We spent the first night in Kruger’s Punda Maria tent camp because the border crossing was already closed. The first time in my life, I heard the enchanting yet fierce roar of a Lion that was just on the outside of the fenced area of the camp. The next morning we folded away our tent and made our way to Pafuri Border Crossing. Upon crossing over the border, the roads changed from a grated game reserve dirt road to rough terrain that is tough on the shocks and springs. William drove a Nissan pickup and I drove a Landrover Defender. We ventured into the “bush” of Mozambique and found our way to the Limpopo River. As sand began to be our road, the Landrover had to be put into low range 4x4. It slowly kept traction as it chugged along in the riverbed. The river had a little bit more water in it than it did about two months ago. Splash, the Landrover kept up the slow pace as the wheels were submerged in the Limpopo. Unable to see what lies in front, I kept the vehicle going in the location to the other shore. As the wheels came out of the water, the embankment was steep but the low range kept its pace. We drove a bit further until the Landrover was taken out of 4x4.
We continued in our journey and finally came to Dumela. We were a few hours late from when we were scheduled to begin; the pastors of surrounding villages were waiting. The greetings took place and then we began the pastor/leadership training. Pastors and leaders from Zimbabwe had joined us again. This is the third training these gentlemen and ladies attended. They had walked several kilometers to get the training. This just proves that God’s Word is valuable to those who seek Him. All the others in the training seemed to be as grateful so that they could get a deeper understanding in the Bible. In two days, William and I had taught the group about teaching children, what is means to be a Shepherd over God’s flock, the transfiguration, and Lazarus being raised from the dead.
FYI: Zimbabwe is under economical struggles at this time so much they use the US dollar for currency because their currency is worthless. Many people have escaped in large numbers to South Africa just to be able to try to make a life for themselves.
The two-day training finished. It was a great time of prayer, fellowship, and worship. Now it was time to pack camp so we could start on a new journey. We lowered our tent and folded it. It is common to find all sorts of small critters scurrying around and underneath the tent. We are cautious just to avoid being stung. We made a couple of folds in the tent and began to roll it up when I noticed a brownish clump about 6 feet away. I had just been on top of that location folding the corners. You look for the small things but seem to overlook the larger sometimes. I loudly proclaimed, “SNAKE” so that others would not accidentally step into its path. The word could only be understood by a few until a translator said it Shangaan. Needless to say, the Puff Adder’s day was at hand and it did not make it much further in life.
Camp was packed into our vehicles and a new journey took place. Our adventure took us to Dumela, Mabuzane, Chicualacuala, Mapai, Machaila, Mpuzi, Panhame, Chowe, Xicumbane, Matsilele, and Mbuzi. On Sat and Sun, we drove 8 hours each day to get to each village at approx. 530 kilometers (330 miles) in 4x4 required roads. We met with pastors in each village to invite them to the Pastor’s Conference in November. The 6-day journey was an enriching one as I saw where Samaria Mission is in constant discipleship.
PERSONAL NOTES:
The house we bought is becoming more and more like a home instead of seminary hostel. The walls have all been plastered and painted. The stage has been removed. New tile has been laid. The bathroom that had three shower stalls and a leaky toilet has new tile, basin, bathtub, and toilet. God was sure gracious to us by allowing us to have such a house.
Now the house needs a security fence for the safety of my family while I am away. I have gotten a few quotes but it seems it may cost anywhere from $4000-6000 since we live on a corner lot. I am also looking into a well (bore hole) for the house because we have been without municipal water at least 4 times since we moved here in June.
Luke is doing a great job at PEPPS School. He’s improving on reading and learning. Brit was doing great in the school, but we have decided to home school just because we know and believe she is disciplined enough to learn.
The vehicle we bought before we moved had some problems requiring the engine to be overhauled and the carburetor replaced. Alicia had been stranded twice in the middle of the road and it got to the point that I needed to make sure she was going to be safe while I am away.
I am looking into attending Christ Seminary, which is part of Christ Baptist Church this January. It is very cost effective and the knowledge would benefit Samaria Mission as we travel into Mozambique to teach pastors and leaders. This has been something I wanted to do for nearly 10 years but tuition was not as important to me as to support my family. Attending Christ Seminary is shockingly reasonable.
In November, we will not only have the Pastor’s Conference, but we will travel into Mozambique a week later with Steve Mickler from San Angelo, Texas. We will be traveling to the villages that PaulAnn Baptist has conducted outreaches so he can do a field study.
Final Note: We want to thank each of you for your prayers and support while we are on this journey. Our motto is “My Life…HIS Purpose…Our Journey” You are part of this journey as well. Romans 10: 14-15 explains that some are sent to preach the Gospel and others are to send those that are sent. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Respectfully and in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Mark Raley
Pictures on front page: the church at Machaila. Leadership training in Dumela while I was teaching. The Puff Adder before it’s memorial service.
Pictures on this page: two ladies in Machaila that came to greet us. It is amazing what they carry on their heads. The bottom picture is one of the people getting water to cook, drink, and wash with for everyday living in Dumela. They scoop away sand and let water filter through the sand to get clean water.
More pictures can be found on our blog, so please visit and enjoy.
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