I’ve smuggled Bibles into China, taught in a Kenyan seminary and in YWAM schools in Kiev, Ukraine and various places, been on prayer journeys and ministry teams in several dozen nations, but there was something about our recent trip to Mozambique that makes me think it may have been the most strategic time among the nations I’ve ever had, other than the connection in and among Israel and the Jewish people.
Why? Because we experienced more of an open heaven, a purity of life and heart, more miracles than I’ve ever seen in such a short period of time, been among the poorest of the poor, and yet some of the happiest on the planet because of Jesus. Heidi Baker knows how to honor and be honored without being elevated above the one. Her “stop for the one” and “go low and slow” will, I trust, always be with me.
This was Tod’s fourth time to be in Pemba, my first. Iris and Caleb entered into covenant together last year, and I knew I needed to go, but because Martha was having some health issues I crossed the trip off my list. But I think the Lord never did take it off His screen. He kept bringing it back up and I kept thinking it was not Him – until the impression came so strong that I brought it up at home and with our team and got a strong affirmation. So, ten days before the trip I booked the ticket.
Our team consisted of Tod, his ten year old son, Moses, Jake Burton, Jack Beach, who flew in from Rwanda, and Candy Christmas who has been having the Nashville “church under the bridge” for the homeless every Tuesday night for the past nine years, and her grown children: Joshua, Jazmine, and Nicholas.
When I got home, I was communicating with Dr. David Vanderpool, who with his wife, Laurie, and family, gave up their very successful medical practice, their fine home and cars, and then moved to Haiti. They’ve been there six weeks now. I asked how things were going and he wrote, “It’s just like Brentwood, except that we have no running water, no electricity, no indoor plumbing, no air conditioning and no Chili’s!” Thank you, Lord, for those who understand proper values in this life!
For a few hours in Mozambique we experienced the way much of the world lives. But God is working powerfully in this amazing ministry. I believe all of Mozambique, even Africa, and yes, even the world, will be impacted by this place of faith and love. I expect to go back.
In the meantime, may the Holy Spirit press in on all of us to be radically sold-out, fully surrendered disciples of the Man from Galilee who left all the comforts and the power center of the universe to become one of us so He could bring us all back to God. May His Name – Jesus/Yeshua be forever praised and exalted!
Blessings,
Don Finto