(Out of) There and back again

SIM returns to Mozambique

In an outcome that demonstrates just what a great God we serve, SIM has been registered as an independent organization in Mozambique. Therefore, SIM is now able to return to serving there. After the church's decision that SIM had to leave Mozambique, the SIM leadership petitioned the Minister of Religious Affairs directly. They showed him the history of SIM's activities in the country and asked if SIM could be registered as an independent organization. After he reviewed the material, he willingly agreed.

It is unlikely that SIM will be able to continue their previous ministries when they return to Mozambique. It is a chance to begin afresh, with new ministries and in new places. SIM has the opportunity to consider where best we might serve God. At the moment, they are considering the north-western province of Niassa. A survey has been done of the Christian work being done in this province. Many areas are without any church presence, and there are many opportunities for the gospel.

Praise God for allowing SIM to return to Mozambique. Pray for wisdom and unity of vision when many members of SIM meet on August 12-16 to decide exactly where and what SIM will do when they return to Mozambique.

Language bloopers for beginners

When you are learning a language, even the simplest activities become opportunities for language practice and making a fool of yourself. For example, I went to buy some meat a few weeks ago. I wanted some minced meat to make spaghetti bolognese for dinner.

Mentally, I practised what I was going to say, '"I would like of kilo of ground beef." is "Eu queria um kilo de … what?" Hum, what's the word for "meat"? Is it "carne" or "bife"?' After a small amount of consideration, I chose "bife" - I think on the (very weak) grounds that I wanted "ground beef." One of those "it seemed like a good idea at the time" decisions.

Anyway, I asked for my kilo of "bife moidas". The butcher looked at me in a funny way when I said this - but this is not an unusual reaction when I try to speak to someone. He repeated "Bife moidas?" and I said yes. He took out what looked like a very nice piece of meat, sliced off and weighed one kilo, and put it through the mincer. He then weighed it again, and rang up the price: $22!

I didn't quite fall over, but I had that definite wobbly-in-the-knees feeling. I had expected to pay less than half that amount. I later realised that he'd taken his top rump steak and made it into minced meat, since that was what exactly I asked for. "Bife" is specifically "steak". At that point, I couldn't very well ask him to put it back - he probably doesn't have many customers asking for minced rump steak! I somewhat abashedly paid for it and took it home. It did make a very nice Bolognese sauce, though!

Despite (or perhaps because of) such less-than-spectacular attempts, we are actually improving. Nowadays, our lessons are almost completely in Portuguese, and, if I concentrate, I really do understand almost everything. Listening to the nightly news is still an exercise in bafflement. And trying to speak is as comfortable as pulling hairs from your armpits with pliers, and to others, it probably appears just as dignified. But we are getting there!

Portugal in Spring

The best thing about winter was its end and the unfolding of spring. The fields began by covering themselves in verdant green. At the corners of old farmhouses and behind crumbling stone walls stood the dark green and lovely white lilies of winter still in bloom. Such a lovely contrast - refined and elegant flowers growing next to buildings often dilapidated and rustic.

With the warmth, the colours of spring made their debuts. First it was the yellow, several different types of flowers weaving a yellow carpet that stretched across fields and ran along the side of the road. Soon after, the purples sought the sunlight, hand in hand with the yellow. Last of all, the red poppies raised their delicate heads to add splashes of brilliance to the landscape here and there. Chasing away the dull greyness of winter, these are the irrepressible, irresistible colours of spring in Portugal.

Kids Corner

Joshua has done very well in school this year. Maths has been a breeze for him and his reading is great. His writing has improved tremendously and is now probably better than mine - not that that's claiming too much. He's still enjoying going to basketball once a week in the local gym, though the stress of not being able to talk with the other kids sometimes takes it's toll on him. He's also become interested in learning how to play chess, so we've made a start on that. Drew is still enjoying his Portuguese pre-school. He's made some friends there, especially his "girlfriend", Katarina, who is a sweet little thing with dark, curly hair. When he's home, as often as he can, Drew tries to rope Nicola or me (but mostly Nicola) into playing one of his imaginary games with him. I asked him to explain the rules of the game to me, and he said, "The first rule is that I win." There wasn't any real need to listen to the rest of the rules. The exact details vary from day to day, but that first rule remains unchanged :-) Drew also wants to play chess, but only if we apply his first rule to that game as well.

Wrestling is a regular and favourite afternoon activity in the Piper household. For some reason, I always lose.

Thank God for our lovely boys. Pray that we will know how to raise them with love, patience and discipline. Pray that they will learn to treat each other with kindness.

Thanks

We have realised lately that supporting someone is both an activity and an attitude. We want to thank you for the generous prayer and financial support and also for the faithful attitude of support which you have had. Our journey to Mozambique has been a lengthy one and not without obstacles. Thank you for standing with us throughout.

"A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17)

Phillip, Nicola, Joshua and Drew Piper

For further information

Click here to see a news stories about Mozambique (updated daily).

Click here to see lots of technical articles about Mozambique.