Religious persecution has been apparent in Mozambique for a long time. First, Protestants and all Christians were persecuted by the Portuguese, then, from 1975 to 1982, they were persecuted under Communism. All missionaries were expelled during this latter period, but in some areas (especially among the Lomwe in the north) the church grew very rapidly. Over 80 percent of pastors, however, have not had any formal training. Mission agencies were allowed to re-enter in 1982 when the Government felt the need to have the support of everyone possible, including the churches. AIM began work in the city of Beira in 1985, providing a teaching ministry to existing churches (Pentecostal and Baptist) and starting a small Bible school. Living conditions were hard, food often short, and medical facilities limited.

Since the cessation of fighting, missionaries have moved to Pemba and Nampula in the north (among the Makua peoples), to Espungabera and Buzi in the center (among the Ndau people) and to Tete in the northwest (chiefly among people displaced from their homes). These developments focus largely on work among unreached peoples.

Mozambique was a Portuguese colony for more than four hundred years before attaining independence in 1975. During those years the colonial government recognized only the Catholic Church, resulting in persecution of those calling themselves “Protestant.” With independence came the establishment of communism, so the persecution extended to all those recognized as Christians.

Although the Marxist ideology of the government continued until the early 1990's, missionaries who had been expelled at independence, were allowed to re-enter in 1982. The government recognized the need for the support of everyone possible, including the evangelical churches. Despite the fact that missionary work in the country was nonexistent between 1975 and 1982, the evangelical church grew quite rapidly among the Lomwe living in the Zambezi Province.

The only seminary in the country during these years had a curriculum that leaned heavily toward liberal Marxist philosophy, so there was a desperate need for Bible teaching. Even at the close of the 20th century, the number of pastors and church leaders with little or no formal Bible training remains near the 80 percent mark.

From the outsetof AIM's ministry in Mozambique, our primary focus was on teaching, discipling and training church leaders among existing evangelical denominations, some Pentecostal, some not. Sofala Bible Institute was formalized in 1989 and the first graduation from the 4-year evening school program was held in 1993. This school continues to provide an excellent foundation for pastors and church leaders as well as those who will mature in years to come and fill those positions. The curriculum is frequently reviewed by its staff in an attempt to make it as helpful and culturally appropriate as possible.

Since the end of hostilities in September of 1992, branch members have been able to locate in other areas of the country. The primary focus is still upon urban centers. In addition to Beira, we now have missionaries living and working in Nampula, Pemba and Chimoio. We also had a family in Tete for a couple years. In the future, we would like to see work continue there in the future as God assembles a team who can provide mutual support and encouragement in a very difficult ministry location. Espungabera is the only town that is not urban where we have mission work going on. However, many of those living and working in cities also provide some sort of teaching role in the districts, in partnership with those Mozambicans with whom they work.

Three of the people groups originally adopted as unreached people groups upon whom AIM Mozambique would focus, the Ndau, the Makhuwa, and the Makonde, have been reclassified as unevangelized. This means that there is a small, growing, vibrant, evangelical church established among these tribes that is reaching out in evangelism. Our ministry among them continues, especially in Bible training, development of gifts for ministry, and discipleship.

Outreach among the Mwani people began with a two-year TIMO team and we look forward to ministering among the Koti tribe in the future.

Another focus of ministry in Mozambique is on those suffering with AIDS and their families. One missionary couple is working with local evangelical churches to develop programs of visitation and care which are meant to show Christ's compassion for those who are treated as lepers were in Jesus' day. The need to share the Good News of the Gospel is underlined by frequent death announcements. What an opportunity this is for the church, the body of Christ, to be his hands and feet!