by Joanna Morrison, August 2, 2012 (photos taken with phone camera).

Where are we going?  Past Chileka airport, not too far.  Never believe those words if you are heading out on an outreach.  Just past Chileka, the road turns to dirt, but pretty smooth.  15 kilometers later the dirt road becomes a rocky track which twists and turns around numerous mountain ranges.  Stunning views await us around every corner.  Fields full of huge rocks make planting difficult.  One farmer has worked so hard, clearing his land.  He has built several large piles of rocks, and planted a long row of yuccas along the side of his fields, beautiful in their stark, spiky outline.  As the sun goes down, we bump along, wondering how we will we know when we arrive.  We needn’t have worried.  We are greeted with singing and shouting.
This very young church pastored by an equally young pastor had worked hard to prepare for our coming.  They had built shelters for eating, bathing enclosures, and outhouses.  There was a grass fence behind the speaker to eliminate distractions.  A grass shelter provided plentiful shade as we worshipped.  Mountains stretched out in every direction, God’s glorious cathedral.  We had the briefest glimpse before darkness descended.Our team took part as worship leaders, teachers, and prayers.  I started us off with the awesome love of Christ as shown in his encounter with the woman caught in adultery.  Where rules and traditions demanded her execution, Jesus’ love showed a better way.  In the morning I met with the pastors and talked about how we can communicate Christ’s love as we pray for each other.  After a great message from one of our Bible School teachers about staying connected to the vine, I met with the women.  Their work worn hands and cracked feet revealed the reality of their lives.  Their questions showed a hunger for truth and for freedom.  We had a good time together, separating out truth from lies, and declaring our identity in Christ, as women of truth, chosen and set apart, with a capacity for love and blessing.
	Our meals were rice with cabbage or spinach, and chicken, carefully presented to myself and two other female leaders.  Such grace and kindness.  We slept under the stars the first night, though the cold kept us awake much of the night.  I was woken by a chicken and her chicks scampering across my sleeping bag over my head.  The second night we were given a pastor’s house to sleep in, complete with termites munching the roof (and my burks) all night long.  We slept well and stayed warm.  So thankful.  Each morning we were called to bathe with hot water heated over the fire for our enjoyment.
Saturday afternoon I took a walk down the road and came across a group of jeering children.  In the centre I found a mentally disturbed man, harassed by the children and very unhappy.  I sent the kids away and sat beside him.  He had a handful of masau (a bit like sour cherries) and I encouraged him to eat.  He crunched them seeds and all and I prayed for him.  He disappeared into a house and I was called to come and sit in the courtyard.  His drunk brother wanted me to order his wife to obey him.  I told him that I could not, but that Jesus could mend his family.  His wife worked away as we talked, and I prayed for healing and freedom.  So much pain in one small courtyard, disheveled and uncared for.			As I walked back the kids followed me.  I talked to them about loving that poor man, and not tormenting him.  I wonder if they heard.  The children lash out in their own pain, and expect to find relief.  Their relief will come through love.	We worshipped and prayed Saturday night, and Sunday morning.  Our visit seemed too short, and yet God will multiply the impact.  Seeds were planted.  Rocks were cleared away, lies exposed in the light.  A row of spiritual yuccas would be good for protection.  Pray for the growth of this small church in Chagwirauta, a community without a school or health care.  Pray for faith, and for faithful leadership.		The road back seemed a lot shorter, the bumps less severe, because we knew where we were going.  I pray that we have helped this young church to know a little better the road they are on.   I pray for you that you will not tire of clearing away rocks, and planting yuccas through your prayers.Thank you!