One of my favorite activities here in Nampula is teaching a martial arts class at a local Christian orphanage.  I had already been teaching classes to the expat community when one of the leaders of the orphanage asked me if I would consider teaching there as well.  Before the first class, I was a little anxious about teaching such a large group of boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 20 years old. The Portuguese words for “roundhouse kick” and “fighting stance” were not words I had picked up during language learning! Could I adequately communicate the level of respect and responsibility that is required when learning a martial art to ensure they would not hurt each other practicing when I wasn’t around?

After the serious picture, we took a crazy picture.

Like many MAF missionaries who are pilots, mechanics, and teachers using their God-given skills to bring Him glory, God is using my hobby and passion to encourage a group of kids … one kick and punch at a time.