Pray for Mozambique on Sunday June 3, 2012

Pray for Mozambique on Sunday June 3, 2012

Prayers for Mozambique: John 3:1-17

Creator God, You are a God of unconditional and unchanging love, and we give you thanks for this.

Your love overcomes and gives new life. Empower Mozambique to continue to overcome its history of colonialism and war and the resultant distrust and weariness. Empower your church, especially the United Congregational Church and the United Church of Christ in Mozambique, that through them your presence may be like the wind that blows hope, peace, joy, love, and strength to the people of Mozambique.

Grant hope to those here that have lost hope amidst their homes made of palms. Grant peace to those who fish in the sea for their daily bread. Grant joy to those who collect the water from a common well. Grant love to those who have lost family to war, malaria, and to HIV and AIDS. And God give strength to those who fight against corruption, poverty and bureaucracy.

Give hope, peace, joy, love and strength. Amen.

Mission Moment from Mozambique:

“The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” Roy Ayers

Indeed music connects us. It connects through our heart and our soul. Music can calm our spirit and it can make us dance. It can thrill us and can sadden us. And we feel African music moves the spirit! In the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) there is music always. There is a song to open and close a service, there is song for offering, a song for the minister, a song to welcome, for communion, for joy and for reflection. Though in Africa there are many languages, the music itself, and the spirit in which it is sung, conveys the message. The spirit moves and God is present. What song are you singing today? What song moves you to worship? To give? To love your neighbor? What message are you creating?  Let us find our song today and sing it loud. Others need to hear our song and to hear the good news of Christ. 

 (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.