Maputo & Matola District Ordinands with Drs.Porter, Duarte, Sueia,  Chambo & other Lusophone Field Leaders

Dr. Jerry D. Porter, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Africa Region, recently spoke at numerous district assemblies and rallies in Mozambique, Republic of South Africa (RSA), and Rwanda. On nine districts and the campus of one seminary, he preached and taught on making disciples in conjunction with the mission of the Church of the Nazarene: “To make Christlike disciples in the nations.”  Powerful times of prayer followed in small groups and in concerts of prayer with people seeking the help of the Holy Spirit in their disciple-making mission. He ordained 35 as elders in the Church of the Nazarene, often with ordinands from several districts joining together in special combined rallies.

Dr. Porter preached the opening chapel of the new semester at the Mozambique Nazarene Seminary, where the student enrollment now stands at 69 on campus and 1,010 in the extension program. This year the seminary had a record of 34 graduates. The day extended into a seminar where Dr. Porter addressed not only students but also area pastors and district superintendents, who were invited to join.

Leadership conferences were held in several countries during Dr. Porter’s tour, including a two-day seminar with pastors and leaders from the Western Cape District. Some leaders from other districts had traveled 10 hours by bus to join in this conference in Cape Town because of their passion to accelerate and multiply church growth. Field Strategy Coordinator Collin Elliott shared 21 points of the Africa Region Strategy to multiply believers, disciples, and congregations. Rev. Elliott testified that a few weeks ago he felt led to challenge the South Field to start 200 new churches in 2009. He had hardly launched this vision when he began to receive the reports of goals being set that already total 235 churches.

Rev. Hugh & Mrs. Evelyn Friberg with Rev. André Chilengue, Rev .Manuel Tshambe, & Dr. Paulo Sueia

Dr. Porter was privileged to participate in two days of a four-day series of disciple-making seminars held on the Rwanda Northwest District with district superintendents, pastors, and leaders from six districts and three mission areas across Rwanda, Congo, and Burundi. The Northwest District alone has 9,194 members and 163 congregations. Their district superintendent not only oversees this district, but he and his wife also lead a local church program to care for over 800 orphans.  

District assemblies brought reports of growth and new disciples. The RSA Gauteng District reported an exceptional year with over 1,000 new Nazarenes. Their district superintendent speaks six languages and is able to preach to every congregation on his district in their mother tongue.

Ordination rally highlights include the celebration of nearly 3,000 in attendance at the Maputo Central Church where nine were ordained as elders, coming from six Mozambique districts. During the service, the Mozambique Nazarenes presented an inlaid wood picture to missionaries Hugh and Evelyn Friberg to express their love for him as a young missionary who was imprisoned in their country more than three decades ago. The Fribergs have also served in RSA and Swaziland and will retire in 2010 after approximately 35 years of missionary service.  

The ordination rally at the Wellington Boland Rugby Stadium for the RSA Western Cape District was attended by over 2,500 people. When Dr. Porter invited all those who wanted to call on the name of the Lord to be saved to raise their hands, many responded. He then challenged pastors and leaders to come forward in an “Each One Reach One” covenant along with those embracing Christ as Savior. He led them in the sinner’s prayer and a prayer for those who were going out to share their faith with others.

“I have been deeply touched, inspired, and encouraged by my time with these African brothers and sisters,” said Dr. Porter. “The Lord has granted us outstanding leaders with great vision who are enjoying a bountiful harvest of precious eternal fruit. Praise the Lord!”