Boa Noite (that’s “Good evening” for all the non-Portuguese speaking among us) from Sumbe. Yes, we are back “home” in Sumbe after spending the last week in Benguela. It was our most intense week to date, bringing both great difficulty and great reward. As we mentioned last week, the living conditions (sleeping quarters, food, restroom facilities) were quite challenging. We learned how to live with less and were even able to laugh (ok…and maybe cry too) about the situation.

We spent the week in Benguela working with a YWAM Angola Director Pastor Lidercino, group of pastors from Brazil as well as a large team of volunteers from right here in Angola. We were there to support and serve the other teams who came to do outreach at the football tournament. Mornings were spent in preparation and intercession and then in the afternoon and evening we went out into the city, either to the market or the stadium. It never took long for a crowd to gather. Several of the team enjoyed meeting two of Nigeria’s football players and chatting with them. Actually we got ticket for free and we went a game, for many of us was our first time in the soccer game… was fun

Last week we asked you to pray for the supernatural in our lives as we minister to others. Your prayers were answered in a big way! On Thursday morning, we had a wonerful time of prayer together as a team prior to meeting with the larger group. Afterwards Riaan led the Bible study and spoke to them about forgiving those who hurt them. Our team then began to pray and minister to them and amazing things started to happen. Many tears were shed as the Holy Spirit began to minister to the deep hurt and rejection in those who were there. One young lady who was plagued by a demon came to the service on Thursday. When the ministry time began, it became obvious by her actions that she was in bondage. Two of our team prayed in the name of Jesus and took authority over the demon and then ministered to her. We had a sense on Thursday morning that God was going to do something special, but getting to witness firsthand the incredible love and power of God was a very special experience for us. When this beautiful young lady came back on Friday, it was incredible to see her so happy and free.

We were all really tired by the end of the week but it was a good kind of tired. What an encouragement for us to know that if we show up and allow the Lord to use us, He can and will do it. Physically, our situation was very challenging but this past week’s experiences opened our eyes to the intense spiritual battle going on in this country. We feel privileged that God would allow us to partner with Him in the work He is doing here.

Several of the team battled some stomach illnesses this week but at the moment, we are all doing well and so grateful to the Lord for His protection and for health.

Back in Sumbe we have an intense week ahead of us. We will be starting a discipleship class for new believers and teaching in a number of churches. We will be doing home visits as well as working with the youth and the kids.

Prayer Needs:
– Thank the Lord for the unity He has given our team. Living, working, sleeping, eating and spending almost every waking moment with each other keeps us challenged but we love each other and have been working very well as a team. We recognize that it’s the Lord in us.
– Protection for us as we follow the Lord’s leading this week.
– Wisdom and direction for the new discipleship class and for each of us as we prepare our sermons and bible studies.
– For the supernatural in our lives as we minister to others

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We know your prayers are what is keeping us encouraged and able to accomplish what God has for us here.

Christiane