The inspiring partnership between the UnitedMethodistChurch in Mozambique and regional and national government leaders offers hope to the 18 million citizens of this developing African nation. The founder of modern independent Mozambique, Edward Mondlane, was educated in Methodist schools in Mozambique and in the United States. Bishop Joao Somane Machado of the Southern Africa Area helped broker a peace agreement that ended 15 years of civil war. Today, church and government leaders work closely to improve education, employment, and development efforts throughout this large and beautiful nation.
The CambineMissionSchool, where many current church and civic leaders have been educated, has been one of the ministries supported by the Virginia Conference over the last five years. The BishopJoeE.PennelVocational School was built in Cambine in 2002. The Bishop Charlene Kammerer Girls Dorms for high school students were dedicated in 2005. In 2006, the Virginia Conference partnered with the GermanUnitedMethodistChurch to build a dormitory for women students at the Cambine Theological Seminary.
Not far from Cambine is the community of Maxixe, where the ChicuqueRuralHospital is located. Starting in 2005, a series of medical mission trips has been sent from Virginia to the ChicuqueHospital, which is the primary medical facility for over 200,000 citizens.
The Tinga Tinga United Methodist Church is part of a large campus in Bungane that includes the JanenePennelElementary School, dedicated in 2003, and the new Women and YouthVocationalTraining School, dedicated in 2005. One of our conference churches helped bring electricity to Bungane in 2006, benefiting the entire community.
Ongoing support in the form of educational and medical supplies, equipment and salary support will help ensure ongoing ministry in partnership with the fast-growing United Methodist Church of Mozambique.
