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Intercessions for Mozambique from USPG

[Source:USPG quarterly Prayer Diary, Sept 2006]

Mozambique, an ex-Portuguese colony, has two large, growing dioceses separated by the Zambezi River.

There is the Diocese of Lebombo, with Bishop Dinis Sengulane; and the Diocese of Niassa, with Bishop Mark van Koevering (who, with his wife the Revd Helen van Koevering, is supported by USPG)

There are wonderful opportunities opening up in these two dioceses. Both are of enormous size and have poor resources, yet there is a great hope within the church. The work of the laity and catechists in evangelism is producing new churches in new areas. Now there is a real need to disciple and train leaders. While statistics show growth in the economy and stability of this country since the end of a long civil war in 1992, regional statistics and real life experience show that huge disparities remain in the economic well-being of the people, with some areas suffering cycles of floods and drought since 2000.

The economic growth seen in the capital, Maputo, cannot be seen around the country, and malaria, HIV/AIDS and related diseases are on the increase. Both dioceses are actively involved in a variety of projects in these areas, seeking to make the love of God known in and through their churches.

Sunday

Pray for the clergy of both dioceses in Mozambique, and for the bishops and their families. Pray that God will be heard and seen in all the catechists leading services today.

Monday

Pray for the women of Mozambique, especially members of the Anglican Church and the Mothers’ Union. Pray for their pastoral work among the sick and poor in their families and communities.

Tuesday

Pray for the health work of the church, especially in tackling malaria and HIV/AIDS. May the compassion of Christ be evident to all through their work

Wednesday

Lift up the children of Mozambique, for whom the development of the country holds so much promise. Pray for those in churches, in education and in health care, who are working with children.

Thursday

Pray for marriage and family life in these dioceses. Where commitment has been lacking, where abuse, poverty, hurt and inequality have damaged, may God’s healing bring new life and be a witness to God’s presence in the churches and communities.

Friday

Pray for training programmes in both dioceses, including training for catechists, community and diocesan priests, the Mothers’ Union and health activists. May they be instruments to further the kingdom of God.

Saturday

Pray for President Guebuza, the government and the governors of each of the 10 provinces. Pray for those encouraging private investment in ecologically-sound and poverty-ending projects to benefit the country.

May God, our Creator, be known and worshipped by all,
May Jesus be recognised in all we do and say,
May God’s Holy Spirit be seen in our churches and in us,
And may we reflect God’s compassion, God’s light and God’s joy in Mozambique.
Amen