Trip Date - June 14-29, 2009

Project - Bella Vista, Mozambique

Project Organizer - Angel Johnson

A Report from Mary Johnson
 
Blessings, blessings, and more blessings - that is all I can say about the Mozambique mission trip that I went on this past June. We had a safe trip, no one lost their luggage, there were no major illnesses or injuries, and we were able to accomplish our task.
 
Our purpose of going to Bela Vista, Mozambique, was twofold. Not only did we build a church, but we also did a Vacation Bible School program. I was privileged to be in charge of heading up this operation. Our theme was simply “Jesus loves me.” On day one, the message was “Jesus protects all of us.” To illustrate this, we told the story of Noah’s ark. Then, we gave each child a stuffed animal to take home to remind them of how God protected the animals in the ark as well. Day two was “God created us.” To demonstrate this, we gave each child a balloon to breathe air into as God breathed life into Adam. Day three was “God forgives us.” To illustrate this, and teach a hygiene lesson, we gave the children soap and washed their hands to remind them of how Jesus’ blood makes us clean. Day four was “God takes care of us.” We gave each child a new item of clothing to represent how He takes care of our needs. Day five was “Jesus is coming again,” and heaven will be sweet. To remind them of this beautiful promise, we gave each child some cookies. We also sang songs in both Portuguese and English. I enjoyed teaching them Jesus Loves Me in English as much as I loved learning This Little Light of Mine in Portuguese, the trade language spoken in Mozambique.
 
We were not only blessed to raise enough funds for the church, but for a water well, Bibles for the church members, a sound system, a pulpit, and plastic chairs to go inside the church. We were even able to go to nearby villages and do a short VBS program for the kids, and pass out beans and hygiene items to the members.
 
We were so blessed to see how God works in our lives and the lives of others. I will never forget this life-changing experience. If you ever get the opportunity to go on a mission trip, do it! You won’t regret it. :)

By Mary Johnson, Grand Avenue Church member, wearing the purple shirt on the left