We are overwhelmed, in awe, overflowing with praise, and so excited about how the Lord has been so faithful to hear our cries for the Nsenga people and the work that He has called us to in northern Mozambique and Nyimba. As a missionary, we sometimes feel like we need to be in many places at one time, in those times it is easy to get "busy" but be unproductive. Kendall and I have learned so much in the past year about praying for the Lord to truly intercede, raise up a leader, and work in the hearts of the people until we can get to that area to intentionally teach and share the love of Christ with the people there. In the past few months, Kendall and I have had so many requests that we have laid before the feet of the Father that they are too numerous to list. But I can honestly say that God has heard our prayers and answered them in His perfect timing and in His perfect will. As you read these praises, please pray a prayer of praise for the awesome works He has done!
The Lord blessed us with this gorgeous painting of a rainbow in our sky. An awesome reminder of His promises to us.
Several months ago, Kendall and I went through a difficult time with a pastor named Mr. L. He was the pastor of one of the churches in our area. He was found to be practicing witchcraft and was dismissed from preaching and from the church. Church discipline was practiced and he has been removed. We both have been praying for restoration for Mr. L. One afternoon a few weeks ago, there was a knock on our gate and Mr. L stood outside asking to speak with Kendall. He was asking what he needed to do to be apart of the church again. Kendall spoke with him about a truly repentant heart and that the fruits of the Spirit must be displayed in his life. He listened intently and Kendall prayed with him and then he left. Several days after we arrived home from South Africa, Kendall came to me after his time in prayer and said, "I think that the Lord wants me to talk to Mr. L." Two days later, I was walking in the market and Mr. L approached me. I did not recognize him at first, neither did Zeria. This was a different man. He greeted me with a smile, handshake, spoke to me with peace and without bitterness. I was shocked and astonished at this new man that stood before me. As we walked away, I turned to Zeria and said, "can you believe Mr. L?" She turned to me and said, "Amai Joy, he knows Jesus now. He is so peaceful, happy, and he could look you in the eye this time when you were speaking with him, something that he could never do before!" I quickly called Kendall to share with him what had just happened. It was an awesome time of praise as Zeria and I walked home. To see what Jesus can do in a person's life is amazing and I have seen so many lives transformed by the power found only in Jesus Christ. As I write this, my heart is full, I am humbled, and in tears because of the journey that we have made with Mr. L. Praise the Lord!
For a year now, Kendall and I have been praying for this area of Mozambique that Kendall has not been able to reach. We were praying for God to open a door and a border post for Kendall to cross. We also were earnestly praying for the people on that side of Mozambique that God would begin to work in their hearts and that they would receive the Gospel openly when Kendall was able to reach them.
One Thursday afternoon, Kendall heard a knock at the gate. He went to the gate expecting to see a friend but instead he was greeted by two men that he did not recognize. Latson and Steven had traveled to visit Kendall and to tell him about the five Baptist churches that are around their home. Latson and Steven came from the side of Mozambique that we have been praying for! They told Kendall about another border crossing that he could reach in order to teach and evangelize with them in that area. God is so good! It is amazing to see how much power we have when we truly devote ourselves to praying for something and seeing God’s favor in the answer. Praise the Lord for these two men and their desire to come and share this great news with Kendall. Praise the Lord for another border to cross! Praise the Lord that God has already started a work among these people and that there are believers meeting! Pray for Kendall as he plans to travel there very soon. Pray for the people to receive him well and that the Holy Spirit would move in their hearts.
Praise the Lord for the two men, Grayson and Jumbe who were so faithful and passionate about learning more about God's Word at the first term for the Nyimba Bible School. Praise the Lord for these two men and for Mr. Mbewe who came to teach with Kendall!
Mr. Mbewe, Grayson, Jumbe, and Samson
We continually have been praying for the village called Njalazi. Unable to find time to get there, Kendall and I have been praying for someone to go there to encourage them and see how they were doing. One Saturday morning while in South Africa, Kendall received a text message saying, "we are going to Njalazi on Sunday". The message came from Jumbe. Kendall and I were praising the Lord and thanking the Father for giving him this passion to go there. When we arrived home in Nyimba, we were greeted by Paul. He immediately shared with us about Njalazi because he had accompanied Jumbe there. They rode 3 1/2 hours on their bikes and when they arrived, they found 27 people in attendance for worship! Praise the Lord for Paul and Jumbe's desire to go to Njalazi and encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ. Ukhose Baptist has planned a weekend meeting at Njalazi, they will walk over 20 kilometers to reach the church. They will go June 4-6th, please pray for safe travel and an awesome time of fellowship for both churches.
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done." Psalm 105:1-5a
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