Christmas: Hope realized

Dearest friends and family,
It is December 21st - 4 days from Christmas, and it is almost impossible to convince us here in such a tropical climate that the Christmas season is upon us (already on top of us!). Each morning before 6am the air is already thick with humidity & the sun bearing down. Today was 45C=115F in the shade! This convinces our bodies & minds that anything "Christmasy" is far from us - but the truth hurts each time we look at the pile of unwritten Christmas cards that wait to be sent to our loved ones. This is our attempt at a timely Christmas greeting...the handwritten ones will sadly be sent sometime hereafter.

It is this time of year where nostalgia of Christmases past tug at our heart strings...Memories of special times spent with family amidst all those traditions that are familiar & lovely fill our minds and thoughts, and pull us toward a yearning of being amidst such familiar & lovely & comfortable surroundings again. As the Christmas season is about fellowship & being close to friends & family we almost tangibly feel something missing; that something is all of you. Lacking familiar environmental reminders we are brought to the very genuine (not sugar-coated or beautifully wrapped) truth of what Christmas is. It's not about the presents, or decorating the Christmas tree, it's not about eggnog by the fire, or Santa Claus, it's not about snow, or holiday time or a big Christmas dinner - all these are benefits that we experience in the Western world because of celebratory traditions.

Christmas is truly the celebration of a gift that is so misunderstood and even twisted at times - sometimes people remember that Christmas has something to do with a nativity story - baby Jesus in a manger; something about shepherds & a star; 3 kings; something about no room at the inn; maybe an angel here & there...but let us go one step further...what is it all about? For me, I cannot think about Christmas without seeing Jesus on the cross & then His resurrection...Christmas blending into Easter; the gift of Jesus is in His birth, His death & His resurrection. Our King came to earth to redeem us all, humbling Himself in His sovereignty & wisdom, limiting Himself to humanity. For thousands of years all the people waited in anticipation of He who would bring freedom...and Jesus' birth is to be celebrated as it is the beginning of hope seen - and this hope is only fully realized in Jesus' obedience to death & His resurrection thereafter. We have victory as His resurrection broke the chains of death. There is now HOPE for humankind - & not just hope, but hope realized that the veil that separated has been torn. This is the amazing & complete wonder of Christmas; the whole picture; the extravagant mystery of God's perfect plan. Jesus embodies a fathomless, extravagant grace, mercy & love that we will not fully understand until we meet God face to face. And THIS is what we are celebrating as we celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas day.

The gospel of Jesus Christ - the meaning of Christmas is pure & simple & untainted in Mozambique. It is life giving hope to those who have none - now making what has always been impossible now possible.
We try to live this reality of Christmas day in, day out here in Mozambique. Giving hope to the hopeless, food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, family to the orphan - all along demonstrating this hope realized - demonstrating & speaking the good news that Jesus has come and overcome sin & death- Jesus is victorious and in Him people find life even in a world where one can see sin & death everywhere if they choose so. In knowing & believing we no longer need to be subject to what we see with our eyes as we can now walk by faith & not by sight. Yet, here, by faith AND by sight we are privileged to see death overcome day in, day out.

This December has brought us many gifts & opportunities to be the hands & feet of Jesus. Our gifts have come in the forms of many little babies who had no hope & now are finding their hope realized. Please welcome with us baby Jeremias 4months, baby Silvia 2months, baby Horacio 2years, baby Cacilda 2months, baby Alda1year, & our tiniest gift, baby Sheila who was 4 weeks old & less than 4lbs on her arrival last week. They are growing more healthy by the minute & we're loving every moment as we get to unwrap more & more of these precious gifts, whether it be a first smile,a first step, or even just a peaceful sleep.

It is true that we miss each & every one of you. But we thank God that our family here is so full. God has surrounded us with friends & "family" that we laugh with, cry with & celebrate with. God is faithful to supplying our every need. Our Christmas celebrations are full - feast for the workers, candlelight service for all, gifts & festivities for the children, even special moments for just us missionaries. And we look forward to sharing our song of Deck the Halls as the missionary staff of Zimpeto singing Fa la la la la, la la la la for all who wish to laugh, & sing along.

Thank you for the gifts that each one of you have imparted to us during our time in Mozambique, whether it be a word of encouragement, your prayers, your support & gifts. We thank you & love you. Please send us pictures & correspondence of what Christmas has been to you this year.
May you experience joy this year as your hopes are realized.
Blessings & love from us this Christmas & this New Year.
Sheri & Matthew

Delight Yourself in the Lord!

"Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret - it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth"

PSALM 37: 3-9

Many friends have been wondering where we've been and have been concerned as the last posts referred to the riots - We're sorry -  everything has settled down - it's been so peaceful one almost forgets that they occurred. We are thankful for this, but it also leaves questions in our minds.


Matthew's parents were here towards the end of September, & left us the beginning of October and ever since then it has been go, go, GO!!

Having Matthew's parents here was such a rare treat for us!! I (Sheri) was able to get enough nursing coverage during their visit that I was able to spend the majority of my time enjoying their company and showing them our beautiful children & country(ies - as we spent some time in SA with them as well). They shared some very "Mozambican" experiences with us (and fortunately did not, but almost consisted of the Mozambican Olympic sport called car pushing - we think the Mozambicans would win a gold for their country if this really became an Olympic sport).

We explored the worlds of Iris (Zimpeto & Machava), Catembe, Kruger National Park (& the big 5 - YAY!) & the Mpumalanga region of South Africa. All very beautiful in all their unique ways! And it all felt so natural to have them here with us that it was difficult to say goodbye come the beginning of October!


As we said goodbye - busyness overtook us once again - but with hope & a future!! 
2 new nurses arrived from Russia & America individually towards the end of October. To help them settle in & become independent & competent Sheri put together a 1-week training & orientation course. Please continue to pray for Sveta (from Russia) & Rebecca (from America) who are amazing nurses who have been called by God to love & care for our children during such a time as this. Please continue to pray for Meghann, Jannie (& me, Sheri, of course ;-D) - our Western Medical team.  Please pray for wisdom, understanding, love and unity as our medical team, Mozambican and Western come together from different cultures, different languages & different training to care for these children together. We love how God takes what seems impossible and makes out of it a beautiful tapestry of love & unity!
We just had an overwhelming outbreak of Varicella in our babyhouse where 35 babies over a stretch of 3 weeks had chicken pox...not such an innocent childhood illness as many think - but through the grace of God and amazing hard work of our medical team every baby has bounced back fully!
Matthew has been busy enjoying training up some of our older boys in an advanced computer course every week. Teaching them how to prepare & present power point presentations and so much more. The boys eyes are being opened  to possibilities they've never known.
Matthew is constantly trying to improve the overall network connection on base - which often times is out of his hands. We've been waiting for months for a new aerial to come in the mail which will help amplify a stronger network signal across the base.
And there are always broken machines (laptops and computers alike) to fix -  we're now dealing with the problem of machines overheating.

Two weeks ago, due to the generosity of some discerning friends back in England, Matthew & I were able to afford a 5-day break in which we chose to explore some coastal areas north of where we are in Mozambique. We traveled 9 hours north to Vilanculos with the intent of specifically seeing the Bazaruto islands. It was a gorgeous time - full of more Mozambican experiences of which you would only understand if you came and visited. ;-P

Back at the centre it's getting very hot and humid. Summer weather is kicking in which means we're all moving a bit more sluggishly. It's terribly hot and humid by 0600 which means no chance of sleeping in even if we had the time to do so.
These are some of our gorgeous babies (of whom I call "mine" - at least for the moment).
Alberto to the left is still struggling with severe asthma at times. We're trying new medicines which may be making a difference. His father desires to have him back at home with him so we are praying for miraculous & complete healing of his reactive lungs so he can be at home with his Daddy! If you desire to contribute to the cost of his asthma medicines which are expensive (Seretide inhaler & Singulair pills) please contact us (sheristeer@gmail.com). You'll remember Manuel to the right who is thriving and cheeky as ever - not  malnourished any longer, but chubby & healthy now, & a bit of a bully - but still cute as ever!
We're loving this! What a privilege to be loving on His beloved children!! And seeing such tangible transformation in everything He has us put our hands to.

Last night we celebrated Thanksgiving for the sake of us Americans who treasure this holiday as a special tradition! About 15 of us missionaries had a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship together, sharing how thankful we are for what the Lord is constantly doing in and through us. His provision and love and grace and mercy are deeper than any of us can even fathom and we relish and benefit from this with every breath that we breathe!

I read this recent Iris Newsletter written by the founders/directors of all of Iris Ministries.We continue to be touched by & benefit from the perspective, heart and vision that our dear directors run with.

Enjoying our God!
Rolland and Heidi Baker

Iris Ministries

Pemba, Mozambique

8 May 2010

"The Westminster Shorter Catechism, written in the 1640s by English and Scottish divines to educate lay persons in matters of belief, is part of the grandest doctrinal statements to come out of the English Reformation. It is composed of 107 questions and answers, and the most famous is the first:

Q. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

After thirty years of missionary work, Heidi and I understand more than ever that God wants to be our greatest pleasure. He is most pleased with us when we are most pleased with Him! And when He is pleased with us, He grants us the desires of our heart (Ps. 37:4).

Our whole aim as Christians, and as Iris missionaries, is to glorify God by everything we think, feel, say and do. For us this finds expression particularly through ministry to the poor, and to "the least of these." By giving the cup of cold water, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, inviting the stranger in, healing the sick and visiting those in prison we love and serve Jesus Himself (Matt. 25).

But there is more. We do this through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. And here begins the controversy. There is an attitude that sees fiery revival and a life of miracles as the rare exception, not to be expected in normal Christian living. The idea is that most of what God does in the world is done in a natural way through the holy virtues of dedication, hard work, faithful endurance, sacrifice, generosity and compassion, etc. We should learn to live most of the time without the miraculous, overpowering intervention of God, and prove our love for God by our quality of character…" 

(if you would like to read more of this exerpt go to www.irismin.org and check out past newsletters)

But we all know we would not last here if it were just to do with our quality of character. Rolland is saying just this - There HAS to be so much more! What is it that strengthens, encourages and motivates us to press forward especially when it seems there is no way forward?

It's His Holy Spirit manifested on earth that guides, strengthens and encourages us. His word says "we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony" - the blood of the lamb cleanses us, sets us free and puts us in right relationship with God our Father; the word of our testimony - these testimonies that we have the privilege to witness and live through daily, speak constantly of His faithfulness. These testimonies are tangible God - meaning, these babies that we care for on a daily basis, those who were never supposed to make it and are now thriving - they are God's love tangibly expressed - we get to live these testimonies day in, day out and therefore we will never grow weary of doing good!

"We hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23)- and this is not just a hope but a daily reality for us. We pray that you would be encouraged by our daily walk, but that you also would have an opportunity to see God tangibly at work in your life and that you would delight yourself in the Lord!
With all our love and His blessings on your lives. We love you and miss you so much!

Sheri & Matthew Steer

Resolution

Riots in Mozambique - The angry poor; Why Mozambicans took to the streets

http://www.economist.com/node/16996835?story_id=16996835&fsrc=rss


Dearest friends and family,
All appears to have returned to normal here in the land of Mozambique. Except for the heavy police presence evident on the streets, everyone is operating as if there was no conflict. At the beginning of this week the government backed down; bread prices returned to what they were, water prices were diminished and the cost of a bag of rice was decreased. The people have backed off and we are guessing that means they are content with this resolution.
We thank you for your attention and prayers in response to our blog postings during this time and will continue to communicate with you in regards to our experiences here in Mozambique and what God is up to.


Yesterday we had a bit of a play day. We were able to take a group of boys to the beach in Maputo and they just LOVED it!!! How freeing it is to watch children abandon all and just play, relishing every moment as giggles burst out and smiles touch each and every face! It's so fantastic to see!  Matthew played soccer with the boys and I waded in the water as each boy wanted  Mana Sheri to watch them do their tricks. It was a beautiful afternoon escape. We SO thank the Lord for those kind of days! (pictures to come ;-D)


We are very excited as in less than 2 weeks time, Matthew's parents will arrive for a visit. How very welcome that visit will be!! They are the first visitors we've ever had here in Moz and we cannot wait to show them all that we have the privilege of taking part in on a daily basis - I can now understand how very proud parents feel as we will be introducing them to "our gorgeous children."


We pray that each and every one of you are well and ask that you would please write us e-mails and tell us what is going on in your lives. We are not too busy to listen and pray.


So much love and appreciation from us,


Matthew & Sheri Steer

Quiet before the Storm?

Friday it was a bit calmer and quieter in the city of Maputo, there were some small pockets of unrest, but basically the unrest moved further North and more deaths ensued. A total of 10 they say.

The weekend has been quiet, almost too quiet...Matthew was able to get out of the centre on Saturday & and pick up a few food items. The foodstore was out of many items, most notably bread. It's been peaceful, but there are many rumours and texts going around that the riots will start again tomorrow. Please pray that there will be resolution soon!

I think it goes to show that we have taken the peace in Mozambique for granted. I've only ever known it to be peaceful here, unpredictable for sure, this IS AFRICA, but the peace was at least predictable. It's been a week now that there has been unrest and I find myself getting agitated and wishing things would return as they were - predictable, that is. But we learn as in most situations in life, life is not predictable, nor is any thing for sure - except for His faithfulness to us - His love which is steadfast and never turning. But most of what is SURE is not physical and yet we are such physical beings. So what do we do during these times when what we knew is no longer? What do we do when we no longer know what tomorrow will bring? What will all of this rioting mean for the stability of this nation? What of the freedom we have known? What does the future hold? 

We cannot know and really we should not be surprised by any of this. All we can do is press into the one sure ONE - the One who holds the answers and holds us in the palm of His hands.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered...

...And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:22-28

with love and appreciation,

Sheri & Matthew 

continued chaos

We would appreciate your continued prayers. We found out that 6 people (2 children) were killed in the rioting yesterday. Today we all remain once again inside our gates, but we can hear constant loud gun fire throughout the day, and it's often very close. The rioting continues in the streets and it seems the police have stepped up their action. The people are building barricades and looting and burning anything they can get their hands on. Highly costly damage and vandalism is occurring and most concerning is the deaths. Please continue to cover us in prayer. As it is unsafe to leave the centre another prayer concern is our food supplies. I have been told by some workers on the outside that nobody is selling anything on the streets, food included. There's only so long that can go on. But we are so thankful that God is our provider!! We will continue to keep you informed.
Always trusting in Him!
Sheri & Matthew

Riots

There have been extreme rises in the cost of all the essentials for surviving in Mozambique. Obviously the poorest of the poor have been affected badly by this. Bread, milk, oil, sugar, petrol, charpas (public transportation) etc. have shot up in price and the people are very unhappy. What happens in Mozambique when a large group of people are unhappy is they come together and organize a strike. But these strikes are not peaceful and they're not quiet. They are riots that have the potential to get violent and aggressive and it is generally dangerous to go out onto the streets on these days. Today is one-such of these days. Our directors requested that nobody leave the centre today and with good reason. Hospital consults were missed, children missed school classes, outreaches were postponed and all with wisdom behind these decisions. Our centre is a good 30 minutes outside of the capital city and the streets just outside our centre are filled with disgruntled people in a mob mentality. Buses are being turned over, cars and tires are being burned, police are coming through with teargas which does not stay outside of our iron-wrung bars. Children and guards alike run to our clinic as they choke on the gas. We ask for you to cover us, our children, & our centre in prayer. Please pray safety for our workers. Many made in to the centre safely which was a huge answer to prayer as it would be very difficult to feed 450 people without the service of our kitchen workers. Not everybody was so lucky. Our Mozambican nurse who faithfully serves in our baby house and nursery got stuck on the street on her way in this morning as the police were not allowing anyone to pass and cars were being burned and it was quite dangerous. She couldn't reach us and couldn't get back home either, but a friend provided an open house for her to seek shelter in until the excitement died down. At lunch time we met with all the children and explained that our centre is very safe and there is no reason to be frightened, but on the other side of the gates is a whole different story. We have the peace and love of Jesus that fills our centre and ourselves, but the people outside the gates reflect those who need to know the love of Christ.


We thank you so much all for your prayers and concern. Things have quieted down through the day and we're hoping that means the strike is over, but we will find out more tomorrow. Nobody has left the centre today but it did get pretty rowdy with people turning buses over just outside our gates, burning cars and who knows what else. We are praying nobody was injured. Our children are safe and had a quiet day and God provided all we needed! We love you all and will keep you updated.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11150063



Psalm 57: ...For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God most high, to God who performs all things for me. He shall send from heaven and save me.....and God shall send forth His mercy and truth!


with love & appreciation, 
Sheri & Matthew

"And lean not on your own understanding"

July 2010

We are well behind in putting out a monthly newsletter – apologies, many times it just feels like there are not enough hours in the day - so many needs, but we love seeing His hand at work! What a privilege to wake up every day in this beautiful land and  absolutely love what we are doing  and know that He has called us here. We are together working with Him and are passionate that those He has called us to serve would know His love and care. God has surely been busy with us these past 2 months!

Here’s a taste…From taking on the responsibility of administering IV antibiotics to a sick 5 year old last month to being told she could possibly have leukaemia and amazingly and with relief being told that all her exam results appear to be perfectly normal - thank you Jesus!; to celebrating Children’s Day

(June 1st, a holiday like Christmas for the children in Mozambique); to completing a new phase in the I.T. area by installing a new widerange network across the whole base providing wireless access for people to connect to the outside world wherever they are; to admitting healthy 2 month old twin girls to the nursery; to diagnosing Bell’s Palsy in one of our 10 year olds; to struggling with the ½ megabyte speed internet connection shared between 35 missionaries and then finally having the internet company come out here and provide a new modem that picks up at times more than double the speed we have been fighting with – a large victory; to praying and asking for wisdom in treating a 9 month old who seems to have chronic asthma and frequent exacerbations with chest infections and finally getting in to see the only pediatric pulmonologist in the nation and as a result seeing this baby turn the corner in just 2 days!!; to admitting a beautiful 16 month old weighing 5.4kg with severe marasmus-kwashiorkor malnutrition as well as a haemoglobin of 2.4 into our nursery and then very speedily taking him to hospital for proper IV antibiotics, blood tranfusion & care (he came home last week!); to having our first internet teaching session for the children during a lunch break (in the computer room consisting of thirteen computers which have just recently been connected to the internet). The students were asked to find out details about Mozambique such as: What is the population of Mozambique? What’s the ratio between Male/Female? etc… For many of them this was the very first time they had ever used the internet!; to celebrating our 3-year anniversary during a 5-day rest in South Africa where Matthew got to attend a World Cup Soccer game (Australia vs. Serbia) and we got to explore the beauty of SA; to currently dealing with a mumps outbreak in the baby house (9 very miserable babies have been affected so far this week)

– These months have been non-stop and God has been amazing giving us the strength and desire to see His hand in each and every situation…God has surely been teaching us to rely completely upon Him- and in this we see His reward; answered prayers, wisdom that comes, children who were very sick yet now their smiles light up rooms because of the love that fills them & the health they walk in, missionaries who are happy because even though the distance is very far, they feel nearer to their families at home because of easy contact via internet. And here we come back to that same word from our last newsletter which He is teaching us…”but let [us] ask in faith, with no doubting.” And the verse before that in James 1:5 says “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

I think each and every one of us fears stepping out into the unknown, fearing failure and making a mistake. Matthew and I have had our moments, and during every week, every day, we face situations that are beyond us and this is when we have a choice; to lean on Him, or our own understanding (and our own understanding brings us nothing but doubt in these situations). It is only during these times when we don’t know what’s coming, when we don’t have the answers or the knowledge to solve the problems facing us, when we know that by our own strength we cannot do it, that we can go deeper in our relationship with the Lord. God Himself proves always faithful, always ready to step in if only we would humble ourselves and let Him…He is called our "very present-help in times of trouble". God we are very grateful to You and for You as You are always our present-help!! And we thank you as our friends and family for upholding us in prayer and thought and support. We could not do this without you and so desire you to know that you share in our ministry – our testimonies are also your testimonies.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Below are 2 articles we read this week on BBC that we have personally felt to be answers to prayer as steps forward in the areas we are passionate about – breakthroughs in health and seeing the children raised up throughout the world!

** Using computers to teach children with no teachers **  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10663353

** Malaria-proof mosquito engineered **  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/science-environment-10654599

So much love from us here in Mozambique,
Matthew & Sheri Steer

But let him ask in faith with no doubting...James 1:6

The month of April was a whirlwind of joy and difficulty. Matthew and I both celebrated our birthdays in style, surrounded by missionaries who have become like family and who made us feel special and loved. We still feel very new although have been thrown right into the thick of it. No easy days, every day comes with its challenges and resolutions and his mercy and grace which have been found to be sufficient.

Matthew has had to deal with dozens of setbacks with his computer work, pulling finances from who knows where to deal with the multitude of broken machines, the Universal Power Supplies breaking due to the extent of power outages and surges, the internet being down and broken routers for 2 full weeks leaving no one in the center with internet and finding hours that don’t exist in the day to manage (100s) of viruses found on computers (our jobs really aren’t that different). He’s sure he’ll come to the end of these troubles and then other problems present themselves. The progress in spite of these setbacks has been amazing. Network cables have been hoisted on-top, underneath and all around the center to make sure all are equipped and capable of connecting to a reliable internet signal. He also held a successful beginner’s computer course with the teachers of the children’s school during the children’s half term break.

Sheri and the medical team cared for a sick new baby, Graca, who we battled for, but in the end she went to be with Jesus. This was very sad and working through it just brought us back to the reality of life here in Mozambique (and availabilty or lack thereof of lifesaving measures). Sometimes we don’t see the physical victory we desire to see and we recognize sometimes all we can do is show the love of God in these precious moments He gives us with “the least of these”! We have also seen a few cases of mumps and 1 case of measles and we braced ourselves for the worst and amazingly, clearly due to God’s protection the worst never happened, there was no outbreak! But through this we developed an even closer relationship with MSF (Doctors without Borders) who runs our local HIV clinic. They were amazing as they simply vaccinated 21 of our most vulnerable children for measles (and you would know if you came to Mozambique, not much is simple here).

We were able to take a long weekend away together which was a gift. Until we step away, we don’t realize how really busy we have been and how very overstimulating this life can be…constantly our names are being called, constantly we’re needed for something, constantly there is noise, commotion…and then we realize how much we relish our moments of silence, moments alone, moments where we can just hear the sea crashing on the sand, a moment to actually see the sunrise (and not despise that it’s already risen). And even in these moments of silence, it is clear we are here for such a time as this and are SO privileged to be doing what we love amongst whom we love serving Him who we love most.

We would really appreciate your prayers as the next few months are going to be very busy for us. We have been asked by the leadership to step in and oversee the functioning of the Babyhouse. This requires us to understand how the babyhouse as an entity functions in order to be an asset to the team that is currently in there. They’re doing a great job in there and we only desire to bring increased unity, efficiency, and wellness to all included and we know we are reliant on His wisdom and His perspective to see any of this to fruition!

Sheri’s workload is increasing as the current nurse overseeing the medical part of the babyhouse returns to America and Sheri takes on this role. This is not new information, but as of May 29th, Sheri’s workload will easily be doubled. This entails working with a team (thank goodness) and overseeing everything from vaccinations of the babies, calculating nutritional needs, deworming every 3 months to chronic illnesses and every day sicknesses and scrapes and bruises – that is, of 42 children ranging from 0-4years of age (approximately 20 under the age of 2 ½)! We desire His wisdom in all situations as we know the official training we’ve had is not sufficient for what we encounter everyday – but we know that His leading and His wisdom, grace & mercy is sufficient.

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary. And the young men shall utterly fall.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.

They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

ISAIAH 40:28-31

With much love and appreciation for your prayers and support!

Matthew and Sheri

MEASLES

We have had our first confirmed case of measles here in the centre. As it is highly contagious, please pray for protection for all the children in the centre especially the babies and immunocompromised children. Mozambique does immunize against measles, but it is quite random how the ministry of health goes about it, so it is hit and miss which of our children have received the vaccine. We trust in the blood of Jesus!
God Bless each one of you for standing with us in agreement.
Sheri & Matthew

Resting in His Everlasting Arms

I am sorry to share that baby Graca died this afternoon. We are shocked and very saddened by this news. Please continue to uplift her father and all those who were so closely involved in her care (tias, nurses, missionaries) for the month she lived with us. Thank you

Urgent Prayer Request

Please pray for one of our babies, Graca, an 8 month old who aspirated her feed this evening and went into marked respiratory distress. We rushed her to the hospital. We are standing in prayer for her life believing that she will be healed in Jesus' name. Please stop and pray with us now for life, strength and healing to come into her body. But most of all that she would know Jesus' peace! Thank you for standing with us!
Love from us,
Sheri & Matthew

Life changing before our eyes!

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life 

PSALM 23

Well, we’ve been in Mozambique for exactly 1 week. Sorry that we have not been able to write until now. The internet has been really difficult, but it is getting much better because we have a brilliant man (my husband) working on the system and troubleshooting the difficulties! We’ve only been here 1 week, yet it is amazing how our lives and outlooks have changed in such a short amount of time! God is omnipotent! And what has seemed would be impossible He has made possible in us! He is raising us up as we kneel down before Him!

We encountered only grace and favour in our travel through South Africa and into Mozambique. And on arrival here, we were wonderfully welcomed by friends who have become like family; so many were awaiting our arrival and so many were pleasantly surprised. It has been so wonderful to reunite with the children I knew from 3 years ago who are SO big and healthy now! Whenever Joao sees me he cannot help but have a huge smile from ear to ear - it's beautiful! We feel hugely blessed by how we have been taken care of! We have a lovely home – a little unit in what we call “the long term building.” Our unit consists of 2 (bed)rooms, a sitting room and a bathroom. We also have a kitchen that we should share with another couple, but they prefer to cook their meals in their unit, so the kitchen is ours! We also have a very lovely private garden area. God has really been looking out for us!

It hasn’t all been easy. We’ve tackled a bit of diarrhea sickness, some suffocating heat, language barriers, impossible internet connections and we’ve come out on the other side winners! Now we walk straight forward in the path the Lord is preparing for us.

Matthew has been busy trying to understand the extent of the problems with the internet in this 3^rd world nation, as well as missionaries now realizing his gifting in computers calling him up for help with their own laptop issues. Something he has really enjoyed doing is working alongside Salvadore, our Mozambican computer teacher in the school. He has been an amazing asset in helping Salvadore do things 10x more efficiently with the students. Matthew is very encouraged by how his presence has been received and is looking forward to seeing this relationship grow. Neither of us are bored having to look for things to do…it’s a bit of the opposite where we’re just relieved if we get to see each other during a day due to the workload!

I have been relearning the ropes of GATV (Gabinete de aconcelhamento e testagem voluntaria). Some of you may not know what this is but translated it is “Office of counseling and voluntary testing.” This clinic is run by Medecins Sans Fronteires (Doctors Without Borders) and is specifically for testing and treating HIV. We have 39 children living in our centre currently who require their services and therefore their care needs to be organized. I have enjoyed being back with these beautiful children and being able to learn how to care for them once again. What a privilege. I have also been handed the daunting responsibility of writing a new schedule for the western nursing staff (that works, meaning appropriate rest for the nurses/appropriate care for the children). This has been challenging as we are short staffed currently, but God is gracious and takes good care of His children, so I am looking forward to seeing how it benefits all the nurses to live healthier lifestyles and for the children to benefit because of this.

We will be able to get out and about most weekends, so that will be a nice respite for us as we live where we work. We miss all of you so much and hope that we can be in closer contact. We do desire to know how each one of you are, so please e-mail us, send us letters, tell us how we can pray for you. Happy Easter!! May His amazing love for you in His sacrifice and resurrection be tangible for you this Easter.

So much love and appreciation from us,

Sheri & Matthew

P.S. We now have a South Africa mailing address:

This is where all letters and packages should be mailed


Matthew & Sheri Steer

Suite No. 420

Private Bag X11340

Nelspruit 1200

South Africa            

  (These guys are saying "hoyo hoyo" - in Shangaan (their mother tongue) that means "Welcome!")

Raising up a godly army!

           He shouldn’t have made it. In medical or worldly terms, he was dying and everything was against him surviving. Both his mother and father died recently and grandmom brought him to us because she knew she was fighting a losing battle with an inability to afford medical care/medications and food. He was dying.

            In the raw, uncontrolled setting of Mozambique, this is the reality of life for so many vulnerable children. We can no longer rely on our state-of-the-art children’s hospitals with the most knowledgeable specialists and groundbreaking drugs, and we can no longer rely on a disease free environment of the best hygienic standards. In the Western world there are so many other options we can lean on, worldly wisdom; but in Mozambique there is no choice but to wait on God expectantly – we are desperate for a breakthrough and to see God’s love for His children expressed in a tangible way! In God’s eyes, this was the perfect opportunity for a miracle.

            One week later here is that very same baby. A glimmer of hope, and life is now present in his eyes. A very tangible expression of God’s un-abandoned love for his children. And then below, 6 months on, restored, filled with the love and joy of our heavenly Father, health and strength & cheekiness running through every cell of his beautiful body…a testimony to God’s faithfulness. This same child is now 6 years old and thriving…this is the absolute privilege that we have the opportunity to take part in. This is why we have an insatiable passion to return to such a desperate place, because it’s in these places where God’s faithfulness and absolute love is tangible and shines brightest. It's like the night sky, its' glorious expanse seems limitless in the African vastness. We do get glimpses of God's glory like this in the western world, but sadly so many put it down to the science, the knowledge, the technology and not God’s absolute love working through all these methods. We are so amazingly blessed to be able to return to such a place and see the testimonies of His love living on, and knowing that God is going to keep doing it again because He loves His children so very much.

This child is one of so many that we have had and will have the privilege of caring for and sewing the love of God into…these are the next generation, the history makers of Mozambique, and we have the privilege of giving them the opportunities they may have never had and raising up a godly army in Mozambique!

            We leave in 1 week and as you can see we’re on fire to see God in every opportunity. Thank you for travelling on this life-changing journey with us. Maybe we can encourage you to come out and visit and experience our loving heavenly Father in a way like never before.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

ISAIAH 61: 1-3

If you desire to see our contact information you can find it below on our first blog posting...e-mail address, skype information, & facebook information are all listed. A mailing address will be set up on our arrival into South Africa and then we will post that address on our blog.

Blessings and so much love from us,

Matthew & Sheri