A Brief History of the Church in

Mozambique

Beginning in the 1980s, Mozambicans living in Europe, South America, and the United States began joining the Church. For various reasons, many later returned to their homeland to preach the gospel and establish the Church there. In 1990 Chico Mapenda, who was baptized in East Germany, was sent home to Beira by the reunified German government. With just three days training, Mapenda began preaching, organizing meetings, and working to establish the Church in Mozambique. Two years later, with more than 150 converts awaiting baptism in Beira, members who had also joined the Church outside the country began congregating in Maputo under the leadership of Samo P. Gonçalves.

Between 1991 and 1996, with no missionaries and only infrequent visits from Church leaders, Saints in Mozambique were “anxiously engaged” as they continued to preach the gospel and prepare for the establishment of the Church and “bring to pass much righteousness” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:27). When missionaries arrived in 1999, members had already obtained official recognition and had several well-established branches. Growth has continued as many Mozambicans have accepted the gospel. Stakes are now organized in Maputo, Beira, and Matola.

Mozambican Saints continue to reach out to serve their neighbors. In recent years, members assisted in nationwide health care initiatives and helped to deliver emergency aid to victims of natural disasters.

Quick Facts

Official Name: Republic of Mozambique/República de Moçambique/Dziko la Mozambiki/Jamhuri ya Msumbiji

Capital: Maputo

Largest City: Maputo

Languages: Portuguese, Chewa, Swahili, Mwani, Tsonga

Land Area: 799,380 km² (308,642 mi²)

Church Area: Africa South

Missions: 1 (Maputo)

Congregations: 44

Temples: 1 (Beira)