In the Midst of Great Suffering
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED both wonderful high points and extreme low points as the local Mocambique suffer hunger, disease (mostly cholera) and unnatural deaths. The high points come from an incredible sense of belonging to the greater Body of Christ. Complete strangers from around the world have reached out to help a people struggling to come to terms with an environmental nightmare that seems to have no end. Food Aid has come pouring into the country in much the same way as the rains poured down upon it. The Church of Jesus has risen to the challenge. Widows and orphans are being cared for, the Gospel is going out, people are coming to salvation, and in the midst of chaos and suffering there is a fresh new hope emerging. We are looking forward with expectancy. We are believing for great change as the church continues to impact those who are in great need.
Eugene and Tina would describe themselves as “gradual” Christians. The Lord took more than 25 years to move them from “dead religion” to being full-on, full-time missionaries. By that time, both their daughters, Chantelle and Tanya were married and serving the Lord in their own lives. Their call was dramatic and clear. The Lord used His Word, (especially Isaiah 58, “Feed the hungry,…clothe the naked,…pour out your lives in a sun-scorched land”…) followed by prophetic individuals speaking in confirmation that left them without doubt. Their testimony includes suffering bodily harm for His sake. Eugene and Tina returned to the field after surgery to continue preaching the Gospel. They are currently involved in a new church-plant and discipleship of believers.