4A On Sunday, December 4, the


sun was seen rising up from east through the Ricatla hill- top, announcing a brilliant day that would witness a glorious moment in the life of that insti- tution. Under the refreshing shade of the old tree at Ricatla Ecumenical Seminary - students from various denominations who had gone through years of academic exposure would finally graduate. Among this group two young United Methodists, Orlando Moniz and Baptista Raimundo dos Santos, had their black gowns ready for the event. Hundreds of people had


already assembled under the shade - teachers, guests of honor, family members and the sur- rounding community, to see in loco and witness the swearing of the graduates in affirmation of readiness to serve and make true Disciples around the world. The peace of God could be felt


Mozambique Initiative News


January 6, 2012 Ricatla Seminary bears fruits for ministry in Mozambique


as songs of praise were sung with clapping hands and the African ululation, expression of joy “le, le, le, le”, was heard on women - “he katekile” (we are blessed) - said the students while marching to receive their diploma. Missouri and Mozambique once again wit- nessed the fruits of this seminary student covenant program! A day before, a larger group had gradu- ated at United Methodist Cambine Seminary. The Divine was called as the


preacher Rev. Lucas Amosse took the podium to baptize the cer- emony with scripture readings from the book of Mark 9:33-35 [33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them,” What were you argu- ing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be


the very last, and the servant of all.” And from the book of James 3:14-18 [14 But if you harbor bit- ter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wis- dom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, consider- ate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sin- cere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteous- ness.]


The message brought encour-


agement to graduates to feel proud of being chosen to serve in God’s Kingdom, and operate miracles, opening hearts, doors and minds of those in need of the word. The preacher closed by saying that we are all called to take our time seeking God and salvation, mak- ing disciples to change the world. Ricatla academic director,


United Methodist pastor, Rev. Isaias Titosse, led in conferring the degree and handing diplomas to the graduates. United Methodist graduate,


Baptista Raimundo dos Santos, could not hide his satisfaction and approached the Missouri Mozambique Initiative representa- tive with tears rolling down his face in an expression of joy and said: “Ezy, please let the Missouri


Bollinger continued from page 1A “I was very impressed with


the work that Carol does for the Mozambique Initiative,” Bollinger said. Bollinger had been interested


in being a missionary when she was in high school, and has trav- eled to Africa multiple times. She has helped with raising funds for Mozambique projects at The Gathering, and in October Bollinger and her husband Kevin


conference, and Grace UMC in Jamestown in particular, know that I am thankful for support- ing my studies. It has been a wonderful time being here, and I performed so brilliantly in my academic life. It was all possible because of your prayers and sup- port. I am now ready to go out and serve. May God bless you all so that your efforts and love you endeavored to me, can as well serve others to follow.” Another short message came from Orlando Moniz, graduate and partner to the Wellington UMC, who has shown appreciation for sup- port and prayer; for the time of interaction while writing letters and exchanging life and ministry experiences. I could not have enough time


to talk with the graduates as their relatives eagerly pushed and hugged each other with joy for the accomplishment and taking them to a table for fellowship.


We had seen these students


arriving with lots of questions in their minds; we saw them rec- ognizing the Divine call; we saw them interacting and praying for their covenant partners; and today they are servants to serve the people of God! Amen! I planted the seed; Apollos


watered it; but God made it grow. I Corinthians 3:6 Note from MI: Graduating


seminary students typically go into a one-year probationary peri- od and are ordained into the order of elder or deacon the following year (December 2012) during the Annual Conference session of the United Methodist Church in Mozambique. To sponsor a student for a new


term, visit the website www.mou- methodist.org/mi/leaderdeve and click to make online commitment. Contact Carol Kreamer cpkream- er@hughes.net 636-271-4455 for further information.


traveled to Mozambique to visit The Gathering’s covenant partner. “I fell in love with the country


and the people there,” Bollinger said. “I applied for the coordina- tor position when we got back.” Sometime before Kreamer


retires Bollinger will be traveling back to Mozambique with her. “I’ve got a lot of learning to do on the ground there,” she said.


www


.moumethodist. org


Sarah Bollinger is shown here during her recent trip to Mozambique. She is now beginning to transition into the position of Mozambique initiative coordinator for the Missouri Conference.


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