In the midst of many restrictions due to the pandemic I believe many ministries feel the daunting task of knowing how to continue ministry and advance the kingdom while having to social distance and cancel public gatherings. Even though for many it seems as though it may be a paralyzing time for the church, I have been greatly encouraged by the example of one of our churches in the Dondo district.
Soon after the government of Mozambique stopped all church gatherings, Daniel, one of our pastors, came to us to share with us the vision God gave him for this time. He explained that he had already met with his local city government in the hospital to get permission to run a program through the church to help the community with the pandemic. At the same time, they could share the gospel. The plan was for the youth in his church to receive training from the hospital staff on corona prevention, and to receive training from the government on disinfecting public areas. With the training, they then had the blessing of the government to freely move within the markets in villages to help the community in various ways while at the same time preaching the gospel and praying.
Every day, up to 60 Youth arrive at the church and are separated into groups of two to go house to house and give information on Covid awareness and share the gospel. We have also partnered with them to supply mask, soap, food, and clothing items that are distributed to many of the households that are in great need. Even greater than the donations that they received from us, the members of the church are continually diligent to give into this ministry with their own finances and product. They have given so much!
As they have entered the community, they have also been burdened by the living conditions of some of their neighbors and have made a plan to help multiple families within the community to repair or rebuild their homes. This is usually unheard of within a local church to take on such a project with a plan in place to fund their work totally through the giving and physical efforts of the members. But for the love of the Lord and the love of their community they have given. Over the last week the members of the church have traveled many miles by foot into the bush to cut wood to make houses for others. They will begin their house building projects this week.
How powerful it is to see this congregation rise up and see the opportunity for kingdom growth when the rest of the world seems to be in a standstill. Because of their faithfulness with the vision God has given them they have seen 354 souls receive salvation and will continue on the next steps of providing discipleship where God has brought the saving knowledge of Jesus!