November/December 2009

Dear Family and Friends

Wet season is truly upon us. Last week we had four days of rain non-stop. The roads were very bad and mud up to our knees, which made any trip into town or to the market very long and dangerous. Parts of the Maputo city were flooded, but thankfully no one was hurt or needed to be evacuated. So we were all cooped up at home simply having to wait it out. We were very thankful that the power didn’t go out during the four days and we were able to watch DVDs, listen to music and simply chat.
Admittedly the rains brought cooler weather which was a huge relief. The rains are needed greatly here for the crops to grow, to water and fed the animals, so they are welcome, just not what they bring out of the ground. With snakes, spiders and other large insects springing up from the ground and entering the house trying to find a dry patch, which brought me a few sleepless nights.
Needless to say we are very thankful to our guard Samora who doesn’t have a screamish bone in his body and who heads up the “destroy all snakes and spiders with sandals” department.

Even though the rains have brought things to a stand-still the church is going super well. We are continuing to grow with new people every Sunday. We are so thrilled as the church has brought land and it is officially in the church’s name and have started to build. This is an adventure for us and the congregation. The builders are working very hard. Everyone is impressed at how fast the foundations and walls have been done. Due to the extensive building in South Africa and some of the Southern African countries as the Soccer World Cup is next year the price of cement has just about doubled and sometimes tripled and we ask that you pray for the price to come down not only to aid in the construction of the church but also for our house.

We thank God for we know that He is working among the hearts of the Mozambiqicans. This is evident among the congregation but also among the builders. Solomon, who is a very hard worker received Jesus into his heart a few days ago and we are thrilled to welcome him into family of God. We ask that you keep him in prayer as he starts his new journey.

The rain not only brings much needed water for the crops and animals but it also brings sickness. Last week, Nando (a family friend) lost his two week old daughter to an unknown chest infection. They are very distraught about the loss of their daughter. Nando doesn’t know Jesus and has turned to alcohol to ease the pain. We ask that you keep him and his wife in prayer.

After several trips to Chibuto village we are relieved to have the process of the land finalized and to start Houses of Hope and the medical clinic. In January we are going again to met with the elders and village chief to discuss the plans of buildings and where to obtain the materials and who to hire to build. We are so grateful and thankful to God who has opened the door for us in Chibuto to be able to start and that the elders have welcome us with open arms. We are in the process of starting to fundraise to build the first house. (If you would like to help donate towards the building of the Houses of Hope or the medical clinic or supporting a house or child please contact Anna for more information).

Our first child to be in the Houses of Hope is Rafael. He is a young teenager who has suffered greatly. Over the last couple of years both his parents have died to due to AIDS and TB and has been past around family members. His family are extremely poor and he hasn’t been to school in a number of years to a due a lack of funds and also that he is needed to tend the family herd of goats. After speaking with his family they agreed that he could come with us, as they feel he needs to finish his education. Currently he is in Pesane with Felito’s aunty helping her with her herd of goats and eating three meals a day waiting for February to come for him to start school.


On a personal note. It is with great joy that Felito, and I and Issachar introduce you to the newest member of our family. Paulina. Its been a few years in the making but she is finally with us. We have a long process to go through to make it official and would love your prayers for the process and that it will go along smoothly and quickly.

On another happy note, we do not have any visa issues as Issachar’s residents visa arrived at the end of October which means our monthly trips across the border into South Africa to re-new his visa has stopped. Praise the Lord.

PRAYER REQUESTS
*That the process of adoption will go along smoothly and quickly
*That the price of cement will come down for us to continue the construction of the church and our house
*That the congregation will be supernaturally protected from malaria during this rainy season
*That Nando will come to know Jesus and that his family will be comforted during this time of grieving
*Fundraising for Houses of Hope

God bless and we send you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love

Utuie Family
Felito, Anna, Paulina and Issachar