The Vision Becomes Reality:

The Lord has significantly blessed the emphasis on personal evangelism and church planting.  With 40 church plants in three of Mozambique’s 10 provinces, both small and large, all need strong leadership and pastors. In order to train leaders for these churches, the Maputo Biblical and Theological Seminary was established in 2001. Classes were put on hold during the construction process and until a seminary director arrived to set up the program. On October 31, 2007, the new seminary building received the occupancy license, allowing the building to be used. 

The Dispersion From War:

A generation of war throughout the country compelled people from all tribal homelands in Mozambique to seek refuge in Maputo, the capital city. The population of Maputo continues to grow as these people have established families and as the migration to the capital continues.  Through those called from our daughter churches, (Igreja Evangelica Palavra Viva)The Living Word Evangelical Church, and other evangelical groups, the plan is to disciple and train in such a way that former refugees will return to their people with the love of God in their hearts and the gospel on their lips to plant and lead new churches all over Mozambique.

The Plan To Train:

There are limited opportunities for local leaders to be trained as pastors. The seminary will be a strong support of the local church by giving their leaders passion to understand God's Word. This will foster accurate teaching and vision for church plants into the northern provinces of Mozambique.

The Maputo Biblical and Theological Seminary plans to select up to 40 applicants per year for enrollment in a four-year pastoral B.A. This will allow 160 students to be trained at a time. Our goal is to add higher levels of theological education as the seminary matures.

The four-story building will equip ministerial students. The large chapel, computer lab and modern library will provide seminar and resource areas for pastors and evangelists. The seminary will serve as a model of Christian truth to the immediate community and the society at large.  Mozambicans reaching their own people for CHRIST!

 In May 2008, Mike and Sarah Thiessen from Barrie, Ontario, Canada, joined the OMS team. Mike accepted the position as director of the seminary and established the seminary curriculum and program. Mike also taught Bible and leadership classes until the Thiessens had to leave Mozambique because they found out their son had cancer. Pray as he continues to receive treatment in Canada.