The Cross Over Quessua
The missionaries who built Quéssua set a cross on the highest hill around. Standing at about 15 feet tall, the cross can be seen from miles away. The upper tip is now damaged, but the cross has withstood the worst war times and is still there as a reminder of hope and peace from above.
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Since we arrived in Angola, it was our dream to visit the cross. This past Holy Saturday, Armando, Amanda, fifty-four boys and I went up the mountain to worship at the cross. Bibles in hand (thanks to the generosity of Harvest UMC who donated them), we all started our journey at 6:30AM and arrived at the cross at 8AM. After the never ending picture session, we sang and prayed in as many as eight different languages, four European and four Angolan. Armando then led a Bible study on the resurrection, the boys being hungrier for the Word of God than breakfast. However, after lots of questions on Christian eschatology, we were all ready to eat. God multiplied bread and juice once more. Bible, nature, friendship, food, music and prayers, combined to give us an unforgettable morning.
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The journey back home was a lot of fun for everyone. I scored two falls and Armando half a fall. The boys and Amanda were, of course, the champions of the day with no falls and no sore knees.
We have posted pictures in the hopes that you too can get an idea of the beauty of the area. They can be found at www.pbase.com/arodri3/quessuacross. As you see them, please, say a prayer for the Angolan people and the mission of the United Methodist Church.
In Christ’s love,
Icel Rodriguez.
Comments
1. Burl Kreps wrote on
5/20/2010
Reminds me of many trips we made to the cross over Quessua while I was working with the youth and the boys in the dormitory back in 1956. Used the illustration that the cross still stands even after many years of conflict, a sign of hope for the future of the church and people in Angola.
2. Brian Lacina wrote on
5/15/2010
Hello Armando, Icel, and Amanda! I am so glad you had a chance to take the boys up to the cross. Thank you for taking and sharing some amazing pictures from up there. I will always remember when Pastor Carlos from Central in Melange came to visit us at the guest house telling us, as he pointed up the mountain to this cross, "That is where we first heard the word of God." What a special place! Miss you all very much.
3. will clark wrote on
4/22/2010
I am glad you had that experience. We are excited and will see you soon! We leave Saturday for Angola. Blessings!
4. Diane McCoy wrote on
4/17/2010
What an extraordinary morning for an extraordinary group! I'm so happy you had the opportunity to make the trek. Angola, Quessua, you, Armando, Amanda, the boys and the girls at Melange are in our prayers.