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September 2014 Newsletter

Dear all,

Hlauelka ministry spent the last two weekends in Chinhangane and in Mukhotweni having youth retreats. Each weekend there was a majority of youth from Chokwe that came to join other youth in the specific village. It was a special time for Chokwe youth to lead, impact, and be a set apart example, as they too were being led and impacted. It was a full and rich time of gathering together, sharing over the Word, separate girls and guys sessions, discussing the theme of decisions, song and dance, games, and good food.  

As we look back with thanks for the last two weekends, the following is what first comes to mind. Thank you so much for your prayers and wonderings about this time.

At least fifteen youth received Christ and began new life in Him!

Milagrosa, 16 year old Princess in Chokwe, preached part of the story of Noah and God's plan, with such passion and authority from her King, as we gathered with those in Chinhangane on Sunday morning.

As Sybil had to unexpectedly leave the country for the first retreat, the Chokwe team led the entire retreat. Celeste, principal of Hlauleka school, stepped in to come and lead instead of traveling to the planned wedding. There is such enthusiasm and vision among the entire Mozambican team.

Ntsako, grade 12 guy from Chokwe, led the final sharing on the second Sunday morning. He preached to his fellow youth with such boldness and so much scripture, sharing the Gospel and calling them to a decision to follow Christ, also sharing examples of what that can look like in the every day. 

 We had 3 amazing volunteers from Iris Ministries join us from Pemba for the two retreats. Their hearts for the youth were incredible and it was a blessing to us all to hear them also share during the teaching times and be part of the leadership team.

Hearing individuals or groups break out into songs of worship in planned and unplanned times

Having time to walk together and see the farms and notice different scenery, landscape, and vegetation than in Chokwe. It was the first time for Chokwe youth to be in these places and special for them to get to see a new area of Mozambique. 

Paulo, Sergio, and Celeste, part of Mozambican leadership team, also led sharing times about the importance of decision making in Christ.

The women who cooked for us announcing at the first retreat, "We never saw such well behaved youth and such a volunteer spirit. This has been a great surprise."

Tom, Sybil's 7 year old son, sharing some of the decisions he has made.

"Mom, I think I need a notebook to write down some of my decisions that I've made. I don't want to hit back at school. I don't want to get angry when my feelings are hurt. I don't want to be so excited about watching television. When people look at me and my life, I want that to make them want to follow Christ."

We are thanking God for the many gifts He poured out over the time together and trusting Him for much fruit to be born from many seeds planted.

You can continue to pray for the youth and that they would love God so much that decisions to follow Him each day would be an overflowing response to a relationship with Christ.
Pray that the Light would continue to pierce the darkness. During camp, one girl sincerely asked one of the leaders, Mana Mercia, before going to sleep, "How are we going to sleep without the good luck charm?" Mercia explained that actually the power of Jesus is stronger than any good luck charm and we don't need it because we have Him.  

Here is the breakdown of the youth that came to the retreats, for those of you curious. :)

1st youth retreat; 44 teenagers. 22 from Chokwe and 22 from Chinhangane, and 2 of Sandra's volunteers from Mucatine

2nd youth retreat; 65 teenagers
                             15 from Mukhotweni
                             10 from Kokamisava
                              5 from Makheulawane
                              5 from Chaimete
                             10 from Muhambi
                             20 from Chokwe

Thank you for your prayers, interest, and care! Enjoy the pictures. :)

In His amazing grace and unfailing love,
Katie Slay and Sybil Baloyi

PICTURES

NEWS FROM CHOKWE
DOWNLOAD THE JANUARY 2014
NEWSLETTER HERE