ZULULAND AND CYCLONE IRENE
MARCH 2012


Back on back Short Term Mission trips to Jozini/Shogela and Mbuswana/Manzibomvu in Northern Zululand took place during March 2012.
Five days at Jozini focusing on evangelism and church planting, two days break at Jozini Lake for relaxation, maintenance, cleaning, and recreation by those who were staying on for the second leg; and then on to Manzibomvu for six days, focusing on “church health/discipleship”.

This new model is an attempt to reduce mission costs, by staying on in a region. Rising fuel prices have made transportation the highest expense in mission…….this way we almost get two trips for the travel-cost of one.


JOZINI/SHOGELA
God has enabled us to plant a church in each of these communities. Jozini is a small town inhabited by about 20,000 people, mainly Zulu; while Shugela is a rural community 17 miles from Jozini. It is situated along the Pongola River, which is continually fed from the Jozini Lake. Along this course of the river the SA government has introduced sugar cane farming in the hope that this empowerment program will enable the local community to reach self-sustainability in years to come.

The team made up of members from Florida, Mooiriver, Scottsville and Cambridge Baptist
Churches, chose to set up their bush camp on the church grounds at the Shugela Baptist Church. This community does not enjoy modern amenities. We had to generate our own electricity and haul water in drums from the closest communal faucet, about a mile away. A newly built pit latrine and cold showers from portable shower bags served us well. Two man tents for team accommodation provided us with some creature comforts.

The bush kitchen produced an excellent menu and most tasty meals. Everyone was in high
spirits and anticipating great blessings form God. Ministry was rich and rewarding. Thank you
Jesus…. that’s why we are here! Cultural inter-action was meaningful and joyful…especially when each other’s idiosyncrasies were uncovered.

Each day; before breakfast we visited a school, shared testimonies, preached the Gospel and then distributed Gospel’s of John to the students. The high school opened its door to future visits and asked about the possibility of youth mission teams spending a week in ministry to all the students. They also asked us to help them set up a “Student Christian Organization”….PG.

Breakfast at 9.00am and then time in the Word for our own edification. I had the joy of expounding the first four chapters of Mark’s Gospel, under the general heading of, “THE JESUS WE WANT TO KNOW”. Once again, the Life, Work and Ministry of Jesus both inspired us to live like Him, and raised the level of commitment in our efforts to grow the Eternal Kingdom of God. After prayer we felt ready to face the challenge of taking the Gospel to this relatively un-reached people’s group.

By now the thermometer was peaking at 32 degrees centigrade…..it was hot, very hot…….and humid. But, each home we visited during the next hours of door-to-door evangelism, brought life
transforming experiences of the blessedness, which is ours in telling others about Jesus. Most of the people we met were unbelievers, the majority belonging to African Animistic/Syncretistic Religions. They were friendly [ many never having had a visit from Christians], open to the Gospel and very appreciative of our interest in their lives. Some of the homes were very poor and needy. These we blessed with gifts of food, clothing and literature.

Soon it was time to return to our base camp. There we washed, ate lunch and began preparation for the children’s evangelism which would commence at about 3.00pm. Each day the numbers grew and eventually there were about 120 children attending. Thank you Jesus.

Team members not involved in children’s ministry, busied themselves in construction projects on the new church building…instillation of electric lights throughout the facility, replacement
of rudimentary curtain strings with rails and new curtains……these gave the church a new look. Others helped in the kitchen while those up to the task went off to collect eleven drums of water.

Once these ministries/tasks were completed there was just enough time for the team members to catch a cold shower [most welcome it the heat] and prepare for the evening evangelistic service which was due to stare at 6.30pm. The attendance was good and improved each night. Everyone seemed to be soaking up the truth of the Gospel. 9pm came too quickly. Thank you Jesus for hungry searching souls.

The congregation is on its way home; in the dark; but that’s Africa…….now it was time for us to enjoy our evening dinner. Meat and vegetables and salad, followed by desert and tea/coffee and sufficient time to reflect on and testify about the blessings of the day. There was no “dead air”. It was hard to get a chance to add your little bit. In it all Jesus was getting the Glory “FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAD DONE ……BOTH IN THE LIVES OF THE TEAM MEMBERS AND THROUGH THEM IN THE LIVES OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE”……PG.

This was generally our daily program, a few changes made here and there to accommodate special cases of poverty and need in the community

AND THEN THE CELL PHONES BEGAN RINGING…….SOMETHING WAS HAPPENING.
We were all consumed with the immediate, and did not know too much about what was going on in Africa and beyond. But, family of team members had been watching the news and weather reports and simultaneously began informing us of Cyclone Irene, which was over the Madagascar Channel and heading in our direction at a speed of 24 miles per hour. Advice from the outside world ranged from caution, to “pack up and run for home……as quickly as you can.”

After discussion with the team, in which I was unable to answer most of their questions related to how Irene would affect us and what the outcome of her “mischief” might be; I’m delighted to say everyone decided to stay and complete the ministry assigned us…….WITH THE GREAT ASSURANCE THAT OUR SOVREIGN GOD WHO HAD CALLED US TO BE IN THIS SIUATION WOULD TAKE GOOD CARE OF US.

AND, EVENTUALLY IT CAME, SOMEWHAT SUDDENLY , FROM THE SOUTH EAST. First a change in the wind direction, then an intensification of the wind …..to gusts reaching gale force. The horizon started to boast a huge bank of clouds and the sky grew dark…….there was an
ominous threat showing in the elements……which brought a measure of nervous anticipation to most of us.

By now we had dropped our tents and moved into the church building for protection. This had it’s own side affects…….we were now thrown together with no place to hide. Moderate claustrophobia, I guess you could call it, and these situations bring changes in team dynamics.
The weather was deteriorating by the minute now, stronger gusts of wind with driving rain began to set in………and we soon sensed that it was there to stay. There simply was no indication that this storm was going to let up and it didn’t ……not for 23 hours. Torrential driving rain, during which about 8-10 inches of water was dumped across the Maketini Flats. Water, water everywhere, roads turned into rivers, vales now ponds and dams.

However, we were dry and safe and very thankful……THE MILLION DOLLAR SILENT QUESTION ON EVERONE’S HEART WAS…….WHAT NOW ?
The answer came quickly at about 3 pm, as children started to arrive for the children’s program, which by now had been moved into the church. While not as many as the day before, nevertheless more than sufficient children for a wonderful time of fellowship and inspiration in
the word. We were somewhat rebuked by our sinful “lack of faith.”

AND the same response at 6.30 pm when the church began to fill with those coming for the evening service. Sopping wet, feet covered in red clay, but, the church like the day before was comfortably full. Everyone in very high spirits, obviously anticipating rich blessings from the Lord. As a team we were speechless in the face of this hunger for worship and preaching of the Word of God. But the GUT-WRENCH, that finished us off was when a senior crippled lady came through the doorway in a wheel-chair assisted by some young men, who had pushed/pulled her from her home; 2 miles away. In addition to her disabilities she appeared to be struggling with other health issues. Her confession, when asked about her presence on a night like this….. “I’m a Christian in need of worship and a touch from God….I’ve come in the hope that the elders present will pray for me tonight.” Thank you JESUS for this display of affection for you and your Sanctuary and all that it represents in her life of commitment to Christ and His cause” Humbled by these and other lessons learned from the inside of the cyclone, team members confessed how fickle our faith can be, and DECLARED WITH JOY that in the contest of MISSION VERSES CYCLONE IRENE …..MISSION HAD WON; “HANDS DOWN”……..BY GOD;S GRACE AND FOR HIS GLORY. P.G.

Sunday, and it was still raining, albeit not as severe as earlier. We were up early, to pack vehicles and prepare of worship. The team was split into smaller groups so that we could minister at Shugela and Jozini Baptist Churches. The rain suddenly started to change to drizzle. Thank you Jesus. This will certainly help in getting the vehicles out of the bush on tracks now turned into streams to the gravel road, which leads back to Jozini. It was a challenge, but all the vehicles eventually made it. P.G.

After blessed church services the team members headed for home, while four of us spent two days at lake Jozini in preparation for the second leg of the mission trip to the Mbuswana region near Sodwana Bay.

MBUSWANA/MANZIBOMVU
Here we have two large congregations, pastured by bio-vocational pastors. Manzibomvu has been in existence for about 20 years and is regarded as the mother church for the region, while Mbuswana is 6 years old. Both sustain themselves and are fulfilling a very effective ministry role in their respective regions. We are here to help train and develop these congregations in the crucial areas of discipleship, leadership training and individual spiritual growth.

However, this greater area of Northern KZN is noted for its shortage of employment, which has over the years forced its population into escalating poverty. We are prepared with food parcels and clothing for the needy, whom we hope to engage through home visitation. In addition we have brought about 4500 Zulu Gospels of John , which we intend distributing to learners in the local schools.

Our daily program follows the usual pattern. 7.30 am is school visitation and ministry, followed by breakfast and devotions, which last until 10.30am. Then it’s into the community for home
visits. The afternoon is taken up with children’s outreach. At 6.30pm the evening service focuses on Biblical Exposition, which is hoped, will strengthen the whole congregation into greater spiritual maturity.

It only takes one day in the field for all of us to feel the agony of the ambivalence that has overtaken our emotional state of mind. On the one hand we are “blown away” at the open warmth of people everywhere who are very hungry and eager to receive the Word of God, while on the other hand we are torn apart at the inescapable poverty which seems to have reached epidemic proportions…….there are orphans……in great numbers…….seemingly everywhere.

It’s not to long before we run out of food parcels and clothing. God in His goodness provides more desperately needed food. But, the need is huge…..far beyond our ability to solve in the long term. We feel such failures. But, take some solace in the fact that we have come…..in Jesus name…..and have given all that we had available. We have to live in the hope that our Great God of Providence will by His grace make a way for these very needy people. We covenant among ourselves to prayer and seek all means possible to be agents of change through the Eternal Gospel for the Glory of the Eternal Kingdom. Please pray with us !!!!!!!

Soon it’s Sunday once again, and we have to return home after the morning services, which are well attended and blessed by God.

Thousands of people have been reached through Home visits, school evangelism, Literature distribution, children’s outreach and worship services. Thank you Jesus for the privilege of been counted worthy to come on this mission trip.

After emotional goodbyes we finally leave for home with the hope of returning in the not to distant future.

In the meantime pray with us for the following:
-Spiritual growth and development of those worshipping in the churches.
-Salvation of many souls as a result of the recent evangelism
-Ongoing resources to help those living in poverty.
-The above 4 churches as they plan to plant a Baptist Church at Emangusi.

THANK YOU:
-To all who made it possible for us minister in these regions over the past few weeks.
-To team members for your ministry.
-To those who provided resources for the needy.
-To those who prayed for us.
-TO OUR MIGHTY GOD WHO MADE ALL THIS POSSIBLE…FOR WITHOUT HIM WE CAN DO NOTHING.

Trevor Eayrs.
March 2012

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We would like to send you greetings from South Africa and pray God's special blessings on each of you for 2012!
May the year be filled with many opportunities to share the love and light of Jesus Christ.
God Bless each and everyone of you. As many of you know Trevor Eayrs has his knee replacement in November 2011 and has spent the last part of the year resting and recouperating. We have nothing but PRAISE for what God has done in helping him become more and more mobile as he as regained the use of his "new knee". Please continue to pray for him as he excercises his leg to regain full movement to make him more confident and comfortable in his mobility. In all they as a couple have been busy and ministry has continued with the help
of many other willing and able hands. Thank you to all who have helped to keep our mission activities on the go for the last part of 2011.

Praying God's best for you and your families for 2011 - looking forward to working together with you in the year ahead.

Blessings
Trevor Eayrs

PORT ST. JOHNS MISSION TRIP
AUGUST 2011

OBJECTIVES.
Last year Mally and myself with the help of Pastor Xoko spent a week in this costal town in Transkei, reassessing the needs of the region as whole. We looked at the Infra-structure, Sociological needs, Government’s service delivery [Education/health/water/electricity], Church and it’s impact on the community and the well being of people in general.
We concluded that the most pressing need, which needed our immediate attention was a new all embracing spread of the Gospel into homes of the town and region. Starting with the children, we visited 11 schools, distributing about 9000 Gospels of John, and preaching the message of Salvation wherever we were permitted to do so. Without exception each school pleaded for us to return and take the initiative further.PTL.

SO we returned…..evangelism high on our agenda……this time to start with a more concentrated approach in the heart of Port St Johns, which has a number of small independent and denominational churches; and two private medium sized Christian Schools. Plan was to work alongside like-minded Christians in evangelism. Long term plan was to identify where our future major investment should be.

THURSDAY AUG 11th.
Thursday morning[4 am] arrived suddenly with Vernon waking us up and adding the reminder that our fellow-workers, a Short Term Missions Team from the Mooi River Baptist Church was already on-the-road their expected time of arrival with us was 5 am. Quick cup of coffee, last minute packing of frozen foods into the trucks, lock up the house and we were ready. The phone rang, it was Gerry, to inform us that the Mooi River guys were only five minutes away.
A brief moment of introduction, prayer of thanksgiving and petition for God/s protection …..it was 4.55am and we were on our way.

The trip was pleasant. Magusheni only a few kilometers away, where we would tail-gate for breakfast. We were making good progress, and then it all happened, cars, trucks, people everywhere. As we slowed down and came under the traffic control of a young man who directed us through a maze of confusion we discovered that a young lady had been run over by a vehicle and killed, her body in the process of being removed from the scene of the accident. A chilling silent shock of sadness swept through the team. I remembered our prayer time prior to leaving home, “Thank you Jesus that we have been kept from danger and accident”, I found myself praying.

The tailgate breakfast was wonderful. Another hour and a half and we arrived in Port St Johns.
By 12 noon…. we had pitched camp and Mally had a light lunch ready. Enough time for an hour in the WORD and prayer. I have the daily joy of walking the team through an exposition of “Victorious Christian Living and Leadership from the Book of Joshua.
We considered Capter 1. Three Changeless Factors in Leadership:
1. The significance of History. [HIS Story] vs 1-6
2.The Sufficiency of the Word of God vs 7-9
3. God’s Timeless Call to Obedience vs10-11

On the stoke of 3.00 pm Pastor Soloman Bam arrived to help us with set up for the screening of the Jesus film in a new township overlooking the sea. It took some time, but eventually we located the keys to the hall, and the team left for our first ministry opportunity. About sixty younger people were present for the showing of the fist quarter of the film, which closed with Vernon sharing a short Gospel message.

Back at our campsite by 8.30 pm for dinner of meat and vegetables, followed by desert and tea and coffee. “WHO said that mission was difficult !!!!!! “ A very welcome steaming hot shower in ablutions which permit one to listen to the night noises and observe the stars…….then into bed for some hard earned sleep after a considerable long day. God had been good to us and we slept “logs”.

FRIDAY AUG 12th.
Beautiful clear day. An river of icy air was flowing down the Umzimvubu River Valley from the snow covered mountains around Kokstad , some fifty miles inland. We were camped on thebanks of this river…..it was very very cold at seven o’clock. But, this would soon be gone…..the sun was rising……it looked as if it was going to be another hot day in Africa.

Breakfast of porridge, fruit, eggs, bacon, toast and coffee. Dosn’t get better than this! And then into the WORD for devotions and prayer.
Joshua Chap. 2 : RAHAB
1.Her God and her ministry vs 1-9
2.The Gospel of Redemptive History which she Proclaimed vs 10-11
3.Her acceptance into the Children of God Jos 6:23-25
4.Faith with Works Heb11/Jam2:21-25
5.Ancestor to Christ Matt 4:1-6
6.Meditation……”Hope for you and me”

After a time of rejoicing and petition in prayer, and loading of literature into the trucks, we were ready to leave for evangelism in the towns commercial center and at schools.
Vernon’s team visited 2 private schools, distributing English Gospels of John to learners and teachers and preaching the Gospel at both locations. One of the schools requested the Jesus film be screened in the school hall each evening for three nights. Thank you Jesus for influencing us to bring two projectors and two films……something we have never planned for before in our ministry…….God is Good …..ALL THE TIME.
My team joined me on a trip to consult with government leaders and make some food purchases for Mally. It did’nt take us long to finish these errands. Now we needed parking as close to the village market as possible. We found the spot and began to hand out Gospels. The town was wall to wall people. Many of them dignitaries arriving for a Regional Government Leaders celebration taking place in a 3000 seater tent only a stones throw from where were handing out literature. We could hardly contain the flow of people from all walks of life. Everyone seemed to in town , and all excepting one young man that I met ,was very eager to have a Gospel. About 4000 Gospels later…….. 2 pm came quickly and we decide to return to the campsite for lunch.

Over cold meat and salads, fruit and chilled orange juice we exchanged the blessings of the day. There was a warm feeling of blessedness in our hearts as we meditated over the numerous homes into which these Gospels would be taken and hopefully read. “Dear Lord, by your Spirit move these needy people to read the WORD OF GOD which they have received.”

It was “chill-time”……most of the team took a nap.

4.30 pm came quickly. The teams left for their two venues to show the next portion of the Jesus film. It was Friday night…..”Dear Lord please save us from disruptive elements, and open the eyes of those whom you are wishing to bring to Salvation …Amen” Both outreaches had good attendances and returned to camp by 9 pm rejoicing again at how God was honoring our efforts to take the Gospel this needy community.

It was dinner time. Pork stir-fry cooked on an open fire, followed by fresh fruit salad and tea and coffee. It was GOOOOOOD! By 10 pm we were in bed and enjoying the gift of sleep. Thank you Jesus.

SATURDAY AUG 13th.
The weather had changed. Rained all through the night and was still a little intermittent. Everyone was dry, and taking it in their stride as men on a mission ought to do. A tsty hot breakfast of porridge and French toast , fruit , toast and coffee made all the difference.
Then it was into the WORD once again. JOSHUA chap 3.
We considered 15 dynamics of Victorious Christian Leadership which were revealed on
this occasion in the leadership model of Joshua as he lead the Children of Israel across the river Jordan. Then it was back to the commercial center of town to distribute a further two thousand Gospels, do some follow up evangelism with contacts made earlier and confirm ministry for the rest of the day.
Our hamburger lunch was early, to as much time as possible for a visionary tour to some of the outlying rural areas of Port St Johns, where we have been planting churches for the past 14 years. There is still a lot of ministry which still needs to be completed/developed. The team returned more burdened than ever for the masses of people still living in poverty and spiritual darkness.
Most school children in these areas arrive at school each day withour a meal in their stomachs. Government is currently trying to supply one hot meal per child per school day.

At 3pm Mally and I left for Luskisiki where a group for 100 ladies from Baptist Churches in the Transkei were gathered for a leadership conference. We were overwhelmed by their welcome. Mally brought greetoings and addressed the conference, sharing a message on Women in Leadership from Phil.4: 4-7.

Before we left, there was the customary courtesy of hot tea and a light meal. Fellowship was rich and encouraging for all of us. To soon we had to leave to get back to Port St Johns in time for the final screening of the Last section of the Jesus film.

Their was great rejoicing when the teams returned at 9pm. 32 young people had responded to an invitation for those who wished to seek Christ as Savior. On this wonderful note the day came to an end.

SUNDAY AUG 14th.

A beautiful day, cloudless and warm to hot. Before breakfast the Mooi River guys were very busy breaking camp. They were leaving for home immediately after the morning worship service which they were going to minister at in Port ST Johns.

Our devotions took us to Joshua chapters 4-5 PREPERATIONS FOR BATTLE.
1.Understanding the significance of the ARK OF THE COVENANT chap4
2.Circumcision:its place and meaning chap 5:2-9
3.Passover: its celerbration and significance. Chap5:10-12

With this food for thought the teams left for worship and minister, Vernon into Port ST Johns, where they led worship at the youth center where Pastor Solomon Bam is planting an English Speaking church among young people. Mally and I headed for Tombo Baptist Church , a tiny congregation housed in the smallest of sanctuaries off the beaten track and hidden in the bush. After some searching we eventually found it. The most amazing welcome awaited us. We last visited this congregation about 14 years ago, when they prepared a breakfast and worship
service for 35 young people on a Mission Safari. NOW it was our tern to reciprocate. The
Afro-centric worship was very inspirational and then it was time for me to preach. A message of encouragement from Mark 4:35-41…”Jesus calms the storm.” When the service ended we had the joy of distributing gifts to this impoverished community. Toys for the children, food and vegetable seed for the households, clothing for men and women and children, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap for all. It was a wonderful of giving and receiving. Such joy was evident
that I have not seen for a long time. One of theyouger ladies asked…..”what’s happening, how did all these gifts come about ?……AN old old granny replied…..IT’S NKULUKULU [AWESOME GOD OF THE UNIVERSE] WHO IS VISITING US TODAY. She was so right in her understanding of God and is providential care of the Bride of Christ.
After an hour of rejoicing together we had to leave, with warm hearts of thanksgiving for the supreme joy that is experienced when one is able to serve God through the Great commission ministries of the Church.

Our journey back was through some stunningly beautiful scenery, to our riverside camp where “chilled” with nature for the rest of the day.

MONDAY AUG 15th.
Vernon once again got us up and going at the crack of dawn. Two schools in Lusikisiki for ministry and Gospel distribution and the inspection of a building project lay ahead of us.
By 7 am we were on our way. Although the rain had stopped, the roads were wet. This meant we were in for some “fun and games” once turned off the paved main road.
The school visits were again most inspiring. Children were overjoyed with their own copy of scripture in English, even though it was on one of the books of the Bible. Then it was on to check the building…..and we nearly didn’t make it.Somehow we got through and very impressed
with quality of workmanship. We hope it will not be to long before this home for the local Pastor is finished.

We arrived back at camp around midday. Our ministry finished for this trip, meant that we now had to start breaking camp, pack trucks and prepare for the journey home. Leaving the field is often more difficult than arriving. One doesn’t know whether one will ever get to be back and visit with these dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. Their indomitable spirit in the face of so much uncertainty, poverty, and difficulty is very humbling to those of us whose live with so much comfort and ease. We are very grateful to God for the glorious privilege which has been ours to live with, and minister to, this warm hearted community.

THANKS
-to those who make it possible for us perform the ministry of mission.
-to those who provided the resources.
-to those who gave the gifts of toys, seed, shoes, food, Gospels, clothes and other commodities.
-to those who encourage to keep going.
-to those who pray without ceasing.
-to the mission team from Mooi River Baptist Church.

BUT, MOST OF ALL OUR GREATEST THANKS TO OUR LORD AND SAVIOR WHOSE PRIVILGE IT IS FOR US REPRESENT AS THE ONE AND ONLY SAVIOR OF ALL PEOPLE EVERWHERE.

Trevor Eayrs
August 2011.

KENYA
SEPTEMBER 2011

A privileged invitation from Bayleaf Baptist Church, North Carolina; to join one of their short term teams on a mission trip to Kenya finally came together. Mally and I departed from O R
Tambo airport [Johannesburg] at 2.00 p.m. on Sunday 12th September 2011, en route for Joshua Nkomo International Airport,in Nairobi. We landed at about 6.30 pm having enjoyed
excellent hospitality from the Kenyan Airways cabin crew.
The N.C.team was expected to arrive on a KLM flight at 8.30pm. All went according to plan and by 9.45pm four mini buses with 18 team members, some very jet-lagged, set out for Kasarian; a small country town situated on the on the mountainous slopes of the eastern wall of the Rift Valley about 70 kilometers directly south of Nairobi.

Our accommodation at Whistling Thorns, a country hotel/lodge, was very comfortable, quiet and most conducive for team building and ministry. From here we would travel for about an hour to our daily assignments in the Rift Valley.

Mally, was going to teach pastors wives and women from the Sermon on the Mount, while my
assignment was to teach pastors the “Biblical Principles of Victorious Christian Leadership” from Joshua.

THE PEOPLE OF THE RIFT VALLEY
The area in which we would be ministering is sparsely inhabited by Maasai herdsmen and
their families. These are pastoral farmers who exist solely from the proceeds of their herds of cattle and flocks of goats. Milk and meat are their staple diet.
They live together as clans……four generations in bomas made from thorn trees on the inside of which there are mud and stick huts/homes for each family/wife and her children. Polygamy is practiced. The men are the traditional herders and caregivers for the animals, while the women seek to raise the children and care for the homes. It is not uncommon for the men to be away from home for long periods, in search of grazing for their animals. Kenya is experiencing one the worst droughts in its history. This is not only taking its toll on family life, but also had huge implications for us and our ministry. For starters many of the men were away seeking better pasture.

The nearest neighbors may be a kilometer or more away. As they are living in one of Africa’s most viable natural wildlife habitats these people share their lives and the environment with the vast variety of wild animals which migrate to and fro seeking food and water in the Rift Valley.

The Maasai are nationalistic, and want to preserve their culture. We found them friendly,
hospitable and very willing to receive us and the ministry which we presented.

DAY ONE
Up at 6.00am. Another glorious day in Africa.
It was time to be in the WORD. Read Heabrews 1-4 and psalms 34-35. Heb 1:3 was a solemn reminder of the Savior we were meant to be proclaiming among the Maasai….”He is the radiance of the Glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Dear Lord, help us to exalt you alone and show us your infinite power in all our efforts to reach these people.”

By 8.30am we were through with breakfast, team devotions and seated in the mini buses ready for the drive to Lerujat, where we would teach for the day. The drive was bumpy…..roads or what remains of them were atrocious, but the scenery was stunning. The Rift Valley has a charm of its own. Very rugged, dry, flat…..but full of life. The fauna and flora are wonderful….God is majestic in His creation. Animals, birds, creatures everywhere……so diverse, but all attracting attention to their designer who is The LORD GOD…. CREATOR AND SUSTAINER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. We were overawed…..Thank you Jesus for this display of your AWESOME MAJESTY.

When we arrived at Liberty Baptist Church, the pastors and their people were waiting for us. Some ladies were already cooking on the open fires. A discreet distance from the activities were two church members busy dressing the goat which had been slaughtered for our midday meal. Having been raised in central Africa, I had to see for myself……as expected they were doing a very good job…….the meat looked even better. I felt hungry already!!!!!

Soon we were teaching. Ladies under one shelter being taught by ladies, men in another being taught by men……sounds like something I had read in the scriptures. There were eight pastors in my group, others were still on their way. We spent the morning in Joshua 1 and 2.

Chapt. 1 Three unchangeable dynamics of victorious Christian leadership:-
Trust in the GOD of History
Dependence and direction from the Word of God
Obedience to the God of the Word.
Chap. 2. "Rahab…A beacon of hope“

As always the most rewarding moments in teaching came when we broke for the midday meal of roasted goat and vegetables. AND it was GOOD. Most of the pastors huddled together and began discussing the lectures. Those who had grasped the truth ensuring that the others were brought “up to speed”. Iron sharpening iron……the Oral Tradition of Jesus day still effective in conveying THE TRUTH to those who need to be enlightened. Thank you Jesus.
All to quickly the day was over and we were on our way back to the lodge. Tired, sunburned, dusty, but inwardly enjoying hearts which were filled with joy and gladness at having had the
undeserved privilege of bearing the wonderful truth of the Gospel to those who were wanting to be taught.

Hot shower, supper, team talk and we were ready for bed and some most enjoyable sleep.

DAY TWO
Started with readings from Heb 3-4 and Psalms 36-37. Heard the lord saying to me that “Help is always near”. This made greater sense when we arrived at Liberty Baptist for day two of the Seminar. I was immediately informed that I would not be teaching until later in the day. My services had been requested at Magadi , a region some 40 kilometers away .The local chief and community leaders had decided on a day of prayer for rain and discussion on how best to
tackle the water crisis. Someone had suggested that before any prayer be made the gathered community should sit under the preaching of the Word of God in the hope of hearing a message form the LORD. The community agreed and decided to request the visiting Mzungu…….[white fellow] preacher/teacher to please be God’s spokesman for the opening session. While humbled at the privilege and somewhat nervous, I was nevertheless most excited about the opportunity to
preach to this very diverse congregation……..the majority men.

I REMEMBERED GOD’S WORD TO ME MY DEVOTIONS THAT MORNING……” GOD’S HELP IS ALWAYS NEAR”. Thank you Jesus.


The journey to Magadi didn’t take long, but it did reveal the devastation which the drought
was having on this region. We were now in the lowest basin of the Rift Valley. A dry and parched landscape that seemed to go on forever. Dust devils /whirlwinds pumped sand, leaves, twigs hundreds of feet into the air. They were everywhere……a sure sign of the severity of the drought.
Often we passed people with their empty container laden donkeys, sometimes as many as
fifteen in number, looking for water. We stopped for a photo-opportunity. While I was standing outside the vehicle, trying to comprehend the devastation, I became strangely aware of eyes watching our every move. Human eyes. Then I saw her; a young lady with a baby in her arms…..sitting under a tree…..what was left of the tree….trying to find some respite from the early morning searing heat of the sun….she looked so alone in this wilderness. I wondered what she was doing out here….with such a young baby……on a day like this. BUT, none of this was my business OR was it my business? I waved and greeted her, she affirmed our presence….our Kenyan pastor spoke a greeting in Maasai, and she spoke back. I knew that they had to be thirsty and so suggested that we give them some water…..there was a half bottle on a seat in the vehicle. Her appreciation was expected, but that was’nt what caught my eye……it was the manner in which she and her “little baby drank in the sweetness of the water……soon it was finished……and what now….. I walked over, replenished her supply, handed her two tracts, and soon we were on our way again. As we drove off, I thought of the simplicity and smallness of giving someone some water. Why was I feeing so blessed…..Then it dawned on …..”That even a cup of cold water given in Jesus name has huge potential for the exaltation and promotion of the Gospel of Salvation……”Dear Lord Jesus, please influence that lady to read and consider the tracts given to her, please open her eyes to the Gospel and take good care of her and her baby.”…….was my prayer as we drove on.

There are no community halls in the Magadi region and so the people had gathered in a church for the prayer meeting. It seemed as if every local leader, male and female, from the chief down, were there……about 150 people. Thank you Jesus. I was dressed in a red Maasai blanket……”This will show that you are one of us” said pastor Peter. A very warm welcome greeted us, tremendous sense of “community” electrified the congregation…….there was a vibrant feeling of anticipation. Worship was lively, introductory speeches brought more joy and then it was time to preach. God had laid Acts 17 on my heart ……Paul preaching on Mars Hill, at the Areopagus [School of Lawyers]….unpacking some of the wonderful attributes of our Sovereign God and showing that mankind’s chief end is “To Glorify this only true and living God by enjoying Him forever.”
THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVED UPON THE CONGRGATION IN GREAT POWER CONVINCING THEM OF THE TRUTH THAT WAS BEING PROCLAIMED FROM THE SCRIPTURE’S.….. Thank you Jesus. This resulted in a great calling on God for His intervention in the lives of the
people of the Rift Valley. We could not stay to long, Lecturing awaited me at Lerujat, where I taught for the rest of the day……

Joshua 3:- 15 Leadership Traits of a Godly Pastor
Joshua 4:- Significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the life of the Children Of Israel.
Reinstitution of Circumcision…..[This presented the opportunity for Exposition and discussion on male and female circumcision in Africa AND the Biblical demand for “CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART]
Soon the day was spent and we started our journey out of the Valley en-route for home. Some of us noted a few cumulus clouds gathering over the western wall of the valley . Nothing to get excited about, it seemed, until we started our ascent of the eastern valley wall…….AND PASTOR PETER’S MOBILE PHONE RANG….WITH TREMDOUS PERCEPTIBLE EXCITEMENT IN HIS BODY LANGUAGE FOLLOWING…..”Clouds have come out of no where and it is raining heavily in the Magadi Region “, he said.

FOR AN HOUR OR MORE THAT EVENING GOD DUMPED SO MUCH WATER ON MAGADI THAT STREAMS BEGAN FLOWING AND WATER POINTS BEGAN TO FILL. NEWS OF THIS UNUSUAL EVENT SPREAD LIKE ‘WILDFIRE’……..Thank you Jesus.

I remembered my devotions that morning…..”God’s help is always near”, and appreciated again the Glorious privilege it is, TO BE IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS……..SO undeserved yet so marvelous…..Thank you AGAIN dear Lord Jesus for CALLING me to be a part of your team to take the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth.

DAY THREE
Started the day in the Word…..Psalms 38-41 and Heb. 5-6. God’s word for the day…..”He put a
new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” …….”Thank you Lord for the promise…..now we can out to evangelize in the
confidence that our dear Lord will bless all our efforts.”

THE ATMOSPHERE WAS ELECTRIC ……we were back at Magadi, about ten kilometers from
where the previous days prayer meeting had taken place…This was to be the venue for our second ‘Two day pastors conference’ Many people had come, they were energized, most chatty and soon we discovered that much of this had to do with the copious rain of the night before…….THIS WAS AN ACKNOWLEGEMENT OF THE POWER OF GOD TO HEAR AND ANSWER PRAYER…..Thank you Jesus.

An announcement was made to all of us in the team……WE WILL HAVE TO EXTEND THE TIME OF COMMENCEMENT BECAUSE TO MANY OF THOSE WHO ARE ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE ARE AWAY HARVESTING WATER AT NEARBY POOLS AND DAMS , BEFORE IT SEEPS AWAY INTO THE PARCHED EARTH.

Flexibility is a wonderful gift ……it makes ministry exciting……never a dull moment. We used the time to build relationships with our new hosts and learned a lot about this region and its people. One young man told me of how he in his lifetime had killed three full grown stock marauding
lions with his Maasai spear and shield. This was confirmed by his friends and I was told is expected of every Maasai MAN. I was speechless when asked if I had killed a lion!!!!!!!!!and
became the laughing stock when I confessed that I struggle to kill a chicken!!!!

Ten o’clock and we were up and lecturing. The pastors, their wives, and men and women were there, as well as a number of folk, including the Chief, who had attended the prayer meeting for rain the day before. They wanted to meet and listen the Mazungu’s [White people] again.

The sense of the presence of God convincing Men of the infallible truth of the Word of God [Joshua 1] was most apparent. So that, the first session ended with the suggestion that each man find a secluded spot and spend a few minutes in private meditation and prayer. Silence fell over the church campus as we all endeavored to seek and find God.

Session 2….Joshua 2…..And again we could sense the Holy Spirit moving in our midst….Thank you Jesus. Almost 1 o’clock…..lunch time…..I asked one of the young pastors to close the session
for us. He was constrained to make an appeal. “Any pastor who has heard the voice God calling him re-consecration is invited to come and stand before the Lord, and we will pray for him,” he said. Without hesitation two elderly Maasai herdsmen in their traditional loin-cloth dress, stepped forward and walked to the pastor. He was somewhat amazed, and with halting tongue asked why they had responded. Spontaneously, came the reply, “It’s not only pastors who need and want this God that we have been hearing about……we herdsmen also want Him in our lives”…..There was hushed silence for just a moment, and then the pastor asked me if I would lead these men n the Way of Salvation. We counseled and prayed together…..the Spirit of God affirming their sincerity to seek and find the Savior. AS THE LAST AMEN WAS SPOKEN A YOUNG MAN GRABED ME AROUND THE SHOULDERS WITH BOTH ARMS……..PASTOR, he said with great intensity, and pointing to one of the men just counseled…..”PASTOR, MY FADDER…..MY FADDER…..THIS MY FADDER.” I soon realized as the interpreter clarified that one of these men who had just found Christ in Salvation, was the father of this young pastor. He confessed that he had been ministering to and praying for his dad for some time. HALLELUJAH……THANK YOU JESUS.

We were called to join the ladies for lunch. Someone gave thanks for the meal, AND PRAYED AGAIN FOR RAIN. Roasted goat and vegetables. The aroma was so good and it looked even better…..but I couldn’t eat. I introduced Pastor Daniel, whose father had just found Christ, shared the joys of seeing souls come to NEW LIFE in Christ and then took a walk through
the village. “I wanted to take a moment to ponder again on the WONDER OF GOD’S GRACE WHICH IS GIVEN FOR THE SALVATIN OF HOPLESS AND UNDESREVING SINNERS ….”Thank you Jesus for Salvation which has come to my life and the lives of these men today .”
With great joy we said goodbye and affirmed our hopes of been together in the morning for the
second day of the conference. Once again we were grubby, dusty, sun burned, and weary. The road seemed more bumpy than yesterday. We hadn’t traveled to far before we noticed something startling……a growing dark cloud over the eastern wall of the valley…..about ten kilometers
away. “That’s where we are headed”, said our driver.

With every kilometer the sky grew darker and clouds more threatening. Then the odd large drop of rain began to fall. It was awe inspiring, especially after the many prayers for rain that had been prayed. Now it was starting to rain, big drops, falling faster and faaster…..until we could not hear ourselves speaking. A cloudburst of note, like standing under a waterfall. It took less than a minute for evidence of the volune of falling water to start showing on the ground. Little pools, rivulets, could be seen every where. After ten minutes, which seemed like an eternity, these had grown to sizable ponds and streams flowing strongly towards the lowest depressons where the daming affect could be seen taking place before our eyes. WOW, what an awesome display of God’s almighty power in blessing the parched earth.

We stopped to allow some of the pastors to disembark at their village. Every one was exuberant, this sudden provision of abundant water, was making it’s impression on the community. Praise and thanksgiving was been expressed by some of the Christians, a sober testimony to the grace and providence of God. Thank you Jesus.

It rained hard for a long time in the valley, and all night over the eastern valley wall where we were staying. After supper, some of the team spent a few hours on the dining hall varanda, enjoying the sound of the falling rain while we exchanged salvation testimonies and argued the “unfathomable issues of Theology”


DAY FOUR
Cool crisp morning after the rain, mud and slush every where….what an amazing contrast to
the heat and dryness of the drought.

Read Psalms 42-46 and Heb.7-8. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble.’…..such an encouragement! “Be still and know that I am God”……Dear Lord, teach us more about the meaning and means for “being still”.

We traveled well and arrived early at Magadi village for day two of our second seminar. The same group of men had gathered, the chief was present for the third day in a row. Thank you Jesus for
this committed Child of God, whose testimony is is a powerful witness in the Magadi region.
ANOTHER BLESSING…..Pastor David and his father are present. Praise God.
I’m interrupted by the chief, before I can begin lecturing. He has cut and whittled a Maasai stick which he now presnts to me, informing the delegates,” That every Maasai must have a woodie” [stick].”
It’s made from the ISITETI TREE, the hardest wood found in the Rift Valley. Question…..How did he know of my special love for African hard woods? Such spontaneous meaningful kindness. Thank you Jesus for these life enriching Kairos moments.

While we mingled with the local folk, before teaching began, most of the exuberant chatter was around the many blessings we had enjoyed over he past few days, ESPECIALLY THE COPIOUS RAINS. I was in a circle with a group of younger men. Excitedly, and without warning one, blurted out, “Hey.. Mzungu….Pastor, you are a ‘Rain Maker’ “. Without hesitation and for the benefit of all in the group I quickly corrected the young man, by indicating that I was just an ordinary Christian like himself with no claim to supernatural powers. ”God has been gracious in hearing the prayers for rain which have been prayed BY believers and unbelievers….And He has
answered for the benefit of all in this region.” I said. All affirmed the point /truth that I was rying to make……And God was PRAISED.

Teaching from Joshua 3 , “15 Traits of Biblical Leadership”, was once again used by God to inspire this group of men. Relationships were growing between us and they appeared a little less reserved. Inter-action started to flow, and it took one and half hours to get through the lecture. This was followed by a request for a time of Q and A, which was acceded to. I had a hunch that this would prevent any further time of teaching from Joshua. I wasn’t wrong. These men were ready, with the most challenging questions…. sincerely and relevantly put together. It ended up being a most profitable time for all. Other team members suggested that we do not spend enough time wrestling with the right questions which people are asking.

Soon the day was over. It had been a very blessed two days in Magadi. Thank you Jesus.
As we left, it was with the acknowledgement that these were some of the sweetest Christians
many of us had met, AND we wished that we would have the opportunity for our paths to cross again.


DAY FIVE
My time in word from Psalm 47 and Heb 9-10 once again revealed the superb Theology of the Assurance of Salvation, found only through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God for
the life changing , hope generating Gospel of Salvation. I needed this; today and tomorrow we will be busy with home visitation through which we intend to evangelize Maasai families living in the Rift Valley.

Our team was assigned the Tamakura District. A very “back of the woods”, most rural region.
Boma 1: Three men joined me under a tree/shrub. The ladies met on their own with Mally. Had a meaningful time decipling these brothers who had recently come to Christ in Salvation. Shared
with them about the need to “Walk in the light/truth of the Gospel “ from 1John1:5-10. A very blessed time of teaching and prayer.
Boma 2: Large three generational clan.11 men met with me under a tree. Heathen unbelievers, in bondage to sin…..yet very anxious to talk to the Mzungu. Initially it was typically African, conversation was about our cultures, families, wealth and home lands. When asked if I may
tell them about MY GOD, they expressed a desire to listen. Using John 3:16 as a point of departure I had the joy of sharing with them God’s Biblical plan of redemption……from Genesis to revelation……there was intense concentration …..no one moved. My interpreter wrapped up the presentation with an invitation to the men to consider Christ and his gift of Eternal Life. The senior man, head of the clan, spoke on behalf of all the men, thanking us for our kind visit,
informing us of his decision on behalf of the men present….that they would like time to think about these truths……BUT insistent that we should visit again, as he for one would like to learn more about our God.
Boma 3: Oh, so sad……a clan devastated by the drought. They had lost nearly all their cattle
and goats. Even members of their family had died. Only the few women and young children were at the boma, which had been reduced to half it’s normal size as there was not longer any good reason for a larger area. The men and boys were far away looking for better pasture for what remained of their livestock. Mally, ministed to the ladies and children. So good to be able, with confidence, to present the Gospel of Hope in a place of hopeless despair. Thank you Jesus for
being a God for all seasons.

DAY SIX
Anotherglorious day in Africa, cloudless, bright, breathless, already warm at 7o’clock in the morning. We all knew that this was going to be a “COOKER” of a day.

Time in the Word from Psalm 48-49 and Heb 11 was refreshing…….” Remember the O.T. Saints
who through faith, conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out off weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight……..”Lord, give us FAITH today…….” I prayed.

It was a long drive to Oletetesi Baptist Church, much further north in the valley. A large congregation had gathered and wished to be taught. Mally’s and my assignment changed from evangelism to teaching. She had a church full of ladies, and taught them the Sermon on the Mount, Matt 5. I met with 35 men and felt led to teach them some of the Biblical principles of Holiness from the life of David.
OBEDIENCE: The place of the moral law in the life of a believer…..Ps 19
HOLINESS: What it is and how to get there…….Ps 24

Once again home time, came to quickly. These people were friendly, sincere, and most of
all hungry for the Word of God. To soon it was time to leave. Thank you Jesus for your bride and the sense of belonging which we experienced here today.

DAY SEVEN
Started the day in the Word….. Psalms 50-53 and Heb 12. This verse from Heb 12 : 14 caused me to think again about our absolute dependence upon the providence of a merciful Savior. “Strive for peace with everyone, and for holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
It was the Lord’s Day, and this challenge certainly set the tone for worship and ministry.
Mally and I were asked to return to the Tamakura districk. We were overjoyed, because we
had not been back since the heavy rains, and beside our inquisitiveness to see how these had affected the region, we were delighted at the opportunity to re-connect with the many friends we had made.

The drive to Naibor-omom Community Church, situated a considerable distance off the main
road through the valley, raised our sense of anticipation. It didn’t take long for suspicions to be blown away beyond our imaginations. As we started our descent into the valley, for as far as the eye could see in the Larujat and Magadi regions, everything was green,…… green and more green. In the four days since the rains, the countryside had been transformed. Pools of water
everywhere, trees refreshed, green grass covering the plains, AND NOT SURPRISING, BUT MIND BOGGLING WAS THE FACT THAT SO MANY WILD ANIMALS SEEMED TO
HAVE MOVED INTO THE AREA, AND WERE NOT IN THE LEAST CONCERNED ABOUT OUR
PRESENCE. Families of giraffe, herds of zebra, brown gazelle in one’s and two’s, many Thompson Gazelle and groups of ostrich. They had obviously read the natural elements correctly and were here to benefit.

The Worship service was blessed, church-full of people, MALLY shared a message for the
ladies, lively praise and worship, message from Acts 17…..Paul preaching/teaching the Athenians about the attributes of Almighty God, and then exchange of gifts. All so meaningful. Now it was time to say good bye…..for real. This is the last time we will see each other. We prayed one last time, for each other, and that God would be Glorified in our respective lives and ministries.

Our departure was with the acknowledgement that Our dear Lord had blessed the past
week and all it’s activities, beyond our expectation and deserving. Thank you Jesus.


DAY EIGHT
Heb 13 and Psalms 54-55. The Word affirmed God’s faithfulness to His children, and his commitment to keeping us from been moved from our firm foundation.

By seven o’clock our team of five was well on it’s way to Narok, a small town in Kenya’s central Rift Valley region. It took four hours to get there, mainly because of traffic. Our destination was
a Christian school where we would teach classes. Very inspirational ministry. Learners were
more than eager to learn. The day gave us an opportunity to experience/observe urban life in the valley. The contrast was significant. We arrived back at the lodge in time for supper, followed by a rich evening of assessment of the eight days of ministry.

RE-ENTRY
Our hosts spoilt us with two days of sight seeing,….. out of the rural third world into the urban/city first world. One quickly appreciates that both have there up’s and down’s, strong points and weak features. We must be “ALL things to all people.”

HOMEWARDBOUND
The flight to O R Tambo landed at a few minutes past midnight. BUT, as always it was very good to be home……NO place like home. Mally and I want to thank all those who made this mission trip possible. It has been life transforming. We return with a deep sense of appreciation for the Kenyan people who taught so much about our Lord and how to live for His Glory. Thank you so
much Kenyan’s…….These mzungu’s will always have fond memories of you, your churches, your country AND ESPECIALLY YOUR LOVE FOR JESUS.

FOR YOUR
PRAYER MINISTRY
Pray for:-
-end to the drought in Kenya
-millions of Somali refugees in northern Kenya
-Churches of the Rift Valley, and their pastors and members.
-recent Maasai converts.
-ongoing fruit from the evangelistic efforts among the Maasai.
-that God will sustain His church as we continue to strive for global evangelization.

With praise and thanksgiving to our dear Lord Jesus Christ for counting us worthy of being His Co-workers.

Trevor and Marilyn Eayrs.
October 2011

NORTHERN KZN/MOZAMBIQUE MISSION TRIP
MAY 2011


The weather was cold and wet. It had been raining, on and off, for the last twenty four hours. So, when Vernon arrived at 4o’clock in the afternoon we did not hesitate to get the truck and trailer
packed with the commodities which we were planning to take with us to Mozy. This break in the weather may not lastfor to long.

The list of gifts included……A small Hammond organ and Bibles for the church at Ponto Do
Oura, Three large bags of clothes for the congregation at Shugela; and 500 family meals, vegetable garden and building tools, 6 large bags of clothes, pastors bicycle, and 40 pairs of sandals for the congregation at Mudade.

In addition we packed our first consignment of vegetable seeds for the Family Food Garden initiative which MM is launching. These will be distributed freely by our pastors in the poorest regions of Mozy, as a care program for the alleviation of poverty among the poorest of poor. Vernon [Director of Humanitarian Agricultural Ministries ] will be heading up this initiative.

The packing complete, it was dark and growing colder. The hot dinner of meat and vegetables
was most welcome……maybe the last for a few days. We enjoyed fellowship around the dinner table and then decide on some last personal packing and early to bed.

Vernon had us up at 5 o’clock. After prayer we were on the road by 5.30 am. Stopped in Durban to collect Mark, and then it was off to our fist appointment.

Our first stop was Empangeni, to meet up with Seelan Singh. He was present at a Mission Service at which I preached recently. At the close, he was constrained by the Holy Spirit to seek me out and convey the following message……”Pastor Trevor, The Lord has asked me to donate one of my tractors to Mac.Min. for it’s Agricultural Ministry. It will be ready in about a months time and I want you to know that it comes with a two furrow mould-board plow.” Hallelujah….Thank you Jesus.

We met up with Seelan at 8.00 am and he took us to see the tractors which he rebuilds in one of his businesses. We were overwhelmed at this provision brought about by the working of the Spirit of God. In joyful unity of purpose we joined hands in prayer, committed this ministry to God, asked for His abounding blessing on all we were endeavoring to pursue in the interests of the Eternal Kingdom, and then it was a parting of our ways as we headed for our next appointment at Ovambo, about 2 hours away.

It was my turn to drive, our destination was over bad roads and “in the sticks” ……Shugela…..a
most rural community of Zulu people whom government is helping to establish as emergent sugarcane farmers alongside the Pongola River; almost on the border of Swaziland. We had Pastor Tulani Ndlovo [Pastor of Jozini Baptist Church] join us as we passed through Jozini. He is planting a church among this community of Zulu people at Shugela. We are here to inspect the newly completed church building.
We’re very impressed, excellent workmanship, but the builder still needs a little morecement to finish some plastering……a day or two and he will be through. The congregation are already using the building and ministry is progressing. Hallelujah….Thank you Jesus.

We hastily contract business with Mr. Ngwenja [Crocodile] ,who has a huge endearing smile
and is the most gentleman like businessman…..such a joy to work with a Christian brother like this. Then we load the “left over roofing iron “ [will be used on another project], give four large bags of clothing to the leaders of the congregation, join together in prayers of praise and thanksgiving, and suddenly it is time to once again say goodbye. Always harder to take leave of
one’s brothers and sisters, than to say hello. But, this is the nature of this kind of mission trip; we hope it will not be too long before we see each other again.

Now we head for the Mozy border gate at Farazela, some three hours away. No doubt we are
each praying silent prayers for God to grant us safety in travel, easy access across the border into Mozy, protection from dangers and malaria, AND His great anointing on the ministry of encouragement which we long to exercise among the pastors in the Maputo Province of Mozambique.

As we arrive at the border we are gratified by the lack of activity. It’s obviously a quieter moment. People are friendly, relaxed, and even welcoming of us into their country. This is a new experience, maybe some recent training is people’s skills, maybe just the calmness of a less stressful day at the office, maybe God coming up for us in answer to our prayers. We do not care to find out the reasons, but rather enjoy the pleasure of being processed through immigration
and customs in the most pleasant manner. And, as we drive off into the sandy tracks, some very deep, WE give God all the Glory for ultimately it is He who superintends our every move. Thank you Jesus for a most pleasant crossing from SA into Mozy. The only attempt to profit from us was the request of the customs official who made it plain that we would not be progressing, until she had received her free Bible. Well, at the end of the day we can live with this….after all this is
what we are here for: to share the word of God with others……”Dear Lord, please inspire her to read that Bible, AND not sell it !!!!……I find myself silently praying. “

Leaving the border gate, brought it’s own challenges; sand, sand, and more plowed up sand.
The tracks were bad, but, we did okay and after thirty minutes arrived at the Ponta Do Oura Baptist Church, where we were to deliver the organ. The pastor and his family were please to see us. It has been a while since I last visited here. After a time of catching up on news, the organ and
bibles unloaded, we make plans for an early start the next morning. It is agreed that we leave the pastors house at 5 o,clock.

The three of us then leave and head for the village to arrange for some accommodation. We
decide on a small rustic beach cottage. Inexpensive, the doors do not lock, and the water is rusty brown, but it has four neat beds and appears reasonable clean. It’s already dark, the temperature
is dropping in keeping with the cold snap, we’re tired after a long day, so we eat what remains of our packed meals from home, grab a quick shower and spend some time in preparation and The Word before “hitting the sack”

Four thirty am. comes just a little to soon for some of us, but it’s a beautiful morning. Still dark, a little warmer than yesterday, breathless, and not a cloud in the sky. I feel in my heart that this going to be a “good one”. Breakfast of cereal and hot coffee, check that we have all our essentials like passports, drivers licenses, vehicle registration papers, and we head out for Maputo. Our aim is to be back by tonight, something we haven’t achieved before. Pastor Ernesto is ready, we’re on our way. The first challenge is to get through the very bad sand tracks which last for about 35 Kilometers.

It dose not turn out as bad as we expected, for we arrive at Mudade just after 7 o’clock. Only once, did we have to dig ourselves out of the sand. Pastor Fulanno and his family, who live in the bush with zero infra structure, are delighted to see us. Most times they live from hand to mouth. There biggest challenge each day is having to find food to eat and water to drink. Both are in short supply and only obtainable at a considerable distance from their home. At night the
challenge is to escape the malaria carrying mosquitoes which thrive in this region.

Our hearts are warmed by the display of abounding joy shown by the family as we unload the cargo, most of which is for them. Some will be for the church members and the community. Lots of food, bags of clothing, the 40 pairs of sandals, tools for gardening and construction and of course the bicycle for pastor [ he wears a bike out per year].

This a quick visit, we must move on to Maputo. We plan to pop in on way back to Ponta.

It doesn’t take to long to reach the Maputo ocean inlet. It’s only 42 kilometers away and the gravel road is good. But, on arrival it’s the congestion at the ferry point which slows us down. We have to cross the inlet. The city of Maputo is on the other side and travel around by road is
over 100 kilos. After 40 minutes of unloading and loading the 12 vehicles and hundreds of people we are finally on the boat. The ferry ride is only 20 min, soon we are on the streets of Maputo
heading for the inner city where we hope to consult with different businessmen about possible
future partnerships relating to recourses needed for mission. It did not take us long to find out that this part of our trip was going to a resounding failure. We were unable to establish any
trustworthy foundation for future co-operation. Everything seemed to be clouded in uncertainty. We quickly came to the conclusion that God was leading us in another direction. It is sweet relief to live under the superintendence of the head of the Church. Thank you Jesus for always coming up for us.

Mission accomplished in Maputo, we soon made our back across the inlet and headed for
Mudade. Here we were met with the most pleasant surprise. All of Pastor Fulano’s family are at home and busy preparing a midday meal for us. How nice is that. God’s children are so special. Being brothers and sisters in Christ surpasses anything this world can offer. Mission is the most blessed and rewarding ministry imaginable. Thank you Jesus.

While final preparations are being made for he meal, Vernon, spends time teaching Pastor
Fulano how to plan a Family Vegetable Garden and walks him through the variety of seeds which he will leave behind for the congregation and community. This is a new initiative which we are hoping will help alleviate hunger and give credibility to the Church as it seeks to care for the Community. We also inspected the 520 cement blocks which Fulano had made for the new church building we are planning. They were of an excellent quality. We were able to pass on sufficient money for him to make another 1500. He also received enough money to buy the roof for a bedroom which he has added to their home, enabling sons and daughters to now have separate rooms.

It is not too long before we are called to sit down for lunch. The children bring us water in a basin to wash our hands and a towel with which to dry them off. WOW, this is what Jesus taught His disciples to do !!!!!! Then the meal is served. It’s a bowel full of boiled cassava [from the families garden] to eat, and a jug of water to drink. The cassava is delicious, and filled a huge hole in our stomachs. As we sat and ate together, my heart was tugged again and again as I realized that we were eating the MOST lavish meal this family could afford to give us, and that they may, today, have insufficient food for themselves. That’s hospitality, and kindness AND Faith ……just like Jesus displayed it and taught it to His followers.

Conversation around the table covered a variety of interesting subjects. The most unusual
was a story that emerged when I asked why a mango tree in the garden had been burnt from the ground up. Pastor explained that a huge snake had taken up residence in and around their home. He was forced to have a controlled fire break burn around his home [that’s how the mango got burnt] in an effort to drive the snake away. Everything else had failed. He did not wish to kill it and in any case he was to afraid to try. The snake had been there for days. Sometimes sleeping in the church, sometimes in the garden. It was feeding off his chickens, once eating a mother hen and her chicks for a single meal. We soon realized that he was describing the life of a real African Python……”How long was the sake?, someone asked.” He showed us by pointing out the distance from his outside kitchen to where we were seated. The consensus; it must have been at least 4 meters. You can imagine the discussion that followed.

Well all good and blessed times like these come to an end. It was already past our intended time for departure. We prayed together; for God’s great ongoing blessing on the Pastoral Family and their ministry, for their good health where malaria abounds, for bountiful rain and for our safe journey home.

As usual goodbyes have their own sadness. “When will you come again? we were asked”. All
of us were silent, because we could not answer that question. Of course we would like to be back in a “jiffy”. This is family, and family enjoy being together. We left joyously, and with a deep sense of appreciation to the Lord for the richness which He brings to bear on those in His family who live in unity and harmony with each other.

As we drove away through the trees waving to each other, I thought of THE SNAKE, still
probably very alive and possibly not to far away…..”I wished for the God of providence to take good care of pastor Fulano and his family!”…….I did not have the freedom to tell pastor Fulano that these snakes have the potential of a “homing pigeon”…….. Please keep them in your prayers.

Our journey to Ponta Do Oura , and the next day back to South Africa, was with the blessing
of the Lord. We rejoiced together in the privilege we had of once again been able to be the facilitators of so much that is “going on” in Mission. Please join us in thanksgiving to God for all that HE is doing to extent His Eternal Kingdom. Please pray with us that every opportunity WILL be grasped to take the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. Please share with us in these blessings by praying and giving of your time, energies and recourses.

Some of the needs which God may wish you to provide are:-
Finance to complete the Mudade Church.
Finance to help pastor Fulano complete his home.
Help with the Food Garden Ministry.
A trailer for the transport of our tractor.
Short Term Team to minister at Shugela.
Materials to put a ceiling in Pastor Ndlova’s home.
Bibles for the people of Mozambique and Zululand.


Trevor Eayrs.
June 2011.