Miracle

One week before the end.

A miracle happened in Macia, Mozambique last week.  On Aug 30, Ed wrote in his journal that he was sure we would not finish even if we gave it our best try.
The roof is now finished, most of the block work completed and the windows and doors have all been install, glazed and varnished.  The floors are done and the stairs which we said we were going to leave for the church members have been completed.  Yes, we did work from sunrise to sunset each day of the week, but that would not have been enough without the miricle which brought things together just as they were needed.  We did contract some of the work, to local tradesmen.  As we ran out of sand and gravel, trucks appeared with more just as we needed it.  The local congregation sent teams of their members to help each day of the week.  Even the children helped wheel concrete and carry the frames of the windows and doors.  The Police Commandant of the province  (who is a Christian elder) sent the men to install all of the glass in the windows.

Just days before the dedication

One of the most amazing things to watch was a young man by the name of Flugancio.  We were spending a great deal of time building scaffolding to finish securing the truss system.  After he learned what was needed, he started climbing the trusses without ropes or scaffolding.  There never was a better circus act.  He would climb with the drill in one hand, balance on the 2-inch wide truss, line the pieces up and run the screws in with the drill to secure them.  His strength and balance were unbelievable.

Friday before the dedication

Hours before the end of the work day Saturday

The church was completed because God sent a great team of volunteers to do the job.  We praise God for those who prayed and gave financially for the work team.

The Church receiving the keys

The dedication service on Sunday, Sept. 9 was festive and full of praise and dancing with lots of singing.  It began at 9:00 and lasted for almost 4 hours.  There were special guests and Pastor Tovela preached.(He is the head of the Presbyterian Church in Mozambique ) There were more than 450 in attendance. The keys to the new church were presented to Pastor Salimo.  The women from our team were presented with a capalana and the men received neck scarves.  Some of the local women gave us vegetables from their gardens. 

The ladies cooking after the dedication

The church after we finished it.

We have all been blessed by being part of the Miracle in Macia, may the church in Macia reach out to those around them with the love of God.