Pastor Mark, it was great to speak with you today.  Sorry about the interruptions but I was walking to Vida Humana and many people have come to know me on the streets.  Misheck and I have spent quite a bit of time together today for the reasons I addressed via the phone. 

The owner of this dwelling told me last night he sold the house in which I am currently living and would have to renegotiate with the new owner on rent – effective IMMEDIATELY.  I have spent a lot of my personal funds to make this place where future Our Saviours missionaries can stay in comfort (e.g., bath, shower, running water, toilet, security, etc.).  Initially the owner said I could stay for years and he was excited about what I was doing to his home.  So much so, he came over every day to see the progress (his house, my money, his gain, my headache – go figure!). 

Upon learning that the house has been sold and that I am potentially in the same boat as when I first got here.  Misheck came over today knowing how upset I am over this matter.  I literally did not sleep last night thinking I might have to find another place; how much money I have spent to make this a nice dwelling; and the process to find an adequate level of housing (e.g., concrete floor, toilet, running water – believe me, it is a big deal to have those three basic components). 

All of my new friends kept telling me not to make the improvements I made to the house because the level of my taste was such that the owner could sell for a hefty profit.  The house was run down, insect infested, worn, and just down right filthy.  I pay $500 a month for rent.  At the time, I considered he was getting a bargain given the condition of the house when I first moved in.  He now can rent this for somewhere in the neighborhood of a $1,000 a month and he was anxious to capitalize on this – which he did by selling the house at a hefty profit without any knowledge of the transaction on my part until he should up with the owner and his wfie to show them the home.

Stay tuned.  I do not want my journey to be about my living conditions.  But this has become far more expensive and frustrating than I thought.  Corruption is widespread and “your word” means very little to most.  The people from Chimoio are kind, loving and sincere. But, by in large most business are run by Chinese, Pakistanis’, South Africans, and Indians whose motives and one thing only – PROFIT AT ANY EXPENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fortunately, I have become a part of the community.  I have two sets of friends:  Those that are business people and have money (they range from Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, South African, and the elite of Chimoio); to those that have nothing (no toilets, no running water, no stove, no fridge, litte food, tattered clothes, etc.).  I am comfortable engaging with both groups but, selflessly, enjoy the amenities of the former.

This has not been a fun day for me.  I meet with the new owner of the house in three hours.  He may ask me to leave soon, or he may have the grace and dignity to honor the contract the other owner agreed to (which, of course, based upon his actions of late mean NOTHING).  In the book of James it says to “say yes is to say yes, and to say no is to say no!”.  This reminds me of the ole saying that the best reason to tell the truth is you do not have to remember as much.

The message:  Do not say “I promise”.   Just tell people, I said “yes” and that is what I stand by.  Conversely the same with “no”. 

Honour what you tell others and let them know they do not need to question your word!

Stay tuned.  Pray for me and Misheck as we sees this daily!  While it is all part of the journey, today has not been a fun “hair day”. 

Speak with you soon.  Peace, james.

James C. Baker p: ++258.84.82.77077 Mozambique (GMT+2)

Subject: It is Sunday morning and I am preparing for church…

One thing about Mozambique is they like their church services.  It goes on for hours.  The services at the church I attend start at 9:00 and end any time between 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (sometimes longer).

I have to admit the services are pretty awesome and inspiring and the youth group is incredibly powerful.  They start out by going outside the church and marching in one-by-one with each singing as they enter.  By the time they are in the front of the church, the room is filled with song and the Holy Spirit.  Hearing tradtional hyms in their native tongue is moving to say the least.  It is very African, incredibly moving (e.g., Surely the presence of Lord is in this place), and very powerful in terms of the music ministry stirring the hearts and souls of everyone.

The women are dressed in their traditional African dresses, as Sunday Church service is the day everyone looks their best.  Some look stunning.  Others, sadly, are dressed in a manner that reflects their socio-economic status (i.e., incredibly poor) and have on tattered clothing.

The men tend to sit together with the most important members of the church sitting in the first two rows.  Men sit on the left side of the church while the youth sits on the right as the youth, by in large, sit together.  Youth here has a broad definition.  Some of the youth are as old as twenty-five (some married, some not).  The women are scattered throughout the church.  I tend to sit with the women and they like having me sit with them as they know I do not enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the men being elevated above the women.

In a country riddled with poverty, their faith is strong and their genuinely strong belief in Jesus Christ continually challenges me to grow as a person and a Christian.

Last year, several of us visited this Church and it was equally as special.  I initially thought they put on a special program for us and I walked away thinking that if church was like this every week the world would be a better place.  Well, each week is just like the service we attended last year.  Each service is special and committed. 

The person who oversees the mission at Vida Humana is named Misheck Ruwa (a.k.a., Professor Ruwa, or brother Ruwa).  He is a highly respected individual in the community and is nothing short of a devoted apostle.  The level of his faith is both astounding and astonishing.  It is truly Biblical.  His wife (Mrs. Ruwa as I affectionately call her) is equally as committed in her faith.  They are both very humble people and would never do anything to promote themselves over others. She is an pristine example to other women in terms of being proud of who she is and “whose” she is (i.e., a servant of Christ’s teachings).

Misheck and is frequently asked to deliver sermons.  When Mr. Ruwa speaks, people listen attentively.  He is a well-spoken and powerful speaker; and has a firm grasp of the teachings of the Bible.  I am looking forward to introducing you to Misheck in a more formal manner in the near future.  For now, however, I just wanted to give you a brief introduction about our church service in Chimoio; Misheck’s commitment to Christ; his steadfast involvement and commitment at Vida Humana; and his growing love for Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Naperville.

Hope all is well.  Peace and blessings.  James.