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2010 Mozambique North Conference Session: "Work Miracles", proclaims Bishop Nhanala

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Missouri-Mozambique Transformation to Self-Sufficiency Projects

During a time of spiritual retreat prior to the 9th North Annual Conference session of the United Methodist Church Mozambique (IMUM-Norte), Mozambique Initiative representative, Ezequiel Nhantumbo, had an opportunity to present the work of the Mozambique-Missouri covenant committee on church transformation to members. On Tuesday, July 13, Mr. Nhantumbo shared the story of the covenant relationship and the past more than ten years of success and weaknesses. He explained to pastors and laity the transformation process of covenants between the Mozambique and Missouri conferences, in response to the challenges and opportunities for the Mozambique conference moving toward the vision of a sustainable church.

Nhantumbo’s presentation and ensuing discussion lasted nearly half a day. The morning included an explanation of the new memorandum of understanding (MOU) which opens room for empowering and strengthening the United Methodist Church in Mozambique. The presentation created expectations and raised questions and comments. Some contributed ways congregations will adopt strategies for a church oriented towards sustainability. Above all, the participants were thankful and joyful to realize that “when a door seems to be closing, there is another door being opened”, referring to the downscaling of the maximum amount available for salary grants as the fund available for projects [and leader capacity-building] increases. This transformation encourages an increase in the financial capacity of churches to develop local projects to help sustain the church. About 15 project proposals, requested by the MI representative in advance, were delivered to Mr. Nhantumbo during the session. After a review process, continuous follow-up by district project-organizing committees will be required.

Nhantumbo reports that concerns were raised regarding the need for short-term training of project leaders in project design and management so that success can be witnessed. Also of concern was the level of funding. Churches are interested in introducing relatively big projects that can bring immediate results in comparison to the reduction of Missouri contributions over the next 5 years. There is further concern over the delays that will be cause by the process of project approval and the length of time for reimbursements. The committee will address all concerns.

Nhantumbo also reports that the conference was unanimous in allowing strong outside church auditing to all projects, for transparency and accountability.

Use your intellect and prayerfully “work miracles”

In her Episcopal message, Bishop Nhanala presented before the conference session an overview of the challenges and opportunities in the face of the covenant transformation, and the church plans for a constructive vision. She urged members to use their intellect and prayerfully “work miracles”, in a conference which, though is missionary oriented, still has something useful to offer back to the church and society. The Bishop reported on successes over the past ecclesiastic year throughout the conference boundaries, with the celebration of significant number of weddings, children born, baptized and nourished with the word of God; the increase in membership, the improvement of living and working conditions of pastors and congregations; training of church leaders at various levels, to name but a few. However, the Bishop expressed concerns with high number of deaths in membership due to various diseases (particularly malaria and HIV/AIDS), increase in domestic violence, unemployment, justice through own hands (leading to killing of innocents) and other type of aggressions, and called on the church to restore the values and ethics in society, and encouraging people to do no harm.

“We are called to play a major role in Christian education and evangelization. The church vision takes us to a spiritual revival where we all need to commit to Christ and allow Christ to be within us and use us”- Nhanala said. In her closing remarks, the Bishop referred to the 30th anniversary of women in ministry as a significant milestone in the journey of women in Mozambique and on the African continent. “God revealed that we are all children with the same rights and privileges since the ordination of Rev. Jotamo Mapswanganhe and Rev. Amina Isaias Baloi in 1979. Today the number of female clergy is growing, but there are still 40 days and 40 nights to be walked in this journey for women clergy’s emancipation in the world.” Thus Bishop Nhanala declared the 9th conference session opened”.

Church growth and tithing

Churches also decided to strengthen the tithe and special Sunday offerings to increase local financial capacity of churches; to introduce internal partnerships to support weaker churches; to consider projects as the foundation for a solid church structure. Messages were unanimous in congratulating the Missouri-Mozambique partnership for the fruits of our covenant over the years of our mutual relationship and thanked partners for continuous prayers and support. The North Conference expressed its commitment to pray and communicate with partners in Missouri, as a way of maintaining the ties of our mutual ministry covenants.