Mozambique Initiative

SEPTEMBER 2011

www.moumethodist.org/mi

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• Spread the Word! Bibles & hymnals for Partners
• Give to MI online through the website
• New Mozambique Initiative Blog – sign up
• Give Online to Safe Water Projects
• Church Covenant Partners Still Available
• Hanhane Women’s Shelter needs furnishings!
• Making a Difference – Story of the Month… North Annual Conference, Needy People Helping Needy People - Bishop Nhanala asked United Methodists to become true messengers and reach out to more people in communities, recognizing the need to live through the “known God”, and the powerful. “God sends needy people to help needy people, where resources are scarce, but where people are full of the Spirit. God has power over all, and works miracles where needed, hence stand up and do His work! He will respond to our prayers and concerns.” Bishop Nhanala challenged all to individually pray, to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide our lives for the year to come, and for the renewal of commitments to serve. Jeff City FUMC also helped the Chimoio UMC have a decent parsonage… read more below.

Now to [God] who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine, to him be glory. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NRSV)

Vision of Mozambique Area:

· A church that is equipped for holistic ministries to the community

· A church that is renewed spiritually to build the Kingdom of God

· A church with competent leadership that is committed to Christ

· A church that is transparent and accountable at all levels

· A church that is self-sustainable

Spread the Word! Bibles and hymnals for partners – Continue Practicing the Grace of Giving

Bibles and hymnals are valuable tools, not only in worship, but also in learning to read and reducing illiteracy.

The people of Mukhambe-Feha UMC hold Bibles donated by Central UMC in Kansas City, Missouri!

I have never seen photos of happier faces than when Bibles and hymnals are distributed at Annual Conference [see photo below of women of Chibo UMC carrying Bibles & hymnals donated by Platte Woods UMC in Missouri]. During the December 2010 South Annual Conference an announcement was made for certain churches to send their members to the Mozambique Initiative table! Imagine their surprise when they found Bibles and hymnals for their congregations! “We are finding insufficient words to express our gratitude for the gifts of Christian life growth we are receiving from our brothers and sisters. Thank you very much Missouri! We are blessed!” said DS Andre Mudungaze on behalf of the people of Nhagoho UMC [Bibles were distributed to Nhagoho, Chibo and Macunhe UMC’s].

A recent letter from Cuamba United Methodist Church in the Niassa Province of Mozambique shared to Missouri partner, Morning Star Church, "We have Sunday school where our children participate and this happens a few hours before our main worship service. We still struggle to get Bibles and hymnals for our children and the congregation. We heard through [MI representative] Ezequiel that you are thinking of ways to support our Christian education. We are in need of 60 Bibles and 60 hymnals, some of which will be in local languages."

Bibles currently cost $10 and hymnals are $6. If you or your church wish to donate Bibles and hymnals in Mozambique, visit www.moumethodist.org/mi and comment “Bibles for Mozambique” or send your contributions payable to Missouri Conference, marked 8800 Mozambique Bible fund, and mail to the treasurer’s office at 3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202. Contact Carol Kreamer to contribute specific partner Bibles and hymnal! Spread the word!

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New MI Blog – sign up

You can sign up on the new Mozambique Initiative blog to be notified of new entries. Just visit http://www.mozambiqueinitiative.blogspot.com. Click “Join this site” on the right side of the screen to receive notice of any new postings!

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Safe Water Flowing in Mozambique – Give online!

The Mozambique Initiative reported recently that safe water projects have resumed in Mozambique using private contractors to drill or repair wells. You can now donate online at www.moumethodist.org/mi/wells.

Mozambique congregations may now receive grants for safe water projects by obtaining a quote from a responsible contractor and completing a grant request.

These projects make a complete difference in people’s lives in Mozambique! Caçilda, a woman at Mapinhane told how it used to take one hour to walk to the nearest unsafe water source, one hour in line with containers, and another hour to walk home…twice a day. The safe water well at Mapinhane saves her family 6 hours a day. It reduces disease and let her get the kids to school on time.

If you wish to donate to safe water projects in Mozambique, visit www.moumethodist.org/mi/wells or send your contributions payable to Missouri Conference, marked 8820 Mozambique safe water project fund, and mail to the treasurer’s office at 3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202. Contact Tony Blevins 417-581-6853) or Carol Kreamer 636-271-4455 for more information.

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Covenant Partnerships still needed

To make a 2011 church covenant partnership visit www.moumethodist.org/mi/partnership.

To make a 2012 seminary covenant partnership visit www.moumethodist.org/mi/leaderdev.

Contact Carol Kreamer cpkreamer@hughes.net 636-271-4455.

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Story of the Month – Needy helping the needy.

In the 2011 July North Annual Conference Session Bishop Nhanala asked United Methodists to become true messengers and reach out to more people in communities, recognizing the need to live through the “known God”, and the powerful. “God sends needy people to help needy people, where resources are scarce, but where people are full of the Spirit. God has power over all, and works miracles where needed, hence stand up and do His work! He will respond to our prayers and concerns.” Bishop Nhanala challenged all to individually pray, to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide our lives for the year to come, and for the renewal of commitments to serve.

Unusually cold temperatures did not deter holding Annual Conference session in Chimoio and the MI workshop at Gondola Training Center. MI representative Ezequiel Nhantumbo led workshops on sustainability projects that all churches in areas that do not have employment are attempting. Delegates once again welcomed and thanked Missouri for their support of this vision of self-sufficiency. Bishop Nhanala also thanked the Missouri Conference for supporting this vision and invited delegates to turn this opportunity into the success of a sustainable Church. She emphasized Pentecost and family prayer and the belief in the resurrected Christ.

During the time of Annual Conference the Chimoio UMC parsonage was dedicated. Funded by Jeff City FUMC and the people of Chimoio UMC, the parsonage was upgraded to add two bedrooms, a bathroom and dispensary. The people of Chimoio had also donated furnishings for the parsonage, creating a place of comfort for the pastor and his family. This is another fruit of Missouri-Mozambique covenant relationship - a house that is already bringing more comfort to the pastor, and that is able to accommodate guests.

In her Episcopal address Bishop Nhanala emphasized holistic ministry – that is, inviting churches to work hard to address both “physical and spiritual needs”. This is another element of the vision of the Church.

The Bishop sent forth Rev. Antonio Macilau Vilanculo [Africa University graduate], Rev. Calton Lameque Ngale [Carol Kreamer’s seminary student partner], and Rev. Eugenio Sebastião, to serve as itinerant Deacons, and Pastor Fataki Mutambala and Naftal Nhambire, to serve as local Deacons. “Here we are, ready for Your service!”

On Sunday the delegates met in a big tent for the closing worship and sending forth. Bishop Nhanala asked church members to become true messengers and reach out to more people in communities; recognizing the need to live through the “known God”, and the powerful. “God sends needy people to help needy people, where resources are scarce, but where people are full of the spirit. God has power over all, and works miracles where needed, hence stand up and do His work! He will respond to our prayers and concerns.”- Bishop Nhanala challenged all to individually pray, to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide our lives for the year to come, and for the renewal of our commitments to serve. Appointments followed and we were all sent forth to be instruments of change in our communities

To donate to the work of The Mozambique Initiative go to www.moumethodist.org/mi and click the donate button!

Shared with the people of God to the glory of God by MI representative Ezequiel Nhantumbo and MI coordinator Carol Kreamer. Graced to serve, C

Romans 1:11-12 (NJB

For I am longing to see you so that …we may be strengthened together through our mutual faith, yours and mine.

"Leading Congregations to Lead People to Actively Follow Jesus Christ"

Little Children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 1 John 3:18

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Carol - peace and hope for the journey!

Carol P. Kreamer - Coordinator

The Mozambique Initiative

Missouri Conference Missionary Fund #7400

The United Methodist Church

P O Box 754

Eureka, MO 63025

Phone: 636-271-4455

Email: cpkreamer@hughes.net

Website: www.moumethodist.org/mi

Ezequiel Marcos Nhantumbo - Representative

The Mozambique Initiative

Ao c/ Igreja Metodista Unida Em Moçambique

C.P. 2640

Rua Kibiriti Duwane (D. Francisco Barreto)*, 229

Maputo, Mozambique

Tel: 258-1-485742

E-mail: enhantumbo@tvcabo.co.mz

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