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Transforming Lives by the Word of God
As a 15-year-old boy, Mário became a Christian and was promptly disowned by his family. His pastor took him in and cared for him as his own son. Now with a wife and four children, Mário pastors one of the most dynamic congregations in Beira, Mozambique. It reaches out to all segments of society and all nationalities. On any given Sunday, you will hear AIDS orphans sing as a choir; see desperate people mingling with some of the richest; Mozambicans, Nigerians, Ethiopians and Americans, healthy people and the sick and dying, young and old all worshipping together to the glory of God. Mário is a 1994 graduate of Sofala Bible Institute...
Sofala Bible Institute
The school is the fruit of a partnership between Africa Inland Mission and Mozambican churches in Beira. Classes began in revamped shipping containers in 1989. In 1995, a classroom block with office and library space was opened. Presently, the school has 41 students in the Diploma program, 15 in the Certificate program and 10 in the Sunday School Teachers program. All told, 96 students have graduated from the Diploma program and are serving churches and communities throughout Mozambique.
The school is now ready for the next step.
The dream is to establish an accredited Bachelor of Arts program in Theology. The desire is to see more pastors like Mário leading the church forward, and in the years to come, suitably qualified Mozambicans teaching at all levels in the Bible school. For this dream to come true, the school undertaken a campus development project to provide more classroom, library, and office space.
Project Update:
Great progress has been made on the first phase of the Theological Education Resource Center at Sofala Bible Institute. In March 2008, ground was broken and construction began. By the end of November the first floor slab was ready to be poured. There have been very few accidents for which we praise God. Mozambicans are amazed with the progress made.
View Slideshow of Project Progress...
God lead us to Brazilian missionary constructor, Pastor Nelson. This has proved a real blessing. He and his team of builders are committed to excellence and have saved us much money over paying for a construction company. The school buys all building material directly and has been able to control costs and maintain quality. Prices have risen by 60% for steel and 25% for cement but we are still within budget.
More importantly, the school itself has had a good year. In March 2008, Pastor Alberto Mucanze was appointed as the first Mozambican Director. He has a Masters in Missions and is devoted to the planting of churches throughout Mozambique. For him the preparation of godly leaders is vital to achieve this goal. The curriculum for the proposed BA program has been developed and approved. Overall the school is on the verge of major steps forward. Before long we hope to have the BA program up and running.
We praise God for the $425,000 that has already been raised. As of the end of November 2008, $258,965 has been spent. The balance of $166,035 should be sufficient to complete the first floor.
We are now asking the Lord to provide for the second phase which comprises the chapel and eight classrooms and two offices. The estimate for this comes to $375,000.
Pray about becoming a partner in the work of theological education in Mozambique. A special gift by you, your church or your company would make a real difference. Should $190,000 be committed by early 2009, we would be able to continue building without having to pause for more funds.
Sofala Bible Institute Expansion – project ID 005404
Remaining estimated construction costs
$375,000.00
To make a contribution to this project please press the "Give Online" button. Thank you!
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