Bibles Galore!

.

.

Part of our work this year in Maxixe involves teaching and training the new believers,and up and coming leaders who joined the new churches we planted last year.

.

It's a challenge! The educated people in the towns speak Portuguese, and the village people out of the town, where most people live, speak mainly Shangaan.

.

Only around one in three can read and write, the good thing is they are keen to learn, and they are doing just that.

.

Over the last couple of months we have brought in 180 bibles in Shangaan and 50 in Portuguese (the picture on the left).

.

We managed to get hold of a very good 14 week foundation course in Shangaan which Armindo is now teaching (picture right). We now have electricity in the church...amazing! It's a bit dull, and it goes off fairly regularly, but you can now see the people you are teaching, which is quite novel!

.

Every one is very keen to get involved in learning the new course material, It's simple, packed with the Word of God, some good illustrations and pictures and there is a test attached to each lesson. Most people are getting very good marks.

.

It's been a real thrill to see this important part of our work take off so well,

we ran out of material on the first night as I had only bought enough for a hundred people to do the course. We have just ordered another hundred lessons!

.

Next month I am taking a team from England out on a working trip to the orphanage and we still have two spare places. Call me if you fancy the trip of a lifetime or would like a bit more info! There is still time to join us. 07813972855

.

.

Delfina's New Shop!

.

.

Here is a very proud Delfina, and some of our church youth group with her shop now open and up and running!

.

And yes its pink, of all colours..!.Very pink..!. and I'm saying nothing. It's Delfina's shop and she's delighted.

.

It's been open for three weeks now and is producing a profit! We are all very excited. The shop is sited next to our church in Maxixe, which we call the Centre. It sells all kinds of everyday items from razors to soap powder, and toilet rolls to beauty cream! Who on earth would buy beauty cream in this environment, I asked myself, as I saw it displayed on the shelf....you'd be surprised!

.

This shop is another of our new sustainable projects here in Maxixe, helping to bring people out of poverty.

.

A huge thank you to those who have generously given into this project, both to build the shop and also to stock it.

.

We have been supporting Armindo, Delfina and his young family, and the many destitute people who arrive at his house around meal times for the last five years.

.

As soon as the turnover and profit increase in the shop they will become self sufficient, and able to generate their own income. no longer needing our financial support.