Mozambique

The ports of this tropical country have been frequented by world powers from Africa, Asia, and Arabia since medieval times. Vasco de Gama and his sailors were among the first Europeans in this region. Exploration and trade originally brought the Portuguese to Mozambique, which would be eventually be their colony for over four hundred years. Unfortunately, when freedom came to Mozambique, peace did not long survive independence. The next fifteen years saw civil war and unrest, and although the government has been much more stable in recent years, the country still suffers from the effects of its past turbulence.

For a country nearly twice the size of California, the population is small: being just over thirty million. However, the population is very young; low life-expectancies and large families contribute to make 45% of the population under the age of fifteen, revealing the great need to reach both the many young people and the quickly-disappearing older generations. Not only has the country had to struggle against the effects of a long civil war on their economy, they have also had to face the results of natural disasters. Some regions are prone to flooding while others face drought - both detrimental to an agricultural people. Thousands of refugees have fled within to a country already impoverished, while many citizens migrate to find work. Some Americans are working to improve the country’s economy, but Mozambique’s real need is spiritual.

Portuguese is the official language, while several African dialects are also commonly spoken, most of which already have a complete Bible translated. While there is a small Muslim population, most people claim Christianity. Yet, much of the Christianity is combined with false doctrine and animistic practices. Oh, that more missionaries would go to bring a true knowledge of salvation to these ones for whom Christ died!

Missionaries in Mozambique:

Missionaries in Africa (listed with BIMI account numbers)