Since early 2014, I have been conducting some training with the Reformed Church of Mozambique, a World Renew partner (Igreja Reformada em Mozambique, or IRM). The goal of the training events is to build the capacity of IRM’s field staff in four key areas that reflect World Renew’s strategy of enhancing effectiveness in project implementation.

Facilitation Skills and Experimentation
As a capacity builder to World Renew’s partners here, I facilitated a three-day workshop in Vila Ulongue for 12 IRM-RDD (IRM’s Relief and Development Department) staff members from March 4-6. During the training in facilitation skills and experimentation, the participants were equipped to engage adults in community development and also to enable communities to carry out experimentation to test and measure new agricultural techniques such as conservation agriculture. During the workshop, the participants visited three research centers, IIAM, INCRISAT and IITA, in Ntengo Modzi where they saw several experimental trials in conservation agriculture, sorghum , and soybean screening and multiplication.

By the end of the three-day training, the participants were excited to start implementing some of their new skills, and we hope to see them reflected in their work in the months to come.

Training for Justice Committee
I also conducted a one-day sensitization workshop at Vila Ulongue on March 20, for the IRM Justice Committee. The workshop included justice issues at the community level and how, as a church agency, the justice committee can make a difference. Six ad hoc committee members attended the training, and at the end of the day, they felt more empowered to carry out their task. They said, “We can now explain better what the Justice Committee is out to do in the communities.”

Board Training
On February 21, World Renew’s partner, the IRMRDD, invited me to conduct a one-day training for its new board members about the role of the board in organizational life. Seven participants attended and expressed excitement about having greater clarity in what they are going to be doing as members of the IRM-RDD board. Most of the participants were first-time board members.

Strategic Planning with IRM Leadership and Pastors
Following an evaluation recommendation, I facilitated a two-day workshop on strategic planning for the leadership and pastors of World Renew’s partner, the Reformed Church of Mozambique, Mphatso Synod, at Vila Ulongue on March 26-27, 2014. The training was attended by 31 participants who envisioned the direction they would like to take their synod in the next five to ten years. After some brainstorming and reporting out, the participants decided to focus on two key objectives:

  • Administration
  • Enhancing growth in membership and the congregations

At the end of the workshop participants said that they felt re-energized and motivated by the time we spent together. “For the first time, we are so encouraged that we want to stay longer to decide how we will accomplish the objectives we discussed today!” To God be the glory, and may this result in tangible actions.

Finally, may I conclude by saying that all of these events are possible because World Renew partners and supporters were faithful in praying, giving, and encouraging us. Esther and I remain grateful for your support in every way, therefore , “always remember like the scriptures say, that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Pray for Mozambique

  • Praise God for good rains this year (even though it has caused flooding in some places across Mozambique). Many farmers are hopeful for a better harvest.
  • Praise God that normalcy has now been restored after last year’s political tensions.
  • Praise God for an extension of the Mutarara food security program by FRB that will continue the good work there for another four years. Pray for an effective start for this project.
  • Pray that peace will continue here, especially as the approach to the general elections at the end of 2014. Pray for free and fair elections in Mozambique.
  • Continue to pray for World Renew’s partners in Mozambique, the Anglican Diocese of Niassa and Reformed Church in Mozambique (Igreja Reformada em Mozambique), for wisdom and grace as they facilitate development programs in their target communities.

 

Yours, In His Service,

Istifanus & Esther Gimba

Program Consultant
World Renew Mozambique

World Renew's ministry in Mozambique is made possible, in part, through the generous support of the Canadian government's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD).