As a friend of mine toyed with the idea of returning to her homeland of
England, she considered what she would miss about Africa. "There is something about Africa. It is wild and untamed," she
said. The country has a way of drawing you in.
Mozambique is particularly that kind of country. Just emerging from 30 years of civil warfare, the darkness of ancestral worship and black magic are ever present. The scourge of AIDS, alcoholism and poverty continue to devour the population. Yet, hope remains. While still very young and growing in maturity, the Church in this part of the world is growing rapidly.
New Hope Church missionaries, Mark and Leslie Harper and their two sons
Charles and Michael, serve in Mozambique. I have grown to love and respect
this family over the last five years that I have led short-term teams to
work with them. The Harpers have helped me see the immense possibilities
of ministry through God¹s power. They have demonstrated to me and
others how to love our Savior and this country. This love has impacted
my walk with Christ.
Leslie has a heart of compassion that extends throughout the local area,
caring for over 200 orphans, shepherding local pastors and overseeing 20
schools she has helped to start. She is loved by many. Mark and Les have
been involved in Bible studies, Youth for Christ outreaches, kids¹ camps,
leadership training, mentoring and evangelism using the Jesus film on a
local and national level. Their impact in this area is unmistakable.
I like the way Mark and Les see the needs of the community as a whole and just step in to lend a hand. This method of ministry allows the local people to be accountable for solutions and dependent upon God instead of the missionaries.
I have personally observed how well Mark is respected in Mozambique. Not
long ago, this country suffered a devastating flood. He was a huge asset
in the relief effort as he brought food and medical relief to those who
needed it most. Mark¹s main role is overseeing the development of the Bethel training center. His vision is to construct a discipleship training center that is a flexible, multipurpose
campus able to serve the Body of Christ in a number of ways including short
and long-term training for Christian leaders and pastors and a church and
youth camp. Eventually Bethel will construct and operate a hospice for
late-term AIDS patients.
The Bethel training center is a place that I have called home off and on
for five years. It is absolutely beautiful, consisting of 11 acres on the
coast of the Indian Ocean. I feel God¹s peace and presence while serving
there.
Though progress is being made, I can¹t wait to see it completed and
in full use.
Yes, Mozambique has captured my heart in many ways. As limited as my talents are, I feel that God has used me there. My life has been challenged, changed and blessed in many ways. I am so thankful to God for this opportunity.
Craig has attended NHC for 17 years. He has led five
teams to the country of Mozambique specifically to aid the Harpers with
their Bethel Project. He is also involved with the NHC Shoulder to Shoulder
ministry. To learn more about Global Ministries, contact Pastor David Bly
at 763-971-5215.
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