Pray for Mozambique on Sunday, December 7, 2014

Lectionary Selection: Isaiah 40:1-11

Prayers for Mozambique:

God of light and life, we lift up the people of Mozambique to you in prayer, that you might speak tenderly to them, offering your divine comfort. Remind them that they are your beloved. Remind them of the power of your love and guide them in your Way. Speak words of peace into their hearts, for their times of chaos are not so far behind them and times of great trial continue even now.

God, we ask your divine influence in the hearts of those who are equipped to offer aid. We thank you for those who have already answered your call and for continuing to inspire them to reach out directly and indirectly as your hands and feet on earth with offers of time, skills, and resources.

Like a voice in the wilderness the people of Mozambique ardently cry for peace; peace in all its many forms, between peoples and within individuals alike. Make a pathway, God, in the hearts of people where peace and love might prevail and become the driving force for the renewal of your people in that place and all places. May the church in Mozambique continue to be strengthened in faith as it works to be a beacon of hope and peace.

We pray this prayer of supplication and thanksgiving in your son Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Mozambique:

Mozambique is a land full of contradiction. Materially, it is one of the poorest nations in the world. Beautiful beaches are full of fishermen barely skirting the poverty line. A fairly recent history of wars and violence is being strongly tempered by the ardent peacemaking efforts of many religious leaders and groups.

In a country where the church is such a powerful advocate for peace, but also is short on ordained pastors, support for seminary education is vital. People like the newly ordained Rev. Antonio have been able to obtain this education with assistance from Global Ministries provided in part by you, the local church. He is passionate about God’s church and participating in his ordination ceremony was an honor. I am positive that he will serve the church well.

Your support and prayers are a powerful element in the effort towards renewal and peace in Mozambique. With your gifts our church partner, the United Church of Christ in Mozambique, is able to work for peace in so many ways. Growing food in Gogoi supports economic peace and combats hunger and women’s saving groups use their funds to support the renewal of the local church, a strong force for educational and religious peace. GM funds help make local-language Bibles available to all people and programs for young women promote healthy self-image and support individual peace.

Thank you for assisting and supporting our partners’ programs in Mozambique as they continue to strive for renewal and peace in their country. Thanks you also for your continued support of this mission partnership. Please continue to hold the United Church of Christ in Mozambique and all Mozambicans in your prayers.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Kim & Erik Free)

Mission Partners in Mozambique:

More information on Mozambique: http://globalministries.org/africa/countries/mozambique/

Global Ministries Missionaries in Mozambique:
Kim and Erik Free, members of Portland First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Portland, Oregon, serve with the United Church of Christ in Mozambique (UCCM). Kim trains the church community on health care and preventative medical care. She also works with women and girls on empowerment projects. Erik trains youth and elders in the community in agricultural skills and also serves as a local church pastor as needed by the UCCM.