Dear family in Jesus,

We pray that in this year you would find continued joy in the presence of God. May each day bring you closer to Him and may His joy be your strength through out all of 2005.

What an incredible, exciting and rewarding outreach to the poor and orphaned children in Mozambique we had in December.  We felt like we were living our dream, birthed in our hearts by God years ago and kept alive by hope.

Arriving at Tsalala Centre we, the team, had to pack the ‘Joy Bags’ before we could distribute them. This was so much fun for all of us. One of the team members, enjoyed packing for the little girls so much that quite a bit of tugging went on over special gifts.

Looking at the faces of the children when they received their ‘Joy Bags’ firstly they were so serious, there were no smiles, just utmost concern: will there be enough for everyone? With great concentration they started opening their bags and slowly the little faces started to express their uncontrollable joy at what they received. Some showed their neighbours what they received but others made an effort not to let anyone else see what they got. Soon they were shouting for joy and lifting their most wanted gifts for us to see. For some it was a toy, some liked their books the most and others enjoyed their toiletries but the sweets and cold drink was also top of the list! Teams were made up of the senior boys, captains chosen and soccer balls given, they wasted no time and started playing immediately, some of the team joined in and had loads of fun.

The greatest fulfilment for us was when we explained to them that we came because Jesus loves them unconditionally and passionately, and that He sends us to tell them and bless them. We believe that His love is the only force that can transform the life of a child forever. After all the gifts were given this tangible love of God was felt all around and nobody wanted to leave.

After the outreach to Tslala’s Centre (Motola, Maputo) where 210 children were blessed with ‘Joy Bags’, clothes, cool drink and toys, we did another outreach to the children far in the bush at Teles (Maxixe, Inhambane) were another 35 children received Christmas gifts and clothing. The children at Teles received ‘Joy Bags’ in 2003 and it was such a blessing to see them again. Because we know these children, gifts could be packed with them in mind which made it so much more personal and special. Lots of hugs and kisses and even tears of joy were shared among us all. Every year they just crawl deeper into our hearts. May God give that we could continue to make a difference in their lives?

Our 3^rd outreach was to the Chicuque Hospital at Maxixe where we distributed 200 bibles to all the sick and the ladies in the Maternity ward each received a ‘Baby gift pack’. These ‘Baby gift pack’ consisted of baby clothes from newborn to 24 months old, plus a blanket and rattle.  What a privilege and joy it was to be the ones distributing these gifts. This last outreach was very touching as the Hospital is in great need for medical equipment and although they have very dedicated staff they can do only so much with what they have. The same day children that were in a bus accident, the night before, were just brought in and only basic care could be given. The children’s parents would take maybe weeks to be informed and to reach the hospital. Though we prayed for them our hearts were aching for them. We really pray and hope that we could be used by God to do more for this Hospital in the future. The doctors, technicians and nurses of Chicuque Rural Hospital struggle daily to meet the dire needs of their patients. Supplies that are considered fundamental in normal healthcare-- gauze and gloves or formula for newborns-- are not guaranteed to the patients of Chicuque.

Our partners in this outreaches was Carol Kreamer from the Mozambique Initiative and the United Methodist Church in Mozambique. Special thanks go to Amelia the housemother at Teles, Ilda Susanna in Maputo and also the director of the Chicuque Hospital, Jeremiah Franca. Heartfelt thanks goes also the Ladies at the Methodist Quest House in Maputo for serving us so joyfully, for clean beds and good food.

Because God provision overflowed we have to go back to Maputo in a month or two, to deliver the blankets received and some clothing that had to stay behind. Pray for this trip as we also had an offer from Mission Aviation Fellowship to fly the rest of our donations to Maputo for us.

We thank Jesus our Lord for His calling on our lives. For using us, imperfect and in need of mercy ourselves, for being part of His work, and to experience the awesome Joy of His presence and to see His provision.

He is definitely not enough He is more than enough! He gave us you (all of our supporters) and who you are made such a difference! We could not have done it without your obedience, love, giving, prayers and we must not forget the sewing! You just kept on stretching and stretching yourselves, so far and your love touched so many, thank you so much.

According to Marin Luther King; “not everyone can be famous, but everyone can be great, you only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love”. Our missionary team was GREAT. The team consisted of 11 members: Dave & Leryn Bavin, Norah Colman, Tracy & Havanah Botha, Hennie & Hannetjie Botha, Jackie Schouten, Llano, Esme, Keziah and Ruadri Vorster. What a variety of talent and personalities we had along. Every member of the team had a gift from God for works of service. To accomplish everything effectively everyone’s gift was important and appreciated. Their hearts toward heaven and their hands towards God’s children, storing up treasures in heaven - what more could we ask? Each one so special even Havanah, 8 years old, did such a marvellous job! We firmly believe that our mission work is in gratitude for what Jesus did for us at Calvary – it is an honour for us to be used in this wonderful and rewarding way.

We feel so loved by Jesus through all of you who know us, support us and pray for us so faithfully. It is so beautiful to watch how He works through His Body to take care of the needs of His children. Words cannot thank you all enough – we leave that to Jesus, who promised that you will reap a harvest of blessings in the appropriate time (Gal. 6:9)

All the team would like to invite you to a Thanksgiving Service on Saturday the 5^th March at Covenant Life Church,  

25 Webb Street, Northmead, Benoni at 10am. We hope to show you a presentation of the outreaches and a little bit of Mozambique. You will meat the team and hear their testimonies. Please mark this date as we would love to feed back to you what God has done by His spirit working in all of our lives.

Joy to you whose hearts are conquered by the King!

We are looking forward to see you soon.

God bless you abundantly.

Llano, Esme & Team.