Each new year, while the world is carousing with parties and empty promises of a better year to come, many of God’s children around the world take this time in rededication and rallying around His Word. We received this report of our brothers and sisters in western Mozambique doing just that. The perils of crossing through miles of jungle, and trekking mountains to assemble together was not even a thought, as some walked 19 hours to make sure to gather with those of like Faith to start 2016.

On the 31st of December, I was invited by Brother Woodton to accompany him to Mavonde (Bro Joseph Moyoweshumba's assembly for the New Year’s Eve)

We had a wonderful time in the baboon’s mountain jungle. The Mavonde area is mountainous area surrounded by one of the richest biodiversity places of Mozambique. It was used as a garrison during the Mozambique rebel war, and it was the last area to be liberated from the Renamo rebels; up to this day, landmines that were left there explode when disturbed. The road linking Manica to Mavonde is a dusty road only fit for 4x4 vehicles, and along its course is a graveyard of army vehicles. In the middle of all this is the Bride of Christ.

The Message church is located in Chimsomba Village, (48km from Manica City, and 35km from the Pungue bridge). Bro Moyoweshumba is preaching to a 17 family assembly, most of them being of the same Moyoweshumba clan. This assembly has four outreaches in its nearby regions, in which more than half of the congregation gathered for the New Year’s Eve. Some had walked since 7am that morning, and to up to 19 hours to reach the gathering point (this comprised of men, women and children).

They crossed dangerous flooded rivers, attempted slippery terrains, the oscillating drizzle rains, and more over darkness quickly filled the sky while they were still miles away from the meeting spot. The last members arrived at 2:00am.

The services started at 10pm after supper (which comprised of mealie porrige, bird, vegetable, and the most favorite home made maize brewed drink- The Maheu.) It's hard to believe and it's true the whole night was spent in a clear light torch powered by a small lithium ion 5.2 volts Nokia cellphone battery, which they charge using a VGR allocated solar panel (given with the Lighthouse project).

The whole night was spent by preaching, singing and hearing of touching testimonies. Indeed all what I could see is that they truly love the prophet, and if there is a group that is praying for VGR operations, it is this group. They are very grateful for all that they receive from VGR.

God bless you.

Bro John