We have been delayed in our return to Mozambique by some medical issues which we are presently trying to resolve. While we may be many miles away, we are always close in thought and prayer to our bible school students and to many precious children whose home is uniquely connected with ours.

“In addition to our work with the Zimpeto Bible School we are always watching for ways to be involved in outside ministry. This past year we have had the privilege of participating in some marriage seminars that Pastor Pedro Macuacua and others have started holding in various churches.

     “As we experience the heat and humidity of another Mozambican summer, with malarial mosquitoes buzzing around and the nearby mosque invading our airwaves at all hours of the day and night, we give thanks to God for the privilege we have in being an expression of his love in one of the poorest nations in the world. Well into our 9th year now, we pause and reflect on some of the many relationships that we've developed with our wonderful Mozambican brothers and sisters.

Paulo and Anita:

"Life in Mozambique is always both busy and interesting. Though our primary role the past eight years has been to minister within the context of the bible school, this past December through the middle of February we were asked to give much broader oversight to the ministry, covering many areas that are outside of our 'normal' range of function. It was both a privilege and a stretch to step into this role. We especially enjoyed being able to help the poor on a daily basis.

"These past months have been very full and exciting, with many special events above and beyond our normal day to day bible school activities and life at the Centre.

"Shortly after our return to Mozambique (following a trip to Canada and the USA) we were invited to participate in a teaching seminar for pastors and leaders in the neighbouring province of Gaza, near the city of Xai-Xai.  It was a very rich and rewarding experience for both of us (please see December 2009 Zimpeto Bible School Update for more details).

"We've had lots of interesting events these past months and would like to share a few with you. One of the highlights was John's 60th birthday which was celebrated by not just one but two surprise birthday parties. Although 60 can sound old, it's just really exciting as one continues to grow in the goodness of God.

"This past summer we were privileged to host an “International Leaders School of Ministry”. Personally, this was both a rich and rewarding  experience. We were responsible for the team that came, as well as for handling everything from scheduling and translation of materials, to providing all the necessities for the Mozambicans who came. Since we had never had any prior experience in organizing a conference, it was quite a learning curve.

In addition to teaching in the Bible school and helping to facilitate the various tasks there, one of our passions is to go to the bush and minister to the needy. We can only go between school terms as the trip is long and arduous. The needs are so great that we try to take our vehicle packed with provisions for the people who live in the remote and somewhat primitive conditions, enduring hardships we can't even imagine.

"The past six months have been the most thrilling and stretching of times we have experienced since coming to Iris. The most faith expanding time in our lives started with the missile explosions in March, when our centre was showered down on for hours by the nearby military installation base. While we watched and prayed as missiles soared over us and even hit our centre several times, with shrapnel flying everywhere and explosions happening all around us - we experienced the most incredible miracle of divine protection.

”After a quick trip back to Canada in December for our eldest daughter's wedding, we started our 2007 Bible school session in our brand new school building. This has been a thrill for us personally, seeing the completion of this part of the building project.

”As we reflect on the past four and one half years here at the Zimpeto centre, we see time and time again the faithfulness of God and marvel at His goodness. Recently, we experienced the Lord’s protection from an attempted car-jacking late one night.