Friday, December 26, 2008
The Big Move
After much prayer and consideration, Felito and I have decided to move from PalmRidge South Africa, back to Maputo Mozambique.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The AOF Team
Introducing the Africa on Fire Team (with friends)
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Marcelo (in the blue tshirt) & Adriana and Felito (in the red tshirt) & I on the end
Marcelo (in the blue tshirt) & Adriana and Felito (in the red tshirt) & I on the end
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Outreach Update
OUTREACH TIME
The Africa on Fire team want to thank everyone for their prayers and 
encouragement and their continued support. Without you we wouldn’t be here doing what we have been doing. Again we want to thank everyone at Lifeswitch church for your love and support and donating the necessary funds for the trailer, thank you so much for your heart and generosity. The trailer is such a super huge blessing and the outreach wouldn’t have happened without the trailer.
Our first outreach was a huge success. We want to magnify Gods goodness, without him nothing would have happened.
Over the course of a few days the team from Brazil and New
Zealand arrived in South Africa. We had a few days together to prepare and pray. During that time, there was much stress as the padjero yet again needed to fixed, but after much frustration and tears on our part it was decided to rent a kombi 10-seater van (which actually seated 8 people). We loaded our bags, tents, blow-up mattresses, sound system, generator, petrol, gifts, food and water onto the new trailer, piled into the van and we were off, two days later than planned, but this is Africa.
It was a six-hour drive to Giyani, not the longest stretch of the outreach, but the trailer was full and heavy. This was a first outreach for most of team and the first time in Africa for all of the team from overseas, so everyone was excited and apprehensive. We arrived in Giyani way past sun down, the people had been waiting for us at the church for a very long time, even though it was late they greeted us with much enthusiasm, we raced through the worship and Pastor Marcelo from Brazil was introduced, people were hanging on the edge of their seats…they are hungry people, it wasn’t us they wanted, it was Jesus. As soon as Pastor Marcelo started to preach, God’s presence came. During the time of ministry God’s presence was ever so strong. He moved swiftly, yet powerfully. Many were healed. Children were healed from headaches, high fevers and women who had pains in their bodies
were healed. One lady had been blind in one eye from an accident with a knife as a child and God opened her eye, we all rejoiced with her at what the Lord had done. People also received Jesus into their hearts. Another lady had been healed during the worship of a pain in her leg she had, had for many years and it had stopped her from dancing which greatly upset her. When she came to testify that the Lord had healed her, she danced her way up and danced the whole way through as she spoke, it was so beautiful. We were in Giyani for two days, the church was packed, and people were standing outside even by the windows to hear the word of God and just to receive a touch from God. Worship was amazing during our time there; God’s presence was very much felt during the whole time. We celebrated, we danced, we sang, we worshipped and God came. We left knowing that the lives of the people in Giyani were forever changed.
We drove through the Kruger National Park to get to Mozambique; we crossed the boarder into the Great Limpopo Park into the Mozambique side. We weren’t quite prepared for the road. Many had told us that the roads were paved, obviously their understanding of paving was very different to ours. It was a long and hot drive but after many hours we arrived in complete darkness in Mazivilla. This village has no electricity, so we quickly set up our tents with the light of the kombi, we woke early the next morning and spoke to those that came and visited. In the early afternoon we headed to a large field to set up the trailer and sound-system. We danced and danced during worship, it was a very happy time. People were really blessed and touched by God’s presence.
The next day we were off to Chibuto, still in the Gaza province. This is the village
where Felito’s parents were born, so it was a wonderful reception meeting family. Everyone was so very welcoming. We arrived we before sun-down and setup our tents, then in the afternoon went to setup everything for the evening. Though the people in Chibuto didn’t have much, they gave everything they had. Everyone loved to dance and worship the Lord. The sweet presence of the Lord, was everywhere. Many people again were healed and set free. We had high fevers healed, pains in the body healed, even one child’s hearing improved.
The Brazilian pastors had brought a couple of large bags of toys, and sandals for children. It was such a joy to see the children receive their new sandals and their dolls and cars. It brought tears of the eyes to those who were handing out the presents, it truly is better to give than to receive.
It was then off to Zimpeto, one of the “suburbs” of Maputo. Zimpeto is where Felito’s father lives
and has a church. We arrived and were placed in homes of the church members from Eduardo’s church (Felito’s brother) in Malhazine. We were all very tired and in much need of a good bath with clean water. Much to the excitement of the women, there was service just for them in the morning and then in the afternoon we set up in the soccer field for the evening outreach. Again both evenings God moved and His children were touched, healed and changed, what a blessing it was too see many receive Jesus into their hearts.
The Sunday service was incredible. God’s presence could be felt before we even started. As the choir started to sing, people began to cry, God was ministering to their hearts. During the time of ministry again many were healed, the youth had encounters with God to forever change them.
Then it was a long drive back to Johannesburg, South Africa to begin the two conferences, one at our church and another in the Tembisa Township. Even though we were tired, wanted clean water, light to see what we were eating at night, and no more rice (well at least for a couple of days), and glad that there was going to be no more bad latrine (long-drop) stories, our hearts were left feeling we could fly higher than any mountain and smiles that couldn’t be wiped from our faces. God poured out His love extravagantly and stretched His hand out in the most powerful of ways on outreach. What a joy it is to be called a child of God!! Thank you Jesus for your GOODNESS!!
We are currently in Mozambique and we are returning to Xai-Xai to discuss with the elders and council people about the process of obtaining the land. Please keep us in prayer during this time and that the process of paying for the land, submitting the plan and eventually completing the paperwork for the land that it will go well, swiftly and that God’s hand will be upon it.
God bless Felito, Anna & the Africa on Fire Team.
encouragement and their continued support. Without you we wouldn’t be here doing what we have been doing. Again we want to thank everyone at Lifeswitch church for your love and support and donating the necessary funds for the trailer, thank you so much for your heart and generosity. The trailer is such a super huge blessing and the outreach wouldn’t have happened without the trailer.Our first outreach was a huge success. We want to magnify Gods goodness, without him nothing would have happened.
Over the course of a few days the team from Brazil and New
Zealand arrived in South Africa. We had a few days together to prepare and pray. During that time, there was much stress as the padjero yet again needed to fixed, but after much frustration and tears on our part it was decided to rent a kombi 10-seater van (which actually seated 8 people). We loaded our bags, tents, blow-up mattresses, sound system, generator, petrol, gifts, food and water onto the new trailer, piled into the van and we were off, two days later than planned, but this is Africa.It was a six-hour drive to Giyani, not the longest stretch of the outreach, but the trailer was full and heavy. This was a first outreach for most of team and the first time in Africa for all of the team from overseas, so everyone was excited and apprehensive. We arrived in Giyani way past sun down, the people had been waiting for us at the church for a very long time, even though it was late they greeted us with much enthusiasm, we raced through the worship and Pastor Marcelo from Brazil was introduced, people were hanging on the edge of their seats…they are hungry people, it wasn’t us they wanted, it was Jesus. As soon as Pastor Marcelo started to preach, God’s presence came. During the time of ministry God’s presence was ever so strong. He moved swiftly, yet powerfully. Many were healed. Children were healed from headaches, high fevers and women who had pains in their bodies
were healed. One lady had been blind in one eye from an accident with a knife as a child and God opened her eye, we all rejoiced with her at what the Lord had done. People also received Jesus into their hearts. Another lady had been healed during the worship of a pain in her leg she had, had for many years and it had stopped her from dancing which greatly upset her. When she came to testify that the Lord had healed her, she danced her way up and danced the whole way through as she spoke, it was so beautiful. We were in Giyani for two days, the church was packed, and people were standing outside even by the windows to hear the word of God and just to receive a touch from God. Worship was amazing during our time there; God’s presence was very much felt during the whole time. We celebrated, we danced, we sang, we worshipped and God came. We left knowing that the lives of the people in Giyani were forever changed.We drove through the Kruger National Park to get to Mozambique; we crossed the boarder into the Great Limpopo Park into the Mozambique side. We weren’t quite prepared for the road. Many had told us that the roads were paved, obviously their understanding of paving was very different to ours. It was a long and hot drive but after many hours we arrived in complete darkness in Mazivilla. This village has no electricity, so we quickly set up our tents with the light of the kombi, we woke early the next morning and spoke to those that came and visited. In the early afternoon we headed to a large field to set up the trailer and sound-system. We danced and danced during worship, it was a very happy time. People were really blessed and touched by God’s presence.
The next day we were off to Chibuto, still in the Gaza province. This is the village
where Felito’s parents were born, so it was a wonderful reception meeting family. Everyone was so very welcoming. We arrived we before sun-down and setup our tents, then in the afternoon went to setup everything for the evening. Though the people in Chibuto didn’t have much, they gave everything they had. Everyone loved to dance and worship the Lord. The sweet presence of the Lord, was everywhere. Many people again were healed and set free. We had high fevers healed, pains in the body healed, even one child’s hearing improved.The Brazilian pastors had brought a couple of large bags of toys, and sandals for children. It was such a joy to see the children receive their new sandals and their dolls and cars. It brought tears of the eyes to those who were handing out the presents, it truly is better to give than to receive.
It was then off to Zimpeto, one of the “suburbs” of Maputo. Zimpeto is where Felito’s father lives
and has a church. We arrived and were placed in homes of the church members from Eduardo’s church (Felito’s brother) in Malhazine. We were all very tired and in much need of a good bath with clean water. Much to the excitement of the women, there was service just for them in the morning and then in the afternoon we set up in the soccer field for the evening outreach. Again both evenings God moved and His children were touched, healed and changed, what a blessing it was too see many receive Jesus into their hearts.The Sunday service was incredible. God’s presence could be felt before we even started. As the choir started to sing, people began to cry, God was ministering to their hearts. During the time of ministry again many were healed, the youth had encounters with God to forever change them.
Then it was a long drive back to Johannesburg, South Africa to begin the two conferences, one at our church and another in the Tembisa Township. Even though we were tired, wanted clean water, light to see what we were eating at night, and no more rice (well at least for a couple of days), and glad that there was going to be no more bad latrine (long-drop) stories, our hearts were left feeling we could fly higher than any mountain and smiles that couldn’t be wiped from our faces. God poured out His love extravagantly and stretched His hand out in the most powerful of ways on outreach. What a joy it is to be called a child of God!! Thank you Jesus for your GOODNESS!!
We are currently in Mozambique and we are returning to Xai-Xai to discuss with the elders and council people about the process of obtaining the land. Please keep us in prayer during this time and that the process of paying for the land, submitting the plan and eventually completing the paperwork for the land that it will go well, swiftly and that God’s hand will be upon it.
God bless Felito, Anna & the Africa on Fire Team.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Im an AUNTY!
Yay, am so excited to announce I am aunty for the first time (well on my side of the family).
My sister had a beautiful baby girl - Aliyah-Rose...welcome to family.
Can't wait to be in NZ sometime next year to finially met her.
My sister had a beautiful baby girl - Aliyah-Rose...welcome to family.
Can't wait to be in NZ sometime next year to finially met her.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
August 2008 Update
Hi Friends and Family
Thank you so much for your prayers over the past month… We have seen God move and protect us incredibly over this time.
At the beginning of August Felito, Anna and I went back to
A friend of Felito’s from Xai-Xai (pronounced shy-shy) showed us a number of pieces of land, and a rural village called Chizivanae, which is north of Xai-Xai. The land is very fertile, and everything they plant grows there (corn, citrus fruits, cashew nuts, mangos, avocados, passion-fruits etc). We went into the village to visit a number of the family homes there. From talking to the people we found that they have no village well, so they rely on rain for their water. So if it doesn’t rain they have no water. The people are dying from simple preventable problems like drinking unclean water and malaria. As we visited the families, we prayed for a few of them. One woman we prayed for was 102 and had been involved in a bus accident and had resulting lower back problems. Even so, she oozed joy, didn’t look a day over 80, still had all of her teeth, and was working in the field! We believe that this village is where God is calling us to base the ministry from. We heard today that the chief has set aside a couple of pieces of land for us to look at possibly purchasing. We are excited about bringing Jesus to the poorest of the poor!
A couple of days prior to this, Anna and I spent a day in Mazivilla with the woman learning how to make xima (like mashed potato but made from corn). We spent the whole day making one meal! From peeling the dried corn, pounding it, separating and sifting it, mixed it with water and then ground it in a ceramic pot for over 3 hours! We are real Mozambiquan muscle women now!
There are a team of Brazillian pastors here to do outreaches with us for two weeks. On Friday (22nd) we head to Giyani - by the
Praise reports from the prayer points in the last update:
Praise God the trailer is finished! We picked it up today, just in time for outreach! (Pictures to follow after outreach)
Felito’s brother (Joao) is doing much better and able to work part time again.
God has been providing divine connections for outreaches and for the land especially in Xai-Xai.
Prayer points:
- For God’s continued presence and protection especially during the outreaches.
- That Anna and I will continue to learn Portuguese quickly (essential in
- That during the outreaches God will move mightily with people coming into relationship with Him and their lives transformed.
- That God will clearly show us the exact land He wants us to base the ministry from.
- That God would go before us and prepare the way, and that we would walk in it with His wisdom and discernment, showing His love.
We pray everything is going well for you all,
Love and Blessings,
Felito, Anna and Bronie :)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
July Update
Hello prayer partners
What a welcome back. It was straight back into it. We arrived early on Tuesday morning and that night a team of four from the USA arrived to join us for our first South Africa outreach.
We had two days to recover from the flying, then it was up to the Limpopo
province (6 hours drive by the Mozambique boarder) to begin our first outreach. The village was rural and very simple living, but no one could escape its beauty.
The next week we returned to Palmridge with the team for two 3-day conferences, which both turned out to be a liberating time of truth, and freedom for the people.
Last week we headed up to Giyani, to a small village 6 hours away, near the Zimbabwe boarder. This outreach was an incredible witness to God’s power and healing. The building was packed with standing room only and people were even lined up outside! God moved powerfully in this village and a large number of people were saved (including the village chief)! God healed people left, right and centre; of blindness, deafness, joint/back problems, acute/chronic illnesses, and mental health problems etc. Our God is so good!
While we were up the top of South Africa, we took the opportunity to visit Kruger Wildlife Park, which was an amazing experience. We saw giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalos, hippos, leopards and a huge range of God’s creation.
Over the past few weeks we have been looking for a house to live in here in South Africa. We have been unsuccessful in securing a home so far. After praying we feel that God is calling us back to Mozambique. Felito is currently in Mozambique looking for land, which we could purchase and build a house and base our ministry from. We would still be very involved with the church in Palmridge, commuting monthly.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support,
Lots of Love and blessings, Felito, Anna and Bronie
PRAYER POINTS
• That God will show us the land He wants us to buy
• That the trailer would be finished before we move to Mozambique
• That Felito’s older brother (João) will be healed from his sicknesses including tuberculosis
• That God would provide us with divine connections for outreaches
• That God would go before us and prepare that way, and that we would walk in it with His wisdom and discernment.
What a welcome back. It was straight back into it. We arrived early on Tuesday morning and that night a team of four from the USA arrived to join us for our first South Africa outreach.
We had two days to recover from the flying, then it was up to the Limpopo
province (6 hours drive by the Mozambique boarder) to begin our first outreach. The village was rural and very simple living, but no one could escape its beauty.The next week we returned to Palmridge with the team for two 3-day conferences, which both turned out to be a liberating time of truth, and freedom for the people.
Last week we headed up to Giyani, to a small village 6 hours away, near the Zimbabwe boarder. This outreach was an incredible witness to God’s power and healing. The building was packed with standing room only and people were even lined up outside! God moved powerfully in this village and a large number of people were saved (including the village chief)! God healed people left, right and centre; of blindness, deafness, joint/back problems, acute/chronic illnesses, and mental health problems etc. Our God is so good!
While we were up the top of South Africa, we took the opportunity to visit Kruger Wildlife Park, which was an amazing experience. We saw giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalos, hippos, leopards and a huge range of God’s creation.Over the past few weeks we have been looking for a house to live in here in South Africa. We have been unsuccessful in securing a home so far. After praying we feel that God is calling us back to Mozambique. Felito is currently in Mozambique looking for land, which we could purchase and build a house and base our ministry from. We would still be very involved with the church in Palmridge, commuting monthly.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support,
Lots of Love and blessings, Felito, Anna and Bronie
PRAYER POINTS
• That God will show us the land He wants us to buy
• That the trailer would be finished before we move to Mozambique
• That Felito’s older brother (João) will be healed from his sicknesses including tuberculosis
• That God would provide us with divine connections for outreaches
• That God would go before us and prepare that way, and that we would walk in it with His wisdom and discernment.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Lord is my ROCK....in whom I will TRUST.
PSALMS 18:2
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.”
These last couple of months have been such a trying time and at times it felt as if Felito and I were on a roller-coaster, powerless to control anything expect just to sit and ride the highs and lows, but our God is so very faithful, His love truly knows no boundries. Without Him, we just wouldn’t have survived the lows. He is our rock and our strength, in whom we choose to trust.
Felito and I would like to thank ALL of those who have supported us, prayed for us while we were back in NZ, following the death of our little Joanna Grace. Thank you all for your kind words, loving hugs and understanding ears. It really warmed our hearts and made us feel very loved during this sad time. THANK YOU!!
We are just so excited, ready to jump and dance around for what God is doing in South Africa. We are experiencing change!! Very encouraging things are happening, but most of all the presence of God is becoming more and more evident every Sunday.
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.”
These last couple of months have been such a trying time and at times it felt as if Felito and I were on a roller-coaster, powerless to control anything expect just to sit and ride the highs and lows, but our God is so very faithful, His love truly knows no boundries. Without Him, we just wouldn’t have survived the lows. He is our rock and our strength, in whom we choose to trust.
Felito and I would like to thank ALL of those who have supported us, prayed for us while we were back in NZ, following the death of our little Joanna Grace. Thank you all for your kind words, loving hugs and understanding ears. It really warmed our hearts and made us feel very loved during this sad time. THANK YOU!!
We are just so excited, ready to jump and dance around for what God is doing in South Africa. We are experiencing change!! Very encouraging things are happening, but most of all the presence of God is becoming more and more evident every Sunday.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
THANK YOU
We want to take this time to thank all our family, friends, prayer partners and supporters. We just wouldnt have been able to survive this last weeks without you. Thank you for hearts, hugs, extra tissues and smiles and the warm cuppas and understanding eyes (and the beautiful flowers).
God has just surrounded us and engulfed us with his peace and love and comforting arms. It has really lifted a huge burden from our hearts and minds knowing that our little Joanna Grace is in the arms of her loving heavenly daddy and we are looking forward to one day being in heaven to see our daughter. It has also helped us when releasing our feelings and emotions just knowing that she is ok and safe up there. So a huge thank you for your prayers and kindness....
We have also learnt about God's incredible faithfulness. His love is so unfailing and totally unconditional and really loves us. He has never left us during this time and has been such a constant steady in this time of a major down. So God, we thank you for being so faithful and never leaving us and simply just being with us....we wouldn't be here today without you!!
Thank you again.
God BLess
Anna & Felito
God has just surrounded us and engulfed us with his peace and love and comforting arms. It has really lifted a huge burden from our hearts and minds knowing that our little Joanna Grace is in the arms of her loving heavenly daddy and we are looking forward to one day being in heaven to see our daughter. It has also helped us when releasing our feelings and emotions just knowing that she is ok and safe up there. So a huge thank you for your prayers and kindness....
We have also learnt about God's incredible faithfulness. His love is so unfailing and totally unconditional and really loves us. He has never left us during this time and has been such a constant steady in this time of a major down. So God, we thank you for being so faithful and never leaving us and simply just being with us....we wouldn't be here today without you!!
Thank you again.
God BLess
Anna & Felito
Sunday, March 16, 2008
It Is Well With My Soul
On Sunday while attending church, they shared about this hymn, It is well with my soul. As they showed the short video the tears rolled down my face and my heart was racing. Not only do I understand what Mr Spafford went through after we lost our little Joanna Grace, but the peace and love that God sent and showered us with is inderscribable which is evident as you hear the words of this hymn. This hymn was heaven sent to Mr Spafford and it really does speak of hope that all of us have as believers, no matter what the pain and grief become us, God's love and peace are given and freeily. Hope you are blessed as much as I was.
Mr Spafford wrote this in 1871. He had lost his only son, then shortly after his son's death he lost everything in the great Chicago fire. So he decided to send his 4 daughters and wife on a holiday, as they were in a ship in the Atlantic their ship collied with another and sank. His wife was one of the only 12 survivours. He lost all his 4 daugthers. As he went to bring his wife home and his boat sailed past the area of where the ship had gone down with his daughters, the Holy Spirit fell on him in power and he wrote the incredible words to "It is well with my Soul".
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Refrain
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
Mr Spafford wrote this in 1871. He had lost his only son, then shortly after his son's death he lost everything in the great Chicago fire. So he decided to send his 4 daughters and wife on a holiday, as they were in a ship in the Atlantic their ship collied with another and sank. His wife was one of the only 12 survivours. He lost all his 4 daugthers. As he went to bring his wife home and his boat sailed past the area of where the ship had gone down with his daughters, the Holy Spirit fell on him in power and he wrote the incredible words to "It is well with my Soul".
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Refrain
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thinking of Joanna Grace Utuie
A tiny flower
Lent not given
To bud on earth
And bloom in heaven
~Author Unknown~
Lent not given
To bud on earth
And bloom in heaven
~Author Unknown~
I found this quote in a pamphlet given to us by the SANDS in NZ
and thought it just said everything we felt
and thought it just said everything we felt
A Poem - Our LIttle One
♥ Joanna Grace Utuie ♥
Our little one, our beautiful one
Forever in our hearts
Forever Our little one, forever in our mind
Forever our little one
Forever our love for you
♥
Daddy’s little girl,
A twinkle in your mother’s eye
And a smile in our hearts
A butterfly, you are so free
Forever our little one
Forever our love for you
♥
Dancing with the angels
Safe in Daddy’s arms are you
Forever, forever our little one
Love always,
Daddy & Mummy
© Anna Utuie March 2007
Monday, March 10, 2008
Very Sad News
It is with great sadness that Felito and I share this news.
Two weeks ago as I was making my way back to NZ we found out that our little one had died.
Felito arrived last week Wednesday and Joanna Grace Utuie was born on Friday 7 March in the early evening and the Tuesday 11 March, we held a family service.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Two weeks ago as I was making my way back to NZ we found out that our little one had died.
Felito arrived last week Wednesday and Joanna Grace Utuie was born on Friday 7 March in the early evening and the Tuesday 11 March, we held a family service.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Another Update (Jan-Feb 2008)
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.”
PSALMS 18:2
my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.”
PSALMS 18:2
We want to thank those who have been praying for us since we have started this work here in South Africa, in Palm ridge, a township, south of Johannesburg. Thank you, it is your prayers that keeps us going.
The Work in Palm RidgePalm-Ridge is really experiencing a change, the fruit is starting to come up. Very encouraging things are happening!!! The most of all - the presence of God is becoming more and more evident every Sunday. Lives are being touched every Sunday.
The testimonies are amazing, for example this past Sunday, a lady who came for the first time, Sunday before this one just to check out the church she testified, this past Sunday about what she felt in the service, she also said that during Ministry time she came forward for prayer didn’t tell of pain she was experiencing in her legs for long time but as she received prayer the anointing touched her and she was healed, that’s when she realized that this is real the real thing.
The presence of God is what we are after, and He is showing up even in Palm-Ridge.
There has been many challenges that have defenatly slowed the work here ,with the storms destroying the tent 4 times since we started the church, been tough in that way as now we are only having services on Sundays only, for we have to put the tent up and down every Sunday for we are trying our best, so it doesn’t ripp even more. and not being able to have even the Sunday services.
We are now believing God for provision to be able to build a shack for that will survive the winds of Palm-Ridge. As some of you know that we have been given the land we are currently using temporally and it looks like we are to give it back, so if you could believe God with us to give us a piece of land that is not to far from where we are, that will be good because we have many people that live in the area we are now, a walking distance for them will be good.
Being in Palm-ridge not long ago, I have been invited to be part of the Pastors forum of ward 61, 120 Pastors palm-ridge over 1.5 million people.After attending the pastors forum for few months I have been asked to be in the Leadership on the Pastors forum, which is a very exciting opportunity,Having realized that most of the Pastors have no training not even what you would consider basic they don’t have, a friend who was with me visiting teaching about worship in our church told me about International Accelerated Missions (IAM) curriculum. So I contacted them and they sent us the material so this pastors and their church members can be have an opportunity that is taken fog ranted but here will be a life changing experience. Many pastors were happy to hear about the training and they said this is what we have been praying for, for long time, this is an answer from God to us.We got all excited and wanted to start the training in the beginning of January but we haven’t started yet, because of the tent problem, as soon as we have the shack, we are going to start the one year training for this pastors and their Leaders.
So we are also calling out anybody who has a heart to teach, any who feels has something to give to this people, please come and help us teach, what ever time you have available is fine with us, one month, 3 months 6 or a year you are welcome.
We want to thank the Brumbough’s Family and the church that raised 5 thousand USD to bless us with a mobile office for the church, now will also be very useful for the Bible school also.
Things we need prayer for:
*Please pray for the provision to build the shack, 20mx8m. (total Costs equivalent to 2000 USD) South African Currency. Rand 12000
*Please pray for the land that is permanent, to be given to us not far from where we are so people won’t be affected by the distance.
*Please pray for the school that we want to start, to set this community and churches on FIRE!
*My car problem has been solved since December, but fuel is going up every day here in South Africa, I do a lot of driving for the ministry and now there is an opportunity to minister in prisons and hospitals and add more trips to the church when we start the school. Since you all know that I don’t really have personal support, this is getting tough on me, please pray that God will send someone from somewhere to sponsor me with fuel.
*Lastly please pray for Anna and I and our coming Baby.
Thank you so much without your prayers we wouldn’t have come this far. You are much appreciated.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Gratefulness - First Update for 2008
Hello prayer partners
What a week it has been. We spent last week in Maputo visiting Felito’s family, which was really great. It was very special, as this is possibly the last time I see them before I return to NZ expecting our little one.
It was so great to see his family, especially our nieces and nephews who have special place in my heart. (Pictured with me is one of nieces).
One of the youngest nephews is super excited, as this year he goes to school. Don’t think that there was a day he didn’t remind us that he was starting at the end of January and that he was excited he could learn to read and write.
The week went fast, though the weather was super hot. Eating fresh mangoes as they fell from his mother’s tree. They are having problems with electricity in Maputo (as is South Africa) and during the day we were experiencing compulsory power outages. So it meant no water or electricity, so it was back to cooking on the coal for lunch and dinner. His family are doing well, and are very excited about us expecting…. though this will be number 17 in the line of grandchildren….
While we were there, his father’s sister came to visit. She is such a hoot. (pictured on the left – she has the darker head scarf at the back of the photo sitting next to Felito’s Mum).
She is in her seventies and lives on her own, in a very rural area and has her heard of goats to keep her company. She has a great sense of humour. The day we were leaving, we decided to take her as far as our car would let us go on the unpaved roads and then she could catch the bus. We arrived at t-junction and decided the car wasn’t going to make it any further, just as we were chatting away, she starts screaming in Changane, Anita (that’s me) open the door, open the door. I had no idea what she was screaming about, then I looked out and realised it was the bus, and she was worried she was going to miss it… but she hasn’t really been in a car before and didn’t know how to open the door. Most of the buses don’t have doors and if they do, the leave them open, so they can fit more people in them.
BACK IN SOUTH AFRICA
Felito and I looked back over January and are just so grateful for what the Lord has done. First of all our tent, though its in much need of a repair, people are still coming in either rain or shine. We are thankful that our SA registered car is working which means we are able to help transport people to the services without any problems and get about easily. We are most grateful for the lovely Sutho couple that have decided to be part of the church. Matene can play the keyboard and his wife is a very gifted signer and we have welcomed them onto the team and to be part of the church. Another area is the youth. The bible study is going so well. They are just so hungry for God. It’s exciting to see what God is going to do in their lives. Please continue to pray for the youth as they go deeper into the things of God.
The last, but not least is that we have officially started a programme for the children. It’s just so wonderful. It was hard to get some of the mothers to understand why we needed to create something special just for the children. As they are used to coming to church and sitting with the adults. But after a couple of meetings (and some tears on my part) they have agreed that we need a children’s church. One of the mothers has agreed to lead it and I will help, due to the language barrier. But two weeks ago, two of the mothers taught the children three songs with actions (in Zulu) and they presented them when it was time for testimonies. It was so precious and cute. Please pray for the women as we help raise up this young generation of South Africans with a passion for Jesus. And that they can too be influencers for the Kingdom of God.
What a start to the month. Today was such an awesome service. Felito shared about unforgiveness and God moved so powerfully. The atmosphere was just so sweet and gentle, yet people were unashamed and cried out before God and He came. He came in such a gentle way, simply taking away the pain and the hurt as they released their burdens unto him. There were soft tears rolling down many checks as He moved so sweetly. It was such a beautiful thing. We are just thankful that God has given us people who are so hungry and thirsty for God.
We are excited about this month of February as on Saturday Felito had a meeting with the council and received permission to build the shack on the land. (Below is a photo of some of church in front of the tent in much need of repair)
Another thing we are just super excited about is that our registration for the Section 21 Company has come thru as well as the Not-for-Profit status. We are just so thankful to all the people that God put on our path to help us achieve these registrations. It really has been no easy task. We give God all the glory!!
PRAYER POINTS
• That we find God given prices for the materials required for the shack
• That all the materials for the shack arrive when needed and in good condition
• That God continue to move so powerfully in the lives of the people bringing healing and peace into their hearts
• That we have no problems with Felitos visa, when he comes to NZ to be at the birth of our baby
• Safety as I travel to NZ and while Felito and I are apart
• That the children will grow and enjoy learning about God
• That God increase the hunger in the lives of the youth and the those of the church
(PHOTOS TO BE ADDED SOON)
What a week it has been. We spent last week in Maputo visiting Felito’s family, which was really great. It was very special, as this is possibly the last time I see them before I return to NZ expecting our little one.
It was so great to see his family, especially our nieces and nephews who have special place in my heart. (Pictured with me is one of nieces).
One of the youngest nephews is super excited, as this year he goes to school. Don’t think that there was a day he didn’t remind us that he was starting at the end of January and that he was excited he could learn to read and write.
The week went fast, though the weather was super hot. Eating fresh mangoes as they fell from his mother’s tree. They are having problems with electricity in Maputo (as is South Africa) and during the day we were experiencing compulsory power outages. So it meant no water or electricity, so it was back to cooking on the coal for lunch and dinner. His family are doing well, and are very excited about us expecting…. though this will be number 17 in the line of grandchildren….
While we were there, his father’s sister came to visit. She is such a hoot. (pictured on the left – she has the darker head scarf at the back of the photo sitting next to Felito’s Mum).
She is in her seventies and lives on her own, in a very rural area and has her heard of goats to keep her company. She has a great sense of humour. The day we were leaving, we decided to take her as far as our car would let us go on the unpaved roads and then she could catch the bus. We arrived at t-junction and decided the car wasn’t going to make it any further, just as we were chatting away, she starts screaming in Changane, Anita (that’s me) open the door, open the door. I had no idea what she was screaming about, then I looked out and realised it was the bus, and she was worried she was going to miss it… but she hasn’t really been in a car before and didn’t know how to open the door. Most of the buses don’t have doors and if they do, the leave them open, so they can fit more people in them.
BACK IN SOUTH AFRICA
Felito and I looked back over January and are just so grateful for what the Lord has done. First of all our tent, though its in much need of a repair, people are still coming in either rain or shine. We are thankful that our SA registered car is working which means we are able to help transport people to the services without any problems and get about easily. We are most grateful for the lovely Sutho couple that have decided to be part of the church. Matene can play the keyboard and his wife is a very gifted signer and we have welcomed them onto the team and to be part of the church. Another area is the youth. The bible study is going so well. They are just so hungry for God. It’s exciting to see what God is going to do in their lives. Please continue to pray for the youth as they go deeper into the things of God.
The last, but not least is that we have officially started a programme for the children. It’s just so wonderful. It was hard to get some of the mothers to understand why we needed to create something special just for the children. As they are used to coming to church and sitting with the adults. But after a couple of meetings (and some tears on my part) they have agreed that we need a children’s church. One of the mothers has agreed to lead it and I will help, due to the language barrier. But two weeks ago, two of the mothers taught the children three songs with actions (in Zulu) and they presented them when it was time for testimonies. It was so precious and cute. Please pray for the women as we help raise up this young generation of South Africans with a passion for Jesus. And that they can too be influencers for the Kingdom of God.
What a start to the month. Today was such an awesome service. Felito shared about unforgiveness and God moved so powerfully. The atmosphere was just so sweet and gentle, yet people were unashamed and cried out before God and He came. He came in such a gentle way, simply taking away the pain and the hurt as they released their burdens unto him. There were soft tears rolling down many checks as He moved so sweetly. It was such a beautiful thing. We are just thankful that God has given us people who are so hungry and thirsty for God.
We are excited about this month of February as on Saturday Felito had a meeting with the council and received permission to build the shack on the land. (Below is a photo of some of church in front of the tent in much need of repair)
Another thing we are just super excited about is that our registration for the Section 21 Company has come thru as well as the Not-for-Profit status. We are just so thankful to all the people that God put on our path to help us achieve these registrations. It really has been no easy task. We give God all the glory!!
PRAYER POINTS
• That we find God given prices for the materials required for the shack
• That all the materials for the shack arrive when needed and in good condition
• That God continue to move so powerfully in the lives of the people bringing healing and peace into their hearts
• That we have no problems with Felitos visa, when he comes to NZ to be at the birth of our baby
• Safety as I travel to NZ and while Felito and I are apart
• That the children will grow and enjoy learning about God
• That God increase the hunger in the lives of the youth and the those of the church
(PHOTOS TO BE ADDED SOON)
Saturday, January 5, 2008
WE are going to be PARENTS
We are pregnant!!!!!
Argh, so exciting. This new little bundle of joy will arrive towards the end of May!
Argh, so exciting. This new little bundle of joy will arrive towards the end of May!
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