Update from Mozambique

Recent church events

It was our church anniversary the last Sunday in October and, as always, it was a really joyous occasion. Three of our young people got baptised as the first part of the service, it was lovely to celebrate with them on that day and a great reminder of the continual growth of the church and how it's got to where it is today.

We had guests from other local churches there, including a guest preacher. As part of the service, every group within the church did a presentation of songs with dance steps – these are a normal part of services anyway, but with special ones for the anniversary. And, after the service, we all shared a lunch together.

In September was the annual four-day conference for women from Baptist churches in the central third of Mozambique. I hadn't been able to take part in last year's (due to it clashing with an AMAC event), so it was a real joy to be able to participate in this one, especially with coming to the end of my time here.

These conferences are a time of singing, praying together and hearing from God's word. And, as with the groups in church services, each church will do a presentation of songs with dance steps. These are always a really great time to deepen relationships with the women – both in my church and women from other churches in the area.

Praise for AMAC

I was in a meeting a few weeks ago with the President of the Municipal Council and he was praising the work of AMAC and the impact that AMAC is having in the city. Such an encouragement to hear from someone in that kind of position, especially at the moment. And a great reminder that sometimes other people can see effects of your work that you may not have imagined.

Elections

I mentioned in my last prayer letter that Mozambique was holding elections in October. The results have been provisionally announced, although still pending confirmation by the Constitutional Council. These results are disputed by the opposition, who have called for peaceful protests. At the time of writing this, we are part-way through a week-long strike with protests called by the opposition. Thankfully, Beira has remained fairly calm throughout all of this, but that has not been the same in other cities in Mozambique.

Please pray:

For Macuti Baptist Church, that it would continue to reach out to others in the community and that the current members would deepen their relationship with God.

For peace in Mozambique and a fair outcome to the elections.

For wisdom for AMAC, as it continues to make adjustments following BMS' decision to pull out of Mozambique.

For guidance for me personally, as to my next steps after I finish with BMS.

That I would be able to find the right balance between supporting AMAC as much as possible in these last few months and sorting out all the practicalities of leaving.

Thank you for all your support and prayers for Mozambique and our work here.

Love Jane