Maria

Last week I was talking to our friend who helps us with cleaning once a week, Maria. She heard that the sun was getting closer to the earth and it would be hotter now. Since she is bothered very much by heat, she was very worried! First I explained global warming a bit. Then I told her what the Bible says about not worrying about tomorrow. The next week I wrote down some passages for her to read and wrote out a couple of verses.

When I gave it to her she clasped the paper and said, "Oh, this is a gift! No one has done this for me before."

I was struck by her response. How often do we consider the Scriptures a gift to be treasured?

Xenophobia

Xenophobia definition from the American Heritage Dictionary: "NOUN: A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or foreign peoples."

Unfortunately, this word describes what has been happening in South Africa lately. A violent minority of mostly poor South Africans have decided to take matters into their own hands because they feel there are too many foreigners coming into SA and taking their jobs and places to live. Their answer has been to kill some, and threaten many. They show up one day and tell them to be out by nightfall or their houses will be burned (or worse). To read more about it click here: http://allafrica.com/stories/200806040897.html

Not only has these been a problem in S Africa, it is also directly affecting us here in Mozambique. Crime in the city has gone up dramatically since those fleeing from S Africa have arrived. They have no jobs, plenty of time to think up mischief and hungry stomachs motivating them to steal. This past week a restaurant and all its patrons were held up. I've just returned from visiting one of our WR colleagues who was assaulted Saturday. He is a tall, broad man but a gang of six jumped him, took his keys (all he had on him) and knifed him in the chest. Thankfully the wound wasn't deep and didn't damage any organs.

I will not be ruled by fear, but I will be more cautious and street-wise now. When we first arrived we were strongly cautioned about going out at night, etc. Lately we have been more lenient, but now will be more careful and aware. Perhaps you can send up some prayers that our angels will stay on duty and that God will protect us. Thanks.