Sunday, August 29, 2021

Brian's Roofing Accident

 


Dear Friends and Family, 


It’s been 12 days now since Brian’s roofing accident.  Stepping into an unsuspecting hole covered by a thin sheet of insulation, my friend Rebecca and I heard a scream.  Running to the back of her house, we found Brian on his back groaning in pain.  "I heard my femur snap!" he managed to say between rapid shallow breaths. We quickly called 911.  Soon the ambulance and fire truck arrived. They gingerly slid him down the ladder on a rescue stretcher and rushed him to the emergency room. At Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, they put Brian’s leg in traction, which greatly relieved his pain. Thankfully, Brian received excellent care as he underwent a 4-hour surgery the following day. We appreciate all the prayers from those who knew of his accident and covet your continued prayers as he undergoes a four month healing process. The doctor and physical therapist say Brian is doing well.  He has a wonderful attitude, determined to give thanks in all things.1(see footnote)  He’s even decided to work on finishing a book he started, since he won’t be able to walk normally for a few months.  


The future looks bright.  Wonderful new doors are opening up in Asia. More news to come as this unfolds.  Meanwhile, we will continue to work remotely on our seminars and relief work in Mozambique.


Prayer requests

Pray for Brian’s speedy recovery

Pray that physical therapy will get him back to 100%

Pray for funds to pay our $5,000 insurance deductible and $3,000 co-pay. 

Pray for our ongoing ministry to 1,000 refugee families in Nampula, Mozambique.


Donations by mail:

Transforming Lives Ministry

1908 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672


Electronic Donations:

Paypal and Zelle are under pastorbrianwood@gmail.com

Cashapp is under $TransformingLM

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

If you can't go to the city - go to the "bush, bush".




The latest lockdown in Mozambique began two weeks ago, to everyone’s dismay.  But our seminar teachers responded enthusiastically with, “We want to still continue!  The people are hungry for the Word and want to still gather together! We will go to the far out-lying areas where the government is not patrolling.”  We weren’t sure about their safety, but chose to honor their courage and determination.  Here are some pictures of one of last week’s seminar gatherings in the “bush bush.”  

Monday, August 9, 2021

Interview from Mozambique


Praise God our team in Nampula, Mozambique is equipped with a truck, supplies, and permission from the governing officials to once again start giving out relief to the refugees! They’ve been directed to help the most needy - 1,000 newly arrived families who have escaped from the northern region where insurgents continue to rampage the area.  We have enough funds to help around 750 families so far, giving each one a hoe to start a vegetable garden, soap, rice, beans, oil, spices, pan, plates, cups, and a bucket to fetch water.  We are also in process of finding gospel tracts in their languages.  The president has called for another lockdown, stricter than ever, but because we are giving relief, the team is allowed to be out helping the people and sharing the gospel!  Last weekend was the first of 17 distributions, as each one can only have 60 families maximum.  

Personal Encouragement


It appears that when we get a revelation of God’s love for us, we are then motivated and able to share His love and “be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God…able to accomplish more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”  Hallelujah! 


I encourage you to meditate on these verses - maybe check it out in several translations.  I’m particularly enjoying this in the New Living Translation.  They are so rich and life-giving.  Enjoy!


Eph. 3:16-20, “I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”



Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Your brothers and sisters in Mozambique thank you too.  


Much Love,

Lorena and Brian