From the Superintendent's DESK

The Musgraves and Gumbos arrived in Mozambique on Wednesday, September 28, with a team from our Southern Africa headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe. They were met at the border by our Mozambique Country Leader, Francisco Chatisso, and the Board of Trustees. The group then went directly to the headquarters church in Chimoio where the congregation was waiting outside to greet them. In addition to a warm welcome, they were provided with a nice meal of chicken, fish, and rice. Then a workers meeting was held.

The meeting was attended by about two hundred and began with introductions. Brother John relayed greetings from Portland and assured the workers of our prayers. This was followed by a time of singing and an opening prayer before the topic of “Loyalty to God” was addressed.

On Thursday morning, the team visited the site where construction has resumed on a new headquarters church. The project was started twelve years ago, but a major setback occurred three years ago when a cyclone knocked down nearly half the structure. Today, the outer walls are in place. The new church is much needed as the congregation has outgrown the current building.  

As the team toured the property, which includes a fifty-foot hand-dug well and several mango trees, members of the congregation gathered and sang. Afterward, words of encouragement were shared along with prayer for completion of the project.  

Everyone then proceeded to the current headquarters church for a morning service. It began with a prelude of a vocal solo followed by a choir number. Then Brother Francisco gave the announcements and welcomed the visitors. In addition to the Musgraves and Gumbos, these included some Southern Africa pastors, regional and district leaders, and the Board of Trustees.

The service continued with congregational singing, including “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Then Kwaziso Bhosha of Harare gave the opening prayer, and a vocal ensemble sang, before the message on “The River of Life.” There was a rush to the altar as the sermon was concluding and a good time of prayer followed.

When it was time for our team to depart for the South Africa camp meeting, a number of saints accompanied them to the airport. These were allowed on the tarmac and gave a wonderful sendoff by singing a song of “Goodbye.” Upon leaving, Brother John reported, “The Mozambique church is alive and well, and full of enthusiasm. In addition, they are rich in love and faith.”