I am back from Mozambique and I had an excellent time. Thank you for your investment in this trip! As you know, we have been praying about joining Mike Parker and All Nations Ministries (ANM) and my trip with him to Africa was a chance to work together and gain a larger vision for what he does.
We traveled to Maputo, which is the capitol of Mozambique. It’s a beautiful city situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It has the feel as if you’re on the Mediterranean. As we drove four hours north from Maputo to Xia-Xia, I could not believe how beautiful the coastline and ocean views were. And as we past small villages and towns, I noticed how advanced it appeared compared to other parts of Africa that I have seen.
First, there was an effective sanitation system and so streets, roadways, and towns did not have the huge piles of rubbish smoldering everywhere. Apparently, this was one of the benefits of Soviet Communism the years they were involved there since every “comrade” was to have a job – including street sweepers and trash disposers.
Second, the southern portion of the country is experiencing an influx of money and job creation. This is due to several factors such as business opportunities, tourism, and the development of resort hotels along the coast line. Also, it is believed that 20% of the men work in South Africa in the mines or in seasonal jobs. They tend to stay for a year or more and send money home to Maputo. This has improved the lives of many in the southern portion of Mozambique.
But…despite the outward appearances the country is very dark spiritually. The middle to northern portion is heavily influenced by Islam and what is called “Folk Islam” which is a mix of Islam and African Spiritism. The Southern part of the country is influenced by a cult known as Zionism. It is an indigenous South African religion that mixes Christianity, Old Testament rituals, and traditional African spiritism and ancestor worship. About 30% of the country is actively involved with Zionism, maybe more. I could not help but think how desperately they need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ clearly explained so that they would be freed from sin and bondage to Zionism, Spiritism, and Ancestor Worship.
As I look at this photo of the sun setting over Maputo, I can only think and pray for Mozambique Malachai 1:11 “For from the rising of the sun even
to it’s setting, My Name will be g
reat among the nations”.
Ranae and I thank you for your prayers as we continue to pray about our future. We are fully confidant that God has a plan. Most importantly we want to be where He wants us to be. We haven’t made any decisions yet and feel like the Lord is telling us to still wait and pray. I had a lot of my questions answered and really connected well with Mike Parker. This trip was a key step in determining whether or not this ministry is what God is calling me to. Thank you again for partnering with me!
Jason
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