This weekend I had the opportunity to take our Land Cruiser on its first trip out of town since we bought it. We left Friday for Mecuburi, a small town about 50 miles out of the city which seemed more like 150 miles because of the rough, dirt roads. I was very thankful to have the Cruiser because even with needing new shocks and tires it had no problem making the rough trip. I went with Pastor António, his family and Tomás to meet with a group of believers from several small church plants for a time of instruction and encouragement from the Word as well as baptism of over 20 people from the various congregations. We had a small international team with Pastor António and family being Brazilian, Tomás Mozambican and myself American.
We were a bit late in getting there but we were met with the traditional singing, dancing and handshakes all around. Friday evening we showed a Christian film in Portuguese on the portable screen and sound system which ran off a small generator. It was quite late before we finally got to bed. I was able to sleep in my vehicle and the others slept in tents. Because of it being winter it got very cold by Mozambican (and my) standards during the night. On Saturday morning after a breakfast of hot tea and boiled green bananas we divided the men, ladies and children for a time of teaching from the Word. I had the opportunity to teach the men a couple sessions from John 3. Since the people in that area do not have a good grasp of Portuguese I had a Makhuwa interpreter. In the afternoon after it had warmed up considerably we went to the river for the baptism. There were a lot of people swimming, fishing, and washing clothes that witnessed the event. Saturday evening we showed the Jesus film in Makhua. I believe pretty much the whole community showed up. Since it was the only “cinema” in town it was the popular place to be.
On Sunday we finished our time there with a time of worship together, sharing the Lord’ supper and teaching from the Word with Pastor Antonio. At the end of the service gifts of appreciation were presented to Pastor Antonio and his family. The gifts included a pair of doves, a rooster, large green bananas, a bag of corn flour and some oranges. After lunch we said our goodbyes and headed home. On the way home we were able to give a ride to a group of folks from one church (which included on very pregnant woman) who had walked about 9 miles to participate in the weekend event.
I am thankful for the experience and opportunity to be a blessing. I came away with a greater appreciation of what God is doing here in the African church and a greater realization of how much I need to understand the cultural context as well as the Makhuwa language. I am hoping for an opportunity to be able to take more time after our return from the USA to delve deeper in the language and culture.