Gifts for Grateful Angolan Pastors

Thanks Back to God Ministries International (BTGMI) Portuguese ministry, 50 pastors in the south-central African country of Angola have received the gift of 300 books, including Bibles, devotional booklets, Bible study and doctrinal study materials.

Pastors and others have warmly welcomed these gifts from the supporters of BTGMI’s Portuguese ministry.

"This material will be greatly valuable and useful to the ministry, especially in the teaching and formation of new leaders," says Angolan pastor Rev. Antonio Mussaqui in a message of gratitude for these gifts.

Fifteen million of the world's poorest people live in Angola, causing Angolan pastors to deal with many difficulties in their ministry because of the lack of basic resources. There is a hunger for God’s word, but many pastors need to travel hundreds of miles to visit communities, frequently without the proper means of transportation.

According to the General Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Angola, 70 percent of church members don’t own a Bible, not even a New Testament. Pastors have little access to teaching resources.

With the recent gift of Bibles and other materials, BTGMI is working to address the shortage.

"The reaction of the pastors receiving the materials was immediate joy and gratitude. Many sent letters with deeply touching accounts," reports BTGMI Portuguese ministry team.

"I was as surprised to receive the package as Abram and his wife when God gave them a son. Like them, I was very happy and thankful to God," wrote Rev. Rodriques Teca from Uige Province.

Rev. Luciano da Graça from South Kwanza Province sent this reply: "To me this package is extra strength for the challenges ahead."

The Portuguese media team plans to continue the work with the Angolan churches by helping these church leaders, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of those communities, and strengthening the churches and their leaders. Besides Angola, Mozambique is also part of BTGMI outreach objectives.

"We want to provide discipleship materials to train and equip local pastors and church leaders for follow-up," explains Rev. Robert Heerspink, BTGMI Director.

Discipleship materials include an adaptation of the Brazilian-produced Cada Dia devotional booklet, making it culturally relevant to readers in Africa, and a special radio series specifically designed to reach Portuguese-speaking listeners in Africa.

Although people in both countries speak the same language, some of the words and phrases of the materials produced in Brazil are not culturally relevant to audiences in Angola.

"With Internet resources and local editors in Africa, it is possible to produce versions of our materials and broadcasts that effectively speak to people in the African culture. The language should not be a barrier, but a tool for the Spirit’s work," notes Heerspink.

If you would like to learn ways you can support BTGMI Portuguese outreach in Angola and Mozambique, contact [email protected].