Gathering theme: “Christians of Mozambique North, Be Strong in the Grace That Is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1)”
Officiating bishop: Bishop João Filimone Sambo
Guest speakers:
- The Rev. Enoque Arao Mutendamambo, chaplain
- Francisca Tomás, governor of Manica Province
- Lourenço Mateus Lidondo, secretary of state of Manica Province
The episcopal message centered on:
- Overcoming challenges in class meetings, local church, pastoral charge, district and annual conference levels.
- Enhancing new leadership for mission and action.
- Training more quality disciples of Jesus Christ, empowered to courageously lead communities and the people of God.
- Practicing John Wesley’s principles: Do no harm, practice good stewardship and praise the Lord.
- Being gracious, strengthening each other with humanism, elegance and dignity, with constructive ideas to edify the church of God.
Main actions enacted by the conference:
- The North of Save Annual Conference had its name changed to be called Mozambique North Annual Conference.
- New internal church-to-church partnerships were established for prayers and financial support to enhance church growth.
- Children of deceased clergy should receive first priority for scholarships.
- The evangelization department set a goal of 646 for the number of new souls to be converted in outreach programs.
- Pemba evangelization extension was upgraded as a parish.
- Placement of plaques in church properties (chapels, wells and other projects), as strategy for evangelization.
Is the conference planning any new initiatives?
- Continuing projects to sustain churches and communities;
- New church starts from local churches;
- Build decent chapels and parsonages;
- Care for vulnerable and orphan children and elderly people.
Did the conference take any action related to the recent General Conference? Yes. Voting session for the constitutional amendments approved by the 2024 General Conference, including regionalization.
Number of churches that closed: Two, due to terrorism activity in Cabo Delgado province.
Number of churches started: None
What budget did the conference pass? Budget approved: 1,775,442.08 MZN
Other resolutions adopted by the conference:
- Readmission into ministry of two clergy members, who had been left out due to disciplinary measures.
- Pastors’ salary readjustments depending on level of education and isolation.
- Continuous education to clergy and laity.
- The next venue for the conference session will be in the city of Nampula.
Number of people ordained, commissioned or received into associate membership, and average age: Three clergy, average age of 40
Number of clergy retired: None
Membership stands at 15,163 people, up from 14,267 the previous year.
Church school attendance stands at 120.
Adults and young adults in small groups for 2024: 7,020 adults; 3,084 young adults
Worshippers engaged in mission for 2024: 12,520
- —Compiled by Ezequiel Marcos Nhantumbo, Africa Lusophone correspondent based in Maputo.