A Surprise Visit!
A visit from the National Inspector and Director of Education in Mozambique
A report from Agostinho, Director of Light for the Hunger
On July 14, 2021, around noon, I started receiving calls from the local government leaders of Nhamatanda, informing me that the Center would receive a surprise visit from the National Director of Education. She was coming from Maputo, the capital of the country, to inspect the Literacy and Adult Education programs in the entire district of Nhamatanda.
However, we are the only ones who have the program running. We have the highest number of students with 163 people of all ages learning at Light for the Hunger Center.
At 1pm, I started to receive visits from the local officials. They wanted to prepare for the inspection visit that would come at 2pm. Everyone was anxious and afraid, fearing the outcome of this inspection.
However, I was peaceful and calm. I encouraged them not to worry about the visit because God is in charge and we are prepared to receive a visit at any time. In fact, our motto is always “Come and See.”
I learned this from the Bible in Psalm 66:5, which says:
“Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!”
At exactly 2 pm, the inspection group arrived. We received them and took them to the office where we introduced ourselves. The Minister of Education, Safira Mahanjane, introduced herself and her team. Her original plan was to attend class in just one of the classes at the Center, but throughout the conversation she wanted to know how the ministry started here. After our conversation and explanation, she was very thrilled to go out to see the classrooms and even more, to meet the students.
Her heart was incredibly moved because in the classroom she visited, she found men and women learning.
“Why are you here?” she asked an old papa, 68 year old João Januario Dzinga.”
“I am here to learn because I did not have the chance to learn and go to school when I was young because of lack of resources and the war. By my school time, I didn’t have school access. I am a pastor and a farmer but I found out learning is a continual process of life so I’ve decided to learn until my death,” said João Januario Dzinga.
Suddenly, she looked at one of the pregnant ladies, a sister named Cecilia, and asked her, “ Why are you here? I think you could be at home resting instead of being here, don’t you think so?”
Cecilia smiled, looking right at her, and kindly said, “I want to be like you!
Again, Director Mahanjane asked “Why? Do you want to be the Director or a chief like me?”
Cecilia replied, “No, I do not want to be chief or Director, but I want to be an educated woman, as you are. Educated people serve and help others in the community. My children and I want to be someone to help the country.”
Seeing and hearing this, the inspector was overcome with emotion and cried.
She told the students that she is a Christian. She loves to hear and see that Light for the Hunger has Christian principles. That our teachings value God and uphold the dignity of families left her speechless.
Then, I saw her start preaching the gospel for students instead of inspecting. After 5 minutes of sharing about God, she said she felt the spirit of God telling her to share the gospel.
Finally she thanked the classes and us for the hard work we are doing. She encouraged us to continue and said, “You are changing communities!”
She would love to see this done all around Mozambique. She promised that she will invite the wives of both the governor and president to come and see.
Even until today, I am getting calls about receiving visitors from Sofala provincial government officials. Please continue to pray for us, for humility, favor and provision. In addition, pray that God will always God be first in everything so that people from the government can be impacted and get to know Jesus as their savior.
Agostinho Augusto, Director of Light for the Hunger
