Kwasizabantu team has successful Mozambique trip

   (click here for a more complete album of photos)

(Click here for earlier info)

The 10 member team left Kwasizabantu on the morning of 13 March.  The trip to the Swaziland border at Lavumisa was uneventful. But at the border there were unexpected complications from the customs control, especially regarding the water tank. After lots of haggling, since the convoy was only in transit to Mozambique, they had to pay import duties on the tank. Upon arrival at the other side of Swaziland they had to pay duties yet again. No amount of reasoning from the mission group could change the minds of the customs police who insisted on the duties being paid. At the Mozambique border, at Namaacha, the customs police insisted on their slice. But, by God's grace, Thomas Mapanga (the only Portuguese speaking member of the team) managed to pursuade them that the tank was a gift to a Mozambican mission. However, when they got through the border post the local police wanted to see proof of payment and seemed to want something out of the deal. Fortunately, the chief of the police was sympathetic towards the mission and released the missionaries.

From there on the trip went well. The team slept over in Maputo and departed 5:30 the next morning for the Inhambane Province to the home of Kwasizabantu missionary Carlos Vilanculos.

When the team arrived at about 5pm they found Carlos working in his fields and his joy was overwhelming when he saw the team! Among the gifts for the Carlo's mission centre was a vehicle, which brought him special gratitude as he needs transport to evangelize in the area.

The team put up camp, 2 ground tents and 2 vehicle roof-top tents, and the temporary kitchen. The next morning, the real work began. Within 2 days he had electricity and running water for the first time in their history!

One of the team members, Manfred Ludwig, installed solar panels, batteries, and wired the whole house. When he was finished there were lights in every room and an outside light. The solar charged batteries can run for a 100 hours.
Other team members fitted gutters and installed the (heavily-customed!) water-tank in order that rain water can be stored. Another part of the team dug a two and a half metre pit and cast a concrete slab for the pit toilet.

Services were held every night and 3 on Sunday. Many people attended and many made decisions for the Lord. Some came for personal counselling. Amongst them was a couple with a small child who had contracted cerebral malaria. Somehow, the child survived after being diagnosed two weeks after contracting the disease. Normally, death results within 3 days if no medication is received. Unfortunately, the child is now palsied and cannot use his limbs. The parents are believers and they asked for prayer, not only for healing but also to accept God's will in this matter. The two year old boy is their only child, his name is Emmanuel.

Carlo's uncle had refused to accept the Gospel, when the team was there previously. He was a drunkard and unfortunately, he died just before the team arrived, with bottle in hand. "The wages of sin is death."

The resistance against the mission is unrelentless, especially from the local witchdoctors who are trying their best to destroy the ministry. Carlos requests prayer intercession for the Lord's protection upon him and his ministry. There are still many needs and a church building is essential, especially in the rainy seasons. Further outreaches to this area are being planned.

The trip back took 2 days and the missionaries arrived tired but happy.

Here is a short video snippet and powerpoint presentation of the trip.