letter from Mozambique
Janet Phythian, Mission Associate with Church Mission Society, writes: During my recent visit to Sofala, central Mozambique from July to September, I gave much thanks for abundant vegetable harvests grown on the Africa Naturally farm at our base in Mezimbite, for orphans in care.
This followed a slow start in April due to extensive flooding caused by cyclone Freddy (see en April 2023 for more details). We were also able to support Pastor Pires to start a children’s ministry at his church, Seed of Abraham, following the amazing training he had received from Rory Bell of TnT Ministries/Mustard Seeds.
This time, unhindered by cyclones and flooding, it was a joy to visit all the rural churches we are linking with this year. Those links have brought encouragement through the good news in the Bible, and acts of service that demonstrate God’s amazing love for His people in a nation where material poverty is so widespread. The Growing Hope ministry helps churches start small vegetable gardens, using Farming God’s Way techniques. The churches are thankful for the vegetables they grow and for how children’s nutrition is improved as a consequence. But there are still more blessings.
During this recent visit I drove with Armando, one of the small local Growing Hope team, from Dondo to Caia, 160 miles, on an extremely challenging dirt road. The journey took nine hours each way. But the aches and pains from the travel, poor accommodation and food was all worthwhile as the joy of meeting the four pastors, wives, children and church families outweighed all the discomforts. They spoke about how they feel blessed by the teaching and the harvests, and they shared their vision for next year. Growing Hope has seen, in many places over the years, how the teaching, encouragement and gardens bring fresh hope in the Lord.
On this visit, Pastor Pedro and the other leaders said that their church garden had helped the team of ladies working in it to feel closer to God, as they prayed each day while watering and weeding, finally rejoicing in the harvests.
Back in Dondo, Pastor Mateus at first struggled to establish his church garden this year. Even so, the turnips grew well and someone passing by offered to buy them all. He was so thankful and encouraged that he started again in a new location, where more people could see what he is up to. Many ask: ‘What are you doing? Why are you doing it this way?’ He is then able joyfully to explain that he is Farming God’s Way, and shares with them Biblical messages and the good news of Jesus.
David received training on the Africa Naturally farm; when I visited him and his wife at home they are now growing a large plot of vegetables. He explained that he sells the vegetables to his neighbours for less than the price in the nearest market (an hour’s walk away) and he gifts some to those in need. He is now able to pay school fees, has installed electricity in his small house and replaced the dirt floor with concrete. He also shares his knowledge of Farming God’s Way with all who are interested, both the practical techniques and the Biblical teachings that underpin it.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, when I was living in Mozambique, a missionary couple from the United States wrote a song that included the words: ‘Oh Mozambique, land of tears and land of tyranny.’ It concluded with the words: ‘We stand on guard for you.’ As we persevere in bringing hope in Mozambique and stand firm in our faith, please join us in standing guard for Mozambique and the Growing Hope mission.
