Grief and Grace in Migaza

MOZAMBIQUE – On May 22, a vicious storm capsized a dugout canoe on the Shire River, killing four people. Three of those people were from the village of Migaza where we have a church. The incident was reported to conference president Samuel Kasakatira and he set out with a delegation to join this village in mourning and to bring also a word of encouragement. The trip began the following day, necessitating a small craft to travel the same Shire River, the only way to reach the village. The day was cloudy and windy with rain posing the same threat as the previous day, but the Lord held back the rains, allowing the faithful ones to reach their destination safely by noon. 

The team was warmly greeted with grateful songs from the villagers as their luggage was collected and carried for them. Despite the loss of life, they spent the entire night singing praises to the God of life while interceding for the lost bodies. God answered their prayers, for early the next morning the lost bodies were recovered and prepared for burial.

The rains came unceasingly throughout that Saturday. Our church has no roof, which means that the congregation will not come when it rains, but the team of intercessors faithfully continued to pray for the village throughout the day despite the rain. Their efforts were seen by the pastor of the Church of God, and he opened the doors of his building for the worshipers to assemble. The funeral was held, and the village had a time of closure.

The following day, the two congregations combined to worship under the roof of the Church of God, and great joy came to the village of Migaza.