Greetings from Maputo, Mozambique

I bring you greetings from Maputo, Mozambique!

I am here with Rev. Tom Wilson, MidSouth’s Ambassador to Mozambique through our international partnership and with Rev. Jeff Jacob the Presiding Elder of the Tennessee Valley District of the MidSouth Annual Conference.  After approximately 38 hours of travel, we arrived in Maputo around midday on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

We were warmly welcomed at the airport by a delegation from the Mozambique Annual Conference. After making our way through immigration, customs, and baggage claim, we stepped outside the terminal to find members of the Global Methodist Church in Mozambique serenading us with praise and worship songs. They welcomed us with joyful singing, dancing, and heartfelt celebration, giving thanks that God had brought us safely to Mozambique.

At that moment, we knew this was going to be a Spirit-filled journey—and we have not been disappointed.

On Thursday morning, the Mozambique Annual Conference convened under the leadership of Bishop Mark Webb. The opening worship service featured a powerful sermon by the Mozambique Conference Superintendent, who preached from the image of the Potter, reminding us how God is shaping a new Methodist movement both within us and throughout Mozambique. The day was filled with heartfelt worship, inspiring music, joyful singing, dancing, and praise.

Later that day, Bishop Webb officially appointed Rev. Zaqueu Ranchaze as Conference Superintendent. The Annual Conference honored both Rev. Ranchaze and his wife, Cicillia, in a meaningful celebration. The evening concluded with Rev. Tom Wilson delivering the closing message.

Friday was devoted to teaching and leadership training. I had the privilege of teaching on the distinctive characteristics of Wesleyan theology and what it means to live as Wesleyan Christians.

Following the teaching sessions, we presented the First Lady of the Mozambique Annual Conference with a gift from the MidSouth Annual Conference. We also presented Conference Superintendent Ranchaze with a beautiful communion set handcrafted by a potter in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, using clay from the MidSouth. These gifts were received with tremendous joy and gratitude.

We then had the privilege of announcing that the MidSouth Annual Conference had received a mission offering for Mozambique totaling $81,363 (U.S.), which is approximately $5,199,095 Mozambican Meticais (Mozambique currency). Needless to say, the announcement was followed by more singing, prayers of thanksgiving, joyful dancing, and heartfelt praise to God for His faithful provision.

That afternoon, Bishop Webb, Simon Mafunda (Africa Director for the GMC), and the three pastors from the MidSouth met with the ordinands as they prepared for ordination. The evening concluded with Rev. Jeff Jacob bringing the closing message.

As I write this on Saturday afternoon, we have just completed a beautiful ordination service. The service began at 9:00 a.m. and concluded around 1:30 p.m. It was filled with worship, celebration, and praise. Bishop Webb preached, followed by the ordination of five deacons and one elder.

Each ordinand wore robes that had been donated by MidSouth clergy, and the newly ordained elder received a stole provided by MidSouth clergy as well. In total, 22 clergy robes and numerous stoles donated by MidSouth clergy were brought to Mozambique. These vestments will be used by pastors throughout the conference and were received as a deeply meaningful gift that brought great joy to those who received them.

The Annual Conference will officially conclude Sunday, July 26. I have been asked to preach the closing worship service, and I look forward to sharing the Gospel and the hope found in a God who loves us all.

On Monday, we plan to take a much-needed day of rest. Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday, we will travel to several churches throughout Mozambique and spend time meeting with pastors. We will begin our journey home to the MidSouth on Thursday.

We truly feel your prayers. Thank you for continuing to lift us up before the Lord.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to represent the MidSouth Annual Conference in Mozambique. This has been an extraordinary movement of the Holy Spirit.

The Annual Conference has been meeting in a field of red sand under large tents with dirt floors. Although it is winter in Mozambique, the weather has been pleasant. We have had no rain, but winds of up to 30 miles per hour have placed significant strain on the tents. Even so, God has been faithful, and His presence has been evident throughout our time here.

Thank you again for your prayers and your partnership in the work God is doing in Mozambique.

Respectfully shared,

Rev. Todd Chancey, Conference Superintendent