With a goal of strengthening both laity and clergy, Mozambique North Annual Conference delegates are highlighting evangelism and church growth. Meeting Oct. 23-26, they were encouraged to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).
Bishop João Filimone Sambo of the Mozambique Episcopal Area led the conference session for the first time, following his election at the Africa Central Conference in March.
“With deep gratitude to God,” Sambo said, “I am seeing people of God engaged and desiring an advancement of ministries in the church, doing no harm and praising the Lord Jesus. I am sensing potentialities for church growth and a fertile land to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
He expressed enthusiasm for the variety of ministries within the conference. “Boards and commissions are making efforts to ensure that the flame of the gospel is visible and benefits many,” Sambo said.
Prior to the sessions, the bishop met separately with lay and clergy members. Both groups presented their concerns and viable solutions for the church’s well-being in Mozambique.
“As conference lay leader, I can affirm that the topics discussed were exceptional and inspiring for the pursuit of our mission, particularly the themes for the laity responsibility in the growth and development of the church,” said Lourenço Zunguze. “As lay people, we proposed that next year more time be given to discuss laity issues.”
Armando Chovano suggested offering a refresher course for pastors to build trust and inspire congregational involvement. “It helps glorify God Almighty,” he said, “ensuring that ministries are performed with integrity and effectiveness, yielding a positive and inspiring environment that draws people in and allows the pastor to focus on spiritual leadership and preparation.” Chovano is related to the Bishop Joao Machado Methodist School in Tete District.
Sambo agreed. “To become the church we desire,” he said, “we must be united, generous in our gifts and committed to Christ. We must always pray and place our prayers faithfully before God.”
A highlight of the conference was the decision to elevate the evangelical extension of Pemba to the status of a parish.
This action, said Dercia Marrengula, superintendent of the Cabo Delgado Mission Field, “will positively contribute to spiritual growth. We will continue to focus on prayers and fasting, with deep commitment to reach people in other churches and share our experiences with other districts. We will proceed teaching others what it means to be Christian, evangelizing new members, creating new class meetings (and) local churches, and, on God's will, we will multiply until a new parish is yielded.
“This represents a great accomplishment. With the realization of this dream, church members will be more motivated and committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ. We have faith that in the future, Cabo Delgado Mission Field will reach the status of a district.”
Special guests included Dr. Francisca Domingos Tomás, governor of Manica province, and Dr. Lourenço Mateus Lindonde, secretary of state for the province, and members of their cabinets.
“The church has played a major role in education and health, providing the youth with moral and cultural values; organizing our population and nourishing them with Christian knowledge,” Tomás said. She mentioned a reduction in crime rates and teen marriages.
“As government bodies,” she noted, “we will always need church support for our mutual success. The state and the church must continue being part of an inclusive dialogue to consolidate the peace, justice and community development we desire.”
Lindonde added, “This meeting is a living reflection of the love and unity that we all desire and deserve. The government values and recognizes the historical, continuous and immortal role of The United Methodist Church in Mozambique, demonstrated in the promotion of ethical morality. We are pleased to be partners for the country’s development.”
Two pastors were ordained as itinerant deacons and one pastor as an itinerant elder. They included Geraldo Zunguze, Wiston Lucas and Ferragem Nazaré Ferragem, from the ecclesiastical districts of Manica, Zambézia South and Tete, respectively.
“I feel complete and happy for attaining this status,” Ferragem said. “I will immediately help my district at large in my capacity as an itinerant elder. This will help me develop my ministerial experience, winning more souls for the church.”
Hélder Zefanias, young adult conference president for Mozambique North, appreciated seeing Sambo’s approach. “His teachings will, indeed, help me in my daily life decision-making as a member of this church,” he said.
“Let us strengthen ourselves in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” Sambo concluded. “This is the only way to reap good fruits.”
— By Eurico Gustavo, communicator for the Mozambique North Annual Conference; adapted and translated by Ezequiel Nhantumbo.