Faith in the Flood

First, here’s a Facebook quote written by one of our staff members.

Dawn Wilk:

Feeling very thought provoked after our staff meeting today… There I was, sitting in a room full of people who were just resurfacing from massive flooding; people who have lost their homes, friends, husbands, wives, children and some who have lost their entire family. People left with whatever clothes they have on their back and maybe in the sack they carried out on their head; people who were already living in poverty, already fighting just to survive. Just to have food for the day for the 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 kids living in their home and maybe themselves. People just trying to make it through the day riddled with illness and pain. Kids whose eyes can hardly open from all the crusted infection collecting on their eye lids, and who scratch away at the puss dripping from their ears and the wounds covering their legs and arms… people who are broken. People who are fighting to keep their joy as circumstances around them chip away at their strength… people who are feeling so lonely, so confused, so helpless, so unloved, and so ugly. People who don’t know how they got to where they are now. How they got so lost, so out of touch with their feelings; so poor in spirit and in their bank accounts. People who feel like they will just explode if one more person asks them for something. People who are so consumed with worry and anxiety for tomorrow; people with family problems, bitterness; people who are hurting, people from all different nations, languages, backgrounds… people. The list can go on and on. These are the people that filled this room.
Yet, when I looked around, I saw people who weren’t willing, who weren’t ready to give in… people who hadn’t had enough. Enough to shake them from the foundation they lay their tired hearts on. Their eyes were still on the One who loves them, even though He felt a million miles away and at times nonexistent. It was their faith they held on to; their faith that they are loved, that they were created for a purpose, their faith that it is going to be worth it. It’s going to be worth it all. They just keep holding on. What’s the cost going to be, that is too high for you to pay or too much for you to handle? What is the cost that you trade your faith for? Is it worth it?

CYCLONE NEAR PEMBA, EXTREME FLOODING AND INFRASTRUCTURE COLLAPSE
This flood was caused by the formation of a cyclone right around Pemba, and brought the worst rains in 20 years. The northern half of the province, including five major cities, is cut off because of damage to roads and bridges. That means food, fuel and many other things will be lacking. Around Pemba many cannot move to buy food, go to work, etc., because of transportation problems. Electric power, phone and internet service have been mostly down. The heavy rain caused major damage to our own bases, especially our first base where most of our staff live. Our own buildings are so old, worn and corroded by heat and humidity, and now by these rains they need rebuilding. It was hard to get out and take a lot of photos because of road damage. Most of the suffering was caused by severe water damage to all the mud and stick huts around Pemba that the poor live in, and that would include a high percentage of our main Pemba church. The heavy rain wears down the roofs and walls until they disintegrate, and the the floors are covered with water. Even after the water levels went down, people were left with destroyed houses and deep, sticky mud. Severe hunger, skin disease and so many health issues are now upon us.

Yet in all this God is with us, and we believe that this situation will turn around for His Glory! We continue to share the good news of God’s love as we work to help rebuild homes and lives. Join us in prayer for our Mozambican friends. In the midst of difficulty, we pray that many people will turn to God who is mighty to save. We know that He is faithful, and we are praying for His love to cover each person here.

Song of Songs 8:7 “Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot sweep it away.”

We love you all & are so grateful for your love,
Rolland and Heidi