Charis Update December 2022
Happy Christmas to all our supporters!
'For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for in the sight of all nations.' (Luke 2:30-31)
Reflecting on another year with God!
As we reflect on another year it is tempting to focus on the shadows of this dark world, where sickness, pain, death, poverty, hatred, discrimination and war cause us to groan inwardly as we long for God to make everything new. It is true our eternal HOPE brings us the hope of heaven beyond this world, but if we look carefully we can also see the light of Jesus shining in the darkness in the here and now. The light of love and compassion as God's people reach out helping hands to those who are in need; the light of life as God's people speak soothing encouraging words that bring healing, dispelling fear and anxiety and point people to Jesus the Saviour of the world; the light of goodness and mercy, which overcome hatred and seek forgiveness, reconciliation and unity.
Mozambique Trips 2022
In May of this year, me and Mandy finally made it back to Mozambique after 2 long years away due to Covid. Stepping onto Mozambican soil once again brought joy to our hearts, but it was tinged with sadness after my Dad's unexpected death at the end of January. Leaving my mum was difficult.
She was struggling to cope without the rock of her husband of more than 60 years and so we made our trip shorter. Thankfully we were able to return later in the year for a month and praise God that mum is getting stronger.
During both trips, our focus was to encourage the team through prayer, fellowship and bible training as well as visiting all the areas, where Charis is involved in our holistic ministry of transformation. We made a fulfilling trip to Bandua in June, which continues to be our heart's focus due to the extreme need that many families continue to experience. It has been so good to see how God has been working through the national team and the impact of their faith, compassion and hard work. We have seen a growth in confidence and in their ownership of the Mozambique vision.
Bandua Impact 2022
We thank God for His provision that has enabled us to be a channel of hope and practical help to the lives of many, who struggle daily with simply surviving. Most of us cannot imagine a life where each day is a test of endurance, where discomfort is normal, where meals are scanty and where children have dreams, but many will remain just that. We live in an unfair world. This Christmas whilst we tuck into a sumptuous meal of turkey and the trimmings we personally know many for whom their bowls will look like any other day... BUT we remember how Jesus came down to a poor stable to identify with the poor and bring them the good news of salvation and the announcement that a new kingdom of righteousness, justice, mercy and love has come.
We want to thank God this year for:
55 families were provided with farms, seeds and tools which provide enough food for 9+ months.
50 bikes were donated to provide simple transport to those walking incredibly long distances to their farms and those with micro-businesses.
20 houses were built for those living in dire conditions.
In June and September, 800+ hungry schoolchildren were given a nutritious meal 2 x a week. We are planning to start a 6-month feeding program at this school in the new year 2023.
15 people have been given start-up gifts/loans for micro-businesses
Hundreds of old people have been fed and encouraged with God’s word.
Hundreds of kids have had great fun at kids clubs, praising God with singing, dancing, playing games, learning about Jesus and the stories of the Bible and eating yummy food.
But it’s not about numbers. It is about each precious person and family to whom we have been sent to share the love of Jesus.
Equipping people to feed their own families by providing farms, seeds and tools is not only a brilliant way to solve the problem of hunger but also gives dignity and hope to the farmers.
After a lot of hard work, and answers to prayer for the right amount of rain and sun, the farms, like the one above on the right, are producing well.
Feeding the kids at the resettlement camp school and at kids’ clubs has been a joy! To see how their motivation for learning increases with full stomachs and their hope for the future as they are reminded they are not forgotten.
The man below was so happy to receive a bike. He was walking one and a half hours to his small farm every day. With this simple mode of transport his life and that of his family has been transformed. He said he used to be so tired, despondent and sometimes bad-tempered but now God has blessed his life.
The team, who are in Bandua as we write, were led the other day to this poor old lady below, whom they found hungry and living in dire conditions. What a joy to be able to build her a new house and help her with some food.
Ethiopia Impact 2022
Despite the ongoing civil war in Ethiopia, which has recently reached the town of Nekemte where Elizabeth lives, this work of grace and compassion to the poorest of the poor has continued unhindered.
In October Elizabeth and Zenabu were forced to flee to Adis Ababa when fighting broke out close to where they lived. Tragically Elizabeth's neighbours were shot and killed - a beautiful Christian brother and sister in their twenties. But after 2 weeks Elizabeth courageously returned because she was so concerned about those on her care list. The fighting is still raging 50 kms from Nekemte and needs our continuing prayer for peace and reconciliation.
To date Elizabeth has 33 vulnerable people on her list of which 8 are new this year. Along with Zenabu they visit each person and offer them medical and practical help alongside emotional and spiritual encouragement.
Mulunesh, above, if you remember, was found sleeping rough on the street. Elizabeth, like the good Samaritan she is, did not walk past, but reached out to help her. Charis rents a room for her and helps her with monthly food and other practical necessities. Mulunesh thanks God daily for the miracle of His love for her that found her and transformed her life through His faithful servants.
Abebach was living in a terrible rented slum-like dwelling, but now we are renting a room for her that is clean, safe and comfortable. Unlike in Mozambique we cannot simply build a new house in these situations, but have to find rooms to rent. We thank God for the ongoing provision that is providing a safe space for Abebach.
Aregash was also found by Elizabeth on the street with 3 orphaned grandchildren. We started to help them too, but sadly this year Genet at 13 years old was raped by a man whom she did not know. Elizabeth says that the instance of rape among vulnerable young women is high. Now at 14 Genet has a little baby to care for. They thank God for the care and support that Elizabeth brings by God's grace.
And it has been a joy to send 8 children to school this year. Without uniform and school equipment children are not allowed to go to school and so for the poorest of the poor this is impossible. What a privilege to be able to give hope to these children for the future. Here is little Abdi, in his uniform. He lost his leg when his family was attacked and his parents killed. He has a dream to be a doctor:) We also rent a room for him and his grandmother.
We thank God for all that has been achieved by His grace and provision, and for the compassion he continues to put into our hearts as we like Jesus 'suffer with' those on the margins of our world and share his message of hope and salvation.
We send a BIG thank you to you all, who are making these transforming stories a possibility. Each life is precious to God and for whom Jesus came. The light of Jesus is shining in the darkness!
May you experience the transforming peace, hope and joy of Jesus this Christmas.
Love Mel, Mandy and Charis xxx
If you wish to donate:
Barclays Bank: Charis Ministries
Sort Code: 20-09-72
Account Number: 63652572
