7.07.2009
Sunset over Maputo, Mozambique
Maputo, the capital of Mozambique is a beautiful city. Situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean, it has a feel as if on the Mediterranean. This is due to the influence of the Portuguese when Mozambique was a Portuguese colony.
During our visit to explore future ministry opportunities with Community Uplift Ministries (Circle of Light), I was amazed at the beauty of the country in the South. As we drove north from Maputo to Xia-Xia, about four hours, I could not believe how beautiful the coastline and ocean views were. As we drove past small villages and towns, I also noticed how different it appeared than other African countries I had traveled to.
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 therefore send money home. This has improved the lives of many in the southern portion of the country. 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” 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 Malachi 1:11 - “for from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My Name will be great among the nations; and in every place, incense and a pure grain offering will be offered to My Name, because My Name will be great among the nations.” May the Lord of the Harvest pour out His spirit in Mozambique so that the true Son will rise and set among the peoples of Mozambique lifting the veil of spiritual darkness over their hearts and minds.
During our visit to explore future ministry opportunities with Community Uplift Ministries (Circle of Light), I was amazed at the beauty of the country in the South. As we drove north from Maputo to Xia-Xia, about four hours, I could not believe how beautiful the coastline and ocean views were. As we drove past small villages and towns, I also noticed how different it appeared than other African countries I had traveled to.
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 therefore send money home. This has improved the lives of many in the southern portion of the country. 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” 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 Malachi 1:11 - “for from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My Name will be great among the nations; and in every place, incense and a pure grain offering will be offered to My Name, because My Name will be great among the nations.” May the Lord of the Harvest pour out His spirit in Mozambique so that the true Son will rise and set among the peoples of Mozambique lifting the veil of spiritual darkness over their hearts and minds.
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