When the doors opened for another Youth Conference in Mozambique, we embraced the call for service with great excitement. The conference was from 21 to 25 August 2024 during the school holidays and coinciding with the dry, cool season in that part of the tropics. The team of 16 left KwaSizabantu Mission and 3 other branches on the 15th & 16th of August. Most of us overnighted at Schulzendal, a branch of the Mission, to be on the road again early the next morning. We arrived at KwaSizabantu Mission Nsimbi, close to Massinga, late on Saturday night, 17 August. The 2 days’ travel was eventful, but we arrived ‘in one piece’ and thankful to be in time to join the Nsimbi congregation for the Sunday service.
As the conference was only due to start on Wednesday, the Lord gave a wonderful opportunity on the Monday and Tuesday for services with the congregation members at Nsimbi in preparation for the conference. These were special services and many used the opportunity to cleanse their lives and sit under the Lord’s Word.
We also had a lovely time preparing for the busy days ahead alongside our Nsimbi team members. From pitching tents, cleaning ablutions, hiring chairs, buying food and planning the program and menu – all were done with unity and excitement for what the Lord would do in the coming days. It was a blessing to see how much food we received from the congregation’s livestock and gardens instead of buying it at the market in Massinga. True to Rev Stegen’s example, this congregation runs several practical projects to sustain the spiritual work. Added to this was the joy and enthusiasm of the local ladies to prepare and serve the food, and the men from the congregation eagerly driving to fetch children from the local areas.
On Wednesday 21 August, many people, young and old, joined us for the conference. Every service was well-attended, three times a day. The beautiful sound of children’s singing could be heard far into the forests. Hearts were stirred by the clear messages, the testimonies, the films shown and choirs singing. Special sessions were even arranged for the creche-age children, so that no-one would be left out. Although the language barrier was a challenge, a common language was found in the gospel of Jesus Christ who makes us one.
Our team was humbled by the generosity of our Mozambiquan brothers and sisters. They served special Mozambiquan foods daily, as a way of showing their appreciation and love. The unity and mutual appreciation and support is what made the conference possible, through God’s grace.
A sports day was held on Saturday morning. While the boys were sweating it out on the soccer field, the girls enjoyed various fun activities such as sack races, skipping competitions and more. Prizes were won, memories were made and there was much laughter as even the older mothers tried to outdo each other in the tug of war.
On Sunday 25 August we were honoured to be visited by the Administrator of the area along with political associates. They heartily joined us for the Sunday service and spoke with appreciation of the work at the Nsimbi mission. It was wonderful to be able to serve them a good Mozambiquan-South African style lunch, and we trust the visit energized them for their important work of service to the Mozambiquan people.
It is truly inspiring to have these times of working together as young and old, from various backgrounds and nationalities. Every time precious pearls are passed on from veteran missionaries to eager youth, not only spiritually but also practically. Obedience and the fulfillment of being where the Lord wants you to be, brings an inexpressible joy and deep gratitude towards the Lord and His servants.
We continue to pray for our Mozambiquan brethren, that through the Lord’s unstoppable power, the seeds planted by Rev Stegen, and Mr Velanculos years ago, may continue to grow alongside the ones recently sewn during this outreach. May eternal fruit may be seen in the lives of those who received the revival message.
Ku dzuneka hinkwako a ku ve eka Xikwembu (all glory be to God)!
