Joel and Joanie Troester, May 2, 2012

Today marks two weeks since climbing onto the plane that brought us back “home” to Maputo, Mozambique. While house hunting has been our main focus, many other things have been happening.

We praise the Lord for record-breaking ease and speed through customs here in Maputo. Extra baggage always draws attention. Thank you for your prayers.

Coming out into the waiting area of the airport was the best part. Familiar faces, each one waiting to give a hug or handshake of welcome. You have seen many of them in our video. These are precious souls who have been continuing to grow in their walk with God.
But the highlight so far was our Bible study this last Sunday night with our old gang from Liberdade, where we plan to start a church. Silva, Carlitos, Hélio and Dário shared how God had used His Word to stretch their faith in our absence. Adélia, an old neighbor, shared that our helping her with a homework assignment and her then coming to church with us, introduced her to steps that would lead to her accepting Christ while we were gone. Through her excitement about telling others about Christ, Isabel and two of her children have been coming out. While Africa can be so destitute at times, this makes it all worthwhile.

May 1st was Labor Day here. We had a picnic in a park with four congregations represented. More than 100 were present for food, fun and fellowship. It’s great for the teens of our congregations to meet others who are in the same struggles – striving to be faithful to God under pressure from family, peers and society.
Thanks for partnering with us.

Together in the harvest, Joel and Joanie