Out of the Ashes

Today in Inhambane, four children from the same family died while swimming in the bay. Several weeks ago we reported that there had been a fire in which eight families lost everything. Pain and suffering seem all too common here in Africa.

After Scott shared on being the “salt and light” to one of our disciple groups, they talked about how they could actively become that salt and light in their community. One idea was to visit these suffering families who lost everything in the fire and see how they might help them. First, clothing was collected and distributed to those in need. Supplies were also purchased to help rebuild their homes. Then several of the disciples went to do the actual construction of the houses. After each work day or visit, those who went would gather around the people to share a message from the Bible before praying for each of the families.

At the same time, David Cuna who is the leader of the house church, moved into a new home where he quickly became friends with a couple young men living in the same compound. When they heard where he was going, they decided to go and help the disciples rebuild the houses. As a result, they too began hearing the good news of Jesus.

Today, three of the ladies who lost everything in the fires were baptized. Casilda, a widow, is 40 and the oldest in the group was baptized along with Ana, her 14-year-old granddaughter. Percina, a 17 year old who has no father and who’s mother left her to care for her siblings while she works in South Africa, was also baptized. Finally, the two young neighbors of David, Erdio and Gito, who are both 23, are also baptized. Before the baptism, Gito, who was a Muslim, cried openly as he freely confessed his sins and faith in Jesus.

Today there was much sadness in the city over the four children who drowned in the water, but there was rejoicing in heaven over the five people were born again as they were baptized. Out of the ash heaps of the fire, came hope, joy, and rebirth.