The Mwani People

February 2008

Down at the Cultural Centre which we have called "Tumaini" – (Hope in Kimwani) things are buzzing! We have now officially opened! The overall purpose of Tumaini is to make disciples of Jesus - a tall order in a purely Muslim part of Mocimboa da Praia. But I'm confident our God is taller than theirs, and He'll bring in the right people at the right time.

We have basically five "thrusts" for the centre: to teach English, to run sports programs teaching basket ball and volley ball etc, to begin a preschool (looking for a suitable teacher), to make Christian literature available for the public (we have a small library, presently), and finally, to run a small store which will help the centre be sustainable.

In all of these, the basic idea is to meet some felt needs, rub shoulders with needy people, and be intentional about sharing Jesus as often as possible. We hope to see Bible storying groups open as a result of these above-mentioned ministries.

Thanks for your contributions to make this vision become a reality, and now we especially need your prayers for the ministries which are launching from Tumaini!

As a team of missionaries, we've committed ourselves to scattering the seed of the Word of God. We don't always see fruit, but that's not really our job, is it? Currently we have one missionary couple (3 hours-drive away) almost ready to open a radio station with the goal of reaching the Mwani in THEIR language. Another couple, 5 hours-drive away, are recording scripture and stories in Kimwani. We have used the Jesus Film widely with probably more than 15 showings in various villages over the past year.

One further idea of how to make THE STORY known, is to buy the copyright to a movie called "The Hope." It takes the viewer from Creation to Christ, which seems so very important in reaching the mind of our Mwani friends. Our missionary colleague will have it translated and recorded into Kimwani.

In less than 4 months we leave for our year of Home Assignment! We do appreciate your prayers for this upcoming phase!

The afternoon before I left for Pemba, Didi (the Mwani carpenter) was working alone in the yard, and I felt moved to bring out some story books and the translated gospel of Matthew to read to him! After hearing a few parables of Christ and having some laughs about how their truths GLARE into our everyday lives, Didi asked me the all-time greatest question, "So what should I do to be saved?". He really wants to understand and know! I tell him how simple it is - he just has to repent and believe, but he says, "Your religion is too hard!" (I think what he really means to say is that the Bible doesn't allow for polygamy, adultery, drinking or smoking.)

Pray for Didi that he will be saved and leave the WORK to the Holy Spirit!!

Pray with us that the truth of our living God will pierce the darkness of this tribe and will set them free.