“Our annual Iris staff retreat in June was a big highlight for me. Iris staff members came from near and far and it was a great blessing for all of
us to be together. We had great sessions of worship, and thirstily drank in the teachings, as the presence of God brought a refreshing to our spirits. We shared lots of laughter while playing soccer on the beach, teaching one another songs from our various area dialects, and enjoying tasty meals! Many commented on the great sense of unity amongst the staff; an encouragement for all of us. I returned to the base, really encouraged and motivated to continue receiving more of God's presence and living from a place of rest.

“Upon arrival back in Pemba, our Holy Given Mission School began. The population on our base swelled to include approximately 200 students from different countries, all joining in experiencing and learning about hands-on missions ‘on the field’. It truly is amazing to see incarnational ministry lived out in a real cultural setting. After having our hunger whetted at our staff retreat, we missionaries took the chance to take in a teaching session here and there when our schedules would allow. God continues to move on our base, and we are privileged to hear many anointed speakers and be part of what God is doing, not only in our evangelistic outreaches but also in our mission school.

[Miriam playing with some village children during an evangelistic outreach]

“The four horses that were so graciously donated to our centre continue to be a real blessing to our children. They constantly remind me of the extravagance of God in the midst of utter poverty. The horses bring an element of awe, excitement and challenge to our children. In a culture where animals typically evoke fear, and love for pets are foreign, it is always an accomplishment for the children as they learn to overcome their fears and initiate a relationship with a horse. “There are three categories that the children can be divided into, as involves the riding of the horses. Some have learned how to ride very well, others are in the process of learning, and then are those who are not capable of riding alone. Many of the older boys who have mastered riding love to canter up and down our property. Those still in the learning process require close supervision, and need direction to help them improve and refine their new skills. Please continue to pray for me as I endeavor to simultaneously coach three to four riders heading in different directions, sometimes out of my voice range! “The third category of children often include our ‘teeny tiny’ ones, who love to sit in the saddle while someone else walks the horse around by the lead rope. I cannot lead more than one horse around at the same time and often enlist the help of our older kids. During the mission school I enjoyed the assistance of mission school students who volunteered to help out. They were surprised to discover that we even have horses!

"Our program is constantly developing, and the horses have become a popular illustration, be it in school teachings or on an evangelistic outreach. One day we used the horses to each represent a different part of the world where God is calling workers into the harvest field. The students riding them led a prayer march around our property. No onewas riding the white horse, so he was designated to represent the free spirit. He ran along with the horses and actually led the way back to the tent (our temporary meeting place). This wasn't planned, but it helped show how our freedom in Christ takes us back to the place of worship and focus on Him!

"I also truly enjoy teaching the national pastors-in-training, at our Bible school. I have been privileged to teach various subjects including Hermeneutics, Spiritual Disciplines, Contemporary Cults and Carnal Man/Spiritual Man.

“Mid-August saw the Holy Given students and the Mozambican Bible school pastors graduating. This was a great celebration and included prayer for God to bless and integrate these faithful believers back into their unique countries and villages. I enjoy change, and as our centre again became a quieter place, I was able to devote more time to the children and the workers.

“At the end of August our horses received their annual vaccination for African horse sickness. Since the horses cannot be ridden for six weeks after the vaccination, this was an ideal time for me to take some time out. I am grateful to Edu, a worker who feeds and cares for the horses in my absence, along with the help of another missionary.

“I am currently in Canada. Besides visiting my precious family, I have been amazed at how many friends I have been able to connect with, both in Canada and the United States. Although I usually prefer hot weather, I have been surprised by how refreshing it has been to encounter cool, rainy weather! Maybe it's the change of season that is never really felt in Mozambique. On a spiritual parallel, I have found worship services deeply moving and a real spiritual boost. I have been drinking in the 'English’ songs and swimming in the river of God's presence here in North America.

“The massive revival and miracles we continue to see in Mozambique have become ‘normal experiences’ to my way of thinking. I didn't realize I was sharing in a ‘simple matter-of-fact manner’ all that God is doing in Mozambique, including mentioning the random self-firing bombs and missiles, floods, tsunami threats and daily poverty, until someone pointed out to me just how dramatic all these experiences sound to those living in the relatively quiet, unassuming culture of North America. This has given me a fresh perspective to take back with me to Mozambique. I am encouraged to realize that the Lord has given me peace and not fear, to face the challenges that arise in Africa.

“I have also truly discovered that Pemba is really my ‘home’. I greatly miss the children and staff when I am away. It is a bittersweet feeling to leave family and friends to return to my beloved 'home', and vice versa.”