It all started one sunny afternoon not long after we’d arrived
in Massangulo. We headed out to explore our neighbourhood
when an old man sitting on his front veranda called us over.
He started telling us all about his recent decline in health
and the problems he was having with his stomach, legs and
more private parts. Then he kindly took Cam inside to show
him firsthand! It was an unusual first encounter to say the
least. He was speaking very loudly and using a lot of actions
to explain what he was saying – we figured he thought we
didn’t understand Ciyawo at all. We later found out he was
deaf from being the guy who shot the bazooka in the war!
From that day on, he became an instant friend and one of our
greatest advocates in the village, setting in motion a series of
connections that are just getting more and more exciting as
we meet people hungry to hear the Word of God.
Our friend’s nickname was Chidi Kutiwle, meaning the breaker
of chains. He was a bit of a local legend known to escape
just about any hold the enemy tried to tie him down with in
the war. As we went back to spend time with him over the
following months, he introduced us to all of his neighbours.
Cam helped him out with some of his medical issues and spent
countless hours chatting and playing Bawo, a chess-like game.
He, in turn, would tell anyone who came across his path that
we were wonderful, helpful people who could be trusted. His
health continued to deteriorate, to the point where he was no
longer able to walk. Cam helped him get a wheelchair bicycle.
The day it was delivered, he was overwhelmed with joy, tears
streaming down his face.
We attended his funeral, sat in the room with his body and
prayed with his family, cried with women and stood with
the men as he was carried away. He’d adopted us into his
family, his love and acceptance was the catalyst for others
to invite us in. His neighbours became our friends and as
trust continued to grow and relationships grew deeper,
opportunities to share God’s Word slowly started to open up.
Meanwhile over in Mozambique, in a much newer ministry
location, Global Interaction Team member Kath sees God
at work too!
The men who were his close friends asked if they could meet together
regularly to listen to Bible stories and a group has formed. There are
leaders from the local mosque and respected elders in the community
meeting with Cam and Scott, listening to Bible stories and having
amazing discussions about God’s Word.
It all started with a stroll through the neighbourhood and
that’s often how things seem to go here. We ask God to open
up our eyes to the opportunities that He has already prepared.
It’s so exciting to see – God is at work!
The Global Interaction Yawo Team comprises Tim and Mel and
family in Malawi and Jonno and Heather , Ben and Sam, Tobias
and Heather, Cam and Kath, Scott and Rebekah, Sally and a tribe
of kids in Mozambique. Ian is currently based in Australia. Jonno,
Heather and the family will shortly move to live in Blantyre in
Malawi with Jonno taking responsibility for leadership of the
newly combined Yawo Team.
We praise God for His provision of some new workers in
preparation - Jean-Claude and Joyce and Andy and Rachel who will
be based in Malawi. Opportunities abound for many more!
As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few;
therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into
his harvest.” Perhaps God is calling you or someone you know to
this amazing work.
He was only able to use the wheelchair bike for about a month
before he sadly passed away.
One people group - One team
VISION AUTUMN 2017
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