The trip to Muthua was quite eventful.  It had rained heavily in the night and the last 30 miles were treacherous with red, slick mud carpeting the track.  They were very pleased to see us when we arrived.

The morning and early afternoon were taken up with questions such as what happens when we die and can juice be used instead of wine for the Lord’s Supper.  Then it was lunch of goat stew at 5:30!  In the early evening, we had a good teaching session on baptism with 14 possible candidates followed by the evening service.  Afterwards, I went to bed; meanwhile the majority remained to sing into the early morning.  At 5 am, Pr. Samuel led us in prayer as we came to full consciousness.  Then it was off to the baptism (half an hour on foot).  Thirteen were baptized in the River Muda.  There was much prayer, singing and rejoicing.  The worship service was well-attended (42 present) and there was a good spirit of worship.  I taught on the new birth and Pastor Izaque led in the Lord’s Supper.  We only ate again at 2 in the afternoon (goat head – a delicacy reserved for visitors).  I was about to pass out!

I returned exhausted but so grateful and really encouraged.  I was able to sell six copies of an excellent book on the Christian life (O Caminho de Deus – God’s Way) and sensed a real desire to grow.  The next challenge is to train a couple of Sunday school teachers.  There are so many children that it is almost a crime not to have a Sunday school.  Beth has a two-year Sunday school curriculum (based on Firm Foundations) all ready to go in Cindau.  Pray that very soon the children of Muthua will have a Sunday school with good teachers.

Changing the subject, thanks to all who prayed for Beth’s mother’s operation.  She had the operation on Friday and it went well.  She hopes to be released from the hospital on Tuesday.  The surgeon had to replace the wire from the heart to the pacemaker so it was a major operation.  Pray for her to recover well.

Counting our blessings,

Tim and Beth

Lord willing, Saturday at 6:30 am, Tim with Pastor Izaque, Pedro Patrício (both graduates of Sofala Bible Institute), Jone Luís ( a second year student), and Pastor Samuel set off to visit Muthua.  The last part of the journey will be on foot.  This is a recent church plant way out in the countryside.  It was planted from another recent church plant.  This church plant came about because of the way Izaque helped in the funeral of a person in his neighborhood.  It is so exciting to see what God is doing in planting Christ-centered churches in rural Mozambique.

In the afternoon, Tim and Jone will teach a class on baptism while the rest of the team goes from house to house visiting as many as possible.  In the evening, Jone will preach.  On Sunday, we hope to have a baptism, followed by a worship service.  Tim will teach on the new birth and Pastor Izaque will lead as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.  All teaching and interaction will be in Cindau.

Pray for God to bless and for the believers to be encouraged.  Pray for a safe trip.  Beth and the children will stay in Beira.

Thanks,

Tim and Beth

The letter was signed as of 9:30 on Friday morning. Praise the Lord! Pastor Samuel sang two songs. One on looking to God for a plan and the other saying that nothing is too difficult for God. The Lord is good and so are his people. Thanks for praying for us. Thanks for praying for the Director.

Our pastor saw the Director today and was told to bring new copies of our letter of invitation into the office tomorrow (Friday).  He said he would sign them!  Please pray that he will find the new letters acceptable and will indeed sign them.  We started this process back in March.

Please keep on praying.  We feel we are on the verge of victory!

Here is our new prayer card.  Pray as led!

We have less than 5 months before we touch down in Beira again.  Much needs to be done between now and June 23rd.  Please pray for us to establish the right priorities and be systematic as we prepare.  This week we are working on Tim’s application to become a US citizen.  On February 8th we will be biding farwell to Our Saviour Evangelical Free Church.  The next week sees us off to visit Grace Community Church in the Bahamas.  This will be a welcome relief from the snow and cold of Arlington Heights.

We still need to strengthen our support base before leaving the States.  Please pray for new churches and individauls to join the team.