For everyone of us, we will have no choice but to open the door when death knocks. It is as sure as God's existence and as sure as the gravitating force that pulls us towards it. Whatever one believes as the reality behind that door is the key that unlocks our choices in life.
Maria L. and her husband came regularly to the Project Life Bible studies. He had a little business by his house selling a small variety of inexpensive goods. They had six children; the youngest was four. Facing the AIDS virus, it wasn't a surprise when I learned Maria's husband contracted TB. Too weak to walk, I spent several weeks arriving at 6:30 a.m. to be at their small mud house to take him to the hospital for his TB treatments. I witnessed Maria's tears as his care became too much of a burden for her. Two weeks after I left for the U.S., he passed away. She still continued to attend the Bible studies though her life took on a heavier burden.
Then a little over a year later, her health gradually declined. On my recent return, I saw her less and less at the Bible studies. We ministered to her by her bedside in the hospital but I could see a certain coldness in her countenance. I sensed she was in the midst of a battlefield of unseen forces. Then one day she disappeared from the hospital.
I went to her home hoping she was on the road to recovery. Instead, we found her lying on her earthen floor in the attendance of a local witch doctor. Heartsick, I knelt by her and pleaded with her to fight this spiritual battle before the door of death opened and shut behind her forever. She listened quietly to my pleas. The witch doctor's expression was heartless.
I heard the news that she walked through that door of eternity a couple days later. The embedded beliefs of her ancestral worship took precedence as she came within walking distance of it. I can only hope that in her last brief moments she chose the right key.
It is a tragic truth that some Mozambicans in facing the fear of death - though previously embracing the gospel - return to their ancestral worship and witchcraft before they die. Often it is the families themselves that try to force the person who is sick to return to the witchcraft. It is a very real spiritual battle here in Dondo. Please pray for our patients in Project Life who face this terrible pressure when their death is imminent. (Ephesians 6: 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms).
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| We had a pause in our Bible studies this week as we took the time to rejoice over the 80 lessons we have finished in the New Testament. The women here are worshiping in singing and dancing. |
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| We asked questions in review over the whole New Testament. If anyone got the answer right, we threw candy at them! |
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| Activista Maria de Fatima learned how to make cakes in the Ray of Light bakery. She is showing off her "Bible" cake that helped us celebrate in the bairros this week. |
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| Meet Paz. It means "peace" in Portuguese. Of course it is a play on words since he has...well, white paws. :-) But there really is a purpose in his name. Read the story below. |
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| It is never too early to take your baby to the Bible studies. Paz is loved by everyone. |
It is said that the measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members. I believe that. In a society entrenched in deep poverty, the weakest members are the animals. It is understandable that when day to day survival is a struggle, animals will not be a priority. What disturbs me is the abuse and neglect given to the many dogs and cats that roam the streets in Dondo. They too are part of God's beautiful creation and if taken care of, can be an asset to one's life, not a liability. So I decided to buy a puppy ($1.10) and demonstrate the joy a dog can bring to one's life. A well-trained dog can be both a companion and a help. At first, everyone thought my puppy was funny. I think they started questioning my sanity. But of course it didn't take long for Paz to win people's hearts. Everyone wants to hold and play with him when he is with me. This is going to be fun.....:-)
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