This ceremony is a local traditional step once land has been legalized and a new residence is built!
Women from the churches
in Cala and Nyamajeho arrived at my house early in the morning to help.
We picked out the pork the day before from one of the freshly killed pigs that are hung from a tree on the side of the road.
Making the typical local dish, chiguinha, with the bitter kakana leaves.
My colleagues, neighbors, and the local officials began to arrive.
Tomas, who was the MC of the ceremony, welcomed everyone.
Representatives of each leadership group were given the opportunity to speak.
Pastor Daniel, as the representative from Living Word Evangelical Church (IEPV) preached about the power of prayer in Hannah's life, and the faithfulness of God. We prayed and dedicated the house to God's work.
Melvin, as the representative of One Mission Society, has been instrumental in the building of this house and in supporting and encouraging me in this ministry.
Pastor Graca, from the Wesleyan church, who is a representative of the Mozambican Advisors to OMS, has been counseling and encouraging us for the last 20 years.
Pastor Mutombene, from the local Nazarene church, who is a representative of the Religious Affairs Department, was the pastor who presented me to the local chiefs, government officials, and community establishments when I moved to Quissico.
The district chief, representing the other five local chiefs, said that I was the first person of my nationality to be a resident in this community, and he welcomed me here.
Senhora Constancia, from the Municipality, presented me with a Bible in the Txitxopi language, and encouraged me to keep learning the local language.
My brothers and sisters from the churches and from the neighborhood presented me with special gifts of capulanas, a serving tray, money, and a frozen chicken!
The women from Cala presented me with a macumi, a large capulana with a white lace connecting section that is used as a blanket.
And they did the traditional wrapping me up in it too.
Then we ate the special meal
Servant Leaders, Pastor Daniel and his wife Luisa serving the guests.
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I thank God and I thank everyone, near and far, who made this possible. This house is a testament to God's faithfulness and it is dedicated to Him.
