Poverty is prevalent in much of Africa, including Zimbabwe and Mozambique, where we visited. Here are some thoughts on helping:
1. Poverty (as most of us understand it in the west) is not the problem. Being poor is not a problem - in fact, anxiety and depression are American problems that have increased in lock-step with our affluence. Don't feel sorry for the "poor" people in Africa - they don't feel sorry for themselves.
2. People starving is a different matter. Because of government mismanagement of economies, droughts, the devastation of AIDS, and other such things, there are often situations in Africa where people are truly hungry and people are dying. At times like these, we in the west need to rise to the occasion and share what we have been blessed with.
3. Bigger is not always better. Large scale actions might be well intentioned and make good news stories, but they also have many unintended consequences that are not always helpful. For example, the UN, Oxfam, and other large donor organizations must funnel their aid through the government. Food aid then becomes a political tool in the hands of the ruling party. Large shipments of clothes often find their way to the markets, where they are sold.
If large shipments of clothes are being distributed free (which does happen) it makes it next to impossible for the local merchants and manufacturers to compete and stay in business. A short-term solution short circuits the long-term solution.
Organizations with staff have overhead expenses, and that's money not going where you intended it to go. Institutions, once set in motion, tend toward existing for their own sake. This leads to the temptation of skewing facts for the sake of maintaining donations. (Can you imagine a major aid organization saying "don't send us any more money; the crisis is over and we are disbanding the organization.")
4. Small scale solutions work - on a small scale. When multiplied, they work on a large scale.
Late in 2008 and into 2009 there was no food in Zimbabwe. When we recently talked about that with people there, nobody mentioned the UN or any other large-scale aid program as a part of how they survived. They all mentioned the small donations and care packages that came into the country from abroad.
Small scale projects have no overhead, do not attract government attention, can be quickly changed, can be easily monitored, and accountability can be maintained.
More information about a crisis situation in Zimbabwe and how you can easily help is at www.cupsofwaterafrica.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Role of Missionaries in Africa Today
Most African countries (the exceptions being Muslim countries) have had the good news of Jesus being preached for well over 100 years now. Most countries have well established, reproducing churches and strong leadership, along with smaller, weaker churches that need good leadership – much like here in the USA.
The weakest churches are generally the ones with a recent history of foreign missionaries and foreign money supporting their local evangelists. The stronger churches are the ones that are local planted, have local leadership, and minimal interference from foreign money. Think of parenting – not cutting the apron strings makes a child dependent – not strong and independent. The same is true in mission work, whether in church planting, benevolent work or schools and other organizations. (Missionaries have often helped a village by installing a well, only to hear a year later, “your pump broke; when are you going to come fix your pump.”) Emotional ownership of any endeavour is essential to it's ongoing effectiveness.
There is a very limited role for foreign evangelists and church planters in most African countries. There is a role for westerners in Africa, but humble wisdom is needed to define it.
God has not called everyone to go to Africa. But he does still call some, and he gives them specific tasks that contribute to the growth and well-being of His people. Some are medical workers, some educators, some are farmers, some are training and encouraging church leaders, some are caring for orphans, street children, and the hungry. Some are called by God to go, some to give, and some to pray hard.
Some of the greatest needs in Africa are skills that will make life, work and church growth more effective – things like learning to plow with an ox rather than a short-handled hoe; better sanitation and hygiene to prevent diseases. But as simple as that sounds, cultural norms change very slowly. (Just look at our culture – we know that our diet causes obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, etc. But how easy is it to change our diets?)
One of the keys to effectiveness is to always go behind local church and community leadership. Begin by asking them, “what are your needs, and how can we help you meet those needs?” Channel your help and assistance through the local churches, not your own organization. Teach them to depend upon God to meet their needs – they have been taught to depend upon missionaries and foreign support.
Things that are free have no value. We work hard to teach that to our children – we need to incorporate that principle more in our mission work. Almost without exception, everyone can afford to pay something for things they need. (There are crisis situations where this is not true and that is a different matter.) Africans have learned from experience that Bibles are free. While the motivation of the donors is right, there are unintended consequences – things that are free have no value. This is true of Bibles, village wells, bicycles for preachers, and education, among others..
Pictures from our recent trip can be seen at www.picasaweb.com/meloniefudge87
The weakest churches are generally the ones with a recent history of foreign missionaries and foreign money supporting their local evangelists. The stronger churches are the ones that are local planted, have local leadership, and minimal interference from foreign money. Think of parenting – not cutting the apron strings makes a child dependent – not strong and independent. The same is true in mission work, whether in church planting, benevolent work or schools and other organizations. (Missionaries have often helped a village by installing a well, only to hear a year later, “your pump broke; when are you going to come fix your pump.”) Emotional ownership of any endeavour is essential to it's ongoing effectiveness.
There is a very limited role for foreign evangelists and church planters in most African countries. There is a role for westerners in Africa, but humble wisdom is needed to define it.
God has not called everyone to go to Africa. But he does still call some, and he gives them specific tasks that contribute to the growth and well-being of His people. Some are medical workers, some educators, some are farmers, some are training and encouraging church leaders, some are caring for orphans, street children, and the hungry. Some are called by God to go, some to give, and some to pray hard.
Some of the greatest needs in Africa are skills that will make life, work and church growth more effective – things like learning to plow with an ox rather than a short-handled hoe; better sanitation and hygiene to prevent diseases. But as simple as that sounds, cultural norms change very slowly. (Just look at our culture – we know that our diet causes obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, etc. But how easy is it to change our diets?)
One of the keys to effectiveness is to always go behind local church and community leadership. Begin by asking them, “what are your needs, and how can we help you meet those needs?” Channel your help and assistance through the local churches, not your own organization. Teach them to depend upon God to meet their needs – they have been taught to depend upon missionaries and foreign support.
Things that are free have no value. We work hard to teach that to our children – we need to incorporate that principle more in our mission work. Almost without exception, everyone can afford to pay something for things they need. (There are crisis situations where this is not true and that is a different matter.) Africans have learned from experience that Bibles are free. While the motivation of the donors is right, there are unintended consequences – things that are free have no value. This is true of Bibles, village wells, bicycles for preachers, and education, among others..
Pictures from our recent trip can be seen at www.picasaweb.com/meloniefudge87
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Zimbabwe Politics & Economy
This link will take you to a very good article on the current economy & politics of Zimbabwe. Takes less than 5 minutes to read, but lots of good information.
Kitco - Commentaries - Alf Field
Kitco - Commentaries - Alf Field
Sunday, November 8, 2009
What God Can Do With a Willing Heart - Maforga Mission
About 25 years ago Roy Perkins, a White Zimbabwean, accompanied a friend on a day trip to Beira, Mozambique (about 200 miles round trip) to take care of some business. Mozambique was in the last throes of civil war, the economy was decimated, and extreme poverty was everywhere. For months after returning home, Roy could not get the images of poverty out of his mind and increasingly felt that God wanted him to do something to help. He began to load his car with basic food stuff, drive into Mozambique and distribute it.
The governments of both Zimbabwe and Mozambique became suspicious of his activity and demanded that if he continue, he must have a base in Mozambique to work from (and they could keep track of him). He prayed about it, and the Lord led him to a farm on the east side of Chimoio, on the main road to the coast. He met the owner, a German lady, and much to his amazement, she wanted to sell the farm to him for next to nothing! The local community, as well as most of the country, was not only devastated by war, but also by AIDS and ignorance. The food he was providing was for many the only food they had to eat. Among those being fed were many AIDS orphans, widows, and young mothers with nursing babies.
Roy and his wife in time moved to the farm in Mozambique. God blessed them with more surrounding land (they now have over 2000 acres) and repeatedly He would lay a burden on their hearts then provide the means to meet the needs. They began to take in orphans, and now have over 100 living on the farm. They opened a clinic. Other missionaries have come to join them through the years, so that they now have, in addition to the orphanage, a school, a well-baby program for new-borns through their first year, a technical school, a wood-shop where the students make and sell furniture, a dairy cow project (in partnership with Land O Lakes, Inc. from the USA) that trains destitute families how to care for and utilize a dairy cow, then provides them with one or two cows to begin their new micro-business, as well as other projects.
Roy said they never envisioned all this in the beginning. They just felt led to buy food and drive to Mozambique to distribute it. Then as God opened more doors, they obeyed.
I pray that God will teach me to listen to His voice - and to have the faith to be obedient.
The governments of both Zimbabwe and Mozambique became suspicious of his activity and demanded that if he continue, he must have a base in Mozambique to work from (and they could keep track of him). He prayed about it, and the Lord led him to a farm on the east side of Chimoio, on the main road to the coast. He met the owner, a German lady, and much to his amazement, she wanted to sell the farm to him for next to nothing! The local community, as well as most of the country, was not only devastated by war, but also by AIDS and ignorance. The food he was providing was for many the only food they had to eat. Among those being fed were many AIDS orphans, widows, and young mothers with nursing babies.
Roy and his wife in time moved to the farm in Mozambique. God blessed them with more surrounding land (they now have over 2000 acres) and repeatedly He would lay a burden on their hearts then provide the means to meet the needs. They began to take in orphans, and now have over 100 living on the farm. They opened a clinic. Other missionaries have come to join them through the years, so that they now have, in addition to the orphanage, a school, a well-baby program for new-borns through their first year, a technical school, a wood-shop where the students make and sell furniture, a dairy cow project (in partnership with Land O Lakes, Inc. from the USA) that trains destitute families how to care for and utilize a dairy cow, then provides them with one or two cows to begin their new micro-business, as well as other projects.
Roy said they never envisioned all this in the beginning. They just felt led to buy food and drive to Mozambique to distribute it. Then as God opened more doors, they obeyed.
I pray that God will teach me to listen to His voice - and to have the faith to be obedient.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
George Nsinga - Child Soldier
George Nsinga grew up in a Christian home, with a fairly typical life for a young African boy in rural Rhodesia. At least, as typical as life could be during the war for independence in the mid-1970's. At any moment, life could be interrupted by the arrival of government soldiers or "the boys" from any of the three competing rebel armies. That could mean intimidation, threats, torture, confiscation of property or even death for anyone who happened to be in the way. The worst were ZANU-PF, headed by Robert Mugabe.
One day, while in class at high school, they came - a band of fighters from ZANU-PF. Whatever else might have happened, this we know - they kidnapped the students, including George, and marched them some 250 miles through the bush to Zambia. The march was dangerous and hard - from hunger, other rebel armies, and animals (as large as lions and as deadly as malaria-carrying mosquitoes). There they were sorted and redeployed - some to combat training, some to the USSR for specialized training. George was sent to the USSR for training as an intelligence officer, complete with liberal portions of communism and other propaganda.
After training, he was redeployed back into Rhodesia as a spy - mind you, he was still just a teenager. Caught in an attack, his right leg was shattered, and to this day he limps and uses a crutch.
The war ended in 1980. Today he is married with three children, and he and his wife Musa teach school while he also serves as the preacher for the Senga Church of Christ in Gweru, Zimbabwe. He is a quiet man of deep faith, tested by fire, full of compassion and joy. I wish you could meet him.
One day, while in class at high school, they came - a band of fighters from ZANU-PF. Whatever else might have happened, this we know - they kidnapped the students, including George, and marched them some 250 miles through the bush to Zambia. The march was dangerous and hard - from hunger, other rebel armies, and animals (as large as lions and as deadly as malaria-carrying mosquitoes). There they were sorted and redeployed - some to combat training, some to the USSR for specialized training. George was sent to the USSR for training as an intelligence officer, complete with liberal portions of communism and other propaganda.
After training, he was redeployed back into Rhodesia as a spy - mind you, he was still just a teenager. Caught in an attack, his right leg was shattered, and to this day he limps and uses a crutch.
The war ended in 1980. Today he is married with three children, and he and his wife Musa teach school while he also serves as the preacher for the Senga Church of Christ in Gweru, Zimbabwe. He is a quiet man of deep faith, tested by fire, full of compassion and joy. I wish you could meet him.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Rabia & Dionisio's Wedding
A local pastor (Dionisio) who works closely with Jacob, got married today, in his home, which is on Jacob's farm. He was married previously, but his wife kept cheating on him, and eventually the other church leaders in the district advised him to divorce her, so he did. The new bride was also previously married - she was the 2nd wife (at the same time) but could not have any children. She saw a doctor and told her husband that for a certain (small) amount of money she could have surgery to correct the problem. Her husband decided it was cheaper to divorce her and replace her, which he did.
Dionisio was interested in this lady (Rabia) so he asked the other church leaders what they thought, and they agreed it would be good for him to marry her. So he sent a friend to Rabia's brother to ask for his permission (her parents are dead), he agreed and it was arranged. (Dionisio and Rabia knew each other well and wanted to get married, but the process is necessary.)
The wedding was in large part the families, church leaders and the local chief answering the question "does anyone have an objection to this marriage?" They all testified that it was proper and good and it had their blessing. The ceremony lasted about 2 hours.
After the wedding everybody was served corn meal beer. When they were bringing it in, I thought somebody was tracking in something on their shoe. But if you don't breathe through your nose while you drink it, it's actually pretty good.
Pictures and videos can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com/meloniefudge87
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
What Jacob Does Here
Jacob has lived in Africa - Zimbabwe and Mozambique, for 35 years (except for one year in Brazil and four in the USA). He has learned that a foreign missionary (in an area that has existing churches) should always be working himself out of a job – meaning that his job is to work alongside the local church leaders to help them to do their job better; not to build an organization around himself or to supplant local leadership. It may be slower, and doesn’t lend itself to exciting letters back home, but it builds men and women into strong leaders who depend on God, not foreign know-how and money.
He does not approach his work with an outside agenda. He makes it a practice to always go behind the local leadership - they will let him know what the needs are, and by working with and through them, they have emotional ownership of their work.
In 1984 Jacob and his family returned to Gweru, Zimbabwe, where he was co-leading the Mkoba church with a local preacher. The church was composed of poor laborers and was not supplying any support for either preacher (money was coming from the US for both). In 1991 Jacob decided and announced to the church that they no longer needed him – they had elders, a good preacher, deacons, and a membership of 700 (it was 300 in 1984). That’s when he moved to Mozambique.
The Mkoba church has since taken responsibility for the support of their preacher, started two more churches in Gweru (both of which are thriving), and grown to 1000 members.
Jacob’s role in Mozambique could be characterized as a resource person. He travels to a district (with advance notice to the churches), meets with the church leaders, and asks them how he can help them. For several days they will study together, help them find solutions to their problems, and if it seems appropriate, commit his outside resources to help meet a need. He has a constant theme of teaching them to depend upon God, not on western money or missionaries.
For the past 10 years Jacob has been driving a LandRover that has just about given up the ghost. The dirt trails, gullies, potholes, huge loads, and dust clouds have taken their toll. Two weeks ago he was able to get a “new” car – a 1994 Toyota Hilux Surf (similar to the 4Runner). What a blessing it has been! It gets there without breaking down!
Prayer Needs
- That the church leaders in this province (Manica) will be receptive to Jacob’s offer to help them. They have been conditioned to expect support and financial assistance from the missionaries, and that’s not what Jacob has to offer.
- That God will move His givers to supply the remaining $8000 for the new vehicle. (He had to rob Peter to pay Paul to get it.)
He does not approach his work with an outside agenda. He makes it a practice to always go behind the local leadership - they will let him know what the needs are, and by working with and through them, they have emotional ownership of their work.
In 1984 Jacob and his family returned to Gweru, Zimbabwe, where he was co-leading the Mkoba church with a local preacher. The church was composed of poor laborers and was not supplying any support for either preacher (money was coming from the US for both). In 1991 Jacob decided and announced to the church that they no longer needed him – they had elders, a good preacher, deacons, and a membership of 700 (it was 300 in 1984). That’s when he moved to Mozambique.
The Mkoba church has since taken responsibility for the support of their preacher, started two more churches in Gweru (both of which are thriving), and grown to 1000 members.
Jacob’s role in Mozambique could be characterized as a resource person. He travels to a district (with advance notice to the churches), meets with the church leaders, and asks them how he can help them. For several days they will study together, help them find solutions to their problems, and if it seems appropriate, commit his outside resources to help meet a need. He has a constant theme of teaching them to depend upon God, not on western money or missionaries.
One time he asked the village leaders what they needed, and they immediately requested that he help get rid of the elephants who were destroying their crops and threatening their homes.
For the past 10 years Jacob has been driving a LandRover that has just about given up the ghost. The dirt trails, gullies, potholes, huge loads, and dust clouds have taken their toll. Two weeks ago he was able to get a “new” car – a 1994 Toyota Hilux Surf (similar to the 4Runner). What a blessing it has been! It gets there without breaking down!
Prayer Needs
- That the church leaders in this province (Manica) will be receptive to Jacob’s offer to help them. They have been conditioned to expect support and financial assistance from the missionaries, and that’s not what Jacob has to offer.
- That God will move His givers to supply the remaining $8000 for the new vehicle. (He had to rob Peter to pay Paul to get it.)
Mika, Pedro and the Churches in Tete
Two visitors came to the house this morning to see Jacob - Mika and Pedro (pronounced Pedru – it’s Portuguese, not Spanish), both of whom are preachers from Tete Province. Mika speaks English, and I was able to learn some things from him.
In Tete, as in all of Mozambique, the Roman Catholic Church was the only Christian church for many, many years (Mozambique was a Portuguese colony) and is still the largest denomination. Many people feel loyal to it because their parents and grandparents were Catholic. The other “largest group” he mentioned is Jehovah’s Witness.
Mika (pronounced Meeka) was born in Zimbabwe but came to Mozambique as a child. Some of his mother’s family were in the Rhodesian army. During the war the family fled to Malawi as refugees to avoid being killed by the guerrillas fighting the government. His father was from Mozambique, so they settled here after the war (the guerrillas won the war, so going back to Zimbabwe would not have been safe).
Tete Province is sandwiched between Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, all of which are English speaking, and have many strong churches, including the Church of Christ (having been recipients of many, many missionaries for the past 100 years). Mica says there are 200 Churches of Christ in Tete Province, with an average size of 50 – 60, and some of as many as 300. But there are not 200 preachers for those churches, so many of the preachers are circuit preachers. Their work, though, is hampered by very poor roads. With roads, a person can hitch a ride or ride a bicycle, but without roads, they must walk. A walking preacher is limited to an area of about 50 mile radius, and each church might get one visit a year. With a bicycle he could visit those same churches four or five times a year.
Mika said the greatest need of the churches is for printed materials to help the Christians grow – reference materials, tracts and booklets on living a Christian life.
Prayer Needs
Pray that God will raise up more evangelists, pastors and teachers, and that He will provide the resources they need to grow in their understanding and faith.
Tete Province is the left finger on the northern side of Mozambique, about the size of Kentucky or Indiana (38,800 sq.mi.) with a population of 1,500,000.
In Tete, as in all of Mozambique, the Roman Catholic Church was the only Christian church for many, many years (Mozambique was a Portuguese colony) and is still the largest denomination. Many people feel loyal to it because their parents and grandparents were Catholic. The other “largest group” he mentioned is Jehovah’s Witness.
Mika (pronounced Meeka) was born in Zimbabwe but came to Mozambique as a child. Some of his mother’s family were in the Rhodesian army. During the war the family fled to Malawi as refugees to avoid being killed by the guerrillas fighting the government. His father was from Mozambique, so they settled here after the war (the guerrillas won the war, so going back to Zimbabwe would not have been safe).
Tete Province is sandwiched between Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, all of which are English speaking, and have many strong churches, including the Church of Christ (having been recipients of many, many missionaries for the past 100 years). Mica says there are 200 Churches of Christ in Tete Province, with an average size of 50 – 60, and some of as many as 300. But there are not 200 preachers for those churches, so many of the preachers are circuit preachers. Their work, though, is hampered by very poor roads. With roads, a person can hitch a ride or ride a bicycle, but without roads, they must walk. A walking preacher is limited to an area of about 50 mile radius, and each church might get one visit a year. With a bicycle he could visit those same churches four or five times a year.
The roads are so bad, I was told, that to make the 60 mile trip from the district where Pedro lives to the Provincial capital where Mika lives, it is necessary to go through Chimoio – a 400 mile trip.
Mika said the greatest need of the churches is for printed materials to help the Christians grow – reference materials, tracts and booklets on living a Christian life.
Prayer Needs
Pray that God will raise up more evangelists, pastors and teachers, and that He will provide the resources they need to grow in their understanding and faith.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Visiting a New Church
Several days ago, the guard at the house next door to Jacob asked if he would come preach Sunday in the church he belongs to, and of course Jacob said yes. Our wives were still gone to the ladies' retreat, so the two of us, and the guard headed off to church, which turned out to be an Apostolic Pentecostal Church. The service was in the Shona and Senna languages. Jacob preached in Portuguese, with translation into Shona.
After the sermon, the pastor repeated much of the sermon, which was his stamp of approval on what had been said.
I was asked to lead a prayer, and so I said a phrase (in English) and waited for a translation, which did not come. So I prayed in English, knowing that very few understood. A bit later the pastor (who did understand English) asked me to pray again, and I asked him to translate this time, which he did.
Some pictures can be seen at
http://picasaweb.google.com/meloniefudge87
After the sermon, the pastor repeated much of the sermon, which was his stamp of approval on what had been said.
I was asked to lead a prayer, and so I said a phrase (in English) and waited for a translation, which did not come. So I prayed in English, knowing that very few understood. A bit later the pastor (who did understand English) asked me to pray again, and I asked him to translate this time, which he did.
Some pictures can be seen at
http://picasaweb.google.com/meloniefudge87
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Pictures are Posted on Picasa3
The best way to see pictures, including several videos, is at
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=meloniefudge87&target=ALBUM&id=5390228710671619633&authkey=Gv1sRgCOLKkcHRqdnfWw&invite=CO-M_bcL&feat=email
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=meloniefudge87&target=ALBUM&id=5390228710671619633&authkey=Gv1sRgCOLKkcHRqdnfWw&invite=CO-M_bcL&feat=email
How I Met Jacob
One Sunday night in 1977 we were having our Sunday evening service in the little church in Gweru, Zimbabwe. There were about 30 or so of us, and the service looked much like an American service would have for the same occasion. After a couple of songs, in walks a white family (we were mostly white, but not all) of mom, dad and 4 little kids, who marched right to the front row. They knew when to sit and stand, and they knew the words to all the songs. Of course we were very curious and eager to meet them! As soon as we were dismissed, I introduced myself, and the dad said, “My name is Jacob Michael; I preach for the church of Christ here in Gweru.” My immediate thought was, “no you don’t; I do.” But I said something more appropriate than that, and found out he was preaching for a Christian Church in one of the townships. They were American, not much older than us, and we became great friends; studied and prayed together a lot, and have been close ever since.
When we left Zimbabwe in 1980, Jacob and family were in Goiania, Brazil. We spent a week with them on our way back to the states. Through the years since, my dream has been to go back to Africa and work alongside Jacob.
One day in the spring of 2007, as I was driving to some appointment, my cell phone rang, and it was Jacob – calling from Mozambique. He said he and Jaynie (he married again) were returning to the states in the fall for 18 months, and upon their return to Mozambique at the beginning of 2009 they would be starting a new project in another area of the country, and they would like for Melonie and me to join them as team members. In the ensuing conversation, I said something about financial obligations and Jacob said financial matters are common to all of us and to trust God to take care of that part.
That’s what he said. Here’s what I heard. Fudge, you’ve been saying for 20 years that you want to go back to Africa. It’s time for you to put up or shut up. And you think you have financial problems to deal with – well isn’t that special! Who doesn’t? When are you going to learn to just do what you know you need to do and trust God to deal with the finances?
Hardly a day has gone by since then that I haven’t thought about going back to Africa.
(While they were in the states during that 18 months we were blessed to be able to attend the Christian Missionary Convention with them, and then to spend almost a week relaxing with them in the foothills of the Ozarks. That was a wonderful time of Melonie getting to know them and they her.)
When we left Zimbabwe in 1980, Jacob and family were in Goiania, Brazil. We spent a week with them on our way back to the states. Through the years since, my dream has been to go back to Africa and work alongside Jacob.
One day in the spring of 2007, as I was driving to some appointment, my cell phone rang, and it was Jacob – calling from Mozambique. He said he and Jaynie (he married again) were returning to the states in the fall for 18 months, and upon their return to Mozambique at the beginning of 2009 they would be starting a new project in another area of the country, and they would like for Melonie and me to join them as team members. In the ensuing conversation, I said something about financial obligations and Jacob said financial matters are common to all of us and to trust God to take care of that part.
That’s what he said. Here’s what I heard. Fudge, you’ve been saying for 20 years that you want to go back to Africa. It’s time for you to put up or shut up. And you think you have financial problems to deal with – well isn’t that special! Who doesn’t? When are you going to learn to just do what you know you need to do and trust God to deal with the finances?
Hardly a day has gone by since then that I haven’t thought about going back to Africa.
(While they were in the states during that 18 months we were blessed to be able to attend the Christian Missionary Convention with them, and then to spend almost a week relaxing with them in the foothills of the Ozarks. That was a wonderful time of Melonie getting to know them and they her.)
Want to know more about life in Africa?
Here's the blogspots for some of the missionaries we have met here. Reading some of them will inform your prayer life.
www.michaelgnfa.blogspot.com
www.lynnlagore.blogspot.com
www.michaelgnfa.blogspot.com
www.lynnlagore.blogspot.com
The Power of the Good News
Several of the African tribes in this part of the continent have a custom of tying a leather or cotton string or thong around the wrist, neck or abdomen of their infants, which will remain on the infant as it grows until it comes off. The purpose of this practice is to dedicate the baby to the spirits, procuring the favor of the spirits, which they believe will result in protection and good luck for the child as he/she grows up. The believers know that worship of the spirits and the power of the shaman is satanic, and they know that “he who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.”
Eugene Wessell and his wife Tina live and minister in Zambezia Province in Mozambique. He is South African (his mother is English and his father Afrikaans). Tina is from the UK. He does some preaching, but primarily serves alongside the local church leaders.
About three years ago, Eugene preached a sermon encouraging the believers to stop dedicating their children to Satan, and instead to dedicate them to Christ. After he preached, one of the men stood up and declared, “He is right. We must go home and release our children from Satan, and give them to Jesus.” And they did.
Two weeks later, one evening after sunset, Eugene and Tina heard shouting, and then saw a group of men break through their front door with a tree trunk, shouting, “Mata! Mata!” (Kill! Kill!) The men, all with glazed eyes, were armed with machetes. Eugene and Tina defended themselves with bar stools and pieces of furniture for about 30 minutes, but grew too tired to continue. Though badly wounded, they managed to escape the house when Tina took some money from the bedroom (about $300) and threw it at the men, who began to turn on each other in a scramble to pick up the money.
Eugene and Tina hid in the elephant grass until the attackers tired of trying to find them. They were badly cut, as well as having broken bones, and were air lifted to South Africa for treatment and recovery. Upon their return a couple of months later, they found the house had been stripped of everything of any value. It was apparent, however, that the motive was murder, not robbery.
There was a second attack by the same men shortly thereafter, after which the attackers were identified and arrested by the authorities.
Eugene went to visit the ringleader in jail numerous times, each time taking him food, water and fresh clothes. (Those amenities do not come automatically with jail time in this part of the world.) “Why did you attack us?” Eugene asked, to which the man replied, “I had a burning here (pointing to his chest) that told me here (pointing to his head) that we must kill you.” At that point, Eugene said, it all made sense. It was all spiritual; retaliation from Satan for encouraging the release of the infants from their satanic dedication.
Eugene said to the man, “Your god destroys people; my God loves you.” After some time the ringleader surrendered his heart to Jesus. He is still in jail, but he is now a brother.
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