Troesters – August 2009
Dear Friends,
We can’t thank you enough for your partnering with us in the work of the Lord here in Mozambique.
We were so privileged to have our daughters, Kristin and Sharon here with us for a week and a half. It was great to hear of how the Lord is working in their lives as they are changing jobs, with both beginning to work for a cake-decorating business which is just starting. The day after they arrived here, they worked with Joanie in hosting a ladies activity at our home. They baked, sewed and spent time in the Word with the ladies and girls from both of our churches.
On July 27th we all traveled together to Shire, Ethiopia to serve at Grace Village, a special ministry that helps fistula patients who have been rejected by their families, and orphans who have been abandoned by their families for one reason or another. Kristin and Sharon worked with one of the girl who runs their tea shop to develop new breads and sweets to sell. It was a challenge with no electricity for the first 4 days. They needed to do all of their baking in a wood-burning oven. When there was electricity they still used a very simple round oven. Much was learned by everybody and perhaps on the next visit more progress can be made. Culture and custom plays a major factor.
Joanie and I were privileged to teach every day. Joanie taught the “moms” (gals whose lives have been altered forever by fistula – now caring for a group of the orphans). I taught the older children each afternoon. God is the “Father of the fatherless”.
Just before leaving for Ethiopia we enjoyed having a missionary couple, their son along with a summer intern join us for the weekend. On Saturday we had a special day of evangelism where we divided up into groups of 3 or 4 and spread out into the area around the church. It was pretty scary for all, as most had never ventured out to use what we have been working on. Everybody came back with exciting stories of the opportunities that the Lord had provided. We are continuing to train the young people for evangelism and plan to venture out again in 3 weeks.
The “Sewing Men” close to our house continue to provide opportunities for ministry. 5 of them are Muslims and I ask you to pray for wisdom to know the best way to proceed in presenting the gospel to them.
Zito, our gardener says that he trusted in Christ after our 2nd Bible study back on the 22nd of May. He is attending our closest church and is growing in his understanding of his salvation. We do a little study each week after his time of work.
Pedro our mechanic continues to come back for more. After our last 2 studies he became very quiet and contemplative. He has been out to one church service and says he is coming back this Sunday.
Joanie’s ministry with the ladies in both churches continues. Pray for God’s wisdom to be able to make the studies culturally applicable. People are all the same but culture plays a significant part. The pressures of the extended family are incredible in so many ways.
Please note our mailing address: Rua Montepuez, #84, Maputo, Mozambique, Africa. There is no zip code. Anything of value can be sent to a PO Box: Caixa Postal 654, Maputo, Mozambique.
May God use you, one and all, as you serve our wonderful Lord and Savior.
By His grace,
Joel and Joanie Troester