Pray with Mozambique, September 7, 2025

Lectionary Selection: Luke 14: 25-33

Prayers for Mozambique

This is a difficult time in Mozambique. After the national elections were held in October last year, we thought we would see peace. However, shortly after the elections, protests erupted in various regions of the country. Fortunately, in Sofala province, where the United Church of Christ (UCCM) headquarters are based, there were no demonstrations. Praise be to the Lord.

Nowadays, the country is at peace, and the elected president of the republic is working hard to reorganize the country, and we thank God for that. The churches actively engage in a Peace and Reconciliation program under the slogan “Mozambique First.” It is a positive slogan that encourages people to reflect on how their actions during the demonstrations were not beneficial to their own lives.

When Jesus told the story in Luke 14:25-35, He was on his way to Jerusalem. He knew He was on the way to the cross; the crowds with Him thought He was on his way to the empire. That is why He spoke to them like this. In the most vivid way possible, He told them that the man who would follow Him was not on the way to worldly power and glory but must be ready for a loyalty which would sacrifice the dearest things in life, and for which would be like the agony of a man upon a cross. With these words, Jesus teaches us that no love in life can compare to the love we must have for Him. Christians are called to love and serve God with all their means, says Jesus.

Prayer

Eternal and ever-blessed God, you are the Lord of all good life. We do not know what will come to us and what will happen to us in this world. Whatever comes to us, be with us to guide, strengthen, comfort, and control. We pray that peace and reconciliation must be a slogan everywhere in Mozambique, that people love one another. We pray that the healing balm of your love will be poured upon all those who have been devastated, mutilated, and violated by the war in the Northern part and all over the country. We pray that all Mozambicans will be empowered to forgive and that your kingdom of love will prevail.

Mission Moment from Mozambique

At UCCM, two major missions support impactful initiatives, including education, community development, and expanding access to clean water.

Gogoi Mission:

The Gogoi Mission includes a complete primary school. Although the Church oversees and manages the school, the government provides the teaching staff. This partnership was established to ensure sustainable staffing, as the Church currently faces financial limitations in supporting human resource costs independently.

Another key initiative at Gogoi is macadamia farming, which was implemented this year. While production has not yet begun, we started with two hectares, and the Church hopes to see the first harvest within the next two years.

In the Bizi District, we are also actively involved in community development through a project that involves farming in God’s way. This sustainable farming approach has already helped many families improve their agricultural practices and livelihoods.

To address water scarcity in rural and arid regions—such as the districts of Machaze, Chibabava, and Buzi—the Church has been digging cisterns and boreholes to ensure communities have access to clean and reliable water.

Simukai Guara-Guara:

The Simukai Guara-Guara project engages the community of Chindo in the Buzi District, specifically within the Guara-Guara administrative post. This initiative focuses on local development and empowerment.

The Church also offers theological education through Rictla Theological Seminary, where pastors are trained to serve UCCM congregations. Their work supports evangelization, teaching, and education across various social spheres.

Through these missions and initiatives, UCCM remains committed to transforming lives spiritually, socially, and economically across the communities we serve.

Written by Rev. Admó Matare Atanásio

Mission Partners in Mozambique

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