For the first time in history, Mozambique has now enjoyed several years of both peace and religious freedom. It has, at times, been called the world's poorest country, due to colonial exploitation (470 years) followed by 30 years of brutal guerrilla warfare and many years of Marxist oppression. The infrastructure was devastated, but now is slowly being rebuilt. Until January 2001, SIM worked exclusively with the Igreja União Baptista de Moçambique. We now are newly registered as an interdenominational mission agency in the country and are developing a wider circle of ministry relationships. For many years missionaries have been burdened for the northernmost provinces of the country, which have the least exposure to Gospel witness. A new thrust into Niassa Province, especially to the Yao and Makua people, is now in the early stages. Longstanding efforts at developing local language materials, including Scripture, continue. In the midst of much poverty and need, the team seeks to develop health programs and find other ways to minister to human need.

Please pray for:

1. Wisdom in planning sustainable development programs that will help improve people's lives as well as open doors for effective evangelism.
   
2. Progress in translation and production of Bibles and biblical materials in the Lomwe language.
   
3. Guidance for our new advance into Niassa that we may make the right choices regarding location and type of ministry.
   
4. Perseverance as many on the team will be learning vernacular languages in coming months and years.
   
5. Church-planting teams with a pioneering spirit for reaching Muslim and animist people groups.