Erin and I were invited by YWAM Marromeu, one of our mission partners, to lead them in a week long retreat at their base in Nensa, Mozambique. We jumped at the chance to be involved with such a mission minded group in a challenging situation. On our departure from Kruger we are reminded of the practical aspect to deep spirituality.
This tied in with Mercy Air mission statement to work with those in isolated communities. We flew in the Cessna 310 from Mercy Air Farm to Beira (3 hours), along with Joel and Sarah, who we left there to complete a dental outreach with the helicopter, before John took Erin and I on to the airfield at the sugar plantation at Marromeu, another 40 minutes.
The YWAM team was made up of 12 people including the leadership team consisting of Elisa, Allison, Leanna and Maria. It was a lovely mixed bag of people: young, not so young, married, singles, Mozambican, American and oh yes, English. This was to be their first, long awaited team retreat. We all stayed on base for a number of complicated reasons and we believe it worked well. One married couple had traveled 10 hours from the delta where they live to share with us. The YWAM base is on a remote, isolated bushland with very basic facilities but strong ministries with lots of potential and connections to local community. In the weeks leading up to the event Erin and I did much research and praying and finally decided on a scripture journey and the title was ‘Knowing God – Loving Neighbor’. Day 1 we looked at Gods Desire, Day 2 Gods Invitation, Day 3 Jesus teaching - what to do, Day 4 How to do - preparation, Day 5 How to do - practical. Each day we gathered together at 8 o’clock for worship which naturally led us into the session. Firstly we used the ‘Prayer of Examine’, exploring how we look back on our day with God, his presence and his possible absence. Then we were ready for drinks and biscuits which took us onto the main session of the day as above. That usually led to a time of quiet before a shared lunch. The afternoon was free to reflect on what God was doing in their lives and the life of YWAM and the many needy people they serve. Erin also organized individual notebooks (which everyone used at every session) along with laminated cards illustrated with a famous icon of the trinity. We also shared time with drawing materials when we could reflect on how God was speaking to us. The whole of the base runs on solar power fitted to the roofs of their houses. There is no mains electric and no hot water to shower but when it’s 30+ degrees, we were not looking for hot water. Monday evening we thought we might have to go back to South Africa because of the Covid 19 virus but we were able to stay the whole week. Wednesday evening we had a bring and share supper with all the team, and while the ‘oldies’ chatted inside, the youngsters enjoyed making music on the porch – great fun. Thursday evening was spent at the camp fire worshiping under the stars, the time when visitors share their testimony with the team, and danced when called upon, country by county. You will be pleased to know I did not let England down. The clarity of the Universe exposed in all its wonder in the night sky is a memory to stay with.  We had opportunities for one to one conversations, listening to people’s lives, offering pastoral support and care which was a real privilege. Erin and I learnt so much sharing the week with this servant team.  During the year our helicopter outreach work very closely with the YWAM team providing much needed support for medical care , education and evangelism to some very remote villages. It never ceases to blow me away, that this team, in this challenging situation serve the same Jesus Christ as we did in Birmingham England. We are different on so many levels, but united in our faith. Meanwhile back at White River, Allan worked hard to get permission for us to fly back into South Africa as they were about to close the border, we were the last flight in. Joel and Sarah came from Beira to pick us up. We then flew in the helicopter to Vilanculo then back to Kruger and onto the MA farm. As we returned to the Marromeu town at the end of the week to get the helicopter home, we saw the train had just arrived from Beira. If it did not break down it would have taken 12 hours. If we were to drive the same journey it would take 24 hrs and to fly 40 mins. Nensa is a challenging place to live and get to, unless you have a helicopter. If you want to know more of the work of YWAM Marromeu go to www.ywammarromeu.org………. Maybe you feel called to serve there?  Ps We are exploring the possibility of running a Retreat, here at Mercy Air White River, sometime later this year, for other missionaries working in Southern Africa.
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