Friday, 10 September 2010

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

Sunday, 5 September 2010

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 

Thursday, 2 September 2010

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

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

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