Mon. August 11th 2008

…Another memorable moment was at the very end of staff church when we were pray out the visitors who would be leaving this week. One of the Mozambican “mamas” was up there and she had a little boy of about 6 or 7 who I assume was her son. As she was leaning over praying she had him directly in front and underneath her with his hands in hers showing him how to “lay hands on” and pray for the people. It was a beautiful sight!

 

 

Communication is especially difficult these days. My computer just up and died on me on the 30^th of June. We even had a computer expert here at the time and he could not revive it. It is very difficult to be here without access to the outside world. At the time I was making arrangements to have some artwork printed and delivered here for the Solemn Assembly. A visitor coming from the States would be able to bring it. In addition I was 2 weeks away from having to leave Mozambique to renew my Visa and still had all the arrangements to make. The embassies have become much “tighter” with the Visa’s they issue. The last time I was in the U.S. I applied for the same Visa as I had on my previous trip, a 6 month Visa which was the longest available. It was after I arrived here I discovered it was different. It was a 6 month Visa, but I had to leave the country to have it renewed every 90 days. This adds a huge expense. It cost me pennies under $1,050.00 for the trip without any food expense or extras. The flight alone was almost $800.00 and then there were busses across the border, Visa Fee, border taxes and accommodations. At the time there is only one airline that flies to the Capital city, Maputo, which is right on the border. I had to overnight there and in the morning take a bus across the border into South Africa. In Nelspruit there is a home that is a “ministry” to missionaries. They have beds available for only $5.00 a night and help with trips to the Mozambican Consulate and etc. The married couple, Kent and Shay, who run it are from Florida and they are fantastic. It is such a respite. For the first time in 3 months I had a warm shower and glass on the windows … both good things because it was cold! We are much closer to the equator here in Pemba. I’d like to say that my trip was successful as well as enjoyable. Since I had to go to all the trouble to leave the country and etc I was applying for a different Visa … a Residence Visa. With this I would be able to get a Dierre, allowing  me to be in the country for up to a year. After some challenges and needing to return to the consulate a second day I was told yes they issued me a Residence Visa. When I came back with this Visa I was informed what they gave me was not what they said and so I would not be able to apply for the Dierre and needed Immigration to revert to my original Visa to avoid having to leave the country again after 30 days instead of 90!!! Thankfully, that did happen. My lessons learned are now benefiting those currently needing to renew their Visas. They are trying other options rather than to incur the expense of travel to SA for a visa needing to be renewed every 30 days. This morning a family of 5 left to drive to Malawi and next week 2 female missionaries will be traveling part of the way by truck with the Mozambican Bible school students who will be returning to their villages after graduation and then taking the train the final way. Life here is certainly an adventure. J

 

Children in rags with big holes in their britches

 

Buttons are missing and there’s no thread for new stitches

 

If they were right there in front of your eyes

 

Would you be shocked or maybe even despise -

 

That they are dirty, often smelly, maybe covered with sand

 

But as they run to you with outstretched arms

 

Would you embrace them and take their hand

 

 

 

They may tell you lies and may steal your belongings

 

And do all manner of things which you find appalling.

 

So many are devoid of a mom or a dad

 

Darkness and poverty breeds what is bad

 

By the Spirit, can you see through, to their destiny

 

In love release vision of who they can be  

 

And walk with them until they’re free

 

 

Some have eyes full of love and true joy in their spirits

 

The song in their heart brings delight when I hear it

 

Ecstasy abounds as they flip in the sand

 

A bag from the trash makes them “Superman”

 

In small hands an empty spray can drove like a car

 

True joy does not come from the price of your toy

 

It is a fruit that takes root, in your heart

 

Laura Eubanks

August 10, 2008

 

 

This poem loosely follows the tempo of the lyrics of the classic song from The Sound of Music, “Favorite Things”. Why … I am not sure … maybe because the poem is about some of my favorite “things”. J The tune sprung up in me as I began to write immediately followed by the idea to do it this way. It was inspired by moments throughout my days. The initial verse is based on my recent thoughts of how desperately poor many of the people here are. It is absolutely common to see children wearing old, filthy clothing with huge tears and holes. I guess I was pondering it afresh from the perspective of how an outsider would see. What would it be like to find a child looking this way on the streets in the United States? I am not “ok” with it but I am used to it, and it really does not capture my focus. I am captured by the beauty of their faces and the tenderness of their hearts. I just accept that I cannot stay clean throughout a day! Sometimes the first thing I do is encounter children who need hugs and affirmation. They sit, play and do amazing gymnastic feats in the dirt and sand. When I hug them and especially if I pick them up, I get dirty as their legs and little bare feet dangle down or wrap around me!

 

There is a huge problem with theft here. Some is on a small individual basis and there are some big things! Recently there has been an increase in muggings. In the last couple of weeks two happened out in the city, another happened just outside our center (in full daylight!) and one occurred on Center 2 in the prayer garden just after dark by people who had climbed over the walls. There was also a mugging just outside my center but it was after dark. So far all of the victims except one have been short term visitors or students who are now being told to never walk alone and not to carry things that make you an inviting target. So … I am keeping alert and getting rides as I can between my home on Center 1 and working with the kids at Center 2, but it is really not feasible all the time. (It is a 15 min walk at a brisk pace) I do not have a sense of fear but am trying to be wise. In some ways I think there is less danger and more of a respect for those of us who live here because we are known by and know so many of the people. Yes, there are “giants in the land” but there are people in need of the love of Jesus and the freedom which that brings … so we press on.

 

On Saturday, August 8th I was walking to Center 2 because a group of visitors were doing a game day or “Iris Olympics” for our children. I was their contact person for the equipment so I thought I would go over to make sure they hadn’t run into any last minute problems or needs. I had just begun walking and I heard this loud joyful singing. A large truck approached full of children. It was one of ours! At the other base I found out that there was also a special beach event planned for the village children at our base in Maranganha. (Still am unsure on that spelling) That was the truckload of children which passed me. Much later in the day I decided to go take a walk at the beach. I again heard the sound of loud joyful singing. It was the truckload of children returning from their special day. Moments like these are my treasures here!

 

It saddens my heart to see children having to resort to playing with trash, sometimes just pulling random things along on the end of a string. I am also amazed at their joy, innovation and contentment. This week I saw some of our little boys with different size pieces of the trunk of a banana tree which they stacked to look like a boat. They held these layers together with thin pieces of bamboo put through them like a toothpick. They attached a string and were happily pulling them around through the dirt and sand. From this came the thought - “True joy does not come from the price of your toy”.

 

 

 

You too will be a torchbearer

 

And a carrier of my sword

 

The nations will be your inheritance

 

And I am your reward

 

 

 I’ve created you to shine

 

I’ve created you to soar

 

I’ve created you to be a vessel

 

Through which my River of Life will pour

 

 

You are no longer bound

 

By the forces of hell

 

Open your eyes

 

And you will see the heavenly realms

 

 

Laura Eubanks

   July 22, 2008

 

 

One day he comes running

 

His amigo matching his stride

 

One by one I scoop them into my arms

 

And wrap them deep inside

 

 

I pray prayers of blessing

 

That they would know the Father’s love

 

And whatever else poured through my heart

 

And set them down to a few last hugs

 

 

I remember being impacted

 

By the similarity of their names

 

I remember being impacted

 

By the sweetness of the embrace

 

 

A couple of days later

 

The same spot, different scene

 

There was a crowd of people

 

All gathered on the street

 

 

At first I couldn’t see much

 

Through the many people who were there

 

Then in a surreal moment

 

In horror I became aware

 

 

On this hot black street

 

Under the Mozambican sun

 

Under a colorful kapulana

 

Lay the lifeless body of a young one

 

 

So many were gathered

 

So many prayed

 

Yet when all was said and done

 

They took him away

 

 

As the crowd began to disperse

 

One final act I saw

 

Was someone spreading sand and dirt

 

To absorb where his life had been poured out

 

 

Now three days have passed

 

Since that child so alive, was struck dead

 

The final image, a dirty stain

 

Remnant of the blood and matter from his head

 

 

I recall the memory of the purity of his face

 

As he nestled into my legs on that last embrace

 

Now all evidence of him is seemingly erased

 

Abba, please tell me, is he in a better place?

 

Laura Eubanks July 7^th 2008

 

 

 

On Friday the 4^th of July a child named Abudo was fatally struck by a passenger truck just past the front corner of our center. I was returning after going to my home for lunch. If I walk home mid-day I often encounter the children from the villages who are coming for lunch at Iris and see them again as I return and they are leaving. They excitedly call out “Mama Laura … Mama Laura” and run up for hugs. It certainly increases my “commute time” but I cherish it! I really try to give all the love I can in those brief encounters.

When this 8 yr old but very tiny boy was killed I reminisced with gratitude for those times. Just a couple of days prior to the accident there were 2 small boys who ran up to me. I picked them up, hugged them, prayed for them and asked their names. One was Abudo, the other Abdul.

One thought that gripped me in this tragedy is that his family most likely does not have a single photograph of him. I have lost family to premature death and even estrangement but at least I can look at photos.

A comfort I have found in this situation is that attended our primary school and he was one of the children who came to Iris for lunch. It warms my heart to see streams of children flowing into our center for a good meal. Of more importance is that in addition to physical food they are being loved on and fed “Words of Life”.

 

This poem began in my head as I was walking to Center 2 a few days after Abudo’s death. I was thinking of him and praying for his family and friends. He was not alone when he was struck. His friend Abdul was there along with another child. 

Create, spin,

 

sing and dance

 

 

No holding back

 

Take the chance

 

 

What’s to lose

 

(besides your shoes)

 

dance my child, dance!

 

 

 

 

 

Hearts are beating

 

Blood is pulsing through

 

Am I not enough

 

To sustain all of you

 

 

The more you enter in

 

The more my blood flows

 

To enrich and nourish all of you

 

 Just see where you may go

 

 

Go on – step out

 

Dance my wounded child

 

You were created to be unrestrained

 

In the flow of my grace and style

 

 

Laura Eubanks  June 11, 08

 

 

 

Hello from the place my heart loves!Yes again, it is obvious that emails are not my strong suit.

It is May 31st. I typed what amounted to 3 plus pages back on the 4th of May and became overwhelmed, not knowing how to condense so many things that my first 2 weeks consisted of. I attempted to get back to it but then the problem was only magnified because there was more to share! So much to do and very limited access to the internet access now that I am living on the other base have also exasperated the situation. (To be able to use the internet there I either need to have a ride or a car to use, on occasion, I have walked with my computer in my backpack but it really is not totally safe, even in the daylight.)

I will try again.

If I had to summarize the total of my time here thus far, it would be the sense of “wonder” I have that “this is my life”! Living conditions are more challenging than in the West and situations I deal with are difficult, yet I love living here. I often find myself feeling as if I live in a novel I have read or a movie I have seen.

Seeking first the Kingdom - Upon my return, I jumped right back into a small group who gathers every M-F morning to pray. We began doing this about a month before my break back in the States. Although this is challenging as other things put demands on my time and attention, it is an honor to be a part of this critical foundation for the many areas of ministry and specific needs as they arise. One new area being covered in prayer is outreach to the islands. We have a small medical team who has already gone to two of the islands just north of here, Quirimba and Matemo. They do not have their own medical facilities. One of our missionaries, Pilot Joe Vaine (Flying for Jesus) takes them out in his small plane. There were initial meetings with the chiefs of the islands and government officials for permission to be granted. Matemo wants just the medical care but on Quirimba they have been open to prayer as well. There is also a situation involving a man from South Africa who felt an urgency from God to purchase property on Ibo Island to donate for establishing a Christian base there. It involves so many amazing God details but for time I will skip those. It is still in process but looks as if we will have a ministry base there.

About a week after arriving, we showed the video “Transformations”. The Mozambican Bible School students and local pastors were invited to view it. Some of our children were there also. It was translated audibly and with subtitles into Portuguese. It is a documentary of cities in crisis transformed by the power and presence of God in response to the humble yet persevering and bold prayers of people called by His name who were willing to “pay the cost”. It is an amazing video. The desire was for the men to catch the vision and passion to see God come and move like this in their villages, cities and nation. There will be a “Call” - Solemn Assembly here in Pemba, Mozambique on July 26th. Wesley and Stacy Campbell are the international directors for “The Call” and will be bringing a team with them. Please!!! We would appreciate prayers for this event. There is a great need before this event to join the area pastors and churches from all denominations. Melissa Stanton is the missionary here whose key role is that of prayer. She is very fluent in Portuguese and has been joining Pastor Jose in meetings with many of the local church leaders. Just last week she told me she found out that some of Pemba’s pastors had gotten together and prayed last Jan/Feb about a desire to see the city’s churches united. It was at this same time in the United States that discussions were taking place, which birthed the plan for “The Call” in Pemba! Another situation bringing the churches together here is that there is a push by an organization called IPAS trying to get abortion legalized in Mozambique, and other African nations. It is to my grief that this is being financially and otherwise supported and pushed by organizations from my home country, US Aid and Planned Parenthood! Is it not shameful enough that we kill our own children but we want to inject that spirit of murder into other nations under the premise of healthcare?

Therefore, prayer is a huge part of my focus here. Psalm 2:8 says, “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance”. I am asking Lord!

Prayer and art combined - I was asked by Melissa to paint a large map of Mozambique on a 4½’ x 6′ floor cloth. She wanted it for use in the prayer room so the children so they can actually place their hands on the different provinces and cities as they pray. I invested close to 40 hours on it over 8 days in addition to my regular activities. Working on it was in many ways an act of prayer and worship, a labor of love. I am very pleased with the outcome, finished and delivered yesterday. Next week I begin a simple mural and Scripture on a gate in Center 2.

Heidi and Healing - Heidi flew in for 5 days shortly after I arrived back. Our Monday staff church turned into a very intimate time at the end as she shared her heart. She strongly emphasized how much we need the presence of God to be the focal point of our gatherings. She shared how God had spoken to her concerning an increase in the supernatural healings here and that as a sign of that beginning there would be a woman healed who had not been able to stand up straight for many years. That day a woman who had been hunched over, unable to stand up straight for 5 years was totally healed! This really excites me! For years I have had the desire to see this that the Word of God says should be a normal part of a believer’s life. Here the issue is even more pressing when I face numbers of people, crippled due to various reasons. Most have no crutches or wheelchairs and just have to crawl or drag themselves along the ground on their hands and knees. Some use wooden blocks with a handle rather than bare hands. Paul, one of these men I have spoken with wears a pair of shoes on his hands. The ground here is very dry sand/dirt with many ruts and rocks. In concept it is unthinkable that people have to get around like this but many do and even with a pleasant and gracious attitude. I want to see them healed! Heidi also spoke about her husband Rolland who has been ill. She has been spending time caring for him in the States but the desire is to bring him “home”, to be a part of the family and community here.

Current news clips-

I love my kids and Sabina is doing great!

I have just arranged for a local artist, Joan (or John in English) to begin teaching our children in the afternoons with me. It is another amazing account. I met and became friends with him when here last time and brought him in a few times as a guest to demonstrate his painting. Shortly after I arrived back, we were in contact and he expressed desire to teach the kids. I had already been praying if he might be somebody I could “raise up”. Our goal here is to equip the Mozambicans, not just to bring missionaries in to do a job. We are temporary here! I was talking with a visitor about this and she said that she had money she would like to donate to allow me to sponsor or hire him. We still need to work out some details but he started on Thursday and was great with the preschool age children and was equally as good with the older teenage boys on Friday!

There is a new group of around 100 Bible School Students from various locations in Mozambique. I am feeling stirred to request to teach a class or two on creativity. Just today, I began reading again the book of Genesis and took delight in the first verse, “In the beginning God created…”

Mission School starts on Tuesday. Most students arrived yesterday and today along with a visiting team of 54 who will be here for two weeks. We have been praying quite a bit. I have an excitement for them in my spirit as I think back on all that God brought me through 2 years ago to be able to attend the school. In my school and the others, I have found many people have equally or even more compelling stories.

I go to a children’s center in Miese, a village about 20 minutes away, once a week to work with 30 - 40 children. It is an inspiring project sponsored by Don and Elizabeth Kantel. God provided a young man to interpret and assist me.

I begin Portuguese lessons this Monday evening. Yea!

We are going into winter season here as back in the U.S. you are heading for summer. It is 20 min past midnight now and the thermometer in my room reads 79 degrees F. I am feeling a little cold with the fan on its lowest setting!

God bless you all!

With love, Laura

Surrendered, abandoned, Holy Given

to become a “laid-down lover”

This is my mission

Charred and Homeless, earthly treasures spent

To become the sacrifice on an altar

To dwell within a tent

Pegs are strengthened, Cords are stretched

My place is being enlarged

That I may inherit Your best

A sword in one hand, a shield in the other

A warrior for the Kingdom

An armor bearer for my brother

A standard for the Lord, life imparted by the wind

Be it of the Holy Spirit or adversity

His name will be heralded

Through prayer and fasting chains are broken

The oppressed are relieved

The desperate find hope again

Freedom bell ring, resound within my heart

That for His suffering

The Lamb may receive His reward

Laura Eubanks (1st two verses 11-5-07 after 24/7 prayer kick-off with Cindy Ruakere, remainder 11-11-07) 

It has been just over a month since I sent out my last formal letter. I have been able to write some smaller letters so some of you may be familiar with pieces of this info. I was really in a difficult place then. The areas of my responsibilities (art and hospitality) were both at maximum demands. Somewhere in the middle of all of that I also moved for the 3rd time in 3 months. There were serious behavior problems with some of the children. In general it is so very difficult to find a place and time to retreat without constant interruptions or people with needs. Mixed in this all was Sabina, a vulnerable child most horribly violated, who was in need of extra love and care. In hindsight besides being exhausted I see I had allowed my emotions and focus to respond to problems, causing my heart to get somewhat hard, rather than keeping them fixed on Jesus and on all the good things that were happening.I did finally get away to that campground I mentioned just last weekend. We had some major rains earlier in the month that made the road in impassable and then I got busy again with the day to day responsibilities. I had all these great ideas for my time away … like uninterrupted time with Jesus for refreshing and direction with situations I faced. I brought my drawing paper and pencils. I brought my cd player (non-walkman) because I was told that there was solar power. I got there and there was no power so I had silence … just the birds and the bugs … and I slept and slept and slept. Really! I was only awake for about 8 hours Sat and 4 hours Sunday. Every time I’d wake up I’d say “God I really want to spend time with you, I really want to hear from you” and I sensed He was saying to me “just rest” so I’d lay there and fall back asleep! I knew I was tired but had no idea I was that exhausted!

The best news I can possibly share in response to what was in my last letter is that Sabina now lives here at the center!!! We crossed through the gate of Iris with her for the first time after getting a verbal ok of her release to us on Dec 31st just after 1pm. What a perfect visual she is of the year 2008 being the “Year of New Beginnings”. Within hours she looked and behaved like a different little girl. As I tried to explain it to somebody else these words seemed to sum it up so well … “She now had security and so she was free to just be a little girl”. In this way her life is another great word picture or lesson. If we truly had or grew in our understanding of the Heavenly Father’s desire and ability to protect and provide for us, how would it change our behavior and even appearance? I can’t express how much it still means to me to have her living here. With all the challenges, chaos and things that break or do not work right, there is something greater. A little girl of 5 maybe 6 no longer wanders the villages alone without somebody to see that she is protected, fed, washed and has a place to sleep. It really puts it all in perspective, and she is just one of many. Yes, other situations need addressing but personally seeing Sabina come from being neglected and abused and then raped to life here has refreshed my appreciation and gratitude to be able to pour out my life here! Oh … and so far her HIV tests are negative!

I have had some great breakthroughs with many of the other children also. I will share one. She is an older girl and almost always looks angry and hard. For Christmas we used two large fabric billows around the base of the tree that a friend had left here with me a year ago. When I discovered it had been cleaned up I asked about them because I really wanted them back. They were for the children to use and dance with. I found out that this girl had been told by the person in charge to give them to Tanya, one of the other missionaries. Long story short - they are gone - nobody knows anything - and they never show up again. Honestly, I was mad when I first found this out. I think both from the feeling of personal violation and also because I had a hesitation in my spirit when asked for them to be used that way but in my busyness I ignored that. So then I brought it before the Lord and over the next week would check back with her and the girl over her in the dorm with no success. I just decided I would forgive and let it go. A couple of weeks ago I went up to the girl’s dorms at night to get something from one of them but also because I heard them worshiping and I just wanted to be there. When I sat down and joined in this girl came and sat by me but not right next to me. I could see her watching me. After a couple of songs she apologized to me and I was able to stare her straight in the eyes and say “I forgive you”! Since then there has been a “little crack” on her hard exterior. I make sure anytime I see her to greet her even if she is not looking at me. Last Thursday was the girl’s day for art class. She brought down some photographs and her journal and wanted help putting the pictures in. I showed her the best way to do it. Then she showed me how some of the pages were loose so I was taping them back in. As I was doing that she was staring at me and she said/asked in a very quiet and humble manner, “You really do love me, don’t you?” I smiled real big and responded “Yes”. J

Another great thing is that for 3 weeks now about 5-6 of us missionaries meet at the prayer hut every morning M-F, 7-8. It has been wonderful to join together in prayer and worship and to see the results in various areas. It is so good … God is so good!

I have been in touch with the Ben Schumacher, the founder and director of “The Memory Project” www.thememoryproject.org I am praying about involvement with this. There’s a story leading up to the contact but I think I will save that for another time.

I will be returning to the states a bit earlier than my ticket was originally booked for. I leave here on the 19th and arrive back in St Louis on the 20th of February. I will fly out to Bethel Church in Redding , CA for a conference on Prophetic Arts Feb 27th -29th and will stay for their weekend services. I plan on returning to Pemba April 15th. It will be good to see friends and family back there but it is going to be very hard to not see “my” kids for that period of time!

Ten days ago my computer completely locked up apart from a password which was not set and until now is still unknown. (Thankfully at this point I have access to the Hospitality computer) Within days of that my camera began not working right. For the past 2 days I have been sick.(First time since I have been here) Today I brought Sabina up to my room to sleep because she is being treated for Malaria and was vomiting. (The toddler house is not the most quiet and peaceful place to be if you are not feeling well.) She pretty much slept all day until 7 pm when I brought her back down to her dorm. There are many trials at this time but I am so encouraged with all that God has in store for this next season of my life.