Friends of Root of Hope,
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed” – Prov 19:17
Elsa and I are deeply thankful to all of you for being consistent in helping our Mozambican brothers doing what Jesus taught “ Better is to give than to receive”( Acts 20:35). You did not forsake to do good and share something, sometimes with sacrifice, towards the needy ( Heb 13:16). Can you imagine if no one helped the poor just because their belief that faith is enough? Does that type of faith save? Is it really difficult to provide a little to those that have nothing. A pair of socks, a piece of bread will bring many more rewards that many other things. Faith without works is dead ( James 2:14-17). Dear friends, we will always have poor people among and around us. Who said this? This is the reason why Jesus commands us to open wide our hands towards the well being of others ( Deut 15:11). We, people perhaps with limited resources, have the obligation to help the weak instead of trying to always please ourselves (Rom 15:1). Possibly, in the past, one of us was in need of food, water, a roof over the head and the Lord sent someone to fill our necessity. Perhaps some of us were sick and the Lord guided a human being to bring us some comfort ( Rom 15:2,3). Let’s not turn our backs to what Jesus said: “But if anyone has the worlds goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God love abide in him?” ( I Jo 3:17). Listen to this powerful statement “ Truly, I say to you, as you did to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me”( Mat 25:40). As often as possible let’s put aside our selfishness and look out for others well being ( Php 2:4). Please, lets keep throwing some of seed given to us by the Lord so others others may reap the blessing of our sowing. Let’s build one another. Even Christ did not gratify himself. The rebuke of those who rebuked us fell on him ( Rom15:2,3). Then, lets keep on bearing each others burdens and this way we will fulfill the law of Christ ( Gal 6:2).
In Mozambique, the Lords work keeps on expanding. The children soon will return to school. Vacation are over by the end of this month. We will be assisting 30 high school aged kids with registration, uniforms and transportation to and from school. WE also are helping out 4 children that will attend first grade for the first time. Let me rephrase this, one of them, a 14 year old girl that we met last year, went to the first grade because one of the girls that works for Root of Hope, opened up her wallet and paid for her uniform and also for the security guard at school. Yes, security is paid for the parents of the children that attend school. So now she has another two siblings with her learning how to read and write. My heart weeps as I write this. Fourteen years old and in the first grade. We thank you for your compassion towards children like this. How rewarding it is to know tat little things can change people lives in a great way! Crimildo, the youth leader, had a great Christmas present: The room you see on the photo, on your right, built with concrete and with a long lasting roof, is now a bedroom for his two sons. The children and their parents lived in one room. He thanks you for your kindness towards him and his family. Finally, in the village of Makamwuine, 326 cinder blocks were already made that, added to many more, will be part of a new classroom. The families of the children are the ones doing all the work. As a tear stream down my face, many years later, I see the beginning of people investing in themselves. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, friends. Very soon we will be sending more funds to purchase more cement. As I listen to a beautiful instrumental song I can only say in my heart “ Thank you, Lord. Great friends, because of your love in them, make all this possible and rewarding.”
Kanimambo.
Aderito
Root of Hope 