stepping through what each finger represented; Adoration, Confess, Give Thanks, Intercede, Ask. Pastor Benedito had us pass out several of the booklets to their church leaders so that they can continue to teach this way of prayer. They were so happy to have their own copy of what we taught.
Amanda covered the importance of reading scriptures as a spiritual discipline. She shared the challenges with being consistent in reading and studying the bible but also how important it is to use it in all aspects of your life, especially when the lies of satan try to condemn them. Ariana covered how the bible isn't a bunch of separate stories but how it is one continuous story, from Genesis to Revelation and the importance of looking for God in the story before looking for yourself in the story.
The third and final topic that was covered was spiritual warfare. Pastor Valmir shared some of his experiences with spiritual warfare in his country of Brazil and in other places he has done ministry in. He reminded them that the battle was already won. That the enemy is a liar and desires to keep them in chains and bondage. That in Christ, they are free and satan is no match and that they do not need to be afraid. In a country where witch doctors are prevalent, his message was very timely and well received.
Towards the end of our seminar, an unexpected guest stood up and spoke to us. It was the Chief of the village we were in. He said he was thankful that we were there and extended the invitation for coming back. It was such a kind gesture.
The remaining team members were super busy entertaining about 200 kids that showed up. For several hours, they took full advantage of a huge open field to play games like duck duck goose, simon says, sang songs, do an impromptu skit, etc. etc. Needless to say, they had fun but were very tired.
After a blessed time with this church family, we loaded up and headed back to the compound for another delicious dinner. With this being our last night before heading back to Maputo, we took the time to honor Michael Bosso. Michael attends The Chapel in Akron, and has been a part of the ministry being done in Mozambique for about 20 years. He has been the one to help coordinate all that takes place before and during our missions trips here. We gave him a journal and every team member wrote him a special message, thanking him for what he has done.
We also shared a special moment with all of the ladies that work so hard at the compound to keep us well fed and to wash some of our clothes as needed. We gave each of them a gift bag. Momma Carlita stood and thanked us and behalf of the ladies. Her message was so sweet and genuine. In Mozambique tradition, they also blessed us with a gift. They gave each of us a beautiful capalana. This is a piece of material that can be used in many different ways. First, they gave them to the ladies, followed by a song and dance. Then, they wrapped them around each of the guys, followed by song and dance. Another fun and sweet Mozambican tradition we'll never forget.
Well, after another action-packed day, it is time to wind down. The only difference is that tonight, we are all packing up. Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, we head to church. We will be divided among three different churches.
Please pray for Pastor Chase, Pastor Valmir and myself as we deliver God’s word.
Thank you for your prayers. They are making a difference.
Que Deus te abençoe!
At the seminar, we covered three topics: 1) Prayer, 2) Scripture and 3) Spiritual Warfare.
Pastor Valmir and I covered the topic of Prayer. We used the beautiful aid created by members of our church family. A special shout out to - Claudia, Jessica, Momma Jones and Raul, Pastor Benedito’s son. After we walked through the booklet, it was so sweet to see them holding their hands together and then stepping through what each finger represented; Adoration, Confess, Give Thanks, Intercede, Ask. Pastor Benedito had us pass out several of the booklets to their church leaders so that they can continue to teach this way of prayer. They were so happy to have their own copy of what we taught.
Amanda covered the importance of reading scriptures as a spiritual discipline. She shared the challenges with being consistent in reading and studying the bible but also how important it is to use it in all aspects of your life, especially when the lies of satan try to condemn them. Ariana covered how the bible isn't a bunch of separate stories but how it is one continuous story, from Genesis to Revelation and the importance of looking for God in the story before looking for yourself in the story.
The third and final topic that was covered was spiritual warfare. Pastor Valmir shared some of his experiences with spiritual warfare in his country of Brazil and in other places he has done ministry in. He reminded them that the battle was already won. That the enemy is a liar and desires to keep them in chains and bondage. That in Christ, they are free and satan is no match and that they do not need to be afraid. In a country where witch doctors are prevalent, his message was very timely and well received.
Towards the end of our seminar, an unexpected guest stood up and spoke to us. It was the Chief of the village we were in. He said he was thankful that we were there and extended the invitation for coming back. It was such a kind gesture.
The remaining team members were super busy entertaining about 200 kids that showed up. For several hours, they took full advantage of a huge open field to play games like duck duck goose, simon says, sang songs, do an impromptu skit, etc. etc. Needless to say, they had fun but were very tired.
After a blessed time with this church family, we loaded up and headed back to the compound for another delicious dinner. With this being our last night before heading back to Maputo, we took the time to honor Michael Bosso. Michael attends The Chapel in Akron, and has been a part of the ministry being done in Mozambique for about 20 years. He has been the one to help coordinate all that takes place before and during our missions trips here. We gave him a journal and every team member wrote him a special message, thanking him for what he has done.
We also shared a special moment with all of the ladies that work so hard at the compound to keep us well fed and to wash some of our clothes as needed. We gave each of them a gift bag. Momma Carlita stood and thanked us and behalf of the ladies. Her message was so sweet and genuine. In Mozambique tradition, they also blessed us with a gift. They gave each of us a beautiful capalana. This is a piece of material that can be used in many different ways. First, they gave them to the ladies, followed by a song and dance. Then, they wrapped them around each of the guys, followed by song and dance. Another fun and sweet Mozambican tradition we'll never forget.
Well, after another action-packed day, it is time to wind down. The only difference is that tonight, we are all packing up. Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, we head to church. We will be divided among three different churches.
Please pray for Pastor Chase, Pastor Valmir and myself as we deliver God’s word.
Thank you for your prayers. They are making a difference.
Que Deus te abençoe!
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