Girassol Helps the Needy

On Wednesday 20th February, Melvin went with six members of the Living Word churches in Maputo on a compassionate outreach to Gaza Province.  We drove over 200km to Chihakelane, Chokwe and Guija with almost 2 tonnes of food, clothing and some basic sanitary and health supplies to be distributed to the Wesleyan Churches in the region.

Our desire was to show God's love and compassion to the flood victims that had to flee their homes and farms to survive the dreadful floods that swept through just weeks before.  Heavy rains in South Africa and Zimbabwe caused the Limpopo river to swell and overflow.  Chowke town and the surrounding area was severely affected with the loss of around 80 lives.  At the first church we visited we could see from the flood marks on the walls that the water rose to about two and a half metres (30cm or 1 foot above the head of the door).

We stopped at three different sites and distributed food and other items to a total of 138 families.  When we arrived at each place, the pastors were already prepared with a list of names of representatives for all the church families.  The distribution was orderly and everyone was very appreciative.  At the first church Melvin had the privilege of sharing a devotion and at the second location, Pr. Belarmino shared God's Word.

Please pray for the 150,000+ people that have lost so much.  Homes built with natural materials did not withstand the flood waters.  The water washed out the walls leaving a basic stick structure supporting the roof.  We also saw whole houses that had collapsed and walls and roads and that were washed away.

The remains of a house after the floods washed out the mud and rock from the walls.

These people had to flee for their lives.  Now that they are returning to rebuild their lives.  They have to start to plant again because the floods destroyed their harvest.  They have to rebuild their homes.  Much of their personal belongings were either destroyed or swept away.  Thousands of children are currently displaced from school.  The impact is unimaginable and yet these dear people are picking up the pieces and trying to return to normal life as best they can.  They are resilient and courageous.  We were really encouraged and challenged by the strong faith and witness of the folks were met at the churches.  It is obvious that they believe in the sovereignty of God and His loving gracious provision for them.

We also met a disabled boy called José who we hope soon to supply with a wheelchair when the container from Northern Ireland arrives.  Pray that it will arrive as expected in late April and be released from customs without any complications.

Donations to the OMS Mozambique Disaster Relief Project (402600) and Girassol donations has touched the lives of appropriately 1000 people.  We rejoice at this.  We also thank God for how the wheelchair project is picking up momentum since Heather Phillips arrival here on 31st January.  Already we can see how God is using her in so many ways.  Pray for her as she gets to know many disabled people around us.  The photo below shows Jonasse (local Pastor), Heather (Missionary Occupational Therapist from NI), Victor (trainee wheelchair repair technician) and Belarmino (supervisor of wheelchair repair project) with Maria, proudly perched in her newly repaired wheelchair... her only means of mobility except crawling in the dirt.  Maria has never been to school and currently has a number of health issues which hinder her from continuing with the little business she used to have.  Because she cannot read, Pastor Jonasse will take an Audio Bible to her in her mother tongue donated by Girassol costing £18.  Praise God for every donation given to the Girassol Charity Shop in Antrim.  Praise God for Ali and Hazel as they oversee the shop.  Praise God for every volunteer.  Girassol is making a real difference.  Only eternity will reveal.

As a family we are doing well.  The twins are taking swimming lessons... like ducks to water!! Noah is very anxious to walk so he can gain some independence and organize the whole house as he sees fit!  Pray for rest.  We plan to take a few days to SA next week to get some car repairs done and hopefully get a breather!

Thank you so much for your love and prayers for us!  We praise God for the faithful prayer groups and individuals who pray faithfully.  Without those we could not be here.  We have added a link to our latest prayer letter on our blog.  Click on the link to download a copy.  May God bless you as you serve Him by upholding us in prayer.