​Wifi has been limited over the past few days, but tonight and tomorrow, we are in good shape (as long as I don’t jinx it). So, there is lots to share!

On Tuesday, we drove from Beira to Gorongosa, stopping at the Dondo Orphanage on the way in addition to the Episcopal House under construction in Beira. The Dondo Orphanage held its dedication the week before we arrived with the funders (Foundation 4 Orphans), and they expect to accept 25 children and open in January to house the children. This is good news, for the thousands of orphaned children in the Dondo area due to a very high (50%+) rate of HIV/AIDS due to the trucking industry here.

Our respite was to be to visit Gorongosa National Park. We arrived on Ezy’s birthday (Oct 18) and were able to treat him with a morning and afternoon safari on the day after (19th, Thursday). I highly recommend Gorongosa. I’ve been wanting to visit since I became the MI coordinator. Doing a safari and supporting the reintroduction of native animals to Mozambique that were decimated after the War of Independence and Civil War is really important to me.

Our morning safari started at 5:30AM with our safari driver, Castro. We had an extra guest with us, Tammy. We hit it off with her immediately, as she said she was raised Methodist! We were all family for the rest of the morning. We saw water buck, kudo, impalas, pumbas, beautiful birds, and an elephant! We even saw the elephant knock down a coconut/palm tree! Tammy knew the philanthropist, Greg Carr, whose foundation is primarily funding the project and helped set us up with a lunchtime tour of the scientific lab portion of the park that isn’t open for public tours. We learned that at any point in time, more than 20 scientists are working to categorize and take note of all of the species of animals in the park.

In fact, we learned that there are two species of bats that are only native and found for the first time ever in Gorongosa Park! After lunch, we had an afternoon safari where we got to see a beautiful lion, named Senator. A gorgeous sunset at the watering lake ended our evening.

Then, Friday, we headed out early toward Zimbabwe.

We stopped at the Gondola Training Center and the Inchope Water Project. The Inchope Water Project is 2 years in-the-making and just got started last month! After overcoming challenges of not finding water at the initial well site, no electricity at the new well location, and their water tank falling and breaking before full in a storm --- the project is going and is doing well!

This sustainability project fills via electric (solar) pump 20 liter (approximately 5 gallon) buckets of water. This water is filled and sold for 3 MZN (5 cents). They fill approximately 100 buckets of water per day, making between 250-300 MZN per day ($4.15-$5.00). This pays for a worker and will provide profit for the church to continue funding priorities of the church! God is good! What was really neat is that there is a hand-pump (not owned by the church) within site that also sells water—for 2.5 MZN. However, to save time, people are willing to pay the extra .5 MZN to have it filled within seconds.

Our journey continued through the Manica province where we headed into Zimbabwe to visit Africa University. With no problems, we were able to obtain visas and get to Africa University. It’s a beautiful campus that we will learn more tomorrow (we arrived right at sunset).

The Vice Chancellor for Advancement joined us for dinner. Our topics of conversation ranged from  business incubation and intellectual property coursework AU is leading Zimbabwe in, our Missouri endowed scholarships, to opening conversations between Central Methodist University and AU to explore potential partnerships. We were joined by Revs. Chembeze and Zunguze (Alfiado)–both Mozambican who were at AU for the Board of Directors meetings that just concluded today.

It’s getting late here, so I won’t comment too much on my thoughts and reflections over the last few days. However, I can share that experiencing God’s wonderful physical nature in Africa is breathtaking. Enjoying a sunset at AU and at Gorongosa back-to-back nights with different landscapes (mountains vs. water plain) is spectacular. In addition, hearing and seeing the work of the Inchope Water Project only reminded me that often times in the USA, we know so very little of the successes. If I hadn’t suggested to Ezy that we perhaps stop at the water project, we would have zipped on by. Even Ezy was impressed by their work and early successes. Ha!

The phrase that keeps popping into my head over the last two day is this: God is Good, All of the Time. And all the time, God is good. Deus e bom, em todo o momento. Em Todo o momento, Deus e bom.
​
Until tomorrow,
Craig

The dream became a reality!!!

Friday, March 17, 2017 will be remembered as the day of joy and celebration for the United Methodist Church in Mozambique, when hundreds mingled at “KaMukhambe, Bodini” (Cambine Boarding Mission), to witness the inauguration of the first Methodist Higher Education Institution. The dream that became true after 126 years of Methodism in the country, where church leaders have been preaching through acts of service and words.

The United Methodist Church in Mozambique has since then been involved in teachings in religion, health and education. A dozen primary and secondary schools, Seminaries and hospitals were erected throughout the country, and have nurtured thousands of people and equipped them with moral and ethical values to serve and develop the country.

The Governor of Inhambane Province, Daniel Tchapo was the guest of honor who among other dignitaries officiated the opening of the University. Tchapo cut the ribbon sided by Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala, the retired Bishop Joao Somane Machado, guests from the Methodist University of Angola, the University Board members and the crowd comprising of District Superintendents, Pastors, lay people, Mission students and Morrumbene district population.

A beautiful choir from Cambine Seminary students presented songs of praise for the occasion.  Invited to use the podium, Bishop Nhanala thanked God for this blessing and highlighted that the Methodist Church has been for many years a partner in the area of Education. She pointed out that there are lessons to learn from effects of cyclone and other humanitarian challenges including poverty, and therefore, Cambine will be the center of production and development of attitudes and dissemination of knowledge to confront all challenges of humankind.

The Methodist University is aspiring for emancipation and self-determination of students, aiming for excellency in education and health sector. Nhanala pointed out that Cambine has nurtured church, society and government leaders, one of which helped in the struggle for the liberation of the country and considered the architect of national unity- Dr. Eduardo Mondlane.

She warned University students and staff to excel well in all aspects of their academic exposure, and training should be focused in areas of ethics, moral and cultural values. In her closing remarks, Bishop Nhanala mentioned that the University should serve all, irrespective of race, orientation and religion; achieving knowledge beyond limits of research.

The Governor of Inhambane Province, Daniel Tchapo’ speech in his turn pointed Cambine as a center of knowledge, religion and ethics and that there is no doubt this University will be different from other institutions in many ways. He highlighted that like many prospering Universities created by Christians, this Institution will be unique. He called for professionalism in both staff and students, and that both should plant good attitudes, behavior and represent true change agents. The Governor added that it is high time we need to recover moral and ethical values the country has already lost particularly for the youth group. We are harvesting what we planted- he said, and the University should embrace this cause, introducing to the students board, scientific, technical, and religious knowledge. In his closing remarks, the Governor advised University authorities to introduce a debate on secular education for the benefit of the State and the society and that students trained at this University must have a seal of the uniqueness in excellency, promptness and high quality education from a Methodist University.

“The UMUM- Participating in the Education of Citizenship”
A public lecture was delivered by Rev Dr Jamisse Taimo, a Methodist born in Cambine. Jamisse sang “Hi Katekile” (we are blessed) song, giving thanks to God for a reality come true from a long journey in the thinking, hard-working moments for the establishment of the University. This is the University we want- he said, and outlined the openness of this institution where various issues of the country will be dealt about. He invited students for “dissertation” on issues of interest for country’s social, cultural and economic development. Jamisse quoted scholars who stated that “freedom of one ends where freedom of another one starts”, reinforcing the need for students to deliver their knowledge in the service of other human kind. He indicated some aspects of citizenship and referred to the challenges, where staff and students are asked to constantly develop competences, as an item which is part of the vision and mission of the United Methodist Church in Mozambique; students capable of mobilizing, activating and knowing how to do things and to support others in order to solve day-to-day problems.

Jamisse went deep by requiring that research be developed by both students and lecturers to help them know how to better serve communities in areas of administration, communication, health, to name but a few.  Students are called to listen and respect other peoples’ ideas; pass-on-the-gift of knowledge to communities alike; lecturers that introduce dialogue as reference with their students even outside classes.

Jamisse finally told the crowd and student community that learning and teaching process will need participation of all including parents, and through this interaction the Methodist University will be in mutual process of strengthening education of citizenship and participating together in country’s social and economic development.  

The UMUM will offer opportunities for training national students complementing the existing capacities of public and private education; will struggle for excellency through deliberate system of quality control of delivered services and products; will capitalize valences of the United Methodist Church in social sciences and humanities; and contribute for global effort in the struggle against poverty through social equity policies in access of learning and training.

Nearly 70 students have given birth to this University and are enrolled in the following faculties: Social Sciences and Humanities; Sciences of Education; Sciences of Administration and Management; Religious Sciences and Computer Engineering and Technologies. Classes have already commenced this past Monday, March 20, and the initial classes were delivered by Dr Azevedo Nhantumbo and Rev Dr Julio Vilanculos.

There are still challenges in the restoration of infrastructures in the Mission and also in equipping the library and laboratory; in the edification of more classrooms and establishment of halls of residences for students and staff. Prayers and support needed!
 
 
March, 2017

The last two day have been filled with joy. Yesterday (Saturday) we started our day in Cambine. We toured new buildings and structures then learned about the progress of the Methodist University at Cambine. Next month (February), they will be open for business when classes begin on February 27th. We also had a short visit with the seminary students who introduced themselves by class and expressed gratitude for our visit and sponsorships of their studies.

Quickly, we visited the Carolyn Belshe Orphanage for about 45 minutes. It was wonderful to see children who mean so much to us. Maria Lina, Emanuel, Nelson, Dercia, and so many others have gotten bigger since my last visit here in 2015.

Our last order of the day was to visit Panga UMC, where we are doing something new and exciting. Panga’s church members have to walk 14-15 kilometers (8-9 miles) for clean water. We’re drilling a well but then also will be creating a sustainability project with the well by pumping water to people’s homes. The problem we have to overcome? How do you do this without electricity? We found solar panel system that should overcome this problem.

The Panga community sang, led us in dance, provided us lunch, and we observed work from the solar panel crew. The super cool thing is that the owner of the solar panel pump company is the son of the current pastor appointed at the Panga church.

Sunday of course is church day! We attended Bispo Penicela UMC – a new church start that was spun-off of Belem UMC, covenant partner to Savannah UMC. Worship began at 8AM and ended at 11:15AM. For perspective, they worship in a local material chapel (thatched), and outdoors at 7:45AM it was 85 degrees with a heat index of 97. It was likely more than 100 heat index in the thatched chapel with no windows.

Church is always an eye-opener. Very liturgical, we sang and instead of a sermon, the delegate to Annual Conference presented a report. Those of you who know me also know that I rave about the offering. Our offering lasted about 20 minutes total and collected a total of $157 USD, but the average local church offerings were less than $2. Our guest offering equaled more than $110 USD. $38 was collected by those who are tithing by about 10 people who came to the front. I really like the idea of publically showcasing your commitment to tithing – but I know it wouldn’t work in our culture for many reasons. I am fascinated by the generosity of those who have so little money.

This afternoon (Sunday), we are going to be partaking in the Sabbath by going to Tofo beach. I’ll sign-off to post this. It’s been a joy-filled few days that really can’t be put into words. Yesterday and today brings back wonderful memories and being around friends, worshipping in a joyful way under incredible rough conditions, and providing water to a community that spends countless hours walking to fetch clean water.
 
Our time (except for Beth) is more than half-over. Tomorrow, we head back to Maputo with a pit-stop by dropping off Bibles/Hymnals for Pembe UMC (courtesy of St. Luke’s UMC in KC). 

Until next time, enjoy your Sabbath. Our scripture from church here was Joshua 1: 7-9. Everything Bispo Penicela UMC is doing is to be strong and courageous in their faith sharing the faith.
Boa Tarde.

​Incredible Worship
Our brothers and sisters here know how to worship. Our service started at 8:17 as we were waiting for the Governor of Inhambane province to arrive. It lasted until 12:40. You are reading that correctly. 4 hours, 23 minutes. I refer to a Springsteen concert in similar times. Sorry, I digress.

I’ve covered many of the worship elements in past blogs, so I’ll only address different or new things. The offering lasted approximately 40 minutes, each district singing and dancing their offering down the main aisle. The offering collected totaled more than $3,400 USD – which is such a blessing and a wonderful thing. There are more than 400 attendees all together.

Worship featured a choir from the Inhambane province churches, was led by the Massinga district superintendent, who is just a treat to be around. He’s enthusiastic and a little bit of a clown, while being a class-act guy that is led by the Spirit and he ensures others respond to the Spirit working, too.
We spent about 30 minutes reading the highlight decisions from the annual conference which varied from resolutions on doing work with those in poverty and battling HIV or malaria to increasing pastoral salaries by 10% next year for theologically trained pastors. Districts were split into additional districts as they continue to grow.

The district governor was the highlight. He’s a young guy (under 40 years old) and would be very much like our Governors in Missouri – the leader of an entire province (state). Daniel Francisco Tchapo. When it was his turn to greet the Annual Conference, we were already about 2 ½ hours into the service. He said he didn’t know what to say, wouldn’t take much time or use his scripted comments. Then, he proceeded to tell us that during our worship that he was moved and called to Joshua 1:1-6 (be sure to look this up).

Governor Tchapo insisted that during Bishop Nhanala and his first meeting that we (Mozambican church) pray for him and the decisions he makes. We think he’s from an Assembly of God background. He proceeded to preach from what was clearly his heart, unscripted, with a main message of keep making disciples. He is taller than most Mozambicans (and Americans) and stands a tall probably 6’6”. It was such a moving speech that Bishop Nhanala said she did not feel the need to preach! It was super cool!

I spoke briefly as Bishop Nhanala introduced me as a representative from Missouri who was visiting Mozambique. We played Bishop Farr’s greeting with success (Portuguese subtitles) Others highlighted were the new missionaries at Chicuque Rural Hospital both from the USA and across the world.

Then, the craziness began! Appointments. They are not ever 100% firm in Mozambique and pastors can be moved during the year. However, most appointment changes take place during Annual Conference. The catch here is that the pastors do NOT know they are moving until it is announced verbally. Verbal appointments are firm and sometimes reflect pastors who are not moving and some who are.

Some exciting news is that Naftal Massela (VIM coordinator) will serve a church (which has been a goal of his) in addition to his duties. He’ll serve a local church and work to grow it. Naftal Guambe (sustainability project coordinator) also received a dual appointment – serving a church. This pastoral process is of course very different than ours. Bishop Nhanala indicated that some things they expect and others they don’t expect entering annual conference. She proceeded to say that DS of Gaza district Xavier Naftal Guambe will be retiring. He was then appointed as the chief evangelist for the annual conference. As names were read, I tried to follow along with my partner church to at least see if they were moved or staying the same. It was difficult to follow with specifics coming in the next several weeks.

After leaving we went to Ezy’s brother’s house who had slaughtered the goat that was given to me by Mangumo UMC. We had goat in the soup and with the chima and rice. Dessert was a wonderful mixture of mango and papaya (sweet flavors for these American taste-buds who was having withdrawls from the sugar-filled diets and foods in America). We bought a pineapple on the way from Cambine and included it. It was amazing.

Even though I am full, as I write this, I’m waiting on tiger prawns (large shrimp) from the hotel. I will regret it if I don’t have one last fill.

The journey home begins tomorrow with a 11:45AM (local time, 3:45AM CST) flight from Inhambane to Johannesburg. It’s always a wonderful time in Mozambique, albeit exhausting. The constant 12-hour days, 5 hours night sleep while never recovering from jet-lag isn’t easy. But it’s one that must be done. There’s a story to tell here. Nothing is like home, this place is such a special place.

I’ll leave you with a random thought that was on my list. I didn’t get to it sooner, but it has to do with the evangelization methods of the church and people here. Never talk about 3 things: politics, religion, and money. In Mozambique, talking about religion is a part of the culture and who they are. They invite people, they tell people about their relationship with Christ. They aren’t ashamed. We can learn so much from the church in these regards. Christianity in America (because of our siloes) does a horrible job of inviting people. When was the last time you invited someone to church? (For me? Yikes. I’m embarrassed to admit how long this truly has been…).

I’m hopeful for the church here. God is good. All of the Time. And All the time, God is good. Thank you for following me on this journey. I’m so thankful for each of your support, prayers, and for taking the time to read.
​
See you in Missouri. Boa Noite.