Bible institute trains health workers during pandemic

By Tabitha Crowley

The Theological Institute of Lichinga (INTEL) had been open less than two years when COVID19 hit in early 2020 and the Mozambique government ordered all schools to close.

While students received written distance learning material, INTEL’s leadership team discussed how to help prepare for the pandemic. They came up with four key ways and offered the school to the Ministry of Health, pivoting to train community health workers.

First, SIM printed materials explaining the basics of COVID and prevention, such as distancing, mask wearing and hand washing.

Second, Brazilian worker Ludimila Yoshimura trained local women to sew masks, which were sold or distributed to churches and the hospital.

Third, a team of Mozambican doctors, German nurse Heide Zwirner, and a British doctor trained about 40 Mozambicans, including INTEL students. Their community health campaign on COVID and safe practices, ran throughout the Lichinga area.

Fourth, INTEL’s building became a distribution centre for information and supplies.

INTEL re-opened in August after restrictions loosened.

WHAT IS INTEL?

INTEL is the only Bible school in Lichinga, the capital of Mozambique’s largest province. Its two-year Bible certificate includes trade or agricultural training, equipping pastors and lay leaders to support their families.

While the church is growing, discipleship is lagging, and Bible understanding is low. INTEL’s vision is to see local pastors and lay leaders being and making disciples and reaching the nearby Muslim people groups.

INTEL's opening ceremony took place in November 2018. Among the 100 guests were pastors, mission leaders, government officials, and the head of the peace commission of Lichinga, an imam. He came in Muslim dress and asked to speak. The schedule was rearranged, though no one knew what he would say. When he spoke, he quoted the Bible and encouraged the school to continue.

CLASSES BEGIN

INTEL opened for classes in early 2019 with 21 students, including six women. Tim George, SIM Mozambique director, says, “We see God working in the students’ hearts at to bring out buried things. This is a challenge as they seek counsel on issues we have never dealt with.”

The vision for reaching out to the Muslim villages flows into all courses, and students now share about conversations with their Muslim neighbours. They also report forming Bible study groups to pass on what they have learned.

With a new year group of 21 students, almost 50 people now attend the school daily, creating a great atmosphere. They come from more than 10 denominations, which challenges the students to respect and learn about other churches.

The believing son of an imam is now studying at INTEL, while three pastors in ministry for more than 20 years are enjoying their first opportunity to study God’s Word.

INTEL’s first 18 graduates left the school in December 2020.

THE YAO

The largest people group in the province, the Yao, are mostly Muslim but some now follow Jesus. In 2019, Youth with a Mission invited all Yao believers to a conference and almost 1,000 people came!

INTEL welcomed its first Yao leaders in 2020. Tim says, “We are honoured to be entrusted with training and teaching the leaders for this first generation of Yao believers. We look forward to seeing the fruit in the years ahead.” tim.george@sim.org

PLEASE PRAY:

• For God’s Spirit to work and for lasting fruit among the students.

• For continued low cases of COVID in Mozambique.

• For teaching staff to provide theological classes and mentorship; for technical trainers to provide skills such as carpentry, etc.

Newly trained community health workers run a four-day campaign in Lichinga, Mozambique.