Charis Update March 2022
'He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said: 'I am making everything new!'' (Revelation 21:4-5)
The past 3 months have been personally very challenging and difficult. As many of you know my Dad, sadly for us, left us to be with Jesus after a rapid decline in his health from November. During 2021 Dad was diagnosed with asbestosis but in November he started to suffer with his balance and falling a lot followed by confusion and memory loss. He was admitted to hospital with Covid at the end of December, where his condition worsened and unfortunately died on the 28 January. The day after, my uncle (mum's sister's husband) also suddenly died making it a double loss for the family.
On the 14th March we held a wonderful day of thanksgiving for Dad, when many of his friends turned up and gave testimony to his infectious humour, gentle strength and faithful care. Please pray for my mum and aunt for God's comfort, strength and grace and for renewed hope for the future.
Meanwhile in Mozambique
The team enjoyed a well deserved rest from mid December to mid January, Mozambique's summer holidays, returning refreshed to continue this ministry of grace to the marginalised poor of Mozambique. We are thankful to God for our faithful supporters, who continue to give so that 'the least' can be reached with God's practical love. The team have recently been back in Bandua serving the poorest of the poor.
Bandua - 10 more houses!
This old couple have been surviving in this make shift shelter since the cyclone floods of 2019, and so their new house is such a blessing and sign of God's goodness! As the team finished the 10 houses, they were made aware of many more widows and vulnerable old people, who are still living in flimsy make-shift shelters. The need is still great!
Our Charis team have been working so well with the guys in Bandua. New relationships have been forged and this has led to invites from pastors to speak in their churches beyond Bandua. Last week they were privileged to lead worship and preach at a little church 6 kms out of Bandua.
Blessing the old!
Charis believes that as Christians our calling is to word and action which go together like 2 wings of a dove (as John Stott famously said). And so alongside house building the team have taken the opportunity to minister both to old and young. We held a meeting for the elderly when God's Word was preached by Bento and followed by nutritious food.
And young- Kids Club Bandua!
The team received over 500 kids in Camp 2021! They preached Gods Word, had fun, games, worshiped and danced all followed by yummy food!
20 Small farms Project
We thank God for the 20 small farms, which are producing well, but the people have asked us to pray for a lot more rain which is crucial for a good harvest. There continues to be a big problem in Bandua with lack of food. As many subsist by growing their own crops rain is necessary for survival. The team found many hungry people surviving on a bitter vegetable called 'cacana', having no rice and no 'xima'. On Monday the pastors of Bandua will meet together to pray and fast for rain. Charis will join them in calling on God for his mercy. Let it rain Lord!
Bike Testimonies
If you remember in November Charis donated 20 bikes to individuals, who were struggling to feed their families. The team heard many testimonies of how this simple mode of transport has been a lifeline enabling their micro-businesses to flourish as well as save lives. One lady's pork business is doing well as she is now able to transport pigs easily on her bike to market, previously she walked miles struggling to carry one pig strapped to her like a baby! Another man told how he was able to take his very sick wife to the hospital and save her life.
Vilanculos - Back to school!
In Mozambique if kids cannot afford uniforms and school equipment they are sent home. Charis enabled 25 kids in Vilanculos to return to school in February.
Hilux-challenges
Travelling up and down the N1 from Vilanculos to Bandua is taking its toll on our Charis vehicle. Part of the journey is off road and is rough and unkind to vehicles hence why there have been recent challenges with various parts needing attention. The weather is extreme and the heat and humidity also causes problems.
This is becoming a familiar sight!
Ethiopia News
Elizabeth continues to minister God's transforming love among the marginalised poor, visiting 27 dear ones and providing them with food, basic necessities and holistic care. She testifies that the healing love of Jesus has transformed these dear ones lives in remarkable ways.
Stopping for the one - Mulunesh
The other week Elizabeth found a lady sleeping rough outside a house. Elizabeth stopped and reached out to her. Mulunesh told her she was desperate and how she had come to the town of Nekemte seeking help. Her daughter had died of malnutrition and she had no food and no home. Elizabeth immediately took her to get food. Charis will be paying a monthly rent for a room for her. She was overjoyed to receive clothes, blanket, mattress and a place to call home, praising the God of all compassion for His love.
Wakume - We were sad to hear of the death of Wakume last month. If you remember Elizabeth found Wakume on the streets lost, dirty and confused with mental health problems. Elizabeth's care was beautiful. She washed and cared for her and found a place for her to live. She took her to hospital where she was prescribed medicine to help her. Wakume blossomed. Unfortunately she recently contracted Covid and died a week later. We thank God that now Wakume is completely restored and in the place of pure love.
The war continues
Please continue to pray for Ethiopia where the conflict is ongoing. Elizabeth told us this week that the road between Nekemte and Addis Ababa is dangerous, where vehicles are being attacked and set on fire. This is impacting food and petrol prices which have risen significantly and so buying and transporting the monthly food and goods is a challenge. Elizabeth's children live in Adis and so is unable to see them at this time. Please pray for peace and safety for Elizabeth, Zenabu and their families.
We give thanks to God for all that has been achieved in the past 2 months. For the Charis teams in Mozambique and Ethiopia and for every person blessed.
Please pray:
For love and unity as we work together cross-culturally in Charis. For one heart led by the Holy Spirit and that all we do brings glory to Jesus.
For the people of Bandua, who continue to be vulnerable and for rain to fall on the small farms.
For the situation in Ethiopia, for peace and reconciliation and for every dear one on Elizabeth's list, especially Mulunesh that she might come to know Jesus in a deeper way.
For Mel's family as they walk through this time of loss and grief.
And please pray for our upcoming trip to Mozambique. We travel on the 9th May. We are trusting that nothing will prevent us from finally putting our feet on the ground of Africa and being reunited with friends and our Charis team.
Thank you to all our supporters, who partner with us in this ministry of compassion, truth and justice, being the hands and feet of Jesus among the marginalised poor of Africa.
Love Mel & Mandy xxx
