“Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.” – John 4 : 35 - 36
In a dusty village called Panhame, Mozambique, two women were chatting next to a dilapidated shack and a few children were playing with sticks, stones and a broken cup. They had a good day and were laughing and joking with one another. They all had a bowl of porridge and some spinach, but best of all: they got to see a movie.
Some strange people came to their village to show them moving pictures of a man named Jesus and then the strangers told them stories about God and this man, Jesus. Even more exiting, they gave some of the elders radios. Now they can all get together and listen to Bible stories and teachings in their own language. Life is surely looking up for these youngsters. Who knows, maybe they’ll even get to finish school one day.
Maria (12) dreams of becoming a nurse and Santos (10) wants to be a builder. But on that warm winters day, these children’s lives changed forever. They saw the Jesus Film and heard the Gospel for the first time in their own language, Shangaan.
A missionary team consisting of 30 members from South Africa journeyed to Panhame, Mozambique, to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to these people who are living in spiritual darkness and ignorance. Ms. Lebo Pooe, a continuity presenter at the Africa Regional Office, represented Trans World Radio on this missions outreach trip.
Panhame is located in the southern-central part of Mozambique along the Limpopo river and poverty is evident. The people who live in the area have extensive spiritual, social and physical needs. There are a few churches, but no spiritual framework. The local Baptist church, with whom TWR collaborated on this outreach, is made up of 13 members. “They are desperate for the Gospel and for good, solid teachings from the Word of God,” says Lebo. “There are huge spiritual and social issues. Alcohol abuse and broken families are a common sight. There are only two classrooms available for the children from the 82 local families.”
Lebo gave seven wind-up radios from TWR-Africa to the local pastor who distributed them to the village chief and six other recipients. She left 14 more radios with Pastor Pedro to be distributed as the need arises.
Most of the local Shangaan-speaking people had never before heard the Gospel of Jesus and they were also totally unaware of TWR’s existence. Lebo says: “It’s an oral society and I was very blessed to witness TWR’s Orality strategy first-hand. I can’t explain the joy I felt when I saw understanding dawn on their faces as they heard about Jesus in their own language.” She goes on to say: “To see the value of radio in this poor community is priceless. We, at TWR, have a huge responsibility to share the gift of salvation with people like these.”
Please pray:
- that the Word which was preached will be rooted and established in their hearts
- for the local village chief’s relationship with God to deepen (he is a very influential man and will encourage others to follow his example)
- for strength, courage and endurance for the local pastors
Published 14 August 2008 |
