We greet you from a very hot and sizzling Mozambique! Did we mention hot? As if it was not hot enough, we have 100% humidity too on some days…who ever heard of 100% humidity? Basically, it means you need to take a shower 5 minutes after taking one! One day Jean took our thermometer out of the shade and left it in the sun for a minute and it registered 127F! While winter temperatures drop in the western hemisphere, temperatures soar higher and higher in Africa. As the heat index climbs in the natural, we also rejoice at the parallel elevation and open heavens in the Spirit….
Like the open heaven He blessed us with on Christmas. For weeks, Jean and I prepared gifts for our kids (Thank you again Valleybrook! The children from this church raised money to buy presents for all 188 of our kids). Even in the midst of the crazy shopping and preparations, our prayer was “Jesus- you are the true gift this Christmas! May every child have a fresh revelation of you this year!” He is so faithful! On Christmas day, we were so wonderfully aware of the Father’s delight in His children. It was His birthday party and we had a blast! Our Iris family enjoyed a precious time with Him as we opened presents, prayed, worshiped, ate chicken, and drank Coca Cola.
The day got even better as the gates of our center opened at 1pm for all the community kids to join the Christmas celebrations. Over 1500 kids were gathered at the gate waiting to come in. Our Makua youth did an outstanding job helping the kids come into the center in groups, avoiding a mass stampede. Groups of 20 were lead to the kitchen where each child received a full plate of rice, chicken, and a coke. Upon leaving the kitchen, each child received a present (small toy or stuffed animal) and candy bag. Things got a little crazy as the kids realized what awaited them….suddenly over 800 kids wanted out of the kitchen at the same time☺ The riot was short lived as our Makua youth came to the rescue was again. Soon we had organized lines and kids waiting patently for their turn to leave and receive their present. By the end of the day, over 2200 kids/adults had full bellies and happy hearts, but even better, each one was touched by the lavish love of God.
We were able to put together a short, 5 min DVD of our Christmas celebration. Please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIeob4byzxs
or email me to request a copy to be sent directly to your home (please include your mailing address if we do not already have it)
Since Christmas, our days have slowed down a little and we have transitioned back into teaching, dorm parenting, assisting with visitors, and spending lots of time with Jesus. God has spoken to us that 2009 will be a year of fire and fruit. “He that abideth in me, and I in Him, the same bringeth forth much fruit…Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” (John 15:5,8). “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Heb 12:28-29). “The fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifice; and the glory of the Lord filled the house” (2 Chron 7:1). We want to be that offering! Our greatest pursuit is to abide in manifest presence of our King. Whether in the secret place or out facing the multitudes, our hearts are crying out for His presence (fire) and His harvest (fruit).
We love you! We love you! We love you! Did we mention how we love you? Thank you again and again for your love and your prayers. Please know we adore the e-mails in response to our updates and any news from you. We are not usually able to respond quickly, but we always get around to it. Until we connect again, may we fix our eyes on beautiful Jesus and may we completely abide in Him.
Huge blessings,
Jean and Teisa
