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