“I am able to do nothing from Myself (independently, of My own accord—but only as I am TAUGHT by God and as I get HIS ORDERS).” (John 5:30a, amplified) Wow. This truly describes our mornings here at the school. As our family sits under the teaching of some of the greatest missionaries/evangelists we find ourselves being taught by God, ministered to and challenged by the Holy Spirit. It is through these times, that we will better understand His orders for each one of us. This week was a bit more “normal” as far as what our weeks will be looking like. Our first week was very busy serving in several capacities. Like we said in our previous update one day last week was filled with activity as we ministered to 2500 children for Children’s Day. This was quickly followed by a weekend conference hosting thousands of people and pastors from surrounding villages. This past week we had morning class sessions which included: language lessons, Mozambiqan cultural lessons, planning for outreach, and hearing challenging messages from various speakers. The days start in worship and prayer before and during each lesson. There are additional speakers in the evenings with additional worship and prayer as well. It is amazing to be in such an atmosphere. The language we are learning is Makkua, the local language in the villages. It is fun to be able to say “Salama” and “muhauvo” and see the people’s faces light up that they can communicate at least a little bit with you. A hug or holding a hand often leads to tears as these people are hungry for love and acceptance and are just weary from the hardness of their lives. Jeff and I were privileged to be able to share during one of the cultural sessions. We spoke about how over and over we are told to meet the “needs” of the widow and orphan, but we often forget that one of those needs is the need for “dignity”. In I Samuel 2:8 it says, “He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit the throne of glory...” Meeting a person’s need for dignity lifts them from the dust of worthlessness and from a poverty mindset; to seat them with a Kingdom mindset of the gifts, callings and abilities within them that they have yet to share. Jeff had another meeting with the well-drilling people this week. He was also able to accompany them to get necessary equipment and to scope out the best place for a “trial” drilling on the base. Things are progressing in this area. Not only do we have our “home” group, but the school has also been separated into different color groups allowing for more interaction amongst students. Jeff and I have been asked to lead one of the color groups. This will be our group that does outreaches into the bush together, as well as basic clean up/set up duties (i.e. helping serve and clean the eating area, setting up sound equipment and seating for the training sessions). We have met with our group for concentrated periods of time to plan for our upcoming outreach (two weeks from now). Planning for the outreach includes such things as: what to bring, how to interact with the people, and preparation for ministering to the children of the village through skits and songs. We have learned that we will be going on two outreaches into the bush, instead of one which will make for busy weeks ahead. While preparing for these outreaches we will also continue to go into the local villages and minister to the many orphans on the base. Friday we had the awesome opportunity to split into groups with some of the Mozambique pastors to go into the villages. We saw a household accept Christ, and prayed for one woman to be able to have children. Another woman that we prayed for was suffering from headaches, and as we prayed for her the headaches left. She was beaming! She was so amazed that the headaches left after having them so long. At yet another household we witnessed a man’s eye that was tightly shut, begin to open as we prayed. We encouraged him that God would continue to heal him as he sought forgiveness (for a certain issue he had shared) and if he would get rid of the witchcraft in his household. Friday night we heard another awesome speaker and did a “fire tunnel” at the end. It was hilarious. There was so much laughter and celebration as we prayed for one another. As for the kids, we have seen God begin to minister, challenge and bless them, as well. They have begun to step out of their comfort zones and go off to find places where they can serve or interact with others. Abbey has been able to connect with another girl her age and spend some afternoons together. Unfortunately, the girl is only here until Wednesday. However, it has been fun for Abbey to hang out with someone her age. We also have a new girl living in our house, age 14. She is a very new believer and is here to learn and to take care of the horses on the base. She is related to a missionary here and it has been fun for the girls to have another girl their age to interact with, though Aaron is a little out numbered! However, it has helped Aaron that the Kimbal’s are here with their three boys, and another couple with their son. We have gotten especially close to the Kimbals and have set up Thursday nights as times for the adults to get together and pray. We also had a great time as families playing “hearts” Saturday night. However, Jeff “slaughtered” us all and we will see if we are invited back!! Various other meetings are being set up relating to our partnership and what will happen in the next couple weeks. Please pray for clear communication and discernment, especially that we would be totally in sync with the Holy Spirit. There have been many other meetings as people inquire into our ministry and journey. These have been awesome times of being able to pray and share with others. The stories we are hearing of how people came to this school and seeking “what’s next” in ministry for them has been amazing. God has provided for each of them in miraculous ways and is clarifying visions and callings. Pray also for unity and the ability to mentor/minister to our household. Each girl has her own needs and is on her own personal journey. We are excited that they are opening up and sharing which speaks of their trust in us. But, we desire to have wise counsel from the Holy Spirit for each. We also want to keep a proper balance between time as a “house” and time as a family. And, finally, that you would continue to pray for God to just overwhelm us, inspire us, and get us ready for what’s next. We pray that you are experiencing a joyful summer and are being blessed exceedingly, abundantly in Him! We were also able to upload close to 20 more pictures with captions to help you all get a better feel for our time here. Check them out regularly we will put new ones every week. Also, please email us we’d love to hear from you and stay connected. Pictures: http://jjfamily.smugmug.com/ Bless you all, The Johnsons