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- You are on the blog now. It's stuff from the hearts and minds of Stonebriar staff. It is more people's views than anything else, but we wouldn't have hired these folks if they didn't agree with the core beliefs we hold true. This blog is a casual forum for polite, open discussion, not a platform for pronouncing doctrine. Know that what you read here is opinion and not the official position or teachings of the church.
Blog Authors
- Paul Utnage Church Catalyst
- Mark Young World Traveler
Recent Conversations
Thursday Night in Maputo
July 10th 2008
What a sobering day. During our visit with the micro-finance organization, Opportunity International, we heard some statistics that make you shake your head. The employment rate in Mozambique is 20%. That’s not a typo. I didn’t intend to write “unemployment.” The EMPLOYMENT rate in Mozambique is 20%. That means that 80% of the population has no regular work. Further, we learned that 60% of Mozambique’s 20+ million population is under the age of twenty-five. In one district over 26% of adults are HIV positive. How do you minister in a place like this? One thing’s for sure—you simply cannot ignore the physical and social needs of Mozambicans and expect them to listen to the gospel.
We met some other American believers who have come to Mozambique to minister with Isaias. It’s always refreshing to meet like-minded folks who have discovered the joy of engaging in God’s purpose for all people in all places to worship Him alone. The husband, a retired business owner, remarked, “I love giving money to missions more than spending it on myself.” When’s the last time you heard someone say that?
Malcolm Gill July 12th at 5:35 am
Mark,
Great to hear of your travels in Mozambique. Send my love to Isaias & Keziah. I pray that this will be a profitable time for you and Stonebriar.
Blessings,
Malcolm
Jan Atkinson July 12th at 11:58 pm
Mark,
Thank you for these blogs. I enjoy reading them and hearing of how God is using you for His glory.
To be made aware of the pains of others makes my personal life’s worries seem so trivial.
You and the Mozambique people are in my prayers, please continue to let us know how we can pray for all of you.
Rich Halloran July 15th at 10:53 am
Mark,
I appreciate your ministry. Please let Isaias know I’m praying for him & the ministry (don’t know if he remembers me). I just talked to Chris Hewitt again. He is excited about heading to Mozambique. Pray for him. He’s had some health issues. His steel band group is planning a trip to the DC area in December. Then he’s off to Mozambique.
I had no clue that the situation was that dire. I will share with our church so we can pray. Your time hear was fruitful. I came back from Mexico a few weeks ago with John Cooke. We now have a group in Granada. People are more excited about joing God’s mission. Thank you again for your investment into the kingdom.
I’ll contact you soon. Hopefully our staff can come to Dallas soon.
Rich
Naa Anim-Appiah July 18th at 7:11 pm
Dear Pastor Mark,
Your ministry is so encouraging to me. As African in the US seeking a better life for myself, I am always amazing that followers of Christ like you are so willing to give up your time and resources to serve the needy in Africa and other places. God bless you for letting his love shine and show through you. I will be praying for you.
Naa Anim-Appiah
Allen, TX