Author: Root of Hope

There’s always someone in need. Another human being created by the LORD lacks something. If you have something, whatever that is, that can bring some relief, please, show it by helping that person. Anything that helps will help. May the Lord bless you.

At one point of time or another we all were children. Innocent, fragile, defendless. As a needle on a hay stack they look for….life. Stepping into the unknown they blossom with a condidence their steps were well guided. Perhaps. Perhaps not. Kids need wise adults to help them so they will be able to strive in the future. It is our responsibility to help them grow in all areas of life. Some will listen, some will not but education, morals and above all the existence of GOD must be seeded in their hearts. We cannot allow foreign teachings belittle the human beings created, just like us, by the Maker of all things. As these children walk towards washing their hands so they can eat a snack so must we point them to a clean life, spiritually, emotionally and phisically. I applaud all who help any kid, anywhere to grow in life. Thank you.

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

Friends of Root of Hope,

“ Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full.” Proverbs 19:17

                        I  just finished having lunch. It is 3PM. Elsa and I went to church and when we got home I left for the gym. As soon as I stepped foot in the house, I showered and then we sat to eat a delicious meal. So many times I struggle to find a them for the monthly letter. I don’t have much space to write so I must be brief but to the point, if possible. While I was chewing the tender piece of beef a thought came and sat on my heart whispering to me about food, more precisely what we eat and what “they”eat on a daily basis. I am speaking for myself so this may not apply to you. We are ungrateful people. With the abundance of food available at our fingertips we are ungrateful. We struggle about what to eat and not about if we have something for lunch or dinner. Our Mozambican brothers are mostly thin people and for that I am covetous.

By experience and not by hearsay our brethren fill – wrong term – their bellies once a day. If they have something for breakfast it will be around lunchtime because they cannot afford three meals a day. While my stew was impeccably done my heart wept with sadness thinking about what they can afford. They don’t eat based on their preferences but in what they have, if they do! I could tell you some episodes but I will skip them. It’s either this kind of mashed corn flour with perhaps some bitter herbs or some other vegetable if available or if affordable. To top if off they may use some sauce consisted of peanuts and a bit of vegetable oil. Rice is also another source of sustenance. It’s not the healthiest of choice but it is what they have. And we have conflicts about what to eat. “Not that again!” As chicken they scratch around for something to feed their bodies. Its not about choice but need. And we complain! It is common to find people at a friends house during meal times not because they want to chat but because lack of food. And there if you have just a few crumbs all will feed on the crumbs. We see this situation many times when we are there and it is a blessing to be able to help the brothers eat something instead of starving. I wish that I don’t get interrupted when eating but if someone shows up at that “inopportune” time we know what brings them to us. Dear friends, during these 19 years of investing in Mozambique we keep on focusing on what’s essential: people, not churches or schools. We realize that at times something must be built but nothing is more rewarding than building lives. When they grow so do we. When they lack we feel responsible for not doing a bit more. They may have empty houses but the more profound emptiness is that in the stomach. It will affect everything else. And we – sorry-, I complain. We could be living a resentful life but the Lord has been blessing with more than we need ( Ephesians 3:20,21).

                        In our home away from home, Mozambique, all is going well. The elections took place last week and the new government is in place. Flora, the pastor wife, just finished a one year course in leadership. She is proud of the accomplishment and so are we. With the Lords blessing we will send resources to start building blocks so the new classroom in Makamwine will become a reality. Our brothers will do all the labor regarding the cinder blocks and the construction of the classroom. I finalize this letter by thanking you for your kindness, love and sometimes sacrifice towards our brothers in Mozambique. We cannot do more because what we don’t have does not build anything but as limited as we are we still feel so blessed because you make all this Godly work possible and moving forward. As the verse states , you will be repaid in full, not by Elsa and I but by the Lord. Kanimambo.

                     Friends of Root of Hope,

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Cor 15:57

                        The body hurts, thanks be to God, not because of infirmity but the frequent trips to the gym. As you well know, I assume, there are different types of machines and different weights that work towards improving my physical condition. I use each machine and as much weight as I want but also as I am able to. I decide what to do, not the machines. They are simply helpers that will make me feel good. Hopefully! The tools I use have no clue of the benefit they provide my body. They are available because someone bought them and paid for them. I’m just the end user of the product. I workout not to compete against anyone but I challenge myself. My age is not dictating what I can or cannot lift or do. But I have limits. If someone lo0oks at my biceps they perhaps will notice I workout a bit and will only think about my personal sacrifice. This is where the unknown becomes                         the stones that help this body, Root of Hope, grow. It is Jesus who provides you to us so others are being blessed. They look at us, embrace us, tell us great things but it is you who make all this possible. No human being is self sufficient. No one! I do chose people that I think can bless our Mozambican brothers and I will use them as long as they are available. Not one is above the other. All work together for the good of people with so many needs. My image, Root of Hope image, is only a reflection of…you. We can boast a bit about what we do because of….you! You are the soul of this missionary work and we simply are the feet that carry your gratitude towards people you don’t know, young and old.  You are the “machines”and the “weights” that make us look good. We thank Jesus for giving you to us.

                        In Mozambique, our brothers lives keep turning in a routine that we also experience here. If you know me I will never add fake stories to these letters or will take anything away from what is going on there. Presidential elections will take place this month and I ask that you pray that they are successful, and by this I mean peacefully. Also, we ask that you conduct your prayers to the Lord so rain may come to the southern part of Mozambique, and particularity to the area where the organization functions. Without that precious liquid nothing grows and the lack of produce is already evident. It has not been raining for a long time. It is with great joy that the youth leader has the new bedroom almost complete. Him, his wife and two children have been sharing one room, so soon, the children will have a new sleeping place. It was built with cinder blocks and concrete. As soon as the bedroom is complete we will post a few photos on Facebook. As I said previously, the brothers look at us but it is you who make this happen and we do not hide this fact from them. This is why I can say that it is the Lord who gives us, you and I, the victory. In a few months, we will start building the new classroom in the village of Makamwuine. Once again, Elsa and I are thankful for your faithfulness in blessing our brethren in Mozambique. Kanimambo.    

          Friends of Root of Hope,

          “Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverb 16:3 (CSB)

          This is our first week back from Mozambique. Perhaps it was the most exhausting trip   we ever had. Our bodies paid dearly for what was done. Well, we have our plans but the Lord had something much better. Christian life goes beyond taking care of ourselves, but also to care and love for the needy. I’m an apologist that believes that any deed done towards others with the intent of glorifying the Lord he will bless the heart of those individuals in a greater way than planned. We do what we do to please him, understanding that some human being will receive some reward, and that makes our hearts joyful. Root of Hope will never show up with a banner called, Look at me”. No! It’s all about the Author of Life, the Provider, the Comforter of souls, the One that deserves all the credit. We know who we serve, and we also understand that he is responsible to put in our path people like you that care in a way that the majority does not: the wellbeing of the poor, even if momentarily. How my heart rejoices when I hear a little child in a village, unknown to me, calling me “Pastor Adérito” two words fill my heart with joy, not because they know me but by the simple fact that a little one calling my name is the result of the Lord calling my name to do what’s being done. The same happens with Elsa and so many others in this world. So much was accomplished but I will focus on just a few real stories or events. We were able to feed 90 families, relatives of the 110 children that are taken care of at both locations where we provided services. Each family receives rice, beans, flour, oil, sugar, peanuts and soap. What a joy to see the expression on their faces when they were blessed with those items. For photos please go to out page on Facebook. We were able to paint both classrooms, inside and out and also to install a door and 2 windows in one of them. The other already had a door and windows. And now we have Paulo, a young man that due to unplanned events ended up drinking, doing drugs and smoking. We do know him for about 14 years. He needed help. We visited his home, or better said, the bedroom where he slept. That’s all he had and it was in shambles. If it rained it was guaranteed, he would get wet. We purchased all necessary things to build a decent bedroom, assembled a team of young men from church and in less than 2 days his new “mansion” was done. For less than 200 dollars. We also fed him and bought some food that will help him when he starves. I also gave him some of my own clothes. And we had the opportunity to help this 80-year-old lady. She was suffering from some disease that could not be diagnosed at the local hospital. We took her to a private clinic, and with a bit over one hundred dollars later the problem was solved. She regained her health. Elsa spoke with her a few days ago and she is feeling fine. What about all those that were blessed with all types of clothing? And those blessed financially when they did not expect it?

          Because of lack of space I will end this narrative here. The LORD allows all these good things to happen. How does He do it? By grabbing people like you, human beings concerned for the welfare of the needy, sowing generously so someone, so far away from your homes, will reap a blessing that will put a smile on their faces. You may think it’s not much but when someone is lacking any little thing is a lot to them. Elsa and I are so grateful to all of you, and the largest majority has been helping out for so many years. What you see us do is the result of your love. We are just the feet of your kindness. May the Lord greatly bless you. fffffffff

           “ LORD, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my plea for help. Psalm 55:1

          Next month, when you receive another letter, with the LORD’s grace, we shall be walking on the sandy roads of the village that we so dearly fell in love with. Another year passed by so quickly. And how fast is their pace. They are unstoppable. Once again, we will see our beloved brothers and hopefully some new ones.  They are also waiting anxiously for us. By the way, it’s been 17 years of traveling there almost every year and also of living there for a few years. These trips, as the years go by, are not a tradition but the responsibility of continuing what we believe it’s the LORD’s call in our lives. And what is grown inwards must bear fruit and come out so others may witness something that many my never understand: The love of God and the ability he gives to individuals like Elsa and I that long ago never imagined of being doing what is being done today. Our yearly plans are kind of the same but we know that we just want to do what he planned for us. He establishes the way we must walk. Some tears reluctantly caress my cheeks but I’m trying hard to control them. I do not know about tomorrow but I do know about now, this moment in time. I understand how hard it is to serve the Master of Creation but I can testify that there’s no beauty as stunning as the life we live trying to serve him the best way we can, being witnesses of His Kingdom. The tears could not resist and by soul weeps more than my eyes, not because of sadness but of joy of seeing what the Creator can do thru those who serve him, even with so many deficiencies. You know, I’m not a speaker or a writer but I do know that the Lord can use anyone even when they lack so many human skills. But the greatest attainment is to depend in Him. As we seek perfection we often found ourselves on a standstill, but later we will find out that with the Spirit leading nothing stays the same. As Elsa, Paloma, Eliane and I prepare for the soon coming trip we realize that everything depends mostly on the leading of the Spirit. It’s good to be prepared but much better is to see the Lord move beyond our expectations. We go to Mozambique mostly to learn. We pick up the most where the Lord wants us to be. Disobedience is not a fruitful tree. His love is in us, so we say, but many times we are not walking in it. Do you want to know my prayer? That He listens to me and helps me to do what I mostly need: to walk in His will. Elsa and I revolve around this same desire. This letter was going in one direction but see a need to shift it. Elsa and I witnessed miracles there that we never saw or experienced here. Let me tell you a few. Many years ago, really back in 2003, I lady was brought to us, I a wheel barrow, sentenced by the doctors to go home and die. As we heard the declaration, the group we were with, lifted our prayers to the Maker of Heaven and Earth and soon after saw the “dead woman” walk home on her own feet. Or the case of the young man with a tumor under his chin visible to anyone. It took some prayer but that tumor disappeared. What about young Rosa, a daughter of a man that love to drink and a woman that had problems walking? The doctors told her she had to take medication for the rest of her life. She took a few pills every day and Elsa was responsible to administer the meds to her. Oh! Well. Until the day after many prayers that she did not have to do it any longer. Elsa knew she was healed and told her to stop taking all the pills. Do you know what. The Lord healed her. There are so many things in this world that we must experience in order to testify of the Lord’s power or we will never believe. Please, pray for the group going there. We so grateful for your prayers and your donations. May the LORD keep on blessing us all. Kanimambo.

Aderito Vilar

Pray for Mozambique