17 August 2013
Here it is, August and we have had many
wonderful things happening. Since our
last blog update we celebrated Easter with our church in Mozambique and took
some time off in South Africa during the CAM break. We got back to a busy schedule at CAM which
included Parent/Teacher conferences and one more day off before
graduation.
Some exciting news in March was that we
had an offer on the old CAM building in Maputo and after some negotiating, we
came to an agreement and the process started to get all the paperwork in order.
We thought everything would be completed
in two months. We forgot – things take
much longer here. We got all the
paperwork from our end and then the organization purchasing the building had to
get their finances together. We were
hoping to sign the final papers on Friday, June 7th before we left
for meetings in the U.S. We actually got
word when we were traveling to South Africa on the 12th that the
papers had been signed, and the money was deposited in the account that Friday.
Praise the Lord! His timing is perfect.
In May, CAM usually has a picnic for all
the families, but this year I asked the student council (StuCo) students if
they would like to organize a fund raiser for their community project and funds
for StuCo to use next year. They were up
to it and along with teachers and parents the event was planned. It was called the CAMtastic Fun Fest. We sold hot dogs and hamburgers, salads,
chips, soft drinks, baked goods. There
were all kinds of games and competitions planned and there were even some
vendors that came to sell crafts and books.
It was a great deal of work, but the kids  |
| Luther, Marcos, Nicole and Cory |
CAM’s 15th graduation
celebration was held at the OMS seminary on May 31st. This year some
of the 10th grade girls decorated the chapel and the reception
area. It looked so elegant. We had four graduates this year. Cory’s parents have been missionaries in
Mozambique for many years. They will be
heading back to the U.S. this month to settle there. Marcos is from Argentina and his parents are
with Salvation Army in Mozambique.
Marcos will be returning to Argentina and will apply for university
there. Luther’s parents are with U.S.
Aid and he will go back to the U.S. and take a gap year before going on for
further education. Nicole’s parents are
business people from Mozambique. They
lived in Florida when Nicole was very young.
She will be attending a university in Florida and is planning to study
pre-med. Pray for these young
people. They will face many different
experiences and need God’s guidance as they face their future.
In early May, Larry was not feeling very
good and was wondering if something was going on with his pacemaker and we took
a quick trip to South Africa to see his doctor.
After all the tests and lab work, his doctor said he was fine. Most likely just too much going on and
creating added stress.
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| CAM School 2012-2013 |
Diane and Gary Gray, the couple who
filled in for us while we were away on our home assignment, are back again
helping out. We are so grateful for
their willingness to be here again so we could go back to the States for OMS
meetings and then take some time to see family.
We are sorry that we did not get to see all of you but we are thankful
for those of you who we were able to see.
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| CAM School with new classrooms on left and a fresh coat of yellow paint |
School started on August 6th
and we are up to 115 students. Everyone
is settling in and routines are being established. Diane Gray did training with the teachers
during the break in June and July and they are eager to use what they
learned.
When people come and see the changes at
CAM and all the children and teachers, they say that they can see that God’s
hand is on this ministry and is blessing the school, and we agree
wholeheartedly. Praise the Lord.
Larry has been extra busy with many meetings
with the national church this year. It
is encouraging to see the church leadership growing when in years past the
relationship with OMS missionaries has been strained. This year, we have been working together and
working on a stronger partnership. In
early August the transitional leadership team was started. We have a long ways to go, but we
all agree that it will be a leadership team of seven: four national church leaders and three OMS
missionaries. This transitional
leadership team will most likely be for 3-5 years, allowing time to help move
the church along. Pray for this new
leadership team as we work together for vision and God’s wisdom.
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| Larry's brother Jim & Di, Susan, sister Kathy & step-dad Walter |
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| At our mission HQ in Greenwood, Indiana |
We thank the Lord for:
The physical and spiritual growth of CAM
The sale of the old CAM building
A good end to the school year
Good health
The new classrooms were completed on time
Pray with us for:
Legal issues with school for teacher
quotas and school registration
Safety for our team as we travel the
busy and poor roads of Mozambique
Seminary students and those graduating
in November
The new national church Transitional
Leadership Team being created.
God Bless,
Larry & Susan
God Bless,
Larry & Susan
