Mozambique (MNN) — The people of Mozambique have come a long way in the last 20 years. When peace came in the war-torn nation, things got better. But Mozambicans still suffer from the memories of war, as well as its resulting poverty.
Christian Mozambican refugees returned to Mozambique after the war ended. Some planned to plant churches in the poorest areas of Mozambique. As they began to spread the Good News, however, they realized that there were some serious issues.
Nearly 20% of the population in some poor areas was suffering from HIV/AIDS.
"Parents were dying, children were being orphaned, people were unable to support themselves, and they realized that it wasn't enough to go and preach about the Good News of faith in Christ and hope in Christ: they also had to do what Jesus did when He was on earth, and that was to care for the sick as well," says Bas Vanderzalm with Medical Teams International.
About ten years ago, some of those pastors discovered Medical Teams International on television. They got in touch with the ministry and asked them if they could provide medicine.
Medical Teams International responded right away. They not only started sending medicine, but they were able to help the local believers start caring for orphans, train believers, and create eight schools.
"There are over 1,000 people who are now healthy and who are able to work and care for themselves," adds Vanderzalm. "The whole community has been transformed."
It's not just the medicine and education that has transformed the people. Those physical ministries have testified to the goodness of God and His Gospel message.
"They have hope today in that community because of our partnership. And it's because of what we did in showing the love of Christ–not only physical hope, but spiritual hope, too," says Vanderzalm.
The Lord has moved mightily in Mozambique and continues to do so. The church is growing daily. This Easter, Medical Teams International wants to bless the people there.
"People could go to our Web site if they'd like to make a difference for a family this Easter time. A gift of $20 provides medicine that will be used to heal the sick and provide hope to those who are suffering," says Vanderzalm.
"Bring hope to people this Easter season. Transform communities and show the love of Christ to those who are suffering."
