A worthwhile visit

"As we flew into Beira, Mozambique the country lay stretched out before us. It looked wonderful. The temperature was in the 30's and the heat came out to meet us as we emerged from the plane. It is autumn and the fruit is abundant; oranges, pineapples, papaya, lemons, bananas, absolutely delicious! Soon the maze and rice will be ready for harvest. Our friends Roy and Trish, the Directors of 'Maforga Mission', were there to meet us and drive us the two hour drive to the mission."

Doreen and John Betts were in Mozambique to work with the Mission and to conduct a Pastors conference in Nhamantanda (about an hours drive away). “We had a very worthwhile visit and were able to accomplish most of our goals for the trip” said John.

Much of the time was spent looking at how the Mission operates, with a view to supporting and encouraging the Directors and enabling the work of the Mission to be even more successful than it is at present. John and Doreen, with the support of those concerned, were able to publish a vision statement, values and organisational structure before they left. They have agreed to join the Council of Reference which commits them to visit the Mission at least once a year for the foreseeable future, and to be available to the Directors as needed, as well as other members of the Mission staff if required.

Doreen spent a lot of time with Trisha who is due to publish the amazing story of this couples adventure when the were captured by the Renamo rebels during the Mozambiquan civil war. They spent three months in captivity, with nothing but the clothes they stood up in when captured. Their food was what their captors scavenged along the way sometimes just rotting meat, or a little rice. The Lord warned them in advance that it would happen and told them how long their captivity would last. Their story is an incredible one of the faith and courage of people who were reduced to the lowest of the low and who at their lowest point proved the Lord to be faithful. Doreen said, “This story must be told. It is for the Body of Christ worldwide and is a modern classic of faith and trust in God. I was deeply moved as I listened to Trish tell her amazing story.”

The Pastors conference was a great success. About forty Pastors were hungry to hear the word of God. Most of them were untrained men who have come to faith, shared Jesus with others and gathered a church. “It was a privilege to minister to these men who were so eager to hear what we had come to give” said John. “We plan to return and take the training further and eventually set up an umbrella organisation to support and enable these Pastors in their work.”

In Nhamatanda (where the conference was held), is the the House of the Sparrow Orphanage. It was a pleasure to see the borehole being drilled, bringing water direct to the site for the first time. We were able to pay, in the name of Partners in the Service of Christ, for the installing of a pump to complete the work. “The orphans were a joy to see and hear as they sang a welcome to us. So much joy in the midst of so much need is amazing!” Doreen commented.

Photos

Roy and Trish Perkins

Doreen Betts Teaching in Mozambique

The borehole