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Mozambique Development in Motion |
Our Story
In 1997, Barbara Williams was offered a retirement gift of a trip anywhere in the world. She chose an African safari and as her traveling companion she chose her sister, Marilyn Hurlbut. They decided a mission side trip would be appropriate since they were going to be in Africa. That was the start of an 11 year adventure that has touched the lives of dozens of people in Mozambique and the US. They have been returning every year since then.
They began teaching English to children in Chicuque, Mozambique where the Methodist Church has been helping people for many years. Since then they have brought additional volunteers from their home church, Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound, TX on their annual trek. These volunteers have taught classes in everything from English to Business Development. Volunteers from Triestch have also constructed irrigation ditches and built homes for dozens of families in the Chicuque area.
Their dedication to the people of Chicuque perhaps is most dramatic in their sponsorship of 6 young people in particular. 'The Sisters' and their families have sponsored 6 young people from Chicuque through Secondary school and on to Africa University. Four of these 6 were among the small boys they began teaching English to on their first trip to Chicuque! One is now a Senior Buyer in the Procurement Office of the United Nations while two are internal auditors with World Vision after having spent several years as external auditors with KPMG. Each are currently working on their MBA. The fourth is serving as the Project Coordinator for our organization, MDM, helping us build on the vision 'The Sisters' began many years ago.
It is difficult to underestimate the lasting impact 'The Sisters' have had on the entire community of Chicuque, Mozambique. Upon reaching retirement, many focus on living out the balance of their lives in relative comfort having worked hard for many years to reach that point. Marilyn and Barbara chose to use this time to reach out to a poor village on the other side of the world. Their story is an inspiring testament to the power of the Holy Spirit when applied to help His people in His name. In their own humble way, they have shown us all that with God all things truly are possible. Let us all use their example as inspiration to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Let the adventure carry on!