LOOKING INSIDE - Project Build
Updated: Aug 19, 2019
History of Mozambique - Independence from a 400 year occupation by Portugal was long and hard fought. Considered by Portugal, to be territorial property and colonized to produce wealth and resources within the southern region of the African Coast. Portugal was a harsh and violent ruler. The War of Independence, officially began on September 25, 1964, and ended on September 8, 1974, resulting in a negotiated independence in 1975.
With the birth of the Nation of Mozambique less than 50 years ago, subsequent growth has been a far off dream for most Nationals. There is a depth of corruption within it's newly formed Government, the worlds dominant countries, are only now beginning to realize. With a substantial inflation index, Mozambique Nationals are struggling with 80% living well below the International Baseline for Poverty.
Family of God Ministries
Background - Founder, Michelle Morrell, traveled from the US and arrived in Mozambique, alone, no missionary group or traveling companions. She arrived for the first time in Sept, 2014. Michelle was immediately taken aback by the power of the Lord's heart, for this impoverished people and Country. She began to embrace and love a generation of broken and lost young people. She subsequently returned 4 times over the course of the next 24 months. "I could not stay away." She found an entire generation that had somehow survived without, families or assistance, without nurture or care, from any of the multitude of NGO organizations, orphanages or Churches.
In 2016, Michelle returned to Mozambique to live. The choice to live within the local communities was considered by most, to be reckless, dangerous and without merit. As a direct result of the decision, Michelle was afforded a vantage point the international community of missionaries does not receive. The international compounds, orphanages and Churches are housed behind brick walls and razor-wire. Each has it's guards at the gate, with dogs that patrol after dark. To their credit, the food and clothing programs, as well as educational programs, do their best to help those they serve. However, one must wonder if somehow the larger, underlying challenges, have escaped view.
The original foundational goal for Family of God Ministries, continues to remain.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt.28:19-20
Foundationally, Family of God Ministries believes we are to be disciples of Christ and in turn, build disciples of Christ. At its core, Family of God's belief is that we are by God's design, to be examples of Christ Jesus, in word, in action and in deed, living out our faith in Christ.
ACTION: verb Definition - https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/action
Jul 26, 2019 - 1a : a thing done : deed. b : the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition. c actions plural : behavior, conduct unscrupulous actions. d : initiative, enterprise a man of action.
To develop relationship with an individual or a people group, takes an investment of time and action. This is where the heart overtook rational understanding. Challenge, Michelle was not willing to realize and then simply walk away. If heart ruled over common sense, then somehow, she had to come to grips with the leading of the Spirit.
"Faith without action is dead. Now, I am not saying that everyone must uproot their personal life and do something radical, such as living in Mozambique. However, for me personally, I couldn't say no to the leading of my heart. Personal Testimony - When the Lord revealed himself to me, he saved my physical life! He interjected himself into my personal situation and broke the enemies plan to steal and cut short the life My Heavenly Father had designed and physically birthed through my mothers womb. In turn, I have learned to take seriously what Holy Spirit imprints within my heart. I listen, choose to believe, trust God's revelation, then take action." Michelle Morrell
February 2016, Michelle undertook a transition and chose to put away the logical and rational minds processes and allow Holy Spirit to be the director and leader of what has become Family of God Ministries. If she was to consider herself to be a disciple of Christ, then the other side of that statement became clear. Building disciples, had to be the fruit of the action.
Beginning with a small core of 6 Mozambican Nationals, Michelle actively began developing relationship with these individuals. None were from families with homes. For them there was nowhere to escape. Each individual had his/her own heartbreaking background. But, as Michelle invested the time and energy to engage individually, she found a root that ran strong. A cry for love, a need for value and worth, and a heart ready to serve Christ Jesus.
She had been truthful and honest in her pursuit, somehow communicating Christ's desire to bring change and abundant life to each. It was this building up process that formed a bond and opened the door to building of a different kind.
Bricks... Bricks... More Bricks...
As they began meeting to pray and talking openly, they began realizing that the action needed to develop tangible change, was building and infrastructure. Basic needs, food, water, shelter. Together they began to explore how to farm. What would grow and how it could be accomplished. Just as soon as farming had begun, sanitation became a real life issue. Raw sewage was found and it was draining directly into the path of the newly planted gardens.
Michelle can do many things, in many situations, but sanitation engineer? Immediately there was need for a septic system. Prayer is the best way to gain insights and revelations. Overnight much insight was given.
The plan - simply put, dig the whole and line with bricks. It was a start. The next step, would come after the action of the first step. Discussions were done, decisions made. Invest the limited capital on hand, not in food that was desperately needed, but invest in the purchase of 500 bricks from a recommended neighborhood mason.
Three days after the arrival of the bricks, the rain came. The four young men worked incredibly hard first dig, then build, this amazing septic tank. None of them had ever undertaken such an endeavor. The rain pushed each to their limits and made the tasks at hand, much more grueling.
This particular night, the Lord woke Michelle from her sleep. Holy Spirit was revealing that there was a problem and it required immediate attention. Following the promptings she rose and went out into the yard. Looking around trying to find what could be the reason the Lord was ringing an alarm. She stood weeping at the sight of pile, after pile, after heartbreaking pile of broken, unusable bricks.
The sacrifices and sweat these young men had endured. What could be the plan now?
If you have ever prayed and needed an answer, you know the hearts cry that comes from the depths of a persons spirit that is overwhelmed by challenge. This is where Holy Spirit must be heard and Heavenly Father must have already prepared a plan. This is also where Christ steps in, through an individuals choice to engage. Utilizing faith to bring action into the physical world, Christ uses the individual to bring about a specific outcome, to the Fathers plan. This is where change and growth are produced. We are known by our fruit.
Matt 7: 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Due to beliefs and principles Family of God adheres too, knowing we are to be good stewards of things the Lord gives, even broken bricks found a necessary use. Through following each revelation, the septic tank was equipped and made stronger than it would have been originally. The tanks walls were plastered with cement to seal the bricks from moisture. The floor was filled with the broken bricks to assist in drainage, as well as, giving additional integrity to the foundation and walls.
And then the need to learn how to make bricks! Quickly and without hesitation the steps were taken. The revelation was met head on with action.
This was only one learning moment Lord lead us through during our time in Khongolote. This is the place and time where we found love and depth of unity with our God, for one another and for the family He was birthing.
This was our precious and awesome training ground. For a year we learned how to live and build relationship with God and with one another. We learned daily from listening to Holy Spirit, seeking God's Will first. We learned how to build, forge bricks, farm, and so much, much more. Little did we understand, we were in preparation for what was. yet to come.
Family of God Ministries
was born through the stead fast Love
Christ has for all.
For Family of God Ministries, the challenges, birthed hopes and dreams never before imagined. They presented opportunity, instead of defeat.
Two years later, as a direct result of choosing the paths God reveals, Family of God Ministries has formed a brick manufacturing yard and is working to build a holding facility for future sales. Family of God manufactures every brick it makes with integrity. There is no skimping, no cutting corners and NO short cuts taken. Each brick made takes no less that 5 days from mixing to completion. It will pass integrity and strength inspection before it is utilized in the construction of on going projects.
The Result - Family of God Ministries is widely known for the strength and integrity of the bricks they manufacture. As action gives way to practical practice, Family of God is further developing Masonry and Construction avenues. Forming leaders that are well trained in practical works produces strength for a bright future and builds a new hope for tomorrow.
Not shying away from challenges and choosing to embrace Holy Spirit is producing fruit that is seen and held in ones hands.
In addition, Family of God Ministries is actively and productively farming, growing and managing a still water hydroponic farm, managing water and developing further hygiene, sanitation and waste management skills, introducing education and training in particle trade works.
Most of all, Holy Spirit is moving in unbelievable ways. In the 12 months Family of God has been in the Mitilani Bush, the attendance at Sunday Services and worship times, has grown from our small core group, to an average of 40 or more, in attendance. The spirit of fear is no match for the Joy of the LORD.
As Family of God continually embraces the challenges as they arise, the dependence on God grows. Through the combination of Holy Spirit Instruction and willingness to trust God and engage faith in word, action and deed, Family of God Ministries is blazing a trail that reveals LOVE is the strength that is above all other things.
1 Corin. 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE.