Hello Everyone,

Just thought I would forward this picture to you as I really like it. It was taken in South Africa just two days after God amazingly protected Lisa and I. It was taken at a place called God's Window which is in South Africa. It is the highest point in Nelspruit. The lady in the middle is a dear friend of Lisa's and mine who is a missionary with Iris Ministries in Zimpeto (which is outside of Maputo in the South of Mozambique). The view was amazing!!

Ashlee

Chimuaza - Mozambique

Written October 21, 2006

There is never a dull moment here in Mozambique. There is always something going on – especially with 31 boys who need lots of love. I see the Father’s heart more and more as I walk out all the joyous and difficult situations that I face with them each day.

Today I went to their rooms to visit and see something some of the older boys wanted to show me. When I walked out of their door to leave one of our younger boys came to me and trying to choke back tears, said he needed to speak with me. His name is Chimuaza.

A few months back he had a really bad abscess on his toe where he almost could not walk. Tears always flowed down his beautiful cheeks because of the pain. During this time I took him under my wing and specially cared for him. During this time he had to have a shot which was really scary to him. Like a mother I stayed close to him holding his hands and consoling him.

After some struggle he got through it and I just held him and loved him as he cried. As my family could imagine this was difficult for me, but I had to be strong. Since this situation Chimuaza has drawn much closer to me and become more open with me. I have grown to love him a lot. He is a special young boy and it is because of this that I am writing. Today when he stopped me he could hardly speak so I asked him if he wanted to go someplace to sit and talk. He said “yes”, so we went to a quiet place by my house to talk alone.

As we sat together tears flowed down his sweet face. He began to tell me how he feels a pain inside and how even when he eats he still feels this hunger. He explained how he always feels sad and doesn’t have a desire to play with the other children. Even when he has the desire he doesn’t for some reason. He will want to do things, but ends up not – only to stay in his room. He feels great sorrow, but does not know why. Some days are better than others.

After listening to him I asked him questions and encouraged him with what our heavenly Daddy says about him. I then prayed for him. I will be giving him some scriptures to read, but I am asking the Holy Spirit to give me the verses that Chimuaza needs. I told him to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show him why he is so sad and to bring freedom and joy.

Chimuaza knows anytime he needs or wants to talk with me or he needs time alone he can come to me. I feel this is a fight, but the enemy has already lost. It is for this reason I am writing to ask for prayer for my litter friend Chimuaza. And also that God would give me great discernment and wisdom. And as these things come up (which they do often) that I will be directed clearly by Him so life will spring forth as Jesus does.

I have attached a picture of Chimuaza so that you can put a face to the name and see the one you are praying for.

Hidden in His arms,
Ashlee

To send packages:
Ministerio Arco Iris
Attn: Ashlee Cladek
Caixo Postal 1237
Beira Mozambique
Africa

Tax deductible giving:
FireStarters Ministries
18923 – 217th AVE E
Orting, WA 98360
(please put a note “For Mozambique Mission”)

Goncalves - Dondo, Mozambique

Today was a great day full of joy. My Mom had sent me a package which had three water guns inside. Today was the day of attack. Lisa and I filled up our ammunition which was water and when some of our boys arrived at our door we attacked. It was great!!

Some of our little boys came to sit on our veranda which they like to often do. While they sat there we walked out our door with the squirt guns behind our backs as we talked to them and on the count of three we got them….it was so much fun. The boys went running with great laughter saying “O que isso?” which means “what is this?”. As more boys showed up we got them as well. Later in the day some of our older boys came by knowing nothing….so we smoothly walked up to them and on the count of three they were had. Again, great jeers of laughter and joy as we ran after them.

We eventually ended up running all over the center getting everyone in sight. At one point we were squirting some of our students and boys while one of our guards sitting off to the side was laughing – so yes, guess what – we got him too! It was great – he just got up really quickly, laughing as he ran. We had a lot of fun! It would have been great to have a super soaker – not sure what they would have thought about that. J

God is really doing a work here as we are continually contending for His peace and reign to be in this place. This past Monday I was asked to speak during our time of prayer and intercession and the Holy Spirit gave me a message about sonship that was beautiful….it is my prayer that the revelation and freedom of our positions as sons and daughters would be made alive to each one here.

I also wanted to send another quick prayer request to ask for special prayer for another one of our boys. His name is Goncalves. I have attached his picture so you can see his face. I love Goncalves and I know he has an amazing call on his life. A few weeks he was removed from the center for disciplinary reasons. He is living with one of our pastors until his behavior changes. He thinks it is a permanent thing, but it really is only until we see a true change of heart.

I have been in communication with the pastor he is with on a regular bases to see how Goncalves is doing. The pastor says he is still having difficulties with him as Goncalves is not coming home on time and staying out later playing football. There are some other issues that need to change with Goncalves. One day before Goncalves left the center I was praying for him and the Holy Spirit showed me a picture of ropes around him which were being pulled by others around him.

As I was crying out for Goncalves the Holy Spirit gave me a scripture for him which is found in Luke 22:31-32 (this was right after the decision was made that Goncalves needed to leave the center for a time). I am holding onto this scripture and believing that his life will be a great testimony against the enemy. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit may touch at least 2 or 3 peoples hearts to prayer with me for him and Chimuaza to see victory in there lives. I love these boys and can feel the love of the Father over them so much….my heart is to do them good and see them walk in complete victory that they will be the head and not the tail. As I always tell our boys they can be the next president, the next engineer, teacher, or pastor…..they are the head and not the tail in the name of Jesus!!!

Thank you for your labor of love as you continue to hold me and these ones whom the Father loves up before the throne of God. Thank you for your gifts of love. I could not be here without it.

Much Love,
Ashlee

P.S. My classes in the Bible School are going well. I am seeing my students grow and maturing in the ways of God. I see they are hungry and want to learn – it is great. This past week I have felt the hunger level go up….each time I walk in the classroom I can feel a sense of anticipation and hunger. It is a really good thing. Since my leaving date is coming so quickly to visit the states I will have to start teaching at least 4 times per week to finish before my departure….God’s grace in this as it is a lot.

To send packages:
Ministerio Arco Iris
Attn: Ashlee Cladek
Caixo Postal 1237
Beira Mozambique
Africa

Tax deductible giving:
FireStarters Ministries
18923 – 217th AVE E
Orting, WA 98360
(please put a note “For Mozambique Mission”)

"Takuta"

Hello Everyone,

I want to send an email out to say "Takuta" (that is "thank you" in Sena) to everyone for praying for Lisa and myself while we were going through the situation with our visas. We could tell that prayer had truly been lifted up to a higher level. I experienced God's amazing power in a way I have not before. He completely hide us so we were able to leave the country without any problems. The very next day we were able to go to the Mozambiquen embassy in Nelspruit and had our new visas after about 3 hours. Everywhere we turned I saw the Father lavishing His beautiful love upon us. Even to the point of people I did not know helping me in ways I did not expect at all. During this time Lisa had malaria, but God amazingly touched her body and she recovered within in about 2 days when it usually takes people at least one week to one month before recovering.

While being in Nelspruit it was a wonderful time of rest and being refreshed. Everyday was so wonderful and ever day I knew I was right where the Father wanted us to be. I had great fun relaxing in beautiful, grassy yards with beautifully landscaped gardens while reading a book or going on long walks through corn fields and jumping on trampolines under the big, bright full moon. It was marvelous to be able to sleep as late as I needed to without waking up to all the noise in the village or because of the so many other reasons....Jesus is amazing.

When we came back to Dondo two nights ago we were given a great welcome home by the boys as they came running to greet us with great big smiles and huge hugs....it was beautiful. So many of our Mozambiquen friends were praying for us as well and they are excited to hear how God answered their prayers.

So it was a wonderful time and Jesus really guided our every step....and gave us an amazing testimony that we can use to brag about our wonderful, loving Father!!!

Please continue to pray for me as I only have about 4 weeks before I leave to go back to Washington to visit my family. There is so much that I need to do before leaving. I will be leaving Mozambique on November 15 to be with my family for the holidays. Please continue to pray for me that God will give me great wisdom in everything I do and also for the boys as I know this is really hard for them when we leave to visit family and friends in other places....I am praying that God comforts their hearts and protects them. Please keep the boys in prayer as their is so much going on with them - we need God's wisdom and guidance. With a few we are having some big issues with disrespect and rebellion.

Thank you again and many blessings to each one of you!!!
Ashlee