AN EVANGELIST YET TO COME

Leonardo Vicente Muianga is a young man age 13. I met him on my second visit to Nkobe care centre in Maputo Mozambique. The first time I didn’t notice him. I just remember that he once offered to teach me how to speak Portuguese and that was that.

This time he came to introduce himself to me. I was just taking a walk around the care point when I heard him saying, “Hello Mr. Solomon.”

‘Hello young man, how are you?’ I said.

“I’m well thanks. Thank God you are here.” He said with excitement. “I have a testimony to share with you.” He continued.

‘Wow,’ I thought to myself. ‘He is such an amazing young man’.

‘What’s your name by the way?’ I asked.

“I’m Leonardo. Don’t you remember me? I’m the one who offered to teach you Portuguese. I’m the son of the lady who owns a new house not far from this care point. The woman you took a picture with. Thank God that house was built for us by the Healing Place Church.” He said not willing to stop talking. I was carefully listening and interested in everything he was saying.

“The church built us this house for us. I just thank God for that. I can’t say the church did it, but God did. People are surprised how we got such luck; but they don’t know that God is a God for everyone. Some are jealous, but nothing they can change.” He said without me uttering a word.

“My father died last year. We are only 4 at home. I’m the second born and my elder sister works as a domestic worker. My sister is just 17 of age and she is a bread winner. She earns 700 meticais and she real helps us survive. Sometimes we go days without food.” He continued speaking. I was moved by each and every word he said.

“My mother is a sickly someone. She suffers from some spirits sent by people to her. Thank God that we are protected. My grandmother had just disappeared and no one knows where she is by now.” He said with his frown face.

‘Let’s hope she is well where ever she is.’ I finally said something. ‘God is a God of miracles. She will come back one day safe and sound.’ I continued.

Leonardo continued to testify about his life and how responsible he is as the only son amongst the girls.

He couldn’t stop his appreciation towards the pastor; Ps. Isaac and his wife Carol. He thanks God for bringing them to Mozambique. His wish as a young man is to work for God and one day becomes an evangelist.

He is willing to go anywhere God takes him. Our conversation stops as he was rushing to attend a youth service; but we met again Sunday. We sat side by side. He was translating for me the preaching from Portuguese to Shangaan. He also introduced his nephew to me.

I promised see him and give him much time on my permanent return to Mozambique. I can’t wait to work with him.

“I just encouraged him to be faithful to God and work for Him.”