Celebrating Our Mozambique Partnership // M-Note 5.10.25

Last weekend, Bishop Jaoa Sambo (the new United Methodist bishop in Mozambique) worshiped with us here at The Gathering along with his wife Delia. It is a huge honor anytime we have friends from Mozambique visit, especially the newly elected bishop. At McCausland, the bishop shared words of gratitude for our long-standing partnership and talked about the importance of the work that we are doing in that country.
 
Since 2009, The Gathering has donated 100% of our Christmas Eve offering to dig wells for clean water in Mozambique. What started as one well has blossomed into a partnership that in which over $3 million dollars has been raised, 200+ wells completed, and over 500,000 people have access to safe water. These wells have impacted everything from healthcare, education, women empowerment, economic possibility, and the growth of the United Methodist Church in many villages and communities. People want to be a part of a church that is invested not only in one’s spiritual life but also in the holistic life of a village or community. This ministry has led to long standing relationships between leaders from our church and leaders across the UMC in Mozambique.
 
After worship, the bishop presented me and a small group of leaders from The Gathering a painted tapestry depicting the bilboa tree. This unique tree looks like it is “upside down” with branches that look like roots. But, one feature of this tree for Mozambicans is that it stores water, a lot of water. Villagers can put a tap in the tree and access the water that is within. The bishop wanted us to have this, as a reminder that our partnership is a source of life, health, and hope for so many. He wanted all of you to know how grateful they are for our partnership. I expressed our own gratitude for him and all those who lead the church in Mozambique.
 
Gathering, none of this would be possible without many of you being so committed and generous to God’s work at The Gathering. Thank you. You being part of this church is impacting lives thousands of miles away. It is a visible example that the Holy Spirit can do more through us together than we can accomplish on our own.
 
Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms! Have a great weekend, and I can’t wait to see you Sunday.
 
Peace,
Matt
 
P.S. This weekend, I am continuing our series We Just Click: God’s Design for Meaningful Relationships. I will be talking about singleness and dating. Single people often feel overlooked in the church and the wider culture. If you have friends who are single, dating, or trying to make sense of what they want out of relationships, this is a great week to invite them!