Day 11: Chronically Nostalgic

One of the things I’ve been thinking about lately  is the concept of “newness.”

If you know me, you know I’m chronically nostalgic. So being back here has been a whirlwind of familiarity. As we’re driving around, I’m reminded of what the landscape looks like. As we’re eating meals, I’m reminded of the flavors. As we’re talking with the pastors, I’m reminded of the jokes and laughter we shared back in 2024.

I love the feeling of things being “new,” and I’m realizing that I have a little more experience under my belt now that this is my second trip to Mozambique. As wonderful as these experiences are, I’ve realized I’m not experiencing that same sense of newness that I felt the first time I was here.

Being back for the second time, these experiences no longer feel “new.” Instead, I know what to expect when it comes to the familiar roads, familiar faces, and familiar rhythms of life in Mozambique.

When I had this thought, it reminded me of what the gospel can sometimes look and feel like. For those of us who have grown up in church, hearing the same stories or walking through the routine of a Sunday morning can sometimes make us feel like we’re no longer experiencing the truth of the gospel for the first time.

When talking about Mozambique, Maggie O’Keefe often says that the believers here are “so convinced of the gospel.” The feeling of “newness” isn’t what fuels their boldness or their desire to have an intimate relationship with the Lord. They are so convinced of the gospel that whether or not they feel a certain way, they know what their assignment is. The gospel doesn’t have to feel “new” to be true. It doesn’t become less powerful because it becomes familiar, and neither does the ministry happening here in Mozambique.

When people asked me about my first trip to Mozambique, I would always say that the relationships we built with the pastors, their families, the ladies on the compound, and so many others were the most beautiful part of the trip. This time around, one of my biggest takeaways has been seeing how faithful and consistent the pastors and church leaders are in their daily lives as they reach their communities. The work they’re doing isn’t driven by emotion or excitement…it’s driven by conviction.

Today we had the opportunity to worship and hear a message from Mr. G. When we entered the church, they were already worshipping. We were quickly welcomed into the worship through singing and dancing. Ari, specifically, had a great time leading the congregation in a few of the dances.

Papa G preached from Psalm 4, reminding us that we don't need to be anxious because God will provide everything we need. While the adults gathered inside, Gabby and Michka were outside with the children, leading games, songs, and a lesson of their own.
At the close of the service, Pastor Chase shared the same benediction we hear every Sunday at The Corners Chapel. As soon as he finished, the congregation responded exactly as we do: "Amen... Hallelujah... Hallelujah... Amen."

Every time I visit a church, whether it’s in America or another country, I’m always amazed by the reality that millions of believers are praising God in their own corners of the world. We’re not so different from our brothers and sisters in Mozambique. While we were worshipping, it was 3:30 a.m. in Ohio. Thousands of miles apart, different languages, different cultures, but the same Savior and the same hope.  

Afterwards, Pastor Ben told us that from now on, all of their churches are going to start reading from Hebrews 13 at the end of their services as well. It's a small thing, but it felt like another thread tying our churches together across the ocean.

Right before service ended and we did the benedictions, several mothers and grandmothers came forward, each carrying a baby. One by one, they were prayed over by Pastor Chase and Pastor Benedito and dedicated to the Lord. We didn't expect this part in the servive, but it was a beautiful reminder that God isn't only sustaining His church today, but He's raising up the next generation for tomorrow.

After church, we got back on the road and drove the almost six hours back to Maputo. The second half of the car ride was such a blessing. Raul (Pastor Benidito’s oldest son) asked if we would worship with him during the five-hour drive. We all took turns choosing songs, and it became such a sweet moment of praise. Off-key singing, bumpy roads, but a car full of joy and honest worship for our Creator.

One of the songs included the lyrics, “Let us become more aware of Your presence. Let us experience the glory of Your goodness.” That song is a plea for God to open our eyes to what is already true, that His presence is with us and His goodness surrounds us. Once again, this truth isn’t new to God. It may become familiar to us, but it never loses its power.

We said many goodbyes today before leaving Gaza and heading back to Maputo.

Goodbyes are never easy, but what a gift it is to care deeply enough about people that leaving them is hard.

We’re only here in Mozambique for a short time, but these relationships continue to grow stronger. The feeling of being here may not be “new,” but our relationship with the body of Christ here is deeper than it was before.

I'm still chronically nostalgic. But I'm learning that the sweetest moments with God aren't always the newest ones.