"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.

"The Spring term at the Bible school was very hectic, due to a shortage of teachers. That said, it was also one of the richest times we've experienced, as the Holy Spirit kept on manifesting His presence in surprising ways. Even during announcements at the end of the day, somehow we managed to be sprawled all over the place, drinking deeply from His presence as He fell on us.

“These past months have been very eventful - some positive while others have been challenging, but all a demonstration of God's love, grace and mercy.

“Our highlight this year was the April to July session at the Bible school. We were thrilled to graduate some students from the fourth and final level who have been with for all four levels. Many wonderful relationships have developed and it was with much joy as well as some sadness that we sent these pastors out, not knowing when we will see them again. We were able to share a meal and hear as they spoke of the highlights of their time at the school.

The Ewerts have been in Canada temporarily, due to the illness and subsequent passing of Sandra's mother. During this time Sandra has been undergoing medical treatment herself and is scheduled for surgery at the beginning of March.