Pray for Mozambique on Sunday, December 11, 2011

Pray for Mozambique on Sunday, December 11, 2011

Prayers for Mozambique: John 1:6–8, 19–28

“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord.”

God who comforts, hear the cry of our brothers and sisters of Mozambique today. Hear the cries of those without water and the ones without proper nutrition. There are those who cry out in pain with HIV and AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Others shout out with the words, “Have mercy on me for there is no work for me today!” Some of your children are pleading for an education and others simply for a family to love them. May you hear these voices Lord, because at times we are so busy with our own lives and our own agendas that we ignore our own brothers and sisters that cry out in need. We ask that you help us to make your way, your path, your voice and your love known to all those who are crying out through our actions and in our prayers. Amen.

Mission Moment from Mozambique:

The United Seminary of Ricatla is an ecumenical theological institution in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. The Seminary is supported by a group of churches committed to creating a school where ministers can receive cross-denominational training in an ecumenical setting. The United Seminary of Ricatla has graduated hundreds of ministers, both male and female, who have gone on to work in a variety of churches throughout the country.

The Seminary has just completed a visioning process.  The staff and students hope that this time of reflection on the Seminary’s past, present, and future will assist in the development of new and innovative programs. In seeking to equip ministers to effectively serve God in the Mozambican context, the seminary is now not only providing theological education, but is incorporating organic agriculture skills and HIV and AIDS training. During these trainings students are being given skills to help them minister with a servant’s heart to not only meet the spiritual needs of their communities, but the physical and social as well. Global Ministries is proud to be partners with United Seminary of Ricatla!

 (Prayer and mission moment by Dawn and Jon Barnes)

Video Resource:

Interview with Dawn and Jon Barnes: http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/index/video-mission-moments/barnes.html

Global Ministries International Partners in Mozambique:

  • Christian Council of Mozambique: Christian Council of Mozambique is a Church based organization formed in 1948 by the main line churches like the Methodist, Anglicans and Presbyterians. Presently it constituted 22 different denominations both main line as well as small denominations including two Associations (The Bible Society and the Scripture Union). CCM works countrywide with offices in each province and in some districts, administrative posts and localities. 
  • Mozambique Synod – United Congregational Church of Southern Africa:  The Mozambique Synod is one of five synods comprising the United Congregational church in Southern Africa.  Its office is located in Maputo.  The synod is engaged in ministry in various districts throughout the country.  In recent years, the country has suffered from many natural disasters and the synod has been in the forefront trying to alleviate some of the suffering.  It has constructed new homes for the homeless and cared for hundreds of children.
  • Ricatla United Seminary: The United Seminary of Ricatla is an ecumenical theological institution in Maputo. It was founded in 1958 by a group of Protestant churches committed to creating a school where ministers can receive cross denominational training in an ecumenical setting.  The United Seminary of Ricatla has since graduated hundreds of ministers, both male and female, who have gone on to work in a variety of churches throughout the country. The ecumenical mission of the United Seminary of Ricatla is demonstrated in its practice of requiring students to complete their practical training in three denominations besides their own.  The Seminary also offers exchange programs and accepts students from outside Mozambique.  In addition to being respected for its theological training, the Seminary is well respected for the leadership and spirit of unity and understanding its graduates provide both among churches and in the communities in Mozambique.
  • United Church of Christ in Mozambique:  The UCC in Mozambique was founded in 1905. It is made up of 56 congregations with 20 ordained ministers. It has around 10,000 members.

More info on Mozambique: http://globalministries.org/africa/countries/mozambique/

Global Ministries Missionaries in Mozambique:

Dawn and Jon Barnes members of the Seventh Street Christian Church, Richmond, Virginia, serve with the Mozambique Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, based in Maputo, Mozambique. Jon works as project and development officer and Dawn serves as an HIV and AIDS Coordinator.

Pray for Partners without Global Ministries Mission Personnel: Iraq

More info on Iraq: http://globalministries.org/mee/countries/iraq/