Meet Antonio Pequnino.

This man in the picture in the middle is an amazing man of God. He travels 2 hours on his bike from his village out side of town to attend Bible classes and has taken advantage of every opportunity offered to him and turned them into blessing others.

The first year in Mozambique we were bombarded by the incredible poverty and constant need all around us. Whether it be hunger, sickness or the spiritual emptiness, we quickly found ourselves overwhelmed and saddened daily by what we encountered. As we prayed, talked about what we could do and worked with the pastors and got to know those around us we wanted to do so much more than teach. What we also learned that first year was we were not good at all at agriculture, raising chickens, having a garden or micro-economics! We then turned to those around us. We called other missionaries, christian businessmen and project leaders doing these things well to come along side or make available their expertise. I then tried to connect the men and women i worked with with access to these other teachings and opportunities. For example a friend came to town and gave natural medicine teaching. Other times i would take a group of men for agricultural training...all these things were scratching the surface but making an impact.

Sharing this process at a church a few weeks ago i noticed a picture of Antonio on some of our materials and was caught in awe of our God as i was reminded of this man and how he has responded to what God has brought him and turned to reach out to those around him without any reward or thought of himself.

Antonio has attended Bible classes with me for over two years and travels to villages hours from his through the mountains and shares what he has learned. We have ate meals together, i have visited his home in the village. He has planted new churches and encouraged others to study the Bible and let the Word of God transform their lives. He also has attended the natural medicine seminars we have offered and not only made the ointments and balms for himself and his family but shares it all with his mu$lim neighbors as a way of showing the love of Christ. He has incorporated better farming methods on his own fields and helped his neighbors to make better use of their land producing 10-20% better yields.

As you read this pray for him. Antonio Pequenino. And please pray we can go back in June 2011.

For the love of God--in Mozambique.