LiveLaugh & Live

New Blog Address

2007-08-22T23:38:00.000+12:00

I have a new blog address. Please go to www.annauinafrica.blogspot.com or CLICK HERE

Name Change - Introducing Musa

2007-08-07T22:25:00.000+12:00

A new name for a new place.

In the Bible, God renaned many people & places. I love the way that all names and places all have their meaning. In Mozambique, I was known as Mana Ana, Ana-Felito, Anita & Aniya....

My new friend Machipchip (Abigal) who is just 17yrs old and just LOVES the Lord and is also our chours leader (with an angel voice on a loud speaker) decided that I should have an African name. I am now known as MUSA - it means lots of grace. First of all, I was relived that I could pronouce it. Then it struck me that even though she has named me and I receive it with great honour, that too my english name Anna means full of grace. God is just so good.

Check these out

2007-08-07T22:14:00.000+12:00

The Beautiful People of AFRICA ON FIRE CHURCH

(Upbove) Felito & I & Eric's Parents & some of the children who received new handknitted scarfs & hats - THANK YOU ERICS Family

(Upbove) Our trusty guards Gito (standing) & Vallente (sitting with guitar) sharing a song during testimony time. Both of these guys are from Mozambique and have left their families and Vallente a job to come and help serve.

(Upbove) Felito & I and my nice Mimi (infront of me with blue scarf & pink n red hat) and some of Sthole's children who also received a new hat & scarf.

Update on Tent

2007-08-03T23:41:00.001+12:00

Hi Prayer Partners

Thank you all so much for your prayers! The tent is still in Benoi being mended.
Felito took the tent back to guy we brought it off and he has very kindly given us another tent to borrow while our one is being mended.

please continue to pray that the winds will die down
please pray that our tent will be mended soon

Palm Ridge is Expericing CHANGE

2007-08-03T23:15:00.000+12:00

Hello everyone!

Can’t believe that Church has been going just over 6 weeks!! It’s awesome!! God has been so faithful and loving!! It has been going well. We are seeing growing in numbers and, we are seeing lives being transformed, it’s amazing! We are just so thankful!

As a reminder, Palm Ridge was known for the Indian community during apartade, which means its known as Moslem community. Even today when you drive in to the township you don’t need any one to show you or tell you, its very obvious that it has been a Moslem place for long time, as in the entrance there is a big Mosque. And at certain times you can the music coming from the huge speakers pointing into the community.

Chair Testimony
We started the church in the tent, with 100 chairs, and it is in the middle of winter here and it’s freezing!! The pastor who borrowed us the land to use, came for a visit and was amazed that even though it’s so very cold people are coming! He was even more shocked to see that after worship had finished that all 100 chairs were full and are in need of more!! He never thought it would be possible to even start during winter due to the cold!! But with God – ALL things are possible!! God is so good!!

A Testimony from Felito
One of the guys in Church is Sthole. He is in his 40s and I have known him for long time, and he didn’t want anything to do with Jesus. I remember once I was visiting my brother here in South Africa when I used to live in Mozambique and Sthole was in my brother’s house and we had small group to pray together and Sthole would go out side and wait till we finished praying, but if the Lord can change Paul of Tarsus, he can change Sthole’s heart. The Lord sent him to help us find the land (in Palm Ridge). From when we had our first service, Sthole has never missed one service. One of the amazing things that are just so awesome is when Sthole phone me and asked, “Why do we have to wait till Thursday to have a service? That’s a long time”. He says. He is so hungry! God has done a change in his heart!! This is TRANSFORMATION!! His wife still can’t believe that the Lord has given her a new husband!! Our God is just so awesome!!

We are seeing people being changed everyday, Palm Ridge is also known for witchcraft. But when they come to Jesus, they give up everything, and they just want the real thing!! The people of Palm Ridge are HUNGRY! Check out Matthew 5:6

What has been happening?
Last week we had Stephanie from Vineyard Laguna Niguel return and she taught about prayer. Everyone was taking everything in. Even the children were sitting still. We have noticed a huge change especially on Thursday evenings at the prayer nights and they do not pray the same!! Its as if something has been released upon them. We are just in awe of what God is doing!! Keep coming Jesus!!

This week Cathi (a dear friend) who has just graduated from the Iris International School of Missions is here to teach us about worship! We are very excited and are looking forward to worshipping God together!!

A Huge THANK YOU
Just want to thank personally the church in San Francisco of California that sent us funds to buy Bibles for our people. You don’t know how blessed people are by this. Thank you. You have made things worse for us in a good way, because they have thousands of questions to ask about the scripture, they just can’t get enough!! Thank you!!

Another THANK YOU
We also want to thank the Vineyard Laguna Niguel Church for sending a team here. You were all such a huge blessing. We want to testify that everyone person that was reached on the one-day outreach are still with us and are growing every day!! You guys were awesome!! Be blessed!!

Things to pray for:

(1) Pray for my car to be fixed, its almost 2 months without a car, its hard

(2) There was a strong wind last weekend that ripped our tent into shreds, please pray that we can get the right person to fix it, that’s our building

(3) Pray so we will be known as community of love,

(4) Pray for the growth not only in numbers but spiritually also.

WILL BE PUTTING UP PHOTOS ON THE BLOG SOON

WWW.AFRICAONFIRE.BLOGSPOT.COM & WWW.YAYSMILESALOT.BLOGSPOT.COM

TENT RIPPED

2007-07-29T23:35:00.000+12:00

Hi Prayer Warriors

We desprite need of prayer! On Friday we experienced huge winds and sand flying every where! Our two guards (Gito & Vallente - faithful friends from Maputo) tried their best to rescue our tent, but it just wasn't meant to be. One side of the tent was totally ripped to shreds. Because it was so badly ripped we were unable to hold the Saturday service, but are going to hold the Sunday church service, even if we have no tent.

please pray for us to find a way to get it mended
please pray for us to get it mended in time for our next service
please pray that these winds (which are forcasted for rest of the month of August) do not destroy what God has instore

Let it snow, Let it snow!!!

2007-06-28T22:48:00.000+12:00

Just had to let you know, that even though we are in Africa it SNOWED!!!

Last night when we went to bed it suddendly got very cold and then a lightening and thunder storm, then the heavens opened up and the hail hit hard. We had to wake early to go flat hunting again and I looked out the lounge window and much to my huge suprise everything was covered in a white blanket of snow....I could hardly believe my eyes!
I called Felito and he just stood (with mouth open) in amazment. So after putting as much layers as we could without looking funny we ventured outside to go flat hunting.

Memories of being in Canada came to mind as we walked.

The guys guarding the tent in Palm Ridge phoned us with much excitement. They are both from Mozambique and had many questions, but yet were so excited. The tent has fallen due to the weight of the snow, but praise the Lord no damage.

Gods Open Doors

2007-06-20T23:45:00.000+12:00

Dear Friends

Sawubona (hello). Can’t believe that it has been four weeks since we have arrived back in the Rainbow nation. And though times have been rocky, God is so amazing.

AFRICA ON FIRE CHURCH – The Beginning
Great news! After six months of planning and preparation, we are finally underway. Yes, we have started the church plant in Palm Ridge. A township one hours drive from the Johannesburg International Airport and our little flat.

The road to this point has not been easy or quick, but God has this vision in His hands and all timing is according to His purpose. Until the middle of May, we had been unable to find land on which to start the church. After many attempts with city governments, we were led to a plot of land by a man who is not a Christian, but wanted to help us. Through him, we were able to secure a large, central location, which we are currently borrowing from another Pastor who has advised us to apply for the land permanently.

Once we received the paper to say we had officially borrowed the land, the work began. There were many things that we needed to accomplish before we could start church services, one of which was getting a fence to surround the tent. After price shopping at several places, we found a man selling fences on our way to the land. This man helped us organize people to clear the land. We believe that as they burned the brush and rubbish, God was spiritually clearing the land and preparing it for encounter.

We also had to build a small house on the property for a couple people to stay and keep watch (our friendly guards).

The day before we began church, we bought an 18 by 7 metre tent and 100 chairs.

The man who sold us the chairs gave us a very good price and offered to supply us with 50 to 80 free loaves of bread to give out at the end of every month. Ironically, this man has a brother who is a leader at the biggest mosque in Palm Ridge (Palm Ridge is known for its Muslim inhabitants – during apartied Palm Ridge was where the Indian community lived).

God is just so good! The favour of God is being shown already from people who are not even believers. There are many more stories that must go unwritten for the time being.

And so, after two weeks of hard work and taxing anticipation, we had everything ready for church.

THE FIRST SERVICE
Sunday, June 9, we had our first service. We had a surprisingly good turnout and community members have been very welcoming (even wanting to advertise us with a blow horn on the back of a pickup). The first service was the dedication of the land and the tent, patterned after 1 Chronicles 7 when Solomon dedicated the Temple to God. After a brief message, an altar call had three young men and a bunch of children come forward to receive Jesus. Since then, the young men are hungry for God and have formed a choir with our resident missionary, Eric Brumbaugh (from the USA).

NIGHT MEETINGS
We have also been having evangelistic meetings every night and have seen God beginning to move. It has been a blessing to see the people’s hunger as even the small children sit and listen attentively to every word of the message.
Throughout the whole process, we have clearly seen God’s hand in directing the right people to help us at the right time. There are so many names I could mention, without whom this church would not have happened. God is truly sovereign and the King of this church. It is just another testimony that when God calls someone to do something, He is abundant in His provision. In accordance with Jeremiah 1:12, we have seen God act upon His Word.
We hope that this newsletter encourages you to follow what God is speaking to you.

PRAYER REQUESTS
· Please pray for provision to fix at least one car (my two cars are currently broken)
· Please pray for provision for rent and a new place (closer to the church land)
· Please pray For God’s presence to increase every day in the tent

Thank you for your prayers and support.
God Bless you richly & love
Felito & Anna Utuie

CONTACT DETAILS
Address: Africa on Fire Ministries
PostNet Suite #117
Private Bag X1
East Rand
1462, South Africa

Website: www.africaonfire.com & www.yaysmilesalot.blogspot.com

Felito Cell: +27792852946 & Anna Cell: +27735261753

We are HOME

2007-05-21T23:23:00.001+12:00

We are home in AFRICA!! Last Monday we arrived back in South Africa. Though this time we flew through Sydney (is a shorter flight compared to going thru Asia) we were hit hard with jetlag. Been getting up at odd times & falling asleep during the day. It was so great to be able to fly with my dear husband, at least he didn't snore on the plane. The flight from Sydney was very bumpy, so we had to wear our seatbelts all the way. We must have looked terrible going thru customs & immigration cause we got some funny stares, but I realized when we reached our little flat that our faces were so pale & our eyes looked like we had just had eye surgery, there were so bloodshot. But with bout 15 hours sleep & 3L of water we were on our way back to normal looking eyes....

Please keep us in your prayers. We are having a spot of attack, we must be annoying the devil so. As we have been granted temporary land for the church and our approvel to have the church comes through in 3 weeks which has been a long time coming - but we are both so very excited....but on Tuesday the washing machine broke, on Wednesday the CD player broke & then on Friday our new car that we brought and which has only been used for a month since it was done up broke complety down and died. Because of the car dying we were unable to go to Maputo for Felito's older brothers wedding and also has totally stopped us for preparing the land for the tent and starting to advertise. Please pray that we can get the washing machine fixed & also that we can get the car started & running.....

The weather is VERY COLD (ok its only 15, but still!) So today we went & brought hotwater bottles....

It was very wonderful to see everyone while we were back in NZ & thank you all so very much for your prayers & support! Thank you!!! We love you & God Bless you all
Felito & Anna

My Beloved....HE's HERE

2007-04-22T10:55:00.000+12:00

After one sleepless night, then a WHOLE day of getting ready....tidying the room, getting a double bed (that weighs a ton), getting enough blankets.....then getting ready - needed a bit of makeup to hide the dark circles under my eyes....

MY HUSBAND ARRIVED!!
Ok, so plane landed at 11.45pm - my parents decided to leave for the airport at 11.30pm and its a 40min drive....I was beside myself. I had this feeling that his plane would be early. I would have felt terrible if that had happened...but that didnt happen. We arrived just on midnite (I think my Daddy wants to be a racing car driver..hehe). I left everyone getting out of car & walked briskly to the arrivals...and we waited....& waited....& waited. By 12.45am we were the second to last family...my heart rate was picking up and the worriedness had settled and all the little stories were swimming around & around in my head....then cause my mum has no fear of man she spoke to a guy in a green uniform and asked him "have you seen my son-in-law?" he simply replyed "customs is doing their job mamam"...that sent my heart rate through the roof....then the family that was waiting with us they left with their people they were picking up....every time the security door opened I leaped up to look....but at 12.50am - the doors opened and there was standing my beloved....tired, but phew....he has finially arrived!

The relief has set in and he is here! Thank you God for opening those doors.....

Me & My Sisiter

2007-04-20T22:45:00.000+12:00

OK - not very often your whole immediate family flies halfway round the world to your wedding. A photo of me and my sister.

Anit she a beauty?

One More Sleep to Go

2007-04-20T22:41:00.000+12:00

Am so excited...14 hours to go.....

Ok, am so very excited. Not long to go until my beloved and are together again after a too long a time apart.

Am excited....can't wait to see him and hold him tight, and won't be letting him go....

Thank you Jesus for being so amazing!

Hallejuah!!!! He is coming....

2007-04-15T14:44:00.000+12:00

Yay, whose excited???

OK, so after a very LONG time apart (5 weeks) hubby & I will finially be together. Oh yea!!!

On Wed at mid-nite my beloved was granted his visitors visa to come to NZ. So then we franticly rearranged his tickets for him to come. He is now in waiting for his Ausi transit visa to be approved, but they have said there will be no probs!!! (THANK YOU JESUS)

Which means....Felito will be finially arriving on SAT 21 at MIDNITE!!! Which is 7 days & 8 hours & 5 min...Argh, cant wait to see him, hear him laugh & pray & just simply hold him tight.

Thank you all so much for all your prayers and support over this long time awaiting for his visa. We are so both very greatful for everything you have done, not to mention to being a should to cry on and a listening ear.

Just a heads up - once he is over the jet lag we will be having just a little get together so you awesome bodies can finially met my man! But will keep you post.

Blissfull 5 Months

2007-04-01T11:20:00.000+12:00

(This is a photo of us on my birthday, the day before the wedding)

Well, we have been blissfully been married for 5 months! I totally encourage everyone to get married - its awesome. Its like having your best friend with you to have sleep-overs forever!!! But honestly - God has just totally blessed me with the most amazing man! I am so thankful and greatful for this gift and will continue to treasure him for always.

In New Zealand

2007-04-01T11:17:00.000+12:00

Sorry about not writing for ages.

Am back in the land of the Kiwis, without my dear husband, but soon he will be joining me once his visa is approved. Then we are going to be hanging out with family and friends and also doing a bit of tourist things to show off the beauty of this land....am looking forward to that.

Hopefully will be able to catch up with everyone while we are back for our 3 weeks before we head back to the land of the rainbow - South Africa.

Flooding in Mozambique

2007-02-16T10:53:00.000+13:00

For the last 3 weeks, torrential rains have swamped areas of southern Africa from Angola to Mozambique. Some of the countries that have been affected are Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia & Swaziland but Mozambique has been hit the hardest. The Zambezi River in Mozambique has again bursts its banks. This is due to the heavy rain & also because of where Mozambique lies it acts as a drain for the water.
People in Tete, Zambezia & Mancia procinces haveb been badly affected. Nearly 100,000 have had to leave their homes & farms due to the rising water levels. Over 500,000 have been affected by the flooding & losing their livestock & farms, though their houses are somewhat safe. 40 people have died. With the water level rising & more rain forecasted the water level will be higher than that of the flooding six years ago, when 800 people were killed.

The Mozambiqican Government has stepped in & helped by putting up temporary camps living in tents & have started airlifting people out where the roads have been covered by water & also those affected in the rural villages. The South African Government has also been helping with airlifting people to safety. Many nongovernmental groups have also been amazing with helping those in need, with extra shelter, food, blankets & comfort. The Mozambique Govern,ent are looking at airlifting in the food to those are still stranded, mostly in rural areas. Many of those in the temporary camps are running low on food, fuel & basic shelter.

Please keep these countries, especially Mozambique in your prayers. We are thinking of going to help those in need in Mozambique. We are wanting to help. If you would like to donate, please email me at anna@africaonfire.com with "flood relief" in the subject lines & we can give you all the details.

Thank you & God Bless
Felito & Anna

Feliz Novo Anos

2006-12-30T14:05:00.000+13:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Am in Maputo with my dearest husband, experiencing my first married New Year....

The weather is getting hotter & hotter. Who would have thought that 35C was actually comfortable to bear compared to 45C & 50C....its very humid here in Maptuo, much prefer the dry heat.

Today, i'm HOT...so HOT, I feel like I'm melting. I am not sweating, I am dripping, its just pouring off me....totally not a good look....We went to the beach and everyone starred at me, not because I had white legs, but because its not commen for women to swim, especially at the beach...I DONT CARE - it was either that or explode.

Its hard, even though I speak basic portuguese I still struggle with understanding. Am finding it super frustrating in trying to understand the WHOLE story, especially if everyone starts joing in. Thank God for my darling husband who can translate when I've lost the plot....what would I without him????....

One good thing is that I have learnt to cook on COAL - yip - I can do this! Much to the delight of my new husband and my Mum-in-law. Even one better, I still haven't burnt the rice....oh yea! (God is on MY side). A downside to cooking on coal is that is takes twice as long, if not longer....

HAPPY NEW YEAR peoples!

South Africa - Kruger Park

2006-11-08T11:56:00.000+13:00

Ok, so we have been married for a few days!! Its all good!

We set off to the Kruger National Park to finish our honeymoon off in style! Oh, it was amazing! Everyone has to go! The animals are really BIG and stunningly beautiful. God is an wonderful and creative person. The weather was hot, the food was good, the company - wouldn't swap it for the world! And the view was priceless!

The BIG Day

2006-11-04T12:08:00.000+13:00

...To have and to hold....

The day that I'd been dreaming for years was finially upon me... I wanted to cry, but had makeup on. I wanted to see him, but we were in separate rooms until it was time... as my heart was racing, I knew he was the one...

The wedding day was amazing! It was perfect, it was special, it was beautiful - Gods presence was just incredible. The joy that I felt and also the happiness in watching family and friends celebrating was just pricless and such a Godgiven gift.

With two days of celebration we had feed well over 2,000 people, ate 9 wedding cakes, had ten thousand photos taken, sore face muscles from smiling and about six hours sleep.

It was awesome!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

2 Cor 13:4-7

Hong Kong

2006-10-23T11:29:00.000+13:00

(Mum, me & Gran at the flower market)

On our way to the wedding we had a stop-over in Hong Kong. Girls, this is the place for serious bargins on almost everything we could ever want.

Must admit though, travelling with six people its hard, even if it is your family. I found out what my Gran meant when she said that she snores loud - its worse than a train going past your house. Also found out that my mother and I do have very different tastes when it comes to clothing and some perfumes....

We did the Flower market, bird market, Ladies Market, the food market - which included a 10min walk thru an huge open space separated into areas with chickhen, beef, fish both dead and alive...not good if you have just eaten...the smell was shocking...
Each market was very busy and interesting with people bargining, yelling, bumping into eachother, swaping of money and plain hussle and bussle. If you are into a good feed - then Hong Kong is also the place to be, the food is great and not to mention cheap! My little brother Micah was delighted to find that McDonalds there still had McFlurrys and they were cheap even with the $$ exchange, so he practiclly lived on those while we were there...But all in all, it was a good time...

Packing

2006-10-20T03:05:00.000+13:00

Still trying to work out if I like doing this - but it usually means something excitng at the other end.....

The Countdown

2006-10-20T02:47:00.000+13:00

It has began, or should I say, its almost done.....

I have 4 hours to finish packing and tidying my room. In 7 hours I will be on a plane making my to Auckland. In 10 hours I will on my way to Hong Kong - just the beginning of this amazing jounery.

Truth be told I started counting down 20 days ago and I'm excited - WHY?
1 I'm in love
2 We are getting married
3 I love Jesus
4 Church Planting
5 Living my dream
6 Blessing others

OK - so they are in radom points - I am so excited. I am so blessed. Its not every day that your WHOLE immediate family get to travel half way round the world to come to their eldest daughters wedding (who is marrying a wonderful young man, with a passion for Christ and to see nationS transformed) and also get to visit one of the most beautiful countries in the world and meet my mans amazing family. The thoughts of - oh dear they dont speak the language have run thru my little mind over the last couple of days - but who needs words and language when fellowship, friendship is just a smile or a simple gesture? Have thought of how they will get on? The answer - simple - just brillantly - both families are amazing. Language is not a barrier - just takes a little longer to understand. Besides its funny hearing my parents trying to speak portuguese!

The TIME TRACKING
We leave Auckland at 2pm and arrive in Hong Kong at 8.40pm (same day). Then we are buzy little bees walking around Hong Kong taking up the sights and sounds and smells and just generally haveing a great time....
Then on the 23 Oct we leave HK and fly to SA - yip yet another continant - but a bigger one. Where I hope that we will be met and greeted possibly by my Man! If he cant come - I still love him just the same.
Then eventally depending on my mothers map reading skills they will arrive safely at the finial destination in Maputo, Mozambique.

Bless you all.

Amost Done

2006-10-17T08:46:00.000+13:00

Well, cant believe that I've been in the Land of the Long White Cloud for almost 8 weeks. Some days have gone fast and some days have gone really slow.

God has been so amazing! He has given me so many opporunities to shout His name, and to receive His love and grace and mercy and also blessing. But since I have been back, God has showen me time and time again, that He LOVES ME and no matter what He is always there for me. His provision is awesome! I love the way he always shows me the way....

One of my first blessings was to arrive back in Wellington to know that my Mum was doing a lot better and a huge answer to prayer at how fast she recovered.
Another blessing was to be able to catch up with my family and friends, especially my best girlfriend Ella - whom we've been friends for almost 8 years....
God blessed me with the most amazing temp job and the team I worked with were amazing and so very helpful. I learnt lots and will remember them always.
It was great to be welcomed back by everyone, even though I did leave my heart in Mozambique, and africa.
Being able to share at different churches and homegroups have been amazing. God has been so very faithful and His presence has been incrediable. I give all praise and glory to Him - because without him we are nothing, there is no purpose.

Have learnt to be more thankful for the many things in my life and the people whom God has placed in my life - without them I wouldnt be who I am today.

I leave you with this....

Our Greatest Fear
Marianne Williamson from her book A Return to Love

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

Wedding Plans

2006-09-30T22:38:00.000+12:00

I'm Getting Married in the morning.....

Ok – so the wedding plans – I must admit getting married in another country is such an exciting thing….I totally cant wait…..things will be so different – bring it on!

From the girl side of things
• I have my dress (needs to be shortened)
• Flower Girls Dreses look amazing! They are going to look like princesses - DONE
• Waterproof mascara - DONE
Buying the family presents to bless them - DONE
• Sign the licence when I arrive
• Buy my man a wedding present - DONE
• The flowers arrived, bit of twicking and its all sorted - DONE

From the boys side of things
• Have the licence and need signatures
• Have the rings
• Get a translator for my babe’s family
Preparing for the wedding and celebration - hes doing a good job with his family
• Have our director to marry us

Updating

2006-09-30T22:35:00.000+12:00

Boa Tarde

Its time to update you folks…..

I have been back in the “land of the long white cloud” for just on 8 weeks and in 3 weeks time, I will be in the country I now call home; looking forward to our wedding!

Since being back I have:

• Gone to Auckland for the Manifest Presence Conference
• Survived a minor flood
• Surviving the weather of windy, chilly Wellington
• Catching up with family and friends
• Been treated for intestinal worms and hookworm in my foot
• Cried my self to sleep
• Phoned Mozambique once a week
• Haven’t practiced my Portuguese as much as I want too
• Worried about my weight
• Brought my wedding dress
• Had my yellow fever vaccination
• Missing Mozambique
• Wished I was somewhere warmer
• Dreamed about my hunky man
• Gone numb on several occasions
• Though of my beloved just about every hour

Have also started reading a book “Heavenly Man” by Brother Yun. It is truly a must read! It has totally brought me to tears, and brought me to my knees before my creator asking forgiveness in simply just not trusting him, serving him, loving him enough. This book has totally inspired me and brought me closer – I want this faith and understanding and courage this awesome man of God has! How to do this? Simple, get on my face before my King and get to know him more and more! Learning to surrender is not an easy thing, but it says in the good book to die to ourselves and take up the cross daily – I choose that path again! I want to be remember not only as a women after God’s heart, but as a heavenly women!!!

Love you all
Anna

A Picture is worth.....

2006-08-29T23:28:00.000+12:00

This is I, attemping at making Xima

Nasimodya, the Gospel is preached!

2006-08-24T17:20:00.000+12:00

Here is a testimony of my man (Felito) who took a team of our graduated Bible School students and a team from US on an outreach in Mozambique. We serve such an awesome, awesome God! Nothing is impossible!!

Stuart and Cathy Greer's team from Laguna (USA) and our Bible school students formed a vary good team.

We left Pemba Monday afternoon traveled 3 hours north to a village called Nasimodya, the people of the village were so hungry and so open because the Holy Spirit made them curious, and they so wanted to hear what we had to say to them. It was surprisingly cold that night but the people stayed watched the Jesus film to the end stayed and Listen to Eric preaching a Salvation message. He preached his heart out and the villagers responded to the Gospel with joy then I spoke on healing and challenging them to come by faith to receive from the Lord. Many sick people came forward for prayer.

There are 2 remarkable ones - the first is a man who was blind and deaf and the person who leads him happed to come watch the film and when we started praying for the sick and healings taking place he run got the blind and deaf man and brought him and asked for him to be prayed for, so the team people prayed for him and the Lord open the ears and the eyes of the man and the man who was deaf and blind testified of his healing and the villagers we so encouraged and faith rose up and more healings took place. Another man who was blind began to see, praise to the Lord Jesus!!

The next day we traveled to another Village near Minyawene where I saw many miracles the last time I did outreach. This village was even more open than the other one, you know when the Holy Spirit does the preparation there is favor every where. The Chief when I talked to him he said I myself will be there to hear the word of God, He says so, wearing a Moslem hat, we were there early and Stuart did his balloon thing, and the children were loving it - children who never saw a Balloon before, it was very significant for them, it reminds me when I was growing up it was during the war in Mozambique, I was in Maputo the capital city of Mozambique and in those days to have a balloon in your hands was very significant to us, very special, one balloon will be shared to 3 or four friends, this may not make sense to you, but when I was a child it was possible to share one balloon to 3-4 people when in need, so anyway that brought great joy to the village.
When we played our worship music the whole village danced with joy, and it was just amazing. After showing the film another Cathy preached about the (amor de Deus) love of God and as she was speaking the Holy Spirit was moving in the peoples hearts, then I made the alter call and people received Jesus with joy in their hearts, (that I say because you could see the smiles on their faces)
I shared a testimony of the crawling man who Jesus healed , the man came to one of the out reach there were many people there about thousands and the man heard the massage from Mark 9 when Jesus said everything is possible to him who believes, and a question was asked, do you believe? And the man who crawled began to cry out saying I believe that I can walk again!!! He was in tears and so desperate for his healing, looked at him and said walk in Jesus name!!! the man walked Jesus healed the man!!! Praise Jesus!!!

As I was sharing this testimony, a lady came and interrupted my preaching and she said I have somebody seek in my house, its my daughter and her baby, so the guy who translated for me told me what the lady just said, so I continued to preach for I didn't want to loose the crowd, but as I was preaching I thought to myself when I am done preaching I will go with the team and pray for the sick, but before I finished preaching the grand mum went home and carried the sick lady who was in so much pain, who couldn't stand or walk for long time, she carried her on her back and tied her with something we call capulana (similar to a sulu or wrap-around-skirt) and brought the lady to us. She put the lady in front of me and she said she is in so much pain as you can tell, so I was with someone from the team and I said lets pray for her and as soon as we finished praying for her, I told her to stand up and she stood on her feet and the people were so amazed by that then I said to her, walk to that corner she started to walk and turn and came back to where I was and the whole village saw this and they were all clapping, and that made faith rise up even for more to come receive their healings, and we prayed for more and the Lord healed them, Glory to God.,…

He told us to go and “this shall fallow those who believe.” Its time church!!! Its time that the Lord is restoring the church to walk in the fullness of the Kingdom, in a way that He is bringing back what the enemy has stolen, for long time the church didn't experience healings they were so few ,so we take hold of what Jesus did for us on the Cross.

My kids

2006-08-23T23:25:00.000+12:00

Photo of me and (some) my kids! Arent they cute!!!! Cant believe that kids grow that fast, even though sometimes they are totally naughty - they are so cute. Its hard discplining them - but you cant help but full in love with these ones.
They are from the toddlers house - they have just started our Iris version of preschool and its so cute.

A picture is worth a thousand words

2006-08-04T23:34:00.000+12:00

This is my friend Josefina. She is wearing a facemask - this stuff is amazing! It really does help your skin. But my friend, is a dear sweet lady who is the most amazing sewer and has the biggest giving heart. She has the most beauitful smile and warm laughter and healing hugs. She radiates with the fathers love and taught me how to learn and to go "lower still". As Mama Aida says "love has teeth" - this women can love with her all....Esther eat your heart out....

Running water & exicitng things

2006-07-19T11:50:00.000+12:00

Well, good news! We now have running water – though its slightly brown, it’s running water, my toilet flushed for the second time, ate a half chicken for dinner, washed my feet and we had people confess their use of witchcraft and received deliverance. Two teams also returned form the weekend outreaches, which were totally awesome!

The primary school has just returned back into session after two weeks holidays. During the break the teachers received some training, which was awesome! Everyone was well rested with classes started up again. On the positive side the children are actually staying in class this term and the guards and educators are not having to remind them as much to either go to class and stay in school. Over the two-week holidays, the missionaries teaching English regrouped and planned and it was so awesome. We are now teaching the older children which has been a blast. We can hear some of our children speak a basic conversation and sing a couple of simple action songs. They proudly practice their English; we are so proud of them all!

Outreaches are going well. Still exciting as ever. We are starting to see whole villages come to Jesus. Many are so very open to the Word of God – it’s just so awesome to see. I love seeing the little children come up to receive prayer and healing. It’s so precious.

Today was a special day for us women at the Iris Centre. One of our missionaries is having a baby and we held a baby shower for her. We managed to decorate one of small lounges with flowers and capalanas and we had electricity, so we could play music from a sound system. All the missionaries baked and brought the goodies to share around. The national women came and we all had a blast. We ate well, laughed lots and prayed much. Then it came to the serious part of the morning, where women who have had children shared the joys, sorrows and advice for the new mother to be….well, in the Mozambique custom this is part when all the women who are single and/or don’t have children are supposed to leave, but we all got invited to stay – but I tell you, I know why they ask us to leave….LOL…. with much sincerity these women shared their hearts, thoughts and experiences of giving birth and raising children – some just spoke, others gave lively stories with actions. It was such a beautiful time!

I am very happy to announce that my little house is getting a new face. Gone is the bamboo wall replaced by a concrete wall with windows. Gone is the crocked floor with broken tiles, which has been levelled and replaced with concrete. The house looks almost brand new. This new look has taken just over four weeks. It has been interesting times watching the workers do their work. Things are done here so differently. Unfortunately one evening I feel asleep and left my bedroom door open and since the windows had no netting or wire crossed-bars a bandito entered my little house and took my cell phone, digital camera, backpack with my togs and all my English teaching materials. We have been unable to catch this person, but I am praying that somehow we will get to meet him, as I want the chance to look him in the eyes and tell him I forgive him and then share the love of God with him. I am upset about my “things” being taken, but they are material things that can eventually be replaced. Please keep this bandito in your prayers.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. It so greatly appreciated.

Blessings and Jesus Te Ama

Mana Ana

Outreaches

2006-07-08T01:03:00.000+12:00

We are holding two outreaches every week and God is continually showing up and lives are being impacted dramatically.

(That is me preaching - Felito is translating as well as one of the student pastors)

My first weekend home, I went on an over night outreach, to a village on the outskirts on Cabo Delgado and Nampula. God moved mightily! We held one outreach meetings on the Sunday evening, then one on Monday morning and also in the afternoon shared with the leaders of the church that we planted while I was here in Pemba for the mission’s school. The church tripled in numbers after the weekend outreach. We saw many miracles such as back pain gone, babies with malaria and high temperatures gone, blind eyes opened! Many came to know Jesus as their saviour and king! Its just so exciting seeing Mozambique reached village by village. Every time we go out of the centre people are being touched by the love of the father!

Village Outreach
These outreaches have been a total blast!
A couple of Fridays ago I went into a local village next to our Iris Centre 2! It was the first time I’d visited since I have returned and it was so wonderful to have the kids greet me and some of my friends I had made previously remember me and call my name! Everywhere I went I heard “Salama, Mana Ana” or “Ola, Mana Ana”, so that was awesome! This particular village is the biggest village here in this area of Pemba. So I didn’t make it far. But I am looking forward to this coming Friday to go and visit everyone again, learn to cook and also invite them to church! I visited one particular family, whose kids spent a lot of time with me while I was attending the school of missions. But I found out that their father has had to leave Pemba and move to Monterpuz to find work and he has gone over 3 months and on top of that these five kids all have scabies, head lice and nasty infections on their arms and legs. I have invited them all to come to the school when it starts. This will be their only chance at an education. I am treating them every day and also giving them food and water! It breaks my heart – but life here in Pemba is simple, but hard for many! Going without a meal or a day or more is a common reality for some.

Odd Spot
There are only ten horses here in Mozambique! Four of them live in Nampula and the owner very kindly donated one horse to us to use until we are able to buy one! His name is Ben and he only speaks Portuguese. We have started a horse programme with some of the older children to help with rehabilitation and reintegration back into society. We had three girls come for just over a month. The changes in the older kids have been almost instant!

The Long Day

2006-06-04T23:20:00.000+12:00

June 2006, 1

Boa Noite. As I write this I am sitting on my bed in my room, with the days events replaying in my head. Today has been a long day and also very tiring. It started with meetings at 7.30am, then it was off to teach English at 11am for an hour and then a quick lunch and back to meetings and also helping the team prepare to go to Nampula. (Next week we have a conference in the province of Nampula. The conferences are large; we are expecting well over 200 Iris Churches to come as well others, roughly we are expecting over 3000 people. We feed and water those that attend and many walk for hours or even a day to come to the conference). Then it was administration and then at 5pm it was Portuguese class and then a group was off to outreach. Please pray for the conference, that preparation for the conference goes smoothly, that people travelling to the conference will be safe, and that God will impact people’s lives! That those attend will be encouraged and feel the Father’s embrace – but more importantly will be loved into the kingdom of God and lost in His presence forever.

Felito and I would love to announce with much joy & excitement that we are ENGAGED!!!!
We are both so excited and can’t wait to start our lives together, to see our dreams unfold and walk the path that God has put us on! The wedding will in early November in Maputo with a blessing ceremony in NZ in February.

The Holy Given Missions /Culture Exchange School officially started. It was a joy to meet all the students. Please pray for these students, that God will protect them, invade them, and melt their hearts for the beautiful people here and that He would totally transform their lives with His love, His word and His spirit.

We are also very excited, as the weekend outreaches will be starting next weekend. This is one of my favourite areas to serve in. Every Friday evening two teams of 10 student pastors and 10 culture exchange students, a driver, sound system person and national leader will head out into bush, bush. They will sit in the back of a cameo for up to 6 hours on a bumpy road & arrive in a village and set-up camp. The students will sleep in tents, not bathe, use a latrine and be with the people of the village. During the day they will walk around the village and sit and talk with people and in the evenings there will be the Jesus Film, preaching, testimonies and much time for ministry. Then Sunday comes and they either plant a church or the existing church has grown. It’s exciting making new friends, learning & experiencing the language & culture and seeing lives totally impacted by the power and love of Jesus Christ. Please pray for the protection of the teams that go out and also that the love of God will be with them wherever they go!

We have a new chief (leader) of the kitchen. His name is Pedro (Peter) and is originally from Maputo. This guy is unusually tall, organised and very softly spoken, but this guy can cook. He is a trained chef and also used to teach in secondary schools. The proof, well it’s the fact that he has to cook for up to 700 people per day and up to 1500 on Sundays and also he can cook Matapa. Matapa is a simple food – it’s a leaf, similar to that of spinach. Matapa is very good for you, but if you don’t cook it right, it’s nasty. I have learnt that in the south, the matapa leaf is certain type of leaf, but here in the north, its any leaf – and Pedro has been getting the certain type of leaf and then adding a peanut sauce with a bit of that and a bit of this and its amazing. Usually it’s been rather oily and crunchy, but when missionary’s and toddlers go for seconds – the proof is in the pudding. Please keep Pedro in your prayers; he has a large job to do and also to keep many people happy. He is such a blessing to have here.

Thank you all so much for all your prayers and support. It is greatly appreciated. God Bless you all so very mightily. May you know Jesus more and more, as he gently calls you into Himself.

Ate Logo

Mana Ana

Its all good mate!

2006-05-20T23:22:00.000+12:00

May 2006, 2

Boa Tarde I am doing very, very well. I feel so very settled here in Pemba. I am reminded of Gods goodness and grace every day. God has been speaking to me about worship over the last week. It has been totally awesome just being swept up into His presence. I am so glad, that I am beginning to be able to sing and worship not only in English, but I am beginning to grasp the Portuguese and Makua songs. The Makua way of worshipping is simple – move and sweat. We dance and dance and then we dance some more! They really do understand joy! It totally brings tears to my eyes every time I hear them testify. They go through hardships and trials that many of us will never understand, let alone see or experience and yet, they are always thankful and full of joy! The verse that comes to mind is that “the joy of the Lord is our strength” and in seeing these people survive every day, I am beginning to understand that verse.

At the end of this week, all the missionaries and the national leadership teams are going on staff retreat to meet up with all the bases from around Mozambique. I am greatly looking forward to meeting up with friends and making new ones, but more importantly to seek the face of Jesus together. Would really appreciate your prayers as we all travel and that while on the retreat we can come together in unity and see Mozambique rocked by the power of God!

Nampula Outreach
The boys arrived back at the end of the week. Again rich in stories with salvations and healings. As I listened intently, I noticed their eyes grew bigger with each story and testimony. The crazy stories they shared of healings such as blind eyes opening, deaf ears hearing and malaria fevers gone – all in His name!!

Bible School
All the student pastors have arrived and school started earlier this week. I am thoroughly enjoying helping with administration with the school this semester. At the moment we are working on name/ID badges with photos and getting a chance to speak with them and taking their photo is such a delight and has brought many smiles to my face. When you get your photo taken here, you are usually not allowed to smile, so getting the student pastors to smile; it’s a barrel of fun! Please continue to pray for these dear student pastors. That God would really reveal himself to these men and also protect their families they have left while they are learning about our King! And also that none of them would return to villages and homes and churches the same!!

Church Visits
Being able to visit the local Iris churches is such an awesome opportunity to go out and encourage the pastors and their churches, but also to meet with the pastors and their families. This last weekend, Felito and I went to encourage Pastor Juma. Pastor Juma is a dear sweet man, who has been married to one woman and has five beautiful children. Usually when we arrive at church we are greeted very warmly with singing and dancing, when we arrived, the door to the church was closed. But after speaking to some of the children playing at the front of church, Pastor Juma and his church had gone to one of his friend’s church to encourage them. So, off we went for another 20-minute drive past the long, green grass, and the cornfields. If you look out the window, you can see the soft faint outline of the hills in the distance of Nampula. We arrived and they were already worshipping. They were so happy! The presence of God was so vivid and real, but more, you could feel the joy and trust they have in our God. Pastor Juma came running when he saw we had pulled up. He greeted us and hugged us and the children came pouring out, all with smiles. As we walked into the four-walled mud-hut styled church, you couldn’t help but notice the simplicity, the humbleness of the place. It was small, it was dark, it was hot, but God was here! We entered from the back of the church and made our way up to the front, my eyes wondered around this peaceful little church, a smile grew on my face. Worship, praise and dancing continued. The instruments are simple – an abacus is a tambourine, used cans of fizz become cymbals, hands become the drum and our voices the trumpets. Everyone takes a turn to lead a song. Everyone is joyful – the women watch me as I dance. The rhythm they move too is different to what I am used too, and I struggle to keep up, but all is well, once they seen the “onkenya” (white person) start to sing in Makua all is forgiven. Worship stops and Pastor Juma steps forward, raises his hands and everyone begins to pray. What a noise to hear and a sight to see. I now understand, how prayer moves the heart of God. When they pray, their whole body prays. Their face expressions, the hand movements, the sincerity of their words – everything is used and given to God. As I prayed for the offering, God filled my heart with love and compassion for these dear people. They don’t have much, but they give so gladly. I was left in tears as they brought their offering forward. Some gave money, some gave melons, and others gave produce from their farms like corn, beans, and peanuts. Felito was introduced and he stepped forward and rested his bible on the bamboo platform and began to speak. Everyone became hushed as the word of God was spoken.

When church ended, we were greeted and welcomed again. We shook hands with every person. Young and old had come to worship today. We gave a ride to the women and children of Pastor Jumas church. Felito’s car can fit 8 people; we had 14 people in the car. As soon as the doors were shut, they began to sing. We rolled down the windows, as we drove we worshipped, people walking stopped and turned their heads, to see where the sound was coming from. It was such a beautiful sound – I imagine what heaven will sound like – will it be in one language we sing too? Even though we had come to serve, to encourage and to bless. It was really the other way round.

President Spoke
The newly elected president was in town, and all nationals were required to go and hear him speak. I asked permission if I could go and was greatly excited when I heard the answer was “yes”. I have heard many good things about this president, and I was interested in what he was going to say. All the pastors climbed into our two cameos and drove into the city. I drove with Felito, we spoke about what this visit means for Pemba, and also the protocols I had to follow in this meeting. The president spoke in Portuguese and the translator spoke in Makua. He spoke very well, and encouraged the people. Many people were there, standing under the hot afternoon sun. Women and children selling cold ices and also sugared peanuts and other delicious hand-made goodies. In between the speeches, there was dancing and singing, which was a great fun to watch.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support.
God Bless you mightily

Mana Ana

Ola de Pemba

2006-05-02T23:18:00.000+12:00

May 2006, 1

Boa Tarde! This morning I woke to birds chirping away. As I rolled over and closed my eyes, I could picture the beautifulness and calmness of the sunrise. The thought that ran thru my head this morning was of heaven, of the peacefulness, the serenity, the joy and the continuous flow of sweet music. What would it be like? To hear, to see, to smell, to touch and even taste heaven. So, what is heaven - its truth, home of our saviour, no pain and suffering; it’s the contentment of being with Jesus, our lover and king for all eternity. All I know is that the more I imagine what heaven will be like; it will be so much better than I can imagine. The verse that comes to my mind, as it says Gods ways are higher, than ours; His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Only He knows the time, but we will wait and we will worship and shout His name in all the earth! My prayer this week is that people will come to know and understand the beauty and the peace of our Lord. That they really understand what it means to rest in the loving arms of the Father.

April Outreach
The team returned two weeks ago. All were tired and dirty, but with big smiles on their faces as they began to share what happened. I sat and listened for hours as they spoke and shared of the goodness of our God. My heart pumped with excitement as their eyes lit up and their face expressions grew each time they spoke of the healings and miracles of our Lord. The tears flowed as they spoke of the people who heard about Jesus for the first time and then received Him as their personal Lord and Saviour. Thru the tears, I could see the hand of Jesus holding each new life in His hand saying, “welcome home my child, welcome home, I love you”. Jesus came, so that we might live a life - full with abundance. I know, that people here in Mozambique are becoming aware of what life is, what love is and whom this man named Jesus is. God is alive and is moving very powerfully! It’s an honour and privilege to be here in Mozambique, to serve Jesus and to love the people He loves. For testimonies on the outreach please visit www.africaonfire.com

Next week, Felito is planning another outreach for 5 days to the province of Nampula. Nampula, was where they had the biggest response and the provincial pastor has invited us back to go to villages we didn’t go on the month long outreach. We would greatly love your prayers. We want to see Nampula rocked by God. We have a small team of 4 people going. Please keep them in your prayers as we travel and proclaim the name of Jesus. We want to see Gods hand move in power and the kingdom extended. As it says in Acts “to go and be my witnesses to all the world, heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons in my name, making many disciples….” Life is simple here, as is the gospel. Jesus come!

Primary School
Praise God for weekends! We have just appointed a director (principal) for the school, so the teachers and the children are adjusting. The children are learning very fast, much to the excitement of all the teachers and missionaries! Please keep the school in your prayers and the director as he starts to lead this school.

The Wet Season is Over – I think
Officially the wet season should be over. But we are having an unusual extra amount of rain, since it was officially declared finished. I am very double minded about the rain here in Mozambique. Why? We simply need rain. For crops, we can collect it for drinking; bathing and washing water also the animals need it. But most of Pemba, as is Mozambique, is simply sand and dirt and when it down pours, that sand and dirt turn to raging torrents of slippery ankle deep mud, not to mention all the bugs come to the surface. And our house floods. We have a simple design fault and anytime it rains, the water and mud enters the front door and goes everywhere. The joy that I can see in it, is that after we clean up the floor is clean!!!

Thank you all so much for ALL your prayers and support. God Bless you so mightily

Mana Ana

Announcement!!!

2006-04-29T04:34:00.000+12:00

Hear ye, hear ye!!!!

Hey Everyone!

Well, Felito and I would love to announce with much joy that we are ENGAGED!!!! ☺

So my beloved popped the question last Saturday much to the delight and shock to myself and of course the answer was yes!! We are both so excited and can’t wait to start our lives together, to see our dreams unfold and walk the path that God has put us on! As I write this, I am smiling big time and can hardly sit still!!! I can’t wait to be married and just be together and see what will unfold before us!

The big day, the beginning of many amazing days we can share together is in November in Maputo. We haven’t decided on a date yet, but we will keep you all posted. Lord willing, we would love to see you all there and join us on our special day!!

God Bless you all so much.
Love
Felito and Anna

Here I am....

2006-03-28T23:08:00.000+12:00

March/April 2006

Update Time!
Ola. Would like to apologise for me not being in contact for such a long time. We have had an exciting time with our water supply and electricity. Centre One, is attached to the town electricity – so when it does go down, everything goes down, but we can put the old generator on, but gas has been expensive lately, so thus we have been a little short on some things. Personally, I quite enjoy it. The whole Centre is so quite and you can go out at nite and see all the stars and hear the frogs singing. Also being dark, you are unable to see all the bugs – which I am sure the guards are happy not to hear me scream or anything….LOL… Also, being able to cook in the dark and then eat with candles – is very special.

Perhaps going without water is not really that wonderful, especially in this heat – but the smell from the bathrooms and the unwashed dishes after a couple of days – does leave one wondering about nose clips or digging your own personal latrine.

As, I type this, I am sitting and resting, worshipping my God! Unfortently my heaIth and my room-mates health has been added onto the sick board here in Arco-Iris. This morning we tested positive for Malaria. And yet again, I have a chest infection. Malaria and fevers are very commen at this time of year, due to the rainy season, but we are believing for God to be God and move mightily.
When you have malaria, people have told me you need to rest and rest some more – yip, I totally agree with that. I think as a westerner, I never fully understood and took it so sersiously; even after reading books and articles on it, and seeing first hand when people are ill with it. But after testing positive, I have a new understanding and almost a respect for it and also the people who have it, and how they maintain their sanity.

Please continue to pray that the health and protection for the kids, pastors and missionaries.

April Outreach
Well, the graduates that are coming for this amazing outreach have arrived, expect for one.
We are counting down the days before we leave! I received my conformation from Heidi Baker (Director of Iris Ministries Inc) and I am allowed to go on this awesome, amazing outreach! Unfortently because I am sick with malaria, I have to wait a couple of days to rest. We have another car that leaves later this week, and if I am feeling well enough and the get the OK from the doctor, I will ride with the sound system.

Please keep this amazing outreach in your prayers. For protection, for health of the graduates, Felito. pastors and the team. That God will guide them and fill them with wisdom and also that Gods hand be everywhere and that when they step into the villages and as they are driving, that there will be this tremendous favour and Gods anointing to be with them – we are asking for open heavens. We want to see Mozambique, loved into the kingdom of God. To see the broken hearted made whole, to see the sick healed and people to walk in the freedom and life that God has for them!! The goal of this outreach is worshiping God, sleeping in a tent, praying for the sick, making friends that last a life time, seeing people come to Jesus! And also encouraging the leaders and churches of Mozambique!
Our vision is simple! To see the kingdom built, to see this nation on fire for God! To see God move in power, to see this nation changed!

In black n white: we are holding two outreaches every night and then return to the same campsite. We start in the Zambezia province coming up from the Zambezia river up to Niassa, then we will be joined by Rolland and Heidi for a three day conference in Lichinga. Then it’s a relaxing time and will enjoy a safari day in the beautiful Niassa Reserve. Then its off to Nampula and then returning back to Pemba.
We will be joined by local pastors in each province so teams will vary in number.

Oh, just writing, my spirit is picking up and the excitement is building within me! When I was attending the school of missions last year, I couldn’t get enough of outreaches! As much as I love being with the children, and investing into their precious lives! I long to see this nation, be a nation after Gods own heart. I really agree with Matthew 10:9 “….so, that none perish!...” Its my prayer, to see the beautiful people of Mozambique, Gods children, being loved, changed and impacted, to see them walking into Jesus’ arms! Its such an honour and privllage to serve such a God and to be His hands, His feet and arms – to be the fragence of Jesus in this place!

Prayer Points
 Divine health and protection
 Wisdom
 To love unconditionally
 God to continue to move powerfully – to see people healed and changed!
 Learning languages (Portuguese, Makua)
 Stopping for the one
 Heidi & Rolland (directors) as they travel overseas and preach
 That more would come into the Kingdom of God
 As the second base is being built that we’d get all done on time with all the necessary materials needed
 During the rainy season for our children and staff to be protected from malaria
 Children to learn and have fun in school
 Pastors to understand and learn the word of God, so they can make an impact in their churches and villages
 My infection (on my foot) to leave and not scar
 Preparations for the baby house will go smoothly

Thank you all so much for all your prayers and support! God Bless you mightily.

Ciao, Ate Logo

Mana Ana

Feliz Natal

2006-01-03T01:06:00.000+13:00

Well, we survived Christmas and New Years here in Pemba!!

Christmas was excellent! It was overwhelming and super emotional!

On Christmas Eve, we had our Iris Staff party at a local restaurant and we were treated like kings and queens. We ate till we could eat no more! We laughed until it hurt! We smiled until our faces got locked! Then at midnight, we sneaked over to the children and woke them up to say Feliz Natal and had our very own candle service, which lasted about an hour! That service was a great success, no one was hurt, nothing caught on fire! We played a game half way thru the service with blowing each other’s candles out, which I must admit; the missionaries had just as much fun as the children! Then it was time to put the kids back to bed and then the missionaries back to work to finish all our surprises for the children here at the centre as well as the street kids!
I woke up at 7am here on Christmas day, which was a huge sleep-in! Then it was off to celebrate Feliz Natal. We handed out the presents to the children here at the centre, then it was a church service, then we had a wedding, then it was baptisms, then it was off to feed and love the multitudes the came for the grande fiesta!

We had well over 2000 people come and eat! It was such an honour to serve the people of Pemba their fiesta! They ate rice, chicken, and Mozambiqican salad and then got a COLD coca!

To see the delight on some of the faces of the children to give them a plate of food and then a cold coca! It was incredible! God moved so mightily, we saw people healed; we saw many become children of God!

We had enough food for all, even the staff! Praise God!! Many people were loved and honoured on Christmas day! I could hardly keep it in, and at the end of our long day which for us missionaries ended round 8pm we just sat on the floor and cried and thanked our Lord for being amazing and working such wondrous miracles and touching and changing our lives and for letting us serve Pemba! But the thing that hit me most was the LOVE of God for the people of Pemba and for me! I didn’t eat or drink for the whole day, let alone sit down! I was always with kids, so didn’t even get a moment to stand still and take it all in! But at the end when we sat and thanked Jesus for that He had done for us that day! God just touched my heart! I realised that He had sustained me for the whole day! God cares so much about people, but also the little things! That feeling of being so totally loved and then giving it away! It is very hard to pen down! It really is better to give than to receive!

New Years!! Well, lets just say that Mozambique’s celebrate so very different to Kiwis! They start the night before with a loud party on the beach then the party just continues! No expensive is spared! But here in Arco-Iris we just relax, outreach into the community then starting at 10pm we have church service, which finishes at 1am! We welcomed in the New Year worshipping Jesus, dancing and singing and of course my favourite praying for people! Life here is simple and beautiful!

NB - I praise God that the electricity hasn’t gone down in the last couple of days, so I have been enjoying cold water from the fridge! Hallelujah Jesus!!

The ladies in my sewing class have come a long way in such a short time. Over the next couple of weeks we will be moving from hand stitching to actual sewing machines. The ladies are very excited about that, as am I! I am hoping that if they pick up the machines well, they will be able to sew the uniform for the children that will attend the school! So it will benefit all involved! Earlier this month a group of about 180 pastors from all around the north of Mozambique arrived to begin their bible school education and planting churches. I am teaching the second year class! So they will be with us for three months, then we will have a week to two weeks break and then another group will come!

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support.
Ate Logo! Ciao! Jesu Te Ama

Mana Ana

The Arrival

2005-12-20T06:14:00.000+13:00

Boa Tarde! (Good afternoon) Greetings from warm and sunny Pemba!

The Homecoming
Have been back in warm, sunny Mozambique for 13 days and it feels so good to back home! It was such a precious homecoming! To see, to smell and feel all the familiar things I held so dear to my heart was such a dream come true! I was greeted at the airport by co-workers with joyful cry’s, shouts, laughter and tears, not to mention a ton of hugs! Sitting in the plane when we landed, I could hardly contain my joy and excitement! People sitting around me, must have wondered about my state of mind!....hahah…… But flying over Pemba, as we circled before we landed, oh the joy, the beating of my heart in sync with my Heavenly Fathers Heart – that contentment is totally priceless!

When I arrived back at centre 1 – to be shown my little house and my room all decorated so simple and beautifully! It brought tears to my eyes as I fell to my knees in joyous thanksgiving to my heavenly father who has blessed me so much! What a joy it is to serve such a God!

Later the day I arrived, I was taken to centre 2 – to see my beloved children again. I hadn’t even managed to get out of the land rover and I was surrounded by 200 precious smiles, each one pushing, to give me a hug first! There was much squeals of delight that afternoon with my dearest children! God has just blessed me so very much here in Pemba!

The Centres
We have two centres here in Pemba. They are about 10 minute walks apart. Centre 1 (old base), was the first base built by Iris Ministries when they first came to Pemba, just over three years ago. It now houses all the workers, missionaries and visitors, and speakers. Centre 2 (new base), is the second base that was built by Iris, it is still currently been added too. The new base is where the children live, the pastors in training and also the students from the mission schools will be living. Also the new base is where all the feeding programmes, the widows groups, church, medical clinic and mothers and baby’s clinics are based!

Heat and Sweet
The weather is very hot. We are averaging about 37 to 40 most days! We have a huge water shortage, which has been so much fun, when we swim at the beach with about 10,000 others! Many of the villages outside of Pemba are struggling with their water supply! Would really appreciate prayer for God to move and see rain for these villages that depend on this water during this raining season to store for their crops.

Lets Talk to God
Would really appreciate prayer over the Christmas and New Year Season. It’s very hectic here and also our biggest time to reach out into the community and surrounding villages. On Christmas day, we invited the whole area of Pemba, with putting up signs and posters and also while on outreach spreading word, so we are expecting well over 2000 people for church service and also a feed and a present. We believe in miracles and know that God will multiply what we have! Amen!

Well, all right, I'm going steady now

2005-11-26T19:38:00.000+13:00

Well, all right! Well, all right, well all right my laptop is connected to the internet!!!!

I also have been to the dentist in the last two days and it anit too good news, so I had to have my teeth x-rayed and then had a couple of fillings! Not to mention my teeth had to be washed with floride - thanks to my 5 yrs of wearing braces - to get my teeth straighten - my teeth are now in bad shape! yip - I am going to be completley toothless by the time I am 40 as told by my dentist. My teeth are bascilly falling apart due to scaring from the braces and also did you know that you can brush your teeth too much and that is bad for them too!

I am now also a proud owner of an ipod mini! Yaya! And its pink - even better. I got a $18 discount as the start disc didnt come with it, but have beenn told if I have a applema laptop (which I do), then things should be fine. So as of now, I am charging it and I guess I will find out what happens!

Ok - so I am supposed to fly out this Tuesday! After working at the Bank of New Zealand as a Temp Staff employed by Hudson International! Going to Mozambique will be completly different! I will miss the bodies at the BNZ - they are a great bunch of people to work with and have fun with! The team was wonderful, as was the oss breaks! But back to the visa - it is still somewhere in London and if DHL couldnt picked it up, well, I just wont be flying out until it arrives. So, I was stressing but have since decided its in Gods hands and his timeing is best!

Well, I am so rambling on bout not much!
Ciao

Simply the best.....

2005-11-02T18:34:00.000+13:00

You have to check this ad out - click here! Its brillant!

OK - so I am not really a huge fan of cars or anything really technical - but putting in this way! Come on! I am impressed and I know that you will be!

Enjoy!!!

Brand new LAPTOP

2005-10-30T20:10:00.000+13:00

Ok, so its Sunday evening here in the land of the long white cloud. My father and my youngest brother have returned from their 8 days in Brisbane.
I am sitting at the computer listening to Buddy Holly imaging what my life is going to be like in Pemba for the next two years!.... parts of it I can see and others I have no idea what is going to happen.

The big announcement today is - I brought my applemac laptop yesterday! Its the cutest thing ever! I am still trying to load the programmes onto it - ok, so I am not a computer genius - but slowly is better than nothing at all! OK, but I am so totally hooked! I do love my new laptop! I wanted a pink one! :( But, I do have a pretty awesome new laptop! All about the laptop! Its a 12inch G4 ibook! And boy, is it cute! Its white, very easy to sue, loads of memory, its lite and cute!

Its my birthday on Thursday! I mangered to keep it pretty quite, I dont want a big hu-ha made out of nothing! I'd rather be in Pemba. Ok, so I miss Pemba! I miss my children and I will admit, I have thought about the past and the "what if", but I anit going to put silly ideas into my head and let my heart to feel again so soon!

So, things here on this blog, have been pretty serious - how does one brighten up the mood? I think I need to go to a writing class!

Ok, so I am just muttering and all, so its CIAO

Geeks, Nerds and all

2005-10-23T11:49:00.000+13:00

Well, I wish I had a photo to prove what happened last nite!

Yes, a fellow student from School of Missions (Jamie) phoned me up yesterday and invited me to one of his friends birthday party surprise thing and mentioned that when he came to pick me up, not to freak out cause of his clothes... I laughed and waited to see what he meant!

So, as you can imagne, I was excited and nervous at the same time. It is the first time, I've been out since I've returned from Pemba and also been with a group of guys. So, I spent about 3 hours getting ready. My sister straightend my hair, and I changed like a million times and I did a decent job on my make-up. Needless to say my little brother was impressed!

After helping my Mum make dina and then I smelt like meatballs instead of my perfume, the doorbell rung. My heart skipt a beat and my stomach turned. Now, the excitement had left and the nerves set in. I heard my little bro laugh.... So Jamie had arrived. Ok, this is the moment when you wish you had a birthday present like a cam-cord or that you hadnt let your sister borrow you camera! Jamie was stunning! In true fashion - a geek. Now, I know this dont sound too nice, but if you could of seen him and his mates! Girls - it was funny. So, Jamie was themed to red - working for KFC. Then Simon was themed blue - working with computers and then there was Pat who was themed to green - working for subway and packnsave!

So we had the fat red bus, filled with the geeks, the birthday girl, me and the guys & gals from the youth group. We went into town and literally painted it red! We parked the fat red bus about 20 min from the resturant so we could walk thru town, to see peoples reaction.... oh, boy, that was fun.... just as was walking thru the macDs drive thru! We at dina at the rouge - that was interesting, but more interesting was the washroom situation! Ok, it was flash, not like the latrines in Pemba. It was a smoked glass door - you think is well, see-thru (its not really), so you feel totally uncomfortable sitting on the loo.

After our yummy meal went went for another walk and then a drive thru town! We got pulled over by the cops, that was mm....well, their faces were priceless! We got off with a warning and thus decided to call it an evening and in true geekstyle fashion drive home with our windows and loud pumping music!

Over all - I had a blast. But realised that my heart belongs in Mozambique for the next season of my life. I do enjoy the simple life.......

The plans.....they come & go......

2005-10-23T11:36:00.000+13:00

Well, I was so very excited about doing my sarfri - but plans, they come and & go! Thats right, my bank account wouldnt let my dream come true..... BUT the parents have since stepped in and we have decided to delay that dream by a couple of months and thus do a little tour of South Africa.

So yet another plan, therefore after much thought and couple of sleepless nites, I have thus decided that I either need to marry a rich man or find a rich long-lost relative who needs to give an inheritance away. Of course, I would use this inheritance very wisely.... give some to me, my sarfri, my other family and friends to visit me in Pemba, give some money to chariety and of course I would tithe on it. So, heres to the plan! Personally, I have no idea which one will eventually come and play to the moment. But I will keep you posted...LOL....

So, I leave for Mozambique on the 11 November! Not long to go! Oh, I am very excited and have much to do.... But to see the face of my beloved new homeland and my children - its so totally priceless!

I shall miss you all!

Over and out!

Africa, here I come......

2005-10-15T21:49:00.000+13:00

Well, well...... here is the story so far!!!

I have been back in NZ for about 6 weeks and I finially have job as a temp thru Hudson working at the BNZ! So, that being said, I am now on track returning to my beloved Pemba and family! Oh, joy of all joys! I have the spring back in step....LOL....(truely - I do!)

Anyways, so we contacted our flight agent and there is good news and news that makes me take a second to comprehend. Basically, if I want to return to Pemba before Christmas, without the flights being so expensive, I have a choice of two dates in November! Either the 11th or 18th! So, to cut a couple of hours down of the story (with unfolded on the phone), I have to decide which date I want to leave.... so yeah! Decision deadline - next tuesday! OK - that anit to stressful to decide.... BUT the saga goes on - but it gets better - believe you me, it gets better!!!!

OK, so - like I said, I was talking to my flight agent and if I decide to fly with the earlier date, I arrive in Joberg on Sunday and there are no flights to Pemba until Wednesday - when he said this, I was like "bummer" - but as I listened on, he made me smile and wanted to give him a kiss and a hug..... He said, he would try and increase my luggage allowance from 20Kg to 30kg (ok so that is the kiss), but wait there is more! My good flight agent has given me some ideas to spend my down time in Joberg - like go on a 3-day Safari in Kruger National Park and also a chance to visit Soweto! (that was the hug) - so as you can imagne I was all smiles and jumping up and down with excitment until he told me the price.... basically I need to come up with almost and xtra NZ$2000! So that is my dilema! But in talking to my parents, they are keen on me to travel around South Africa more than Africa, so they are going to pray and see if they might be able to give me some money towards my 4 xtra days in Joberg! Parents are such a blessing!! :)

And to top things off, my friend Ella (from Eketahuna) has just been accepted as a visitor to Iris Ministries in Pemba and we might be flying together back home - if she decides to come now or next year.

Anways, I am so very excited.... I cant wait to leave NZ and return to my beloved family in Pemba and live the good life with my children! And not to mention to start living with Catia and working with beautiful Tesia and go to the beach and play with the kids..... oh, life in Pemba is great!

That is me - OUT

Well......thinking.......dangerous??

2005-10-09T18:45:00.000+13:00

So, is thinking dangerous?..... I'll let you decide

Well.... I have given much things much thought..... if only I had the time! Actually a few things have been swirlling around in my hot little mind.... yes, my mind is switched on, perhaps not just all of the time....

So the topic that is on the thought board or discussion is well..... it was marriage, then boys, then men, then God, then Pemba, they I started to dwell on "what if.... or what if....." and also my mind wondered on back to conversations and moments that I should of said this.... but I said that.... so yea!

Basiclly my mind has really been deep on thought(s), realising that hurts and issues that I thought I'd dealt with or even stuffed down, well, they popped up again, and this time, I have no-one to run too, expect my Heavenley Daddy - which is a wonderful thing, but gets straight to the heart of the hurt or issue, especailly when you want to have a pity party or someone share the sympthy thing with you.... yup - that dont work with your Heavenley Daddy.

So my answer on what I've thought, jouneralled, thougth and talked thru - is that.... WAIT! Let the sweet aroma, the perfume of JC complety flood u, so all you feel His peace, rest and love.... Holy Spirit has been so instrumental my healing my broken heart after my boyfriend of over a year decided he didnt love me anymore amougst other things (wont go into detail)... oh, all the issues came up.... but being such a strong young women, I hid them, bottled them up and decided to be strong, I didnt want him to know how much he'd really hurt me, I wanted to show people that I was ok - that I had it together, but it was more out of fear of embarresment and more rejection! I mean, this guy, I thought he was the one, we were going to be married..... how things change..... how people change..... so I've been dealing with all the issues of anger, rejection, self hatred, broken heart, he loves - he loves me not, what if I'd done this or said that.... tried to replay the whole situation over and over trying to work out what I'd done wrong or whatever.... BUT somethings are meant to be and some things arent. OK - back to the healing part! So, I no-one to turn too, after putting it off, I decided I couldnt do to it to myself anymore - I had to be honest and truthful and realised that I'd been hurt and that I was hurting and how! Once I penned that down, well, the flood gates opened! God really ministered to me, brought up other issues, but I know for every tear I cry, there are more smiles, and 10x more laughter in each memory! I know that I am on my way to be a better young women of God.... the first thing, is to ADMIT there is a problem or a hurt, if you cant do that, well, then you wont experice the HUG, the LOVE, the JOY of the father wrapping his arms around you and hold you while you cry and hear his gentle wispher in your ear of encourgement, promises and life! To feel His embrace, the sweetness of His kiss against your tear-stained cheek - its pricless and that itself is healing and meaning the heart that was smashed into pieces.

So today, I say, I CHOOSE LIFE, I want to meet my maker, I want to be a spotless bride....therefore, I will lay my life down, whatever the cost....that means the highs and lows of life, the whole heart, the broken heart.... we need to give him all the good memories and bad memories.... God wants all of us, not the plastic part of us.... God himself is honest and truth, what is the point in not being honest and truthfull with ourselves, we then cant be honest and truthful with our maker and king. When God says ALL - He means everything, even the hurts and dark parts of heart.... cause in being honest, truthfull with ourseleves we can be honest and truthful with our King, which comes with being open and intimate! Then the healing, the wholeness and joy comes! For with intimacy comes fruitfullness!!!

OK - so I might be rambling on, but a little thing I heard at a recent conference has stuck in my mind and hear it is (well, something along the lines of).......INTIMACY......It is when, we pick up the phone and if we dont recongise the voice we either ask who it is or we hang up.... that is like when we hear the Fathers voice, how can you listen if you dont know His voice.... We need to ring our Father up and hear His voice, so when He calls us, we recongise it....

Oh, dear, someone is board

2005-10-06T16:07:00.000+13:00

OK...so here it is, simple - black and white!

I MISS MOZAMBIQUE!

OK, now that I have all said and done, the weekend with my friend in Eketahuna and also the Conference up in Palmy - well, was pretty awesome! Speaking in church didnt quite go to plan, but hey, Holy Spirit came and rocked, well, everyone with his sweet presence - his imitate love! The conference, was an eye-opener...LOL.... many were touched, healed and had their spiritual eyes open. Gary and his sweet wife brought the manifest presence into Pamly - and its going to stay. They also introduced angels....yes, the a word! Guess what??? I SAW mine and I also went surfing - it was wow! Words cant express and if words could, my spelling is so bad...LOL...

Over and out!

hummm......

2005-09-27T10:20:00.000+12:00

Well.....I, hummm......

OK, so the news is? Well, there is no news! Actually, am entirly frustrated, I want to add some photos on and I cant - arugh!

OK, so I dont have a real job, I am just working for my Mum and helping out at various kids and youth clubs and programmes - so life anit too bad. But I cant stop thinking about Pemba and my life there! How I miss it and long for the day, that I can purchase my ticket out of here back to the place I love and call home! I constantly think of the dear children, and cant wait to hold them in my arms and see their smiley faces! And not too mention back to eating rice & beans and bottled water! People think I'm crazy for wanting to live in Africa, but something is drawing me. Some see it as a sacrifice, others see it as stupidty, but I see it as a joy, its not hard. But I do trust the God I serve. Cause where He guides, He provides!

At the sunday morning service at church - well, it was different. We had a guy share about the Jesus rose from the dead, but he focused on the cross. That is not a bad thing, but he didnt answer the question - but anyways. At the end of the service, they played a song by Nicole C Mullen - I know my Redemeer Lives! It got me thinking and realizing what a wonderful God we serve!

Anyways, I am looking forward to this weekend. I am going up to my friends house, in Eketahuna to preach at her church and also attend a couple of sessions at a conference with Gary & Kathy Oates. WOW! This guy is cool - he works with Randy Clark! I heard Gary speak at TACF in Jan, and its an honour to hear him in the land of the long white cloud.

Love, Grace, Mercy & Compassion

2005-09-12T09:35:00.000+12:00

L-O-V-E
It is a small four-letter word that will cost you everything: laying down your life; passion and compassion; giving without expecting; feeling His very heartbeat and surrendering to His rhythm; following the Lamb wherever He goes - even to Mozambique.

- Heidi Baker, Iris Ministries -

My heart beats for the King. My life is not my own, I live for another!
Here I am Lord, SEND ME!!

Always Remember

2005-09-08T19:40:00.000+12:00

I found this on the web

Always remember what John Wesley said

Do all the GOOD you can

By all the Means you can

In all the Ways you can

In all the Places you can

At all the Times you can

To all the People you can

As long as ever you can

Inspiring aye?

My Life is not my Own

2005-09-06T16:38:00.000+12:00

So I crave for a life of purpose and adventure. How does one live a life like that? We serve a mightly God! A King, who gave his life for me - what does he get in return? My LIFE!

I see these movies of wars, geniocides in Africa. Oh, how it breaks my heart! How can people not be moved? How can people watch and not do a thing about it - they just change the channel. I feel they then dont deserve to know what is going onto humankind - the very race that Jesus died for! Oh, let His death not be in vain!

I see this horrid stuff, I hear the stories and cry with them - almost wanting to bleed with them. I then wonder and imagine what it would be like to experience what they went thru and going thru. To share their greif, sorrow and pain? I have no understanding of that. How to understand? Go and sit with them, listen to them, hold their hand - they need to know that someone cares, even if they dont understand, a hug and smile is better than changing the channel.

I guess my thought and question is who will go? To hold, to love, to comfort, to heal, to serve? My answer - is ME, I will go. Will you come?

Why? These people need a touch! Someone has to make a difference - a simle difference. It could be just as easy as lightening the load, brigthening a dull day or God moving so powerfully they are healed and saved! Everyone needs Jesus!

OK, so I need to explain myself? YES! God impacted me so very much, while I was in Mozambique studying as a missions student. In fact God challenged me! I prayed, I listened, I watched and I answered Him. I am no longer myself, but a daughter of the King. His price has been made, now mine must be made. I give up and let go and say HERE I AM - SEND ME!

Its all about LOVE! Perhaps one of the most mis-used words in the world.
I, Anna Barber, now a laid-down lover, a missionary! Yes - I am going to be working Iris Ministires in Pemba, Mozambique.

My life is not my own - I live for another! - Its all about LOVE

Survived, Changed, & Glory of God

2005-09-06T16:20:00.000+12:00

Ola, como esta? Gloria Senor!

Well, the time has come for me to set foot back in the country of my birth, filled with mixed emotions. So I arrived back in NZ after spending some time in Hong Kong and China. Which was an experience to behold.

Mozambique - that country rocks! God rocks!

In the School of Missions run by Iris Ministries - God totally rocked my world! He wrecked me, pulled me, killed me, loved me, lifted me, filled me and I will never be the same!
I am just a simple girl from NZ who loves a great big God! Who knows what is instore? I dont, but I know the one who does! All I know that its going to be an honour to share my life with Jesus! The one who leads me on all these increidble adventures! They are going to be hard, scary, filled with highs and lows! But from each experience I can learn and grow! O, how life is full when we serve a mighty and powerful God! To God be the glory be given!

So in Mozambique, I died. I laid my Elisha down, and handed over my Samuel! I truely died a death, and counted the cost. I spent many hours crying in the dirt and laughing with the children. Only do it all again - for sure! All for what? A LOVE - A love for my King - cause he first did it for me!

I left Mozambique! I cant hardly belive it. The last 3 months have been amazing, increidble and life changing. I cried from Pemba to Maputo - with the once was and what could have happend ringing in my mind. Realizing that when we landed in Sth Africa, I had totally left my heart in Mozambique. Not with a guy (that was returned), but with a nation, a culture that needs Gods love ever so despritely. I have felt and experience the rhythm and beat of Africa; it has penitrated me! I guess you could say that Africa swallowed me whole! When and Where? I havent a clue! But just thinking all that has happened, brings all the sights, smells and sounds back to my heart, the center, the forefront of my heart, my life! How I long, and crave for a life fulled with purpose to glorify my lover and King! So its lower still!!!

My life is not my own - I live for another

In Mozambique

2005-08-02T02:13:00.000+12:00

Well, I've landed in Mozambique. Actually, I've been in Mozambique for over 10 weeks now and I am totally loving it. I find something new everyday to fall in love with! I love the people, the culture and the food - so I am feeling ever so at home.

The missions school has been totally amazing! Made some friends, shared a shower, eaten bugs, drunk ice that smells like fish..lol...God has totally wrecked me! I love missions and I know that I am called to be a missionary. The speakers at the school have been brillant and ever so timely!

Houston - we have contact...

2005-06-19T20:12:00.000+12:00

At last, the electrcity is up and internet is online! Yay! Life is good!!!

Well, I am finially here in Pemba, Mozambique! Oh, its such a dream come true. So far, it has been very beauitufl and peaceful. Its very hard to think that only a couple years ago, this seemless restful country was in a cival war.

I love it here! The food is good! - its rice & beans, rice & matapa, rice & rice, rice & potatoes, rice & beans and not to mention the not so fresh bread roll for breaky! Am drinking bottled water, as the connection from the town water hasnt been done yet. They always saysoon, but we are now running on Africa time, so we add an "is" at the end of everything...lol...

The culture is amazing, doesnt seem that much different, but I am sure there are things that separate Africa and Kiwiland. Village life for me is very interesting. There are plently of children around Iris and on the streets. The poverty is very real here - and its in your face all the time. My orginal understand of poor has changed dramaticly. The children are hungrey for love and attention - which I am more than happy to give them.

The missions school is going very well. We are very blessed to have wonderful speakers and also to have Papa Rolland and Mana Aida every other day! Am learning lots. God is breaking my heart for Him and also for the lost! Life is very simple here and its so amazing! Nothing is complicated and neither is the gospel. We have had opporunties to go out on outreaches, either for one evening or for two nites. The people are so very hungery - for God and his love! I was given the privillege to share a testimony so far! Oh it was so amazing! I am hoping to get the opporunity to preach - when? I dunno - so that is awesome! It really is such an honour to be used by God.

A little bit about the Iris Base! We have two bases. I am on base one witht he children & pastors. Then there is base two, which is where we have class (in a huge tent) and also church on Friday nite and Sunday morning. We have over 100 children here in Pemba Iris, but that number is growing daily! Its only about 10min walk between the bases. I love the walk! We get a chance to view the scenery and chat to the locals!
We have running water (well, not really), the water is supposed to come on at 6am & 9am, then again at 6pm & 9pm - but that hasnt happened often. So we pump our water for our bucket baths at the well! Talk about strength! Dust is everywhere, so you dont feel that clean, but hey, we are less than a 3min walk to one of the most stunning beaches in the world! (Riversdale, eat your heart out!)
Have just discovered that we shouldnt be walking around in barefeet, as there are worms in the ground and a couple of students have had to gone to the hospital (another interesting story) to get them removed - actually removing them is very mmm.....not for senstive stomachs!

Bless you all so very much! Big hug to you all! You are all in my prayers. Please continue to keep Iris Ministries and Mozambique in your prayers! Cause one day, Mozambique will be living for Jesus!

3 days till take off!

2005-05-17T23:55:00.000+12:00

OK - so its just a tad stressful getting organised...but I am extremly exicited!

Liftoff is in 3 days...3 whole days, that is 72 hours! So, seriously, I have 72 hours left in this land of the long white cloud!

A lot has happened since I last wrote, well the weather has changed, Mothers Day has gone and I have meet with the Elders in my Church, shared in Sunday School and in Church! I've phoned Canada, USA, talked with Pauline & Clifton, Crystal, Robyn, Amy and left messages for Colleen! But hey...all is good!

I am so excited, I can hardly sleep at nite - I am going in 72 hours, soon I will be seeing my beloved face to face, I will be meeting lots of awesome new people that for the next 3 months will be my family! Not to metion the beautiful landscape of stunning Africa, the smiling faces of children and the many hearts we will have the privillage of leading to Jesus! AMEN!!

On the way to my new home, we (my Dad & I) will stopping ova in Singapore to visit CJ and her church! Talk about CRAZY! SO that is SO, SO something to look forward to! Holy Spirit - COME, you are so very WELCOME! Lord, I pray that you come and impact the youth in CJs church - that you fill them and dont leave them the same! Lord I pray, that as I open my mouth that your words will come out and touch the hearts of those that listen, that it may bring healing and restoration and joy! AMEN and Amen!

The countdown as offically started!

2005-05-02T20:26:00.000+12:00

That is right ladies and gentleman! The countdown is offically on!

So its only 18 days till the trip begins! Excited?? - ME!!!
I offically leave Wellington on 20th May at 8am! Then its off to Auckland, then to Singapore for a couple of days to visit CJ, her church and being wowed by the scenes of Singapore!
Then we leave on the 24th to Jo'berg in South Africa - where we will see Africa, for the first time! And the noise of insects - God help me! I will not sleep for a day as I will be so nervous and excited about the next day! Yes, then early morning on 25th of May we will leave for the finial destination - Pemba, MOZAMBIQUE!!!! We arrive at 1.40pm! Oh yay! and into the arms of my handsome, hunky boyfriend FELTIO!

YAY! Mozambique - Here I come!

The countdown begins - tomorrow

2005-04-30T16:29:00.000+12:00

Well, well...today is the last day in April, which means that tomorrow is MAY! Yip, that is day the count down starts.

You may ask why the countdown? Well, tomorrow I leave for Mozambique in 20 days! oh, so very excited.

Oh my, Mozambique - here I come!..lol..cant belivie it, I will be in sunny, beautiful Mozambique standing side by side with my beloved Felito - THANK YOU JESUS! You are so good. We love you and praise you! We give you all the glory. AMEI.

Ouch....

2005-04-28T19:26:00.000+12:00

Needles and I...well, we are not the best of friends....

Yesterday I had an appointment with the doctor regarding my vacinations for Mozambique. After a long chat, it was decided and worked out that I had not recived all my childhood vacinations...so I am in the process of having them as well as the ones needed for Mozambique! Last nite I had 4 in total, next week I go back for two and then 3 days before I fly, I have to go back for at least 3 more! I feel like a pin cushion!

OK, so last nite I had Typhoid, Polio, DTP & Hep A & B! So I still need MMR another dose of Hep A & B and also I need to get the Malaria tablets. So yeah! My arms were a little sore the next day! Acutally the arm that I had the DTP in hurt like crazy! It bruised and went stiff and I couldnt use properly - totally embarrsing not being able to put on a jacket by yourself or even making your own cuppa!

Poppies

2005-04-25T18:25:00.000+12:00

In May 1915 Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps was working in a dressing station on the front line to the north of Ieper, Belgium, when he wrote In Flanders Fields:

In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses,

row on rowThat mark our place;

a nd in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing,

flyScarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.

Short days ago We lived,

felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved,

and now we lieIn Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you, from failing hands,

we throwThe torch;

be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep,

though poppies growIn Flanders fields.

We shall remember

2005-04-25T18:14:00.000+12:00

Today is ANZAC Day!

On 25 April 1915, eight months into the First World War, Allied soldiers landed on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula. This was Turkish territory that formed part of Germany's ally, the Ottoman Empire. The Allied forces encountered unexpectedly strong resistance from the Turks, and both sides suffered enormous loss of life.
The forces from New Zealand and Australia, fighting as part of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), played an important part in the Gallipoli campaign. At its beginning, people at home greeted with excitement the news that our soldiers were at last fully engaged in the war. New Zealand soldiers distinguished themselves with their courage and skill, establishing an enduring bond with the Australians they fought alongside.
The Gallipoli campaign was, however, a costly failure for the Allies, who after nine months abandoned it and evacuated their surviving troops. Almost a third of the New Zealanders taking part had been killed; the communities they came from had counted the cost in the lengthy casualty lists that appeared in their newspapers. And the sacrifice seemed to have been in vain, for the under-resourced and poorly-conducted campaign did not have any significant influence on the outcome of the war.
Although Anzac Day, the anniversary of the first day of conflict, does not mark a military triumph, it does remind us of a very important episode in New Zealand's history. Great suffering was caused to a small country by the loss of so many of its young men. But the Gallipoli campaign showcased attitudes and attributes - bravery, tenacity, practicality, ingenuity, loyalty to King and comrades - that helped New Zealand define itself as a nation, even as it fought unquestioningly on the other side of the world in the name of the British Empire.

AnzacNumbers
260 - days of the Gallipoli Campaign
8556 - NZ forces landed:
4852 NZ forces wounded,
2721 NZ forces fatalities
8709 - Australian forces fatalities
33,072 - fatalities from all British forces

mmm....its been a long time

2005-04-17T22:18:00.000+12:00

Well, havent written in like totally ages, and a lot has happend!

I love Felito - my handsome boyfriend, who loves God with such a passion! His vision to see people walking with with God is so inspiring! (amoung other things). Hard to beleive that in just under 6 weeks that I will be seeing my beloved face to face, is a feeling hard to shake! To feel his hand in mind - priceless - brings a smile to my face!

Being out to Riversdale and caught up with Uncle Grim and Auntie Kate from Camp Anderson (Learn n Live Ministries) - must admit it was real hard going out there again. Havent been in over 18 months! It was like walking into a time capsule - all the memories came flooding in - good and bad! We walked along the beach - my favourite thing to do, which stired every possible emotion! Its so healing, relaxing, just getting away from the hussle and bussle of city life and retreat to the sea which is calming and peaceful. I love camp, its such a special place and has a place in my heart! Then in the evening went and watched the Hot Air Balloon Festival. Ok, thought it was only for old folks, but honestly, it was good. The balloons were huge and beauitful and graceful! They danced to music - was cool. The fireworks at the end were stunning! I love them - reminds me of my childhood in Aussie, carefree summer days!

My dog Kayla had to be put down as she was ill. Actually she had two tumors, one in her tummie and the other in her liver! That was a sad day for us all! She was such a great dog - very loving, caring, sweet natured and not to mention loyal.
Has been hard adjusting to not having sweet, Kayla around. Hard walking in from a long day at work with my Kayla to greet you at the door, or wanting cudles just so she can be around you a bit longer before bedtime! Must admit, its lonely going for walks on my own!
So the Barber household is petless - first time I remember not having a pet in the house, its very werid.

Went and visited my Grandmother (Gran) in Masterton! Well, I got off the train and the questions started. I was grulled for over 4 hours on just about everything you could ever possibly think about of! Questions on dreams, the future, God, love, life, Felito, Holy Spirit, Africa, Felito, Iris Ministiries, School of Missions, being in Canada, Felito and Africa. Oh, did I metion Felito and going to Africa! I felt I'd being kidnaped and taken ransom and was put under a light and had to answer the questions...lol...Gran - she must love me...but I did get a nice dessert though!...lol...

Also, this weekend I went to my friends house - ELLA from good ole Eketahuna and preached! Wow! Was so nervous - was werid preaching and not having friends around from SoM - I kept expecting them to come in! But God came and people were touched! Did soaking for ministry time - the sweet heavy loving presence of God filled the room! People silently wiping the tears from their face, as Jesus wisphered into their hearts how much he loved them and wants to be with them! The joy of seeing the revelation move from their head into their heart, that God wants to be involved in their lives, that he wants to know them, he cares for them and loves them so very much! That is so priceless!

Not to mention have a meeting with the elders in two weeks time, about going to Mozambique! Am going to share my heart with them! As I want to go under the churches covering and submit to them - yes, I have told them that before, but I dont think they beleive me when I say that! Want to show them wonderful photos of stunning Mozambique and the beautiful people who live their!

I shall sign off now - Goodbye

Amazing Words

2005-03-31T20:25:00.000+12:00

"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving."

"Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well."

- Mother Teresa -

Words from the Heart on Paper

2005-03-30T19:00:00.000+12:00

I received part of this letter from Heidi Baker - wow! She wrote her heart - the words describe the feeling...wow! I picture everything! It brought light to my eyes, a smile to face, my head shaking, I am going to this place! I am speechless, my mouth is dry. God is faithful and incredible. Let God impact you and His Holy Spirit fill you as you read!

I read it, my heart beat faster and faster - I feel like that, she removed the words from heart!

The more I read, the more I want to be like Jesus!

Below is Heidi sharing her heart!

After seven weeks of traveling and fourteen conferences in a row, I am so ready and eager to come home to my beloved Pemba and my beautiful African children. Jesus has called me to speak to the Western church as well, but my heart cries to sit with my Makua people, learn their language, and be surrounded again by the happy, excited faces of my Mozambican family. I long to be back in the bush, winning Moslems to Jesus whole villages at a time. I started my itinerary in Sierra Leone, now surpassing Mozambique as the poorest country in the world. The Craigs from Ireland did a fabulous job of organizing an evangelistic outreach. Nearly every church in the city cooperated, and we were joined by friends from around the world. We all taught pastors and prayed for the sick. The Lord called me to stay in my room to fast and pray during the day. The first two nights of the large outdoor meetings, we were breaking through and contending for more of the presence of the Lord. The third night the Lord began to fulfill a vision that I have repeatedly been seeing. There was a large football field full of people, and after I preached thousands of people gave their hearts to the Lord. As I began to pray for the healing anointing to come, the Lord spoke to me, saying that if I stayed low, He would walk across the field and pour oil upon the people, and heal them. The whole crowd knelt down, and the miraculous happened: there was silence in Africa!!! Not a baby cried, no one stirred. Total silence. I felt the weighty glory of the Lord Jesus falling upon me and the crowd as oil ran down my arm. After some time the Lord began to tell and show me what was happening as I knelt down with my eyes closed on the platform. The blind saw, the deaf heard, the crippled walked as Jesus Himself walked through the crowd. Then lines formed as many came forward to give their testimonies to the glory of God. This is surely what I am created for. I am believing for a million souls to come to Jesus this year. Thank you for keeping in touch and especially for praying for me.

Much love in Jesus, Heidi

Doesnt that stir you? Doesnt that move you? Doesnt that make your heart beat? Dosent that make your mind swell? Above, that is what I want! That is inspiriaton to the core! That is what I long for! I must decrease and you must increase Lord! More of your power, more of your spirit in me!

I'm your Servant Lord

2005-03-21T18:12:00.000+12:00

I found this song and it really spoke to me! It went straight into my heart! Lord, I just want to thank you for everything you've done! For you are my Lord, my light and my salvation, in whom shall I be afraid? Thank you for your love, the love that passes all fear, the love that I do not deserve. Lord, I am your servant, here I am, I give myself to you. Take me, mould me, use me, fill me, walk beside me! Come live in me, take over. I am yours and you are mine.
Lord, all the glory to you!

I'm your Servant

Words & Music by Andrew Ulugia

Now into your presence Lord

I will boldly come

It's only by your grace O Lord

It's nothing I have done

Grant me your servant heart

That I might live like you

and as you set me apart

I will humbly share the love

I found in you

I'm your servant here I am

Bended knees and open hands

Lord I hear your voice today

Lord I hear and I obey

When I am weak will you be strong

When I'm lost will you lead me home

Though I struggle on the way

would you use me anyway

Lord I give my life today

A dream is worth living

2005-03-20T15:00:00.000+12:00

Argh!...God is so brillantly amazing! I've never screamed so loud in my life...

Ok, so I need to backtrack a bit. I had applied to go to Iris Ministries International School of Missions, and I was on a waiting list due to accomodation. So I was like mega praying and hoping and wishing and praying some more! Then last nite I got an email to say, that they had not received my organial application - I was so guttered! So I tried to email it again, only to find that the file was too big! They can only recieve 40k and mine was almost 50k - so I spent most of evening trying to reduce the file, by cutting things out and reading to see if there was any repeatition! After mid-nite I gave up and went to bed, I was so tired. I thought that my brain would function better in the morning after a sleep and recover from a very busy week at work!

So, I'm up in the morning! I boggled around a bit, eating breakfast, made cup of tea for fam members, talked to Kayla (the dog), then decided that I would check my mails before I would have another go at my application! So I opened my mail and found that Iris SoM had emailed me! My heart was pumping fast, and I was excited and nervous at the same time. I was too chicken to open up the email, so I opend up another one first, then half way thru reading it, I couldn't handle it anymore and opend up the email from Iris SoM! Well, I read it thru, was a bit confused, so read it again! Then I read the words "dear applicant, you are now accepted as a student", I read it again, and again, took a couple of times for it to register! I AM GOING!!! I thought to myself! This exictment, grew up from deep within my tummy...then my lungs filled with air and came out of my mouth (that was already open - wide open) and boy did I scream!! It was so loud my little brother went pale - thinking I'd read bad news! I was like, speechless and excited at the same time! The words did first come out of mouth and I had to calm myself down! I was shaking, couldnt stoping smiling and laughing, and shaking, and jumping up and down and running around the house! I could have run a marthon and probably won! My reaction after a while was to run thru my street and yell at the top of my lungs and wake all the neighbours up and then pray for them! Oh, being able to go to Iris SoM is such a huge DREAM come true! Words cant express my joy, excitment! I just cant wait to go, I wish I could click my heals together 3 times and I'd be there!

I went out to lunch with my brother and his girlfriend, and everytime I thought about it, I just wanted to jump and clap with excitment! God is so good! Its so funny - everytime I look around, and I see people who are from Africa, I feel instantly like I know them, and wanting to run and give them a hug - they would prob look at me rather oddly, but hey!

Jesus! I love you and I thank you so very much! This is such a dream come true! God is so inrediable, amazing, joyful, faithful! THANK YOU SO MUCH LORD! You rock dude!!

To be able to go to Africa - a dream since I was a child, when I first heard about my favourite missionary Mary Slessor, my heart was beating, my eyes became bright and my mind alert! I knew that is where I wanted to go! Like when words jump off a page and you get a revelation from God and you know your answer - that is how I feel about going to Africa! To be able to hold those dear children in my arms, to tell them stories etc...oh, my heart is melting just thinking about it! To see the hundreds (if not thousands) of hungry, hurting, lonely, sick people, all crowed in, to hear the voice of God - to recive Him as their father, someone who will love, heal their sickness and take away their pain...wow, that is such a precious moment, and brings a smile to my face! What an honour to work for Jesus! I can picture everything in my mind now - wow! God is so amazing! But going to Africa means so much more, not just to meet amazing and beautiful people, to see them walk into the arms of Jesus, to see them healed, it also means I can see my handsome, amazing, God-loving man of God, Felito Utuie - my boyfriend, whom I love so very much!

God you rock! Thank you so much, for totally everything, my family, my job, my handsome boyfriend, being able to go to Iris SoM - you are such a dream maker! I love you and praise you and thank you again!

My dream, is no longer a dream, its reality and I am living it!

Bring it on!

2005-03-17T06:31:00.000+13:00

Welcome Holy Spirit! COME LORD COME

An awesome prophcy from Phil Pringle (Kiwi born) whose being living in Oz for some time. This word was brought during a big conf that was focusing on fire for Oz, but this word came too! This really is so exciting, and we are all really praying for it to happen! For all of us to be part of this somehow! Again, Holy Spirit have your way! We are so hungry for MORE and MORE!

The word from Phil Pringle

"I believe New Zealand is about to have in 2005 a revival that will eclipse any kind of revival it has ever had in the history of that nation.

I believe by the power of the Holy Spirit New Zealand is about to have a touch from Heaven. A touch from Heaven and the finger of God is poised in the heavens.

I see it. I see lightning bolts coming out of the Long White Cloud.

I see feet running through the streets to get to meetings.

I see things happening that have never happened before, people running to church in New Zealand. I see them running through the streets of Wellington.

I see them running down and the wind is blowing.

They are pushing against the wind, they are trying to get churches.

There are people running in Auckland down Queen street to get to church, people are running. They are desperate,some are full of fear and some are full of faith.

But they are running to church.

This is going to happen in New Zealand 1000's and 1000's of people running to church- running. It's probably not ever happened in New Zealand before. Amen.

Amen and Amen! Lord, COME, Holy Spirit we welcome you! Come and fill this place!

Returning to the Land of the Long White Cloud

2005-03-15T10:10:00.000+13:00

The trip back to NZ, was long, but I meet some amazing people and made two new friends, I also meet my sisters Pastor in Sydney - so we had a great chat on the way to warm and windy Wellington. So its back to life in SUNNY NZ, enjoying the warm weather, going for long walks along the river and beach, not to metion soaking up the sun and eating all the fruit I can get my hands onto! What a life! What can I say, I live in paradise...lol... (Right now I am sitting in the lounge with all the windows open, enjoying the sun & drinking, wait for it ladies and gents - Feijoa juice!)

Being back in NZ, is ok. Has been so great seeing family and friends and spending some quality time with my pets, whom I have missed terribly. Church is...welll, its not TACF, but God is still here! God is really teaching me about HIM, knowing him deeper, his thoughts and his smiles, what makes his heart pump and beat fasta and also where his love is! Finding him, his presence in the smallest things and things we even take for granted...like the sunrise, the sunset, the flowers, the smile from a loved one etc.. and then chain of life...its been inspiring. I have finially got a job, which is keeping me nice and busy, and am looking for some weekend/evening work...but I know that God will supply! Sometimes it feels as if I never even left, and other times, it feels that I was away for more than a year! The Hutt Valley has changed so much, I feel like a tourist walking around. Quite odd really asking people for directions to the local store, the gym, where to buy phone cards and asking for a measure tape to work out my size! Then they ask - What a nice accent - where are you from? I always just smile and give a little giggle, and then promptly change the subject, as I am too embarresed to let them know that I am actually a kiwi.