On a clear day in Maputo, 29 October 1999, early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered as Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stood before a large olive tree and dedicated the land of Mozambique for 'the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ'.
Recently, members of Church's World Report crew traveled from the U.S. to Maputo for filming of faith-promoting stories from Mozambique, including that of Brother Samo Goncalves, who was present at the historic dedication 16 years earlier. Stories of conversion, baptism, missionary work and remarkable growth of the Church in the country were captured on film.
The following are highlights from filming done throughout the Maputo area. The World Report videos are expected to be shown as part of the Church's semi-annual General Conference in October, and on various media platforms such as mormonnewsroom.org.
Sister Kretly (Mission President, Paulo Kretly's wife) shares story of self-reliance in missionary work. The mission currently has as many missionaries serving in the country, as they have serving from Mozambique throughout the world.
World Report photographer, David Nystul, catches images of Mozambique missionaries.
Mission President's Assistants, Elder Shumway and Elder Oryang, assisted as translators during the production.
Ivan and Claudia Cossa share their story of love, faith and conversion.
Interview was also documented on film for the Maputo Mission history by former Mozambique missionary, Bryce Cyrier.
Januario and Monica Media take time for quiet scripture study prior to their baptism at the Chamanculo Chapel. From 2012-2015, the Mozambique Mission has baptized over 600 families into the Church.
Joyous baptism of Januario and Monica, pictured with Elders Oryang and Shumway. Following the day's events, the Media's welcomed the film crew into their home as they continued their journey of study and prayer as the newest members of the Church in Maputo.
The World Report Producer, Shawn Murdock.
Bishop Antonio Eugenio Mateus shared the history of being one of the first members of the Church in Maputo. He nows leads a congregation.
Bishop Mateus (center) is joined by Doug Andersen (left) and Elder Shumway (right).
Filming was also recorded for the mission history, overlooking the harbor in Maputo.
Group preparing for filming at the famous 'olive tree' where the land was dedicated for missionary work.
Elder Richard G. Scott dedicated the land of Mozambique at this site on 29 October 1999.
Interview with Brother Samo Paulo Goncalves. Early members of the Church would gather in the Goncalves' home for church services, prior to acquiring a new building. Brother Goncalves was called as the first Branch (congregation) President in Maputo, and is currently serving as a counselor in the Mission Presidency and as National Public Affairs Director.
Historic Downtown Maputo.
Maputo Stake President Joao Castanheira and family take a break between filming sessions in front of the Mozambique Mission offices.
