The Steers' October Update

Manuel

Dearest friends and family,

It has become more obvious to us over time that Facebook and blogs are an amazing way to communicate with large groups of people, giving general information, but not always conducive to giving details and all the answers a person might want. We apologize for not being in touch sooner. If we're honest, we have not been sure how to communicate; in terms of what we are in the midst of here in Mozambique right now; about our time in Africa coming to a close for the time being; and about where we are headed. Most of you will already know that we are leaving Mozambique in December and are headed back to the United Kingdom for an indefinite period of time, pursuing our strong desire to start a family. We value your prayers as we walk this road together and leave the road walked in Africa behind for a little while. We welcome you write us individually if you would desire more details or have any questions. Look to your right and you will see our contact information  ;-D


We were blessed to spend 6 weeks in the UK in May & June to rest after 2 years' hard work. Now we've been back in Moz since July continuing in our same roles but at the same time doing our best to train up and hand over our responsibilities to both Mozambicans and Westerners. We are teaching and encouraging and empowering the Mozambicans in our skills and our giftings - we are not just taking what we know home with us, but hopefully leaving a deposit that will live on here in Mozambique as well.

Gloria

baby girl F (tasty tomato)

As we are now counting down the weeks until our departure from Mozambique, only 10 weeks to go, we feel the tug of our hearts and each moment we have left with each child is even more precious. We love the privileged lives we have lived here in Mozambique, knowing that our presence has made a difference in these childrens' lives - We see the fruit of our labours and the evidence of HIS great love, remembering all He has done;  remembering children like baby girl F (tasty tomato)(who is now up and walking and loves to eat and smile and laugh and is one of the most contented, full of character babies we know), Gloria (now an avid explorer), baby boy J (who has been adopted), Sheila (who loves to sing, and is very intelligent), Manuel (who is incredibly willful)  - all overcomers and touched by the loving grace of God. And we remember the ones who didn't make it, but whom we had the privilege of loving into the hands of Jesus; Helena, Raquelina, and Graca. And we remember the victorious moments we have had;  in the reopening of the clinic, training and staffing the clinic for 24-hour care, creating new computer classes for the community and seeing them continue (all Mozambican lead & over 200 people trained in basic computing), - AND SO MUCH MORE! We will miss this way of life, the meaning that every day holds and the ways we contribute without thought of pay or promotion or recognition - but filled with thoughts of blessings and raising the standard and making a difference.


At the moment, within the ministry there is a lot of uncomfortable shifting going on. Some, very possibly by the hand of God, and some very clearly not the hand of God with the stirring of agitation.We do not think it would be wisdom to share publicly all that we might like to, but we are asking you to please remember Iris Ministries Zimpeto in your prayers. Please pray specifically for us, for our directors, for our children, for our workers, and most of all for Jesus' name to be glorified and us all to be changed more and more into His likeness through suffering and persecution, through correction and accountability, through breakthrough and transformation! Our prayer is just as Jesus prayed, that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Saying the above, this week we will very cautiously be stepping in to help supervise the base for about 6 weeks as our Directors will be travelling again. We ask for your prayers to cover us, to cover the base and that we would walk and operate only in His wisdom,

baby girl K

Of course we have a few prayer requests for a couple of children who are struggling. We ask for your prayers specifically concerning this beautiful baby girl, K. She is 10 months old and struggling to grow. She needs corrective heart surgery but they will not perform it until she reaches 6kg (13.2lbs) - for 4 months she has gained no weight, staying stagnant at 4kg (8.8lbs). She finally in the last few weeks has started putting on a small bit of weight and we're praying that this is finally her moving in the proper direction. She is a happy, joyful, precious, peaceful little girl and we would love to see her thrive in this life!

baby boy C

We also ask you to pray for baby boy C, 10months old and hospitalised 3 times over the last 2 months because of bad pneumonias provoked by large infected tonsils. They say they will not do surgery on his tonsils until he is 2 years of age - Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and protection over him.

We thank you for your patience with us as our communication with you has become more sporadic. We thank you for your continued prayers which give us strength. We thank you for your support as well! Please pray for His grace over these next 10 weeks - and that we would continue to run this race well and desire to finish well. We will be in the States (Philadelphia area) from December 20th to the end of January, and then after that we will be in the UK. Please be in touch!!

With love and appreciation,

Sheri & Matthew Steer

4/5 of these boys have  been reintegrated back into their homes!