On the 2nd, Kobus Odendaal from the Western Cape Missionary office visited us for 2 days. We took him on a tour of the farm and showed him our water project. There are 2 reservoirs that can each hold 40 000 litres of water. The water is from a natural spring and are carried by gravity for 4.7km by means of an irrigation pipe to the different places in Chandame. We appreciated his visit a lot!
On the 4th, Jannie transported corn and worked on the hooks that he needs when he tows in the containers. I had to drive to Limbuni to go and get some eggs. I left the bakkie running when I got out at Peta Bennet’s place to get the eggs. When I reached the back of the bakkie it started rolling backwards. I tried to get back in die bakkie to hit the brakes but I was unsuccessful. Suddenly the bakkie came to a standstill and behind the right wheel there was a big rock! I was still in a lot of shock while driving home but also so thankful that nothing bad happened. Later that day I returned to the scene and the rock that stopped the bakkie was not there! I was so amazed! We serve a wonderful God! He saw that I was in trouble and he did something about it. Jes 59 verse 1
Every day we had a standard routine. I had clinic duty from 9 to 12. Most of the patients had flu symptoms, stomach problems, back pain and skin sores. A four-year-old came to the clinic with a head wound. He was helping his dad hunt mice (the locals usually put the mice on a skewer and barbeque it) when he got in the way of the pick axe. He was so brave when we treated his wound. Sarah’s leg (see previous update) is almost healed.
On the 7th of August we went to a church service in Chandame. The scriptures were Num 13 verse 26-32 and Joh 14 verse 1-6. It is our responsibility to encourage one another. Be faithful to Jesus Christ so that you can enter his Kingdom.
On the 8th, Jannie worked on the road to the farm. I had about 30 kids at the school for the day and I did hand eye coordination with them. We also asked people in South Africa to pray for peace in Mozambique.
On the 9th, Jannie had to transport more corn. 44 bags of 50 kg each. Our workers had to cut reeds for the fence around our home.
On the 10th we had to transport stone, sand and bricks so that we could finish off the solar toilets.
There was still restlessness between the two political parties, but everything at Chandame was restful and quiet.
The weekend of the 13th we went over the border and camped at Fat Monkey in Malawi. We went back to Chandame fully rested and ready for all the challenges that we are faced with every day.
On the 16th, we went to Lilongwe to buy medicine for the clinic and stock up on some food supplies. We met up with Amanda van Saasen. She has lived in Malawi for 21 years doing missionary work. She is an amazing and strong woman.
On the 18th there was a funeral for a man who drank poison. There were problems between him and his wife. Our workers were really upset. They buried him like a dog. It was so sad and it just made us realise that there is so much missionary work to be done in Mozambique.
The weekend of the 20th we had a choir competition at Chandame. The youth choir wanted to raise money so that they can buy uniforms for the choir. We attended the festivities on Sunday. It was incredible! The choir sang with so much enthusiasm. They raised half of the money that they need for their uniforms. They still need the rest, but God will provide! Jannie also had to take Pastor Daniel to one of the prayer houses in Impale on the 21st.
The Monday of the 22nd God’s light shined brighter than the sun!! We were still working on the solar toilets using the method of the Barefoot Architect. We still need parts for the generator from South Africa.
On the 26th we had a meeting with the owner of the property that our water source is on. The agricultural developments are endangering the water source so we came up with a solution that the church should buy the land from him and he approved.
From the 26th to the 28th the Presbytery meeting took place at Chandame. Church elders and ministers of the congregation attended the meeting. Pastor Daniel also preached his last sermon. The verse he highlighted was Phil 4 verse 4 to 9. He is leaving us after 8 months at Chandame. The Synod relocated him to Mpatso to so that he can manage the farm project. So we are again looking for a new pastor.
Patients that were treated during August – 320.
God Bless!
Susan Smit