"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