Off To The Bush

Our practical experience began within a few days. We loaded up and headed to the bush, bush. That is farther away than the bush. How far I can't tell you! Twice the bush! On the way out there were 25 missionaries and student pastors in the cameo truck, food for three days, generator, sound system, lights, screen, projector. Upon arriving at a village we provide breath taking entertainment  as we set up our tents and mingle with the people. Little babies scream at our white faces. We have learned about three phrases of the tribal language. Hello, how are you? Thank you. It's quite a scene and quite an experience and  I have a blast. Darkness comes fast and we set up everything we need to show a movie! It must be an incredible experience for the village people to watch a 2 1/2 hour movie about Jesus. Village life isn't much different than life during Jesus' day. Afterwards many, many raise their hands to receive Jesus. Women breakdown in sobs when Jesus is crucified. Their understanding of His sacrifice makes me feel a deep poverty of spiritual appreciation. The following day we hiked about five miles into the bush (would that be the bush bush bush?) to a oily colored water hole and baptized about 75 people. Waist deep in water Ron helped the pastor give everyone a good soaking and the rest of us prayed for people as they came shivering out of the water. In the afternoon five gracious couples invited us to their wedding. Well, no invite was extended, but I hope they considered it an honor that we were there.It was an amazing ceremony! Just amazing, and if I were to describe it the cumputer's battery could not last.
After noon we loaded up the truck and left the village with children running along side of the truck, animals scattering, pastors singing, and laughing, smiling villagers waving good bye and headed to the next village. The senior pastor who was with us is a highly respected Mozambican man in charge of the all the churches in this district. So when he arrives, people are married, churches dedicated, and the villagers send back presents of gratitude with us. At the second village we baptized another 50 or 70 people in the Lurio River (for those of you who like to know where in the bush bush we were.) Because of the strong Muslim nature of this area we are asked not to mention personal names, the ministry's name, or specific information in our blogs. So sorry for some generalities.
Eight more passengers, two bunches of bananas, two very large bags of mateka, one living chicken bound at its feet, and a bundle of sugar cane poles were added to the truck and we came home. Whew, three days in the bush, red dust, hot sweaty days and two long wind whipped sun draining. I've NEVER been so dirty. End of the report on outreach.