Boane

Don Foster is currently serving as the director of the local work under the oversight of Steve Lazar of our Zimpeto base in Maputo. Following is some more recent news of the activities of ministry at Boane. You can email Don for further information regarding Boane.

Don and two young men who live at Boane

Don and the team at Boane. The formally deaf man is the third from left, top row.  Marta, to his left, now wants to attend Bible School.

November 14, 2008 Update from Don

We have done outreaches all over Southern Mozambique and, God willing, will continue to do so. Here are two testimonies from the last two or three:

We had the greatest time in Benfica. About 800 or so heard the gospel. Benfica is a very busy urban area and our Mozambique leadership chose a busy open area with a bus line terminus near a market full of shops. The plaza had streetlights, which is unusual for us, and is not conducive to show the Jesus film because the light pollution dims the film. But, we set up and turned the projector on its brightest setting and showed the Jesus film in Shangaan. Just after the start of the film, the POWER WENT OUT. And, it stayed out until the end of the film and the final AMEN! Just when it was over and we needed light, the power was restored. (He gives and takes away). It was PERFECT! In every direction could be seen lights from the surrounding urban areas but where we were was totally dark! I have never been so grateful for a power outage. The electricity often goes out but usually not for so long. Thank you Jesus!

Between rolls of the film, we prayed for the sick and I guess everyone was healed. We did not have enough translators, so I am not sure. We prayed for a women who could not see, or not see well, from her left eye and said something about an operation she had that did not work. After we prayed, she was healed. Others were healed of the usual things like stomach aches and headaches and such everyday things. For some reason, there seems to be less blind and deaf people in this area than the northern part of Mozambique. But we are actively looking for them so we can pray for their healing.

Testimony, Monday, November 3, 2008

We showed the film in a little obscure place in the middle of nowhere with a name I can´t remember. People were saved, the church there was strengthened, and people were healed. This is pretty typical, but it was noteworthy that it was threatening to rain the entire time we showed the film. We would feel a drop every 10 minutes, but the Lord held it back until we finished. The very moment we got in the car it rained hard. It rained the whole time we were driving. I am very grateful for His help and that He works with us.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

I tried to raise the dead today but nothing happened. I used to pray for healing and it didn’t work but now we see so many people healed, so, I will continue to pray to raise people from the dead and for miracles. Please pray with us. We need more healings, miracles, signs and wonders here to witness to people. It has become almost expected by people that they will be healed when we pray. People especially believe more when they hear testimonies. They line up and are healed one by one.

Today, I so wanted to raise my friend and house builder Jossias from the dead. About 500 people came to his funeral service at the grave site. It would have been a great witness. I prayed and commanded him to come back in front of his whole family (30 or so people in a house with 100+ outside). And, I preached a little while waiting. Nothing happened to him but I am positive that the words of Christ spoken will not return void. As I said, I will not give up believing for resurrections. The problem with raising someone from the dead though is that someone has to die first. It is never easy.

Jossias was just 32. He was healthy and working every day but Sundays on our visitor housing. One day last week he broke out with cold sores then started passing blood in his urine and then started coughing blood and he died in the hospital in just 3 days. The hospital said it was perhaps something he ate or the water he drank or because he worked with cement. There are too many complications and other side stories to continue. It has been a long day.

Life is short. Our lives are just like a shadow, a blade of grass or vapor. The glory of a man (biggest accomplishment years, etc) is a just a flower which blooms and dies in a short time. Which is your last day? Are you ready? Are you reconciled to God, your brothers and sisters in Christ, your family and the world? Have you done everything you can? When you stand before Him on your day of judgment to give an accounting of your whole what will you bring Him? Who will be there because you led them to Christ?

This area is the best place I know of to work as a missionary. Almost everyone we preach to accepts Jesus. Discipleship is not as easy and planting churches is a labor of love and prayer and patience but, this is the work of a missionary. The exchange rate here is also favorable. We feed people for a relatively little amount of money who would otherwise go hungry. But, I want MORE! More souls. More food. More healings, signs, wonders and miracles.

I also want to plant more churches. To do so, we must train pastors. Iris has a great four year bible school in Zimpeto that trains up pastors. Room and board is paid. The people we reach out to are so poor, however, it is difficult for them to get to and from to bible school because of costs. For just $20 USD per month, we can pay for transport and a few little other things to send a pastor in-training to bible school and for just $40 we can buy food for a pastor for a month so he can pastor and help with outreaches. I am thinking of a particular pastor who is like an apostle the way he leads us out to the bush to villages without churches and also to villages with existing Iris-Partners in Harvest Churches.

To support, you can go through the Iris website http://www.irismin.com or send checks to Dunamis. Either way, please carefully earmark your support for Don Foster Project Benjamin:

Dunamis Resources
2413 Jubilance Point Ct.
N. Las Vegas, NV 89032.
702-461-0508
Earmark: Don Foster-Benjamin Project

There is hope for Mozambique . The war for independence (ending in 1975) and the civil war (ending 1992 or so) bombed this country back 100 years. It is still not recovered but it is recovering. If you would like to serve as a missionary here or anywhere I highly recommend the Íris Mission School in Pemba . Elizabeth and I met there last year. If you would like do a short term mission trip here, I can guarantee you will never be the same. Just write for details.

Wednesday, October 8, yesterday, we showed the Jesus Film to over 570 at Bocaria which is the massive city dump. Hundreds of people in that immediate area make a living going through the trash from this terribly poor country. The smoke from a thousand fires on this dump creates choking. My lungs feel burned today as I write this the following day. It was a great honor to serve that many very poor people. Many were saved. It was very chaotic there so an exact count only Heaven knows.

In Christ, In His Kingdom, In His Time

Don Foster
The Benjamin Project of Iris Ministies
Massaca 2, Boane, Mozambique
Luke 14:33
Luke 18:22

June 13, 2008 Update from Don Foster

So many testimonies, so little internet access. I have not been able to write lately because I had no time to get into town (Boane) to write emails and when I do the internet cafe I use often has no connection.

I used to be able to count the people who watch the Jesus Film; but, now there are almost too many to count. It looks like a scene from Jesus' life when hundreds come to outreaches spread out all over a soccer field to watch the Jesus film. Jesus still draws crowds.

We have been so blessed to have been given by Campus Crusade for Christ all the equipment necessary to show the Jesus Film on a big screen with a projector and loud speakers. In two of the first three showings, people came forward the next day to testify that they were healed in their homes while listening to the preaching and film (the loud speakers can be heard one kilometer away). One woman said she tried to get out of bed to come see the film but was unable to get up because she was so sick. But, she had faith. The next morning she woke up healed and came to testify.

People are healed after the film when we pray and also the day after when we do follow-up. Following is a testimony of such an event:

When we showed the film in Michangalane “Mee-shahn-ga-lay-nee” (not to be confused with Changalane “Shahn-ga-lah-nee”) 300 or so showed up. There are probably only about 350 or maybe 400 at most in this town. Afterwards many were healed when we prayed (headaches, backaches, feet problems, pains, fevers, etc.). One baby had a fever but it immediately left after we prayed.

The last time we showed the film with the TV and stereo system,120 in my hometown of Massaca 2 came. The second time we showed the film in

Massaca 1 with the new big screen, over 600 came.

Mafuane Testimony: We arrived late to Mafuane and were referred to the local government official. He told us to come back on a Thursday and he would show us where to show the film. I thought, "Oh no, this is going to be in a bad place and he won't tell anyone and no one will come."

I have become accustomed to going to a village and setting up for the outreach then going out with a team all over the village and inviting people to come to see the film. If we arrive early enough, it gives mothers time to feed and bathe their children. But, on this occasion in Mafuane, when we arrived no one was there, it was late and the place was far from the main road. I had practically no faith anyone would show up. But, the official rang a bell (actually a big piece of iron hanging from a tree) and people started to come. So, we set up the film.

Eventually, 270 people, mostly adults, came from every part of the village. This is practically about the most people who could see the little TV and stereo we were using at that time. But, it was a great event. Everyone was quiet and perfectly attentive. Our only competition was a few cattle lowing. Most, if not all, accepted Christ and most or all of those who came forward were healed.

Jesus is Alive and Working in Mozambique! Come and see!

Yours Truly Inside the Heart of Jesus Christ,

Don Foster
Project Benjamin, Iris Ministries
Massaca 2, Boane, Mozambique
Phil 3:8

May 19, 2008, by Don Foster

Praise Report, Massaca 1 vs Port Enrique: I am not looking for crowds anymore because sometimes preaching to 100 people is better than preaching to 200. On Saturday we showed the Jesus film to 200 people in Massaca 1 which is very near us. It was really good since we just have a TV and a little home stereo instead of a projector and a big sound system. It was great because we set up on a soccer field and had to compete with the noise from the sound system of a bar. But, just as we started, another youth group was setting up. Rather than competing with them, we combined systems and used their big speaker! But, the crowd was noisy and children were distracted.

On Sunday, we went to Port Enrique which is far from civilization but near us. We showed films, preached, sang and danced from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a break for everyone to go home to eat. We had 130 or so in the morning and 100 or so at night. When we were leaving, at least 40 or so were still dancing to the music from the car stereo amplified by stereo speakers.

I so far more enjoyed that and believe that we are called to go into far out little areas without electricity, many of which are near us, instead of big showings. We work with the local Iris churches and have shown the film in or next to all the Iris churches in our area south of Zimpeto. Doing this has strengthened the churches. People came back on the Sunday following the film. One person said, "we knew Jesus spoke English and we knew He spoke Portuguese, but we never knew Jesus spoke Shangan".

It's usually the same, after we show the Jesus film in Shangan, the local language, we, usually Wingy, preaches and everyone accepts or recommits to Christ. Next, we show part of the Passion of the Christ. As Jesus is shown beaten and crucified, Wingy preaches. It's great. After both parts, people come for prayer and are healed. If they are not immediately healed, we will usually receive a word of knowledge or lead them to forgive someone or repent of witchcraft or whatever. Usually everyone is healed before they leave. Last night, an old lady said she could see better and her knees didn't hurt after prayer. We saw healed heads, eyes, throats, shoulders, chests, hearts, stomachs, legs, knees and feet just this weekend.

So, I am not looking for crowds anymore. I like groups of 80 to160, especially if that is practically everyone in a whole area. When people come, experience the love of Christ, see the whole gospel from birth to Resurrection, and are healed, they come back to attend church and be dicisipled! I love that about this place.

Usually, we go out in every direction to tell people about the film about an hour or two before it starts. This gives them enough time to feed and bath their children and come to see the film.

"Worth It All" is a great song by Rita Singer in which she sings,"It's gonna be worth it all"

Many sing the prayer, "Take my life and let it be....,” but few have the prayer answered fully. I sang, “Lord, I give you my heart, I give you my soul….” and He accepted it. That is why I am in Africa now.

Jesus has allowed me to be able to serve Him in Africa among some of the poorest people in the world. It has cost me everything I have but it’s worth it. “Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by Him”. Phil 3:8 ( The Message paraphrase) Please also see Mark 10:21, Luke 14:33 and Mark 8:35.

I think that one of the greatest privileges in this life is to serve Christ on the mission field. I invite everyone to visit Africa to serve with Iris Ministries. The blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk and the dead are raised. Of course, there is great suffering. Please see the Iris web site at www.irismin.com

It is not easy to serve God in Africa . Many have died trying and the rest of us “die daily”. But, in doing so, the Bible comes alive. It seems to have been written for us in the mission field. Blessed are the poor, those who mourn, hunger and thirst…. This group is so much more closer to the Kingdom of God . I know. ( I know "much more closer" is bad grammar but I like it better than just "much closer."

When the Holy Spirit spoke to me to “sell everything you have, distribute it to the poor, come, take up your cross and follow me…” I did. (Please see Mark 8:35, Luke 14:33 and Mark 10:21). Because of the Holy Spirit here in Africa , I better understand now what Jesus meant when He said, …unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:24-25) I know what it means to “lose my life* for Jesus and for the gospel...” (Mark 8:35). * The Greek word means either life or soul. I know what it means to “die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). I now know better what Jesus meant when He said to “Love your neighbor…” and to “do unto others as you would have them do to you” I know better what He means by how much I fall short of loving my neighbor and how often I don’t help the poor to protect my own food and things. I am convicted by John the Baptist’s words, “if you have two coats, give to him who has none”. There are so many here who literally have only the clothes on their backs (and those are in shreds or with hundreds of holes) and yet I have many shirts.

"Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even ones own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple. Luke 14:26-27 (The Message)

You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life. You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me. Luke 14:26-27 CEV

Africa needs one million more missionaries. So many people are called but few let go of their regular lives for the cross of the suffering of Christ. Come. Serve. Too many who are called say, “I have a job" or "I just got married" or "I'm not married yet."

"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' "Still another said, "I just got married, so I can't come." Luke 14:17-19

Thank you so much for your support! I really appreciate it. You can carefully earmark your support for me and ask Dunamis to forward it to me by handing it to Lynnie Walker or by mailing it to the following NEW ADDRESS:

Dunamis Resources
2413 Jubilance Point Ct.
N. Las Vegas, NV 89032.
702-461-0508
Earmark the memo DONATION FOR DON FOSTER

If you are in Las Vegas and want to by-pass Dunamis, you can make a deposit directly into my Colonial Bank Account. But, this way you will not receive a tax receipt. My branch is on Lake Mead Boulevard. You can call my branch directly. They answer the phone at (702) 254-3147 or go to any Colonial Bank Branch. Deposit into:

Love Your Neighbor Africa
Acct #: 8049285185

To mail me something, please send it to South Africa.

Don Foster, Love Your Neighbor Private Bag x11340, Suite 580 , Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa

With the Greatest of Gratitude, the Warmest Wishes and Love of our Lord,

Don Foster
Masssaca 2, Boane , Mozambique

Call before you come so we can have a room ready.

Philippians 3:8
Luke 14:33
Mark 10:21

April 29, 2008, by Don Foster

Great News: ..., a pediatrician in Corpus Christi, Texas would like to help out Helder Machambane with his expenses this year as he becomes a doctor and a medical missionary.

The good doctor wrote that he read about Helder Machambane on the Iris Ministries website and has pledged $5,000!

"The Lord has impressed me to send Helder 5000 USD this year for his medical education. Hopefully this will cover his tuition, room and board, transportation back home, and maybe a computer that he needs. I am so glad that I can support such a fine young man and I pray that he will develop fully in wisdom and grace."

Yahoo Yahweh!

I am so happy and excited for Helder (and my budget) that I haven´t even responded to the doctor´s email yet. I wanted to share good news with those who could use a boost.

For those just tuning in, Helder is in his second year of medical school in Beira. He is in a seven year program to become an MD. He wants to be a surgeon and serve as a medical missionary. He has come a long way from Chiango.

For those who serve Jesus in Iris Ministries, I salute you! This tree bears good fruit!

Don Foster
Massaca II, Boane
Phil 3:8

April 29 Continued...

This is a response to two e-mails requesting information about those of us here in Massaca II, Boane.

First, I apologize for the delay. I have been very sick and the internet cafe in Boane has lost their connection until May.

Two weeks ago I awoke with a bat on my head INSIDE my mosquito net. Apparently, it hitched a ride in the sleeping bag I was using when I stayed in the men´s dorm while visitors used the main house. I awoke with two little wounds on my finger but I did not put two and two together until I got sick. I am still recovering 2 weeks later. I was so out of it for so long I could hardly move, major nausea, flying around all night, taste for blood and still I just hang around all day.

Whenever I relay this, please ask, "Were you really bit by a bat?". To which I respond, "Yes and if you don´t believe me, I will fly over there and show you the two new top teeth I´m growing in".

Anyway, I hope that you saw the good news about Helder! This doctor´s support is a direct [AND FAST] answer to prayer. His e-mail committing support was dated April 22 at 12:56. After writing to you about the doctor's support and offer to buy a computer, I read an e-mail from Jeff and Helder to Iris requesting a computer - on the same date at 10:16. Helder´s lecture notes and images are only available to him if he has a flash drive and a computer to read them on. When I get that money in, I can buy it!! Joy in Jehovah!

Darrel, I think that the doctor's donation was directly related to the web page. Great update! I entered you into my address book. I will send you updates.

I can't send a photo because the camera Jeff gave me was stolen (along with so much other stuff I don't have time to write about it).

Praise Report, March 22, 2008, by Don Foster

We baptized 25 or so in the river yesterday on Good Friday. Then, we showed the Jesus film. We preached and prayed. The two people we prayed for were healed of various things. One repented of witchcraft in her past and then was delivered and healed. 108 people or so were there and most accepted or re-committed to Christ. A few spoke in tongues; but, it is hard for me to tell what is tongues, what is Portuguese and what is Shangaan and who (if anyone) already spoke in tongues.

After the ministry, practically no one left; so, we showed the last part of the Passion of the Christ. No one made a sound when Jesus was beaten.

Good Friday in Africa showing the entire Gospel of Luke (the Jesus Film) and part of the Passion of the Christ. People get saved, baptized in water and in the Holy Ghost, healed and delivered all in one night. I'm happy. What more do I need? MORE! I want to do this for the rest of my life - only more often, with more people and longer than I have done anything before.

Thank you for praying! Please pray for souls to be won and the will of God to be done.

Happy Resurrection Day! Jesus is Alive and working in Africa!

In Christ, In His Kingdom, In His Time

Don Foster
Luke 14:33
Luke 18:22
Phil 3:8

History of our Massaca II, Boane Ministry Location

There is a long road of extensive commitment between the day when one takes in a tiny orphaned child and the day when that same child has grown into a young man who is an independent, fully functional, Spirit-filled son of God, prepared to face with confidence the challenges of life as a contributing member in his society. As Iris Ministries has received the blessing of taking responsibility for the care of so many underprivileged children, we at Iris also carry the serious responsibility of seeing these priceless kids through to the day they are ready to launch out on their own and succeed as adults in what God has called them to be and do.

After five years of ministering to youth in Kenya, Jeff and Caryn Hakes followed the leading of God to join the pioneering work of Iris missionaries in Mozambique. Further pursuit of His desires through fasting and prayer led them to the story of Benjamin in Genesis 18, where they encountered the story of a boy who was named by his dying mother, Ben Oni, literally ``Son of my Sufferings.`` The Hakes were touched by the actions of Ben Oni´s father, in renaming his son, Benjamin, Son of my right hand, Son of favor. After two years of exposing the Hakes to the overwhelming needs of the Iris ministries teenagers in transition, the Lord directed them to open up a new center in 2004  for young men, a center affectionately named The Benjamin Project or Projecto Benjamin for our Portuguese speakers.

As a part of Iris’ desire to reflect God’s heart in completing what He starts, the Benjamin Project is an Iris Ministries` discipleship and leadership development center. It is located about one hour from Iris’ Zimpeto center, 30 kilometers west of the capitol city, Maputo. Situated on 19 acres of quiet farmland in Boane, Mozambique, it serves a growing number of older youth and young adults with academic and career training, spiritual development and parenting.

This is a pioneer work still in the primary stages of development. Efforts are underway to complete a base of operations and move into construction of more housing for students and visitors. Fervent prayer continues for wells on this base to save the expense of trucking in water. With well water, small private homes are envisioned for those men who have graduated the program and seek to start a family.

Jeff and Caryn planted a Partners in Harvest Church on the location, with 50–75 currently in enthusiastic attendance on Sundays. In addition to reaching out to the community, it is an integral part of offering opportunities for the young men of the center to develop their spiritual gifts and callings. After four years of worshiping outside, or in a very small space, a new 4,600 square foot church and multi-purpose facility is closer to becoming a reality. A visitor saw the need and began the construction of the walls for a huge building by area standards. But, just recently, an architect and a local builder have propelled us to the next level with a new design and commitment to build up the walls.  We are redoubling our prayer efforts to see the next phase completed which will be the roof, flooring and an altar.

As a part of a commitment to ongoing education, students in the Benjamin Project continue their education in several nearby and some far away schools, skills centers, and universities where, in addition to core curriculum, they can enroll in classes in auto mechanics, drivers’ education, computer technology, household electrical and other skills development programs.

After two years with the program, one promising resident, Helder, is in his second year of medical school with his sights set on a call to medical missions. Another exceptional young man, Pedro, is in his second year of a civil engineering program at a university in Maputo. Admiro is in his first year of French and English language study. He aspires to be an international lawyer in defense of children's rights. It is an incredible privilege to see Jesus prepare these young men, most of whom were orphans and former street children, for their royal places in God’s unfolding Kingdom.

Please labor with us in prayer. Massaca II is an inhospitable place with snakes, bats, termites, mosquitos, lizards and frogs. It is a chore to haul water and just keep up with basic survival. But, from this base we hope to reach Massaca and Boane and all areas south and west of Maputo (Southern Mozambique) with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tuesdays and some Fridays typically involve outreaches to areas near established or new Partners in Harvest church plants. We show the Jesus Film, practically everyone responds to accept Christ and usually everyone who comes forward is healed. Spiritual warfare is typical as we confront witchcraft with the word of God. Constant preaching throughout the region is required to combat what is politely called "Traditional Religion". It is hard to discuss the type of witchcraft here without getting too graphic or angry, so, maybe some other time. Watch this site for updates.

April 30, 2008
To date, we have shown the Jesus film about 12 times to well over 1,000 people. We currently use just a TV, stereo and generator to show the film to 80 to 130 people at a time. But, we hope one day to have a projector, screen and amplifier to show the film to thousands. Despite the small numbers, we believe it is God's plan to reach into areas where "the streets have no names". Usually we go where there are no roads, just foot paths. But, despite being seemingly in the middle of nowhere with a populations in the tens, most often over a hundred will appear from the bush to accept Christ.

July 6, 2007

Hello from Africa!

POWER BY THE HOUR!

After three years without electricity, Benjamin Project in Boane, Mozambique has POWER! Thank You, Abba Father!!! The lights were turned on TODAY, July 5. The sound of a humming REFRIGERATOR is now heard in the land!!! Yippee- skippee! We feel like we have met the Jetsons and arrived in a new era! Yes, yes, yes, yes! We are rejoicing and grateful. What a blessing.

It has been a 2.5 year uphill climb on the energy project with many challenges  and set-backs. Even last month, on June 13th, the power was connected from the street to our transformer. We were so excited. We thought it was finally the day! We cried with relief and joy together with the boys and told all of our local friends. Then, when we went up to the house and connected the cables, there was a huge explosion. We had been sold a bad transformer. Since then it has been remedied. We have a brand new one now and all is well!

IT'S A BOY!

...another one. Yes! We have another Mozambican son! He is beginning his third week with us. His name is Fernando. He is 23 years old and also grew up in an Iris Ministries' children's center. He has been out on his own for 5 years, and has not had enough money to be able to continue school and is just struggling to make it. Our guys knew him and love him. We are fast growing also! Fernando is interested in writing and has a head for business. He is very motivated and loves the Lord very much. All of our hearts have been blessed by his character. He has already helped with translating our Portuguese into Changaan on Sundays. He translated for our translator, Admiro, last Sunday while Admiro gave the church a challenge about Jesus still being able to do miracles. Hallelujah! It‚s true!

Some of our church people dedicating  land for a new church building

Vasco, Admiro and Paulo enjoying a laugh together

Verdiano leading worship for the church

Some of the many children in our children's church

Meet Helder Machambane, Second Year Medical School Student and Aspiring Surgeon and Medical Missionary

It is an great honor to introduce you to Helder Machambane. Helder is the firstborn son of a Mozambican woman. His father is no longer living, having lost his life during the chaos of Mozambique’s bloody civil war. Facing the impossibility of raising seven children alone amidst absolute poverty, Helder’s mom turned to Iris Ministries for help. Since that time at Chihango more than ten years ago, Iris Ministries has had the privilege of stepping in and being a large part of raising this precious little boy and watching him turn into a godly young man.

Since 2005, Helder has been a part of Iris’ Leadership Development Center, Project Benjamin, located in Boane Mozambique. In Boane, Helder, now 21 years of age, has made an outstanding contribution to the community, where in addition to completing his undergraduate studies, he has been involved with many aspects of planting the church there, leading worship services, preaching and teaching the Word of God, helping with prayer ministry, visitation and translation. Helder has been a help with the physical construction as well, helping with the cement block work that is ongoing in the development of the center. 

This year marks a big step in the construction of God’s dreams and plans for this young man, as Helder enters medical school. During 2005 Helder had spent time in prayer and fasting asking God for direction for his future. As he waited on the Lord, he felt a specific call to medical missions.  In November 2006, Helder was among only 30% of students at his school who passed their government exams and graduated from 12th grade. We have enrolled him at a university in Mozambique where he can earn a full medical doctorate in a seven year program.

In Late January, 2007, Project Benjamin founders wrote a check to the university for the first $750 of Helder’s tuition and to sent him on the 17-hour bus ride to Beira. With just the first two months room and board in his bank account, Helder has continued to pray and believe God for his monthly support until this day. Every month, God has been faithful to meet Helder's personal and medical school needs. Recently, Helder expressed a need and within two hours, the response came. Our Heavenly Father is proud of His son.

Please consider helping us continue the work of God in and through Helder. The costs are as follow:

Tuition: $1500 per year ($125/month)
Room and board: $130 month
Transportation: $25 (for three bus trips)

Total monthly expenses for Helder’s med school: $280

Meet Luis "Pedro" Chivite, Second Year Civil Engineering Student

Like millions of children in Mozambique, Luís Pedro Chivite grew up in a home without a father. Caught up in the clutter of  civil war and severe economic unrest, Pedro’s dad left when Pedro was only two years old and never returned, leaving his uneducated mother to face the struggle of raising four children in a war-torn country where incredible poverty is a constant resident.  After several years of living off the land and trying to make a future for her little family on her own, his mother turned to Iris Ministries, then in Chihango Mozambique, for assistance with her children. Iris took on the care of the serious little child, Pedro, now 23. Since that day more than ten years ago, it has been a great privilege for Iris Ministries to be a part of receiving and unwrapping the gift of Pedro and watching Jesus shape him into a child of the King. Pedro is an orphan no longer!!

Project Benjamin founders Jeff and Caryn Hakes connected with Pedro in 2004 and began to talk with him about his future. Due in a large part to the leadership potential we saw in this young diamond, we invited him to join the new work Iris was starting in Boane, Mozambique, a Leadership Development Center named Project Benjamin. Pedro jumped at the chance to be a part of planting the new work with us, and it has been our great joy to watch the work of God developing in him.

Pedro has made an exceptional contribution to the heart of our work. He has an outstanding level of maturity and initiative, an immense heart of a servant, a huge passion for God, a love for the word and worship. He has been an great support in our ongoing building process, both in his extensive capacity as a mason and his supervision of several work teams, and in his capacity to integrate our discipleship efforts on Biblical Male Identity in his every day life. He has been one of the main preachers and worship leaders at the church he has helped us plant. He has led several people in the community into relationship with Jesus and has discipled and baptized them in the nearby lake. He helps with the mundane and the supernatural, with materials estimates and purchasing, and with visits on his own to the sick and dying that are so prevalent in our rural community.

In November 2006, Pedro was among only 30% of students at his school who passed their government exams and graduated from 12th grade. After much prayer and searching for his Father’s desire for the future, Pedro identified Civil Engineering as the road marked out for his professional development. Jeff and Caryn enrolled Pedro in a private university in Maputo, where he will earn a degree in civil engineering and communications in a five year program.

Project Benjamin is now in its fourth year. Still in the construction phase, we are very grateful for our part in the honor of  preparing young men like Pedro for their launch into society as capable young, Spirit-filled history makers. Of the hundreds and hundreds of children raised up from the dust of Mozambique’s poverty through Jesus’ love in Iris Ministries, Pedro is one of  first to enter university.  We are looking to God for assistance with the cost of his education. Please consider helping us continue the beautiful, redemptive work of God in and through Pedro. The costs are as follow:

Tuition: $2600 per year ($260/month)
Room and board: $110 month