Mozambique Mission
Your Help is Needed Now
In 2005, we helped to start construction of an Episcopal residence and conference office in Beira, needed because of the rapid growth of Methodism in Mozambique. Since then, this has been our building project. For 2009, the Mozambique – North Conference has asked us to continue this work, and in her Vision Statement for the future of the UMC in Mozambique, newly elected Bishop Joaquina Nhanala notes the importance of continuing with the completion of the buildings that have been started.
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Mozambique Mission Stories>>
Orphanage Soccer team playing in their new uniforms>>
Please click here to read an Overview of the 2009 Mission Trip to Mozambique>>
Strengthening the Methodist Connection
Volunteer In Mission teams travel to Beira, the capital of Sofala Province, on the Indian Ocean. This summer's trip will be the 14th from our conference to Mozambique, and will continue the ministry begun when Bishop Forrest Stith led a delegation in 1994.
We will be living, eating, working and worshiping with the people of Mozambique, as we build a community of faith together. Mozambique was a colony of Portugal for centuries until gaining its independence in 1975. Their struggle for independence was immediately followed by a 16 year civil war over control of the country, which left the nation deeply scarred. In 1993 the United Nations declared Mozambique "the fourth poorest nation in the world." Much of the progress that was achieved in recent years has been severely set back due to devastating floods in the spring of 2000.
Still recovering from the war and natural disasters, the people are in desperate need of schools, hospitals, churches and basic human needs.
What have we done in the past?
We do what the people of Mozambique feel they need most. Each year our teams have included some trained carpenters and other trades people who help teach their trades and skills to the people of Mozambique. Past projects include rebuilding a warehouse roof that was destroyed during the civil war; rebuilding educational, medical, and church facilities; repairing new and old roofs on orphanage dorms; and replacing screens on doors and windows, just to name a few.
Some people help with the construction, although those with computer, medical or technical skills are in great demand also. Library skills, teachers of computer skills, singers, musicians, craftsmen, nurses, housewives, students, pastors – all have had successful VIM experiences. In fact, whatever your walk in life, you will find countless ways to share your time, talent and Christian love with our brothers and sisters in Mozambique. VIM teams have traveled to Niassa province Mozambique, where we helped with a new church building in Lichinga, as well as a new parsonage in Cuamba.
In 2005, we helped to start construction of an Episcopal residence and conference center, needed because of the rapid growth of Methodism in Mozambique. Most important is the sharing of ourselves with the Mozambicans. Our presence is more highly valued than our presents!
WHY are we going?
Because they need us, and we need them. The United Methodist Church of Mozambique has many needs, and we can help them. The United Methodist Church of the United States has many needs as well, and we can learn from this experience. All who have participated in this mission program have been changed by their experiences - there is so much to learn as we gather around a common table, to worship and work together. The New York Annual Conference – Mozambique/New York Sister Conferences Connection has made the evangelization efforts in the Mozambique – North Conference area our VIM focus for the next several years.
