MOZAMBIQUE REPORTAt short notice, largely due to Sonny not being in an accounting contract, he was approachedto travel to Mozambique with Steve Thomas the leader of Life Church in Bollington and as

representing the leadership there. For several years this has beenone of Sonny's desires but he has previously been unable to godue to other commitments. So at 8pm on Sunday 8th June wetook off from Manchester Airport bound for Paris and thenJohannesburg in South Africa. After almost 11 hours flying, anovernight stop and over 9 hours driving we finally arrived inManhica around 3pm on Tuesday 10th June.

We spent the next 3 days viewing and reviewing several projects– the orphanage, water project, medical centre and rescue centre.There are, as often in Africa, lots ofbuilding maintenance issues, andsome good progress being made

with registering orphanage with government.

The issue of sustainability of the orphanage for the forseeablefuture years was a significant issue discussed both during thetravelling and with the team on the ground in Mozambique.Things in Mozambique rarely go "according to plan" but then thisis Africa! There are several projects that require funding; amongthem a water tower built to raise the height of the tank andimprove supply has collapsed causing considerable loss of supplyto the entire village. The former (and smaller) tower has nowbeen re-instated as a short term measure, but the higher oneneeds replacing ideally with a robust steel structure to hold the20+ tons of water. Quotes are now being obtained from a localsupplier who is reliable and has been used previously to roof the Manhicha church with a steelframe, and though it is likely to costs several thousand pounds it will restore good water

supplies to all the villagers.

On Friday 13th at 6am we left for Maxixe arriving at 4pmhaving been looking at potential accommodation for ateam in October in Xai-Xai. The following day ministeringat a pastors and leaders conference in Maxixe Life Centre.The aim was to lift the expectations of the pastors andencourage them in The Lord – it seems from feedback thatthese goals were accomplished!

On Sunday we preached at the official opening of the newchurch building in Manzwile (a 4.5 hour service). An earlystart on Mondaysaw us driving

back to Manhica and a few more hours at theorphanage before saying our farewells to all.

Rising at 5am on Tuesday we began the long journeyhome via an overnight stop in the Kruger National Parkin South Africa. Highlights of the trip include ascheduled dinner with an American missionary couplewho are thinking along similar sustainable ministrylines for the future. An unscheduled meeting withanother American peace corps worker who is workingin sustainable agriculture projects in Mozambique andwill very likely prove to be a great help in future.

Broken Water Tower and original

Pastors & Leaders Conference - Maxixe

Children at Orphanage

Standing room only for Manzwile Church opening