Updates and On Our Way to the U.S.

Prison House
This past Tuesday at the prison, we had the privilege of having another powerful time of ministry through Jesse Gallatly, a missionary at our center, who shared his testimony and ministered to the men at the prison. Jesse spent time in jail in the U.S., but his life has been radically changed. He now walks in the power of the Holy Spirit and love, sends demons running, and is raising up a mighty team of young men to evangelize in the villages. Condela, a Mozambican friend, also shared his testimony and encouraged the young men. Several new inmates came forward to receive Jesus as their Savior.


Visiting the U.S.
Sunday, May 16, we’re flying to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, to apply for Chayah’s U.S. documentation so we can bring her back to the U.S. with us. We’ll be in Maputo for about 2 weeks before flying to the U.S. We are going to miss our Mozambican friends and family who have become so precious to us. We are also looking forward to the times of ministry, refreshing, blessing and family vacation that awaits us in the U.S. We know the Lord is sending us back for 3 months and will give us an awesome time with friends and family. Here’s a brief look at our schedule the next 3 months:

Schedule
May 16: Leave Lichinga to spend 2 weeks in Maputo, Mozambique to apply for Chayah's U.S. passport and other docs. We'll be staying at the Iris Ministries children’s center.
May 29: Arrive in the U.S.
June 1 - June 26: In Connecticut
June 27 - end of July: Traveling through New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania to visit family friends and vacation.
End of July - August 25: In Connecticut
August 26: Leave for Mozambique

Our new kitchen cabinets and shelves that Andrew, missionary at our center, built

Part of the wall around our house. Iron flowers are on top of the gates, doors and the part in front

Please continue to pray for the Lord’s work here in Mozambique while we are away. Ministry in the hospital, prison, the children’s ministry, ministry to the youth floorball team, and ministry on the streets and villages surrounding the city are going well.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Love,

Tyren and Tiffany Haynes

Dreams of God: Children’s Fun Day in Assumane

I thought the best way to open up this blog was with beautiful photos of Fun Day in Assumane Village on April 24. “You’re buying 50 sacks just for children to jump in them,” a boy from the market exclaimed while giving me a surprised look like I was wasting money and good sacks. But, the kingdom of God is about changing our perspective to delight in the things Jesus enjoys. With the help of other missionaries, we also bought 1200 bolos and bajeia, 600 bags of chips, rope, markers and individuals purchased other things that were used for the “Fun Stations”. During some parts of the day, we must have had over 400 children participating at one time. We had 8 different “Fun Stations” (games and activities spread out in the soccer field) along with some other activities that spontaneously started. These included bozo buckets, finger puppet crafts, limbo and high jump, jump rope and more.

Before I continue, I have to explain that many children in the villages, including Assumane, are not used to the kind of structure and discipline like you many find in many western elementary schools. Forming and keeping lines and rows, waiting your turn, taking turns, and staying seating while being served are just a few of the many challenges we faced. So, when we tried to form lines to do sack races with 50 sacks, it turned into jump wherever you want and grab a sack from another child when you can (even if the other child is still in the sack). It was so fun!

Although handing out over 500 bolos (fried sweetened donut thing), went surprisingly well, handing out 600 bejeia (patties made of bean flour) right after became so wild and out of control that we had to stop handing them out. But, love endures all things. So, later that day, Victor, Carlos and I went throughout the village and handed out hundreds of bajeia to very happy children and some adults.

Debbie who is a Christian and trained ventriloquist is visiting our center along with her husband Dominic. She organized songs, activities with puppets, a magic trick to demonstrate Jesus’ willingness to forgive our sin, and picture cards to share the gospel. Of course, many children and adults enjoyed this, and many received Christ. It was a beautiful and powerful way to end the day.

Thank you for all of your prayers for the first Assumane Fun Day! I don’t know all that Jesus has in store for us in the future, but I’m already dreaming with God about things to do in other villages to help the hearts of Children experience the reality of the love that Christ has for them in fun and activity filled ways. As you pray, join us in having sweet dreams with Jesus and lots of fun!

Love,

Tyren and Tiffany Haynes


(We would have updated you sooner but normal internet connections are not working in northern Mozambique. We are connecting now via a satellite at a hotel in Lichinga. Remember: We'll be in the U.S., June 1 - August 25. See you soon!)