This is from one of Heidi and Rolland Bakers students that is just graduating from their school in
Mozambique
,
Africa
. Thought this might stir us to pray harder for the training center in
Swaziland
to be birthed, this is what we are called to do!
Outreach:
We loaded into a flatbed convoy truck in the late afternoon and headed for a village near
Pemba
Pemba
. The village was located in a valley region and from the top of the sumit, the view was breathtaking. This village was located right on the bay of the
Indian Ocean
. The sun was nearly setting as we arrived.
We were greeted by many children and parents. The chief approached me and I was able to talk with him. He was Muslim and there were no churches in this village. We were, they said, the first evangelism team to come.
People in this village spoke Portugese, Makua, and Swahili. (Which are batu languages)
We began worship as the sun was setting. The African dust was flying and the small sound system and drum we brought with us provided for great worship. Children crowded around me, having quickly adapted to my white skin.
We danced together (See picture).
I had only one prayer: “God, let me get to hold them all!” As we were dancing and praising Jesus, millions of stars began to light the African sky.
We showed the Jesus film in Makua and I held a Makua child close to me until she fell asleep. Heidi preached and we prayed over the sick. Three deaf children were healed and many with various ailments testified that they were healed as well!
Graduation and Commissioning
As I walked into the rent for our graduation and commissioning I was healed. I had been so sick that morning that I thought I might miss it. We worshipped and danced. Mozambicans shared cultural dances and Heidi preached on being carriers of His glory (Exodus 33) She said, a calling is not enough, He must go before us.
As the pastors of the Bible school graduated, we prayed and the Holy Spirit fell on each one of them (see
picture).
Our turn was next as the mission school graduated, and soon, everyone was on their faces. Leslie Anne and Heidi then commissioned us by saying ‘Will you serve your Jesus? Will you give your life for Him? Will you open blind eyes and deaf ears? Will you preach the Good news to the poor? Willl you go to the nations? Will you raise the dead and set the captives free?’ To all these we said ‘Yes!’ Heidi and Leslie then yelled, “Go!” and we all ran out of the tent ready for what the Lord had in store for us next as a prophetic act.
Naming Neema:
When we arrived back at Arco Iris, a man that I had come to know beckoned me over to the well. He said that he wanted me to come and see his new baby girl.
His family and he are from
Tanzania
Tanzania
and have become good friends of mine. I followed him to his house and the baby was beautiful. He asked me to name the new baby who was now a few days old.
I picked up the little girl and began praying and weeping over her. She was sleeping, but stretched her tiny arm and hand out as I prayed. I couldn’t fathom the honor of naming one who would change the world. As I prayed in the little Swahili and Portuguese that I have learned, God began to speak to me of
Tanzania
Tanzania
in 2005.
I had the opportunity to be a part of a baby girl’s life there as well. I can remember holding her under the sky at night and praying over her until she fell asleep. (Remember Hannah?) She died before she turned one year old from HIV. Her name was Neema. You might remember my letter in 2005 about her? (See picture)
God spoke to me to name this new baby “Neema” which means “Grace” in Swahili. As I prayed for her and dedicated her to the Lord, I couldn’t believe I was actually living a miracle.
I still do not know why God would give me such an honor. I also know that the first Neema in
Tanzania
Tanzania
, that her life will be honored through this Neema’s beautiful life as well.
Miss you all and Merry Christmas!
Jessica J. Orr
