Generous Gifting and Ministry
Despite the continuing pandemic, 2021 marked another year of generous giving and ministry partnership for the Mozambique Initiative.
A collaboration between the Missouri Annual Conference and the three Mozambique Annual Conferences, the Mozambique Initiative helps meet the greatest needs of partner communities in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2021, local United Methodist churches and individuals in Missouri rallied to give $551,331 to support the United Methodist ministry in Mozambique. These gifts funded a variety of projects – both new and long-term.
In partnership with local churches in Missouri and Mozambique, drilling teams broke ground on more solar and hand-pump wells across the country. Three of these wells provide water to refugee centers in northern Mozambique, which continues to see increased numbers of displaced people.
In another year, when COVID-19 continued to impact ministry and daily life in both countries, nearly $70,300 went to mobile health clinic ministries in Mozambique. These clinics delivered essential medical care and COVID-19 support to outlying, rural communities that otherwise wouldn’t have easy access to these services.
Just over $8,600 of the total supported the Dondo and Carolyn Belshe Orphanages, two long-term partners of the Missouri Conference and the Mozambique Initiative. In addition, on Giving Tuesday, MI supporters raised over $5,000 for multiplying local church sewing ministry projects. These sewing and design centers equip women and support girls with vocational skills to be financially independent and help support their families.
One hundred percent of funds donated through the Mozambique Initiative serve people and projects in Mozambique. The United Methodist connection enables MI to operate differently from other US-based charities. That is, apportionment giving helps underwrite communication, staff and financial costs at the Annual Conference and General Agency level and allows 100% of every dollar to land in Mozambique. It’s another great example of how working together helps the church maximize available resources.
As you support children at the Dondo Orphanage, a rural health clinic extending the reach of medical care or a new well in a refugee camp, know that MI is helping extend and maximize the reach of your funds to best support the ministry of our partners in Mozambique.
Want to learn more about the Mozambique Initiative? Check out our current projects and latest updates at www.mzinitiative.org or follow us on Facebook at Mozambique Initiative.