"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us." Rom 5: 2-5

"I am reminded of a verse from Isaiah 40:28-29 - “The Lord is the Everlasting God...He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” I am extremely grateful for this encouragement, as I daily feel weak. God has indeed guided and satisfied my needs in a sun-scorched land.... He has strengthened my frame and blessed me in so many ways.

"He has enabled me to develop relationships with some widows and orphans in the villages. I continue to visit, share and bring aid to them. Their smiles and songs bring joy to my heart.

Don and Elizabeth continue to be part of Heidi’s administrative and leadership team at the Pemba Base. Elizabeth also has a wider perspective in Iris as coordinator of the Long-Term Placement Committee; and Don’s involvement in the Mieze and Noviane village projects also gives him a development focus beyond the Pemba Base.

"Time again for another update!

"It has been a busy 6 months. We have made many baby cribs, cupboard and benches. Our latest project has been to work on the new nursery. We built a cupboard and changing table with shelving unit above for the main room, a cupboard for the kitchen, 7 baby cribs and we are presently working on a cupboard for the tias [aunties] and shelves for the bathroom. The nursery is expected to be open on November 11, 2009.

[Baby room cribs]

"It was our pleasure to deliver 10 benches to Maracuene Village this morning. Located about 20 minutes from the Zimpeto Ministry Centre, Iris Ministries and IMC have and continue to build homes for boys who are old enough to live on their own, but have no familes to live with. A young Mozambican pastor and his wife oversee the young men and the church that has been built in the centre of the village - to service both the boys and the surrounding community.

In addition to teaching in the Bible school and helping to facilitate the various tasks there, one of our passions is to go to the bush and minister to the needy. We can only go between school terms as the trip is long and arduous. The needs are so great that we try to take our vehicle packed with provisions for the people who live in the remote and somewhat primitive conditions, enduring hardships we can't even imagine.

The Blanchettes have been at Zimpeto for only a month now. Bob writes a very encouraging report:

Life in Bangula never stops! There are several projects that I have been overseeing. We are about to commission the construction of a new water system, which will include a new tower and tank. Praise God for the provision of quality drinking water.

The second stage of our school development is now in its finishing stages. Several other projects (though begun) are currently on hold due to a brick shortage. We rejoice in the Lord's faithfulness, as there have been no work stoppages due to the lack of some supplies.