More Pictures...

Saturday, 20 Aug 2005

Just got back from five days in the bush. The outreach went so well. As usual we rode in the back of Iris' big flatbed trucks for many hours before we reached our destination. The places we saw were like pictures that you would see in National Geographic - absolutely stunning and amazing to see how beautiful God's handy work is here on earth. The ride was very bumpy as usual and felt many times like I was being body slammed by the pounding of my body weight hitting the truck floor as we quickly rode on the rough African terrain.

The views were beautiful! The first place we stopped was at a missionary couples house in Nampula (different province in Mozambique than Cabo Delgado which is where Pemba is). This would be a place for us to stop over for a time so we could go out each day and do outreaches into other villages. This missionary couple were in the process of starting a chicken farm where they could influence the economy by bringing in much needed work - their vision and goal was outstanding. Their home was on many, many acres of land which were tucked up next to some "mountains" - it was absolutely stunning and so peaceful there. They had horses that ran free throughout their land and we were allowed to ride them as we wanted...it was a great place of refuge. While we were there I was able to see one of the pastors I had met when first arriving in Pemba. How wonderful to see him! When he saw me he was delighted and quickly showed me where I had written my name in his journal. It was really beautiful as I was able to spend some time with him hearing the vision of what God had put in his heart and his cry for help as he asked me to please come back and help them there in Nampula as it is so desperately needed.

Before leaving this place of refuge in Nampula on Friday I went for a walk with two other girls into a near by village. As we walked we saw and spoke with the beautiful people we passed by. One place we stopped was at a house where a man by the name of Mario and his wife and children lived. It was here that I gave one of the man's wife a powerband, the little band with the salvation message in colored beads. As I was speaking with his beautiful children the husband and wife went into the house and brought out two chairs for us to sit on and peanuts for us to eat. His wife had been peeling peas which she had picked from their garden so we sat and helped her. It was such a beautiful moment as we sat there peeling these peas and loving on them - there was much joy of laughter. When it was time to leave Mario went over and knocked down papayas from his tree and put it into a bag with the peanuts. This is the only food for his family. His clothes were as rags that we would throw away yet he gave to us. They would give you everything though they may have nothing. What selfless love. I so much see the reflection of Jesus. They are so giving. I am overwhelmed by their love, by their giving out of nothing. We had the wonderful opportunity to pray for Mario and his family before we left and Jesus was so present there with us - How I glory in the Lord for He is so good.

The next day we drove deeper into the bush arriving at a little village. I hadn't thought of bringing any money. There was a little shop there. One of the village people asked me if I was going to buy something. I told him I didn't have any money. He sent one of the boys to buy me something. He came back with a cookie. They are so giving. They can be hungry yet they will still give you part of what they have.

During the meetings we play the Jesus Film for the people. I was so tired from the travel. During the film I fell asleep sitting on the ground with my head in my lap. When I woke up the film was most of the way through. The people come from all over to watch the film. At first there were only 20 people then the crowd grew and grew to about 200 people. After the film was completed I was able to pray for many people. Many accepted Jesus.

During the drive to our next place some of us girls needed to go to the bathroom. In Mozambique the bathroom is the bushes to the side of the road. So we had stopped by the side of the road and walked into the bush. When we came back our legs were burning so bad! We didn't know what we had gotten into! We saw some water and tried washing our legs to stop the burning. It was terrible! Some of the guys went to go into the bushes for the same reason and one of the pastors stopped them saying don't go into the bushes. He bent over and showed us these little plants that were like peapods and said they would burn you - One of those learning experiences.

The next day we drove and drove again getting to our place late at night. The people at this place were deep into poverty. They live off the land surviving from whatever they could gleam.

When we were ministering to the people everyone accepted Jesus! I watch the planting of a church. It was so exciting! After the people accepted Jesus they asked if someone would want to lead the people. A man raised his hand. Then they asked if someone would be the secretary. Another said yes. They asked the people if they would accept these two and the people clapped and yelled yes. It was so awesome, so beautiful. A church was started. These two will now come to Pemba to school for three months and be taught the word of God. They will then return to this place and lead the people.

We prayed for a child who was unable to speak. He began to speak saying, Jesus, Mama. Jesus is so wonderful to answer our prayers. The people are changed.

Again back on the road. As we travel we sing and sing and pray. This time it was a bit different. One of the pastors began weeping and weeping and praising God. The Presence was flooding the truck! So so so powerful. The person next to me was taken in vision to the door of heaven and shown them many things. Among the things they were shown the Lord told them He was so delighted we had come. Jesus was laughing with joy. The vision was very powerful and life changing for this person.

It is so simple! So simple! So simple! We in America make it so difficult! It is so simple!

We went to many villages and many places just loving on people. People were running up to us with bananas, chickens, and other fruits. One guy had a bird on his finger and wanted money so he would let it go.

When we ask a person if they would like us to pray for them the people usually say, I am well. (Just like they do at home.) We still are able to pray for them. They now say walking with Jesus is good!

I have such an intense love for these people. They are so beautiful so beautiful. At one point I couldn't take much more and crumpled in tears knowing I was leaving so soon. I love these people so much. It is so beautiful so beautiful.

On the travel I was with mostly Western people this time. These were the students who had stayed at the college site. There were eleven of us that stayed with the main base living with the pastors and children. It seemed strange to be with so many Westerns after being with the people. It was really strange to see the difference of how we have come to be. Our experience has been very different then theirs. They still had much of the Western mind on some things and we that had stayed at the base with the children found we had changed in much of our thinking.

It has been such an adventure, a wonderful adventure.

The pastors who had been here with us during this time all left on Sunday night. On the trip we were able to see one of them. It was really cool to see where he lived. To see his village and meet his family. To see him in his environment.

When we arrived back in Pemba it was so quiet. 25 new children had come in this week. Many of the students had left and all the pastors had left going back to their homes to continue the church that had been started. Today I am packing and organizing and getting last tidbits together. It is so hard to leave but I know I will be back.

Oh! We went to an authentic Mozambique restaurant. One of the guys had contacted the restaurant before hand and asked if they made certain different foods. When we got there we thought we would order a simple meal. To our surprise when we got there the owner had fixed everything the guy had asked about! It was a feast! Wow!

Went to the airport to check on our tickets. The airport people were there but they had decided not to work that day. This is the usual in Pemba. They can be there but decide they are not working so you can't get any information. They don't work on Sunday. Some of the students have had problems with luggage when they left.

Please hold us in prayer as we leave. Our group of five will fly out of Pemba at noon our time on Sunday, this is 2 AM Saturday night your time. We will be home Tuesday afternoon.

Blessings - Mozambique style.

See you soon,

Ashlee

Sun, 14 Aug 2005

It is a really difficult time today. Along with the students from the mission school there have been many little pastors from various villages also going through Bible school and are now preparing to go back to their homes to pastor churches there. Since Saturday was graduation day they are now leaving. We have become very close with these sweet little pastors. They have paid a great cost to come. Many do not know how their families are and will have contact with them for the first time in the three months.

Some of the children realize we are leaving. One little girl comes and sits in my lap with tears in her eyes. She has become very close to me. She is only about ten years old. Tears are constantly flowing everyday these last few days. Such an immense love for these people. I could never have believed there could be such love. They are beautiful. To think I may never see them again.

We were able to buy sandals for the pastors before they leave. It was so fun sitting in the middle of a store sorting 210 pairs of sandals and buying them. The store keeper was excited about the sell and it was such a surprise to the pastors. Because someone blessed two of the students with some extra money we were able to bless the pastors. In passing out the shoes we discovered we had 240 pairs for the 240 pastors in need. God had made the difference.

Upon graduation each pastor is given a Bible, a t-shirt and some money before they leave. (We can hear their excitement as Ashlee is speaking) Some will leave in the middle of the night, some throughout the day. Each time a car shows up there are tears.

Tomorrow I will leave for the bush. When I come back they will be gone.

We had graduation with a major feast with chicken. It was wonderful. Today the Mission School students were commissioned.
Something have been taking place this last week since the meeting with Heidi. I can't explain it. Heidi asked in one of the classes for those who had written a note about further ministry with Iris to come to see her. I hadn't written a note but held back because I wanted to ask her a question. I wanted to asked her what it would take to come for a long term. As I was waiting the student in front of me asked the same question. Heidi looked up at me and asked me, "what about you?" She told me I could come to Pemba and stay right there at that base until I found out what God wanted me to do. She wants two to three girls to stay in one house to work with the children. There were three of us standing there asking the same question and having the same heart. I have an open door to come back. I am praying God's will be done.

I love it here. It is totally real. For now it is time for me to return home and finish my school. I am praying about coming back in January when school is complete. It is interesting some of the others are feeling the same about January.

Since being here I have had this acute sinus infection. It is finally getting better. I have been sick three or four times. It has not been fun.

This next year Iris' plans are to have houses for the children. They are praying for God to send them house parents to embrace the children and raise them up. I was talking with one about my parents. He was saying they must come, they must come.

There has been many interruptions in preparing to leave for the bush. The graduation, the excitement of the pastors receiving their small packages, the cars coming and taking them home to their villages, the emotions of some of the students going back to their homes around the world. The knowledge that when we return many will be gone and I will be leaving the next day.

Forty of us are going in three trucks deep into the bush. We will split off into two groups and go into different villages and various places. We don't really know what to expect. I ask for your prayers.

Ashlee

Saturday, 6 Aug 2005

It has been so beautiful being here and seeing so many things that those in the West never see.

It is wide open here for those who wish to work in the mission field. The need for help with anything is here. What is your passion? Of the missionaries that go out from here to the other areas of Africa some are totally supported financially and some they give part of the support. If you have a heart to pioneer a mission here in Africa as Iris Ministries has with finding your own support there is a great work here. What is your passion? What is your desire? Go forth! The need for help is so great. The work here is growing faster then what can be kept up with.

Iris has asked if any of us are interested in working with them further to submit our name and email address with a short vision of what we are being called to. If anyone in the future is interested in joining with Iris they are requiring all to go through their mission school. The next session will be next year.

The other day we were worshiping and I looked over and was blessed to see one of the little boys was holding his arms up and worshiping. The children here are so deep into the Lord. The children are beginning to preach. It is nothing shallow. It is very good! The children pray for the people ministering to them. When I was so sick one of the little children came to me and prayed for me with such strength and compassion. They are so precious - not shallow.

Iris is starting a school for the people in the village and those on the base. There is such a desperate need for people to "mother and father" the children. Someone to help them to move into a successful adulthood walking the destiny that God has for them. The hope is to have houses where those who are needed to move on can move in with "parents" to mentor them.

Teachers! Teachers! Teachers! Those who will help teach in all areas - in agriculture, general studies, construction, plumbing, electrical, medical - even just first aid, personal hygiene and so much more. For those who will come they would give room and board but each would need support from where ever for their personal extras. The door is open now for me to change my visa and stay longer or go on to Malawi and another place until November. I do not hear God telling me to do that for now so I will be coming home.

Heidi's heart is to stay in Mozambique but she has been told by many and felt she is to listen and has to pick up her cross and go into other places to speak at the conferences. She has so many calls but can only go to a few. Her heart is if you want to speak before the people - go! She wants to stay here but knows God is telling her to go. As a result she travels quite a bit.

Heidi and her family live very very simple lives here. As I look around I see great integrity in the finances that come in here. There isn't any extravagant life style. All live in the same humble way.

This last week we didn't have any electricity for three days and the well went dry for a day. Today I was finally able to take a bucket bath after a week. A bucket bath is with a bucket and a scoop. America waste so much water. Water is so precious here.

Every time a pastor needs drinking water we have to have the government sign a paper so we can have a tank full of clean drinking water. The water from the well is good for baths but it is salty. Sometime they have gone without drinking water for two and three days which can be very difficult with the heat.

You really don't need much here. Life is so simple. Our light in the dorm has not been working so I am glad I did bring a little lantern. It has helped. I brought a CD player with a Spanish CD. They love it because they can understand it. It seems to be a most prized gift when I let one of them use it for a time. The batteries are completely ran out when it is brought back.

Last Thursday we did a little medical clinic during lunch. Some of the wounds were so bad. I asked to be one of the ones who cleaned up the wounds (me with the weak stomach). I wanted to learn so in the future when one came I would know what to do.

We did a lot of bandaging of wounds. One little boy looked like the end of his toe was coming off. One boy had a big bulge on the side of his leg. He said it wasn't painful but it was consuming his leg. One little three or four year old girl had a chemical burn. She was so brave. Her mom and dad are dead and she lives with an aunt with many children. Her shirt was just a rag so we were able to give her a new shirt along with the medical care she so greatly needed.

The children are starving for affection. One of the workers here brought some pencils to hand out. She was mobbed. This was such a treat to have a pencil.

I am looking so forward to seeing my family. The biggest price I would have to pay to come to Africa to stay would be to have to leave my family. I am trusting my Jesus with my destiny. I do not miss America. My heart is so much here.

It is so exhausting being here. But we pray and pray and gain strength. I have prayed for so many. The need is so great so we continue. So many we pray for nothing happens then this last week a deaf woman was prayed for and now she hears. It is stopping for the one.

Here we pray and pray a lot. The load is constant everywhere we walk, the poor, the beggars. The thieves are there continually but no one has gotten hurt. The need can weigh so heavy if you do not trust Jesus.

Heidi was telling us of some people going out on the mission field here in Africa for 25 years and seeing nothing. That is so amazing. She has great things to say about those who have gone before and are still there; but here, we see so much. The people come so humble, simple, walking in love and faith. No programs or stuff. Here the worship is very joyous and full of dance. It is so different from America. So free. In the States we have a worship leader, here someone will start to lead a song or whatever and the others join in.

A vision that is so stirring in me would be to have a base to work at. Then to go into the bush where people are and encourage them. To help them build a church building and homes for the people. To help them to become established for two to three weeks or two to three months. Whatever it took then go back to the base for a while then back out to another area. This has been so on my mind. It is something I will lay in God's hand.

They don't have hospital and jail ministry here. Our visits to the jail and hospital showed us it is so open and so needed. There is no one here to fill the shoes. So much to be done and so few workers.

The question came up to Heidi if it was recommended if a single woman wanted to be a missionary. She said yes but it was strongly advised that there should be two woman together.

It is the last week of the school. It seems so strange. The time here has been so wonderful.

Monday I will be going back to the lady who cooks for us. She is going to teach us how to make this coconut things that look kinda like donuts. She takes the food and sells along the street.

One of the humorous things here is the people have learned we like peanuts. They have been making the peanuts in all different kinds of ways so we will buy them. It has been working. One of the ways is sugar peanuts. I am going to try to make some when I am back home again. They have tried to see what else we like and are now selling all along the streets for us. I laugh because they have found us to be quite a market for them.

I brought some powerbands with me. Those little bracelets with the beads telling the salvation story. The pastors have been carrying them out into the village and the bush. The pastors here loved them. When I go into the village I now see little children wearing the powerbands along with the children here at the base. It is so great.

I will be going on outreach deep in the bush on the 15th until the 19th. Please hold us in prayer. We will travel deep into the bush taking up to five and six hours to reach the people.

When I get back from the bush it will be time to being saying my goodbyes. My group will be leaving here on the 21st at 5 a.m. your time arriving back in Seattle on the 23rd. The airport here is a tiny place about the size of a small living room. Big enough for a small conveyor belt and counter. It will be strange coming back into the world that I use to know. I have told my family that I want to spend time with them for a few days before going out. Please allow me that time when I come. I know it will be a difficult transition and ask your prayers.

You know, they have big bats here. Some of the people saw elephants on the last out reach.

Ashlee

Monday, 1 Aug 2005

The last time I email all of you through my mom we had visited a jail. A man who is a cousin of one of the people here had been put in jail because a woman told the police he had stolen a cell phone. This week we went back to the jail and brought more bread. The guards had told us before we could come and bring our music and even talk with the prisoners. However this time they told us we had to have a letter to bring bread. We thought that would be easy but it hasn't been. We do want to go back but we have to get the letters.

Our trip to the jail was not in vain though. We did get to see our friend again and minister to the guards a bit more. We sat with our friend and began to read to him from the Bible the various places where Jesus had set people free from jail. We prayed with him and left. On Tuesday the judge let him off! On Sunday he came to the church. He was glowing. He had not accepted Jesus as his savior before but this time he came to church and received Jesus and was baptisted after the service. He also joined with us as we went to the hospital and prayed for the people with us. It is so exciting to see ones come to Jesus. Their joy and excitement as they realize how much He truly loves them.

Upon arriving at the hospital we again were stopped and told we must have a document in order to see the people. As the man started to say we had to have a document he stopped and then told us - just go. God had given us favor! We were able to pray for some of the people. Since we were a larger group of about eleven people we split into two groups. It was good. Jesus was so there. His Presence is so Precious. As soon as we prayed for one another would ask if we would pray for them. Ministering to the one - one by one.

Next we went to where the babies were. The rooms are bare cement rooms with openings covered with screens and bars so people will not break in. Metal framed cots lined up along the walls with frail people laying under a thin blanket. No medicines no nothing. In another room lay the little children. The Lord brought my attention to one little child wrapped up in a cloth. The child seemed to be only a round little body. Such compassion came over me. I knew it was the compassion of Jesus for this little one. With the love of Jesus I sat there and sang and prayed over her as she laid looking around. Such compassion, such compassion of Jesus for this little child. Later a lady came in who I found out was the grandmother. We found out the dad was not around and she lived with her grandma. When they pulled her blanket off of her she was just bones.

So many little children - so sick. No care, no medicine, just laying there. I really want to go back but my time here is getting so short.

We have had a lot of thief here lately. When walking between the school and the orphanage the students are getting held up at knife point. We have been warned there is a band that is planning to come and take all our things; but we are trusting in God. He is our protector. One day this last week I hear a whistle and then one of the people yelled a word which meant "thief". Many ran so fast after him. It was crazy, crazy! He had pic-pocketed one of the people. All I could see were men running after the thief across a big field and then arms and legs flying as they caught him.

Continue to keep us in prayer. We still have not heard what the effects are going to be about the vitamins that were sent here. It is still in the newspaper accusing us of drug dealings. The people here look upon us with great favor because they see what we are doing but this is still serious. Please keep praying for us.

School is finished on the 14th. We were told we can go on a five day trip into the bush and to put our name on the list if we were interested. They will leave on the 14th and be out until the 19th and doing many things and going very deep into the bush. Only 40 will be able to go. I am so excited because I was able to get into one of the last two places let.

The need is so great here that it could crush you. Outside of the campus the people are constantly stopping you asking and begging. So many children on the streets. So much struggling.

When we first arrived we found one boy how would run up to people and hit and poke the people with sticks. He was like a wild animal. We kept loving on him and now he is changing and doing much better. He lives with his mom. His dad is dead. When one of the ministers went to see the family they hadn't eaten in three days. They only had one set of clothing which was what they wore. So poor.

It is so amazing here. You can always feel the burden of people. They are saying, "help me, I am hungry, do you have food, do you have water?" So much going on.

God is providing! We again were able to feed the people this Sunday after church. So many, so many.

Tomorrow I will be meeting with them for the purpose of those wishing to work in Africa.

Blessings to all of you who are praying for me. I can really feel those prayers. Please do not let up. The warfare is increasing. The threat of the thieves is increasing. But our God is able to carry us through!

Thank you for your faithfulness.

I will be home on the 23rd. My heart is in Africa. Please hold me in prayer as I must make a decision.

In Christ,

Ashlee