More than a decade has passed since the civil war ended in Mozambique, but this nation is still considered one of the poorest on earth. The results of years of colonialism, Marxism and 30 years of guerrilla warfare have been hard to erase.

Yet, the Church in Mozambique is growing rapidly. It has doubled in size since 1988, and evangelicals are now more than 12 percent of the population,* making Christian education a strategic priority. The rapid growth of Christianity mandates that we disciple and train indigenous Christian leaders. Relevant training programs must then be presented to deal with the unique issues of unemployment, illiteracy and low life expectancy faced by Mozambicans today.

The relocation and expansion of the Biblical and Theological Seminary of Maputo is nearly finished and could open its doors for classes in the fall of 2008. With a capacity to serve up to 200 students, graduates will fill top leadership roles for key churches and denominations. Students and graduates could plant hundreds of new churches in the next five years.

The full scope of this program includes: 1) pre-seminary training; 2) a two-year Christian ministry certificate; 3) capacity for 40 students per year to enroll for a bachelor’s degree in theology; and 4) gradual addition of higher levels of theological education. The school’s plan is for half of its faculty to be Mozambican within five years. This four-story (14,000 square feet) college and seminary will offer classrooms, a large chapel and a modern library for service to students and visiting pastors and evangelists.

Bruce Callender, recent field leader in Mozambique, notes the many accomplishments there saying, “This year, we celebrate the achievement of establishing an OMS-related church, officially registered with the government and responsible to carry on this work. And now, with your help, we’ll also complete the expansion of the Maputo Seminary and extend its capacity to disciple and train leaders for the churches. Imagine what we’ll see the Lord accomplish through His people in Mozambique!”