YWAM Nensa

Mercy Air trip to YWAM Nensa, Mozambique

The first mission trip of our ‘new normal’ in South Africa happened last week. Azarja, our pilot, flew the team; which included Bruce, Stephen, Erin and Nigel in the Cessna 310. We traveled from Mercy Air; to Kruger International (to exit SA); to Beira (to enter Mozambique); then on to Marromeu(12 hours total, including long waits for permits and visas – This is Africa!) The drive by car (in a 4x4) would take about 3 days on some very difficult, non-tarmac roads. Allison and Leanna drove the final 1 1/2 hours from Marromeu to the YWAM base at Nensa. As a rookie African Missionary, I did initially feel a bit like Michel Palin without the film crew. The common red sand road, so many people walking into the dark,headlamp beams throwing themselves into the air as the car climbed out of the dip-valley in the road. In the dark, at the mission site, our destination, we were greeted and welcomed by their team singing and dancing. 

Our team stayed in one of the houses where we formed our short-term community; eating, working and praying together.There was plenty of laughter and cultural exchanges from English, Australian and American.  

Erin was responsible in the main part for sorting out meals, which was important to keep the men working. However, she also had the privilege of sharing in the home schooling of 10-year-old twins! She taught them about microscopes, and had fun setting up a practical demonstration, with an old, non-electric microscope. Its also amazing how much fun you can have with games which involve counting! Check out ‘Pass the Pigs’ – the children didn’t even know they were doing maths!

The guys became two work parties; one pair concentrating on plumbing (Stephen and Azarja), while the other (including me) sorted out the solar power system. I learnt a lot being apprenticed to Bruce, even for the week! We were assisted by the local YWAM men who are looking to learn new skills.

We spent some time reviewing their transport situation of two cars and a truck, offering help and advice, but the road, or non-roads to be precise, smash suspension systems to bits very quickly! I asked the question ‘how’s the big car?’ The reply was, ‘Oh it’s all right, but the wheel keeps falling off.’ As car owner and mechanic, I have never heard ‘keeps’ and ‘falling off’ in reference to a front wheel, in the same sentence! That is, until I came to Mozambique! Opportunities for a good mechanic are abundant in the locality. It is at least a 1hour drive to the nearest small town, where there is a scarcity of parts and skills. Most missionaries drive to South Africa to have their vehicles repaired and that can take 3 days. 

      

Erin and I took our New Normal motto of Sharing, Listening and Praying and were able to fulfill all three areas.  

If you would like to see more of what they do look them up on Facebook at YWAM JOCUM Marromeu. Mercy Air has an ongoing relationship by supporting them with the helicopter with medical and education outreach on the Zambesi Delta you see some of the pics of that here 

Thank you for your prayers, we had a great time in demanding circumstances. We learnt of God’s providence to all sorts of people. We shared worship and were prayed for by the team,and were greatly blessed their prayers. 

We look forward to going back.