Arlindo Mondlane: Committed Disciple
Arlindo Mondlane is bi-vocational pastor of the Vinte Cinco de Junho (the 25th of June) Church of the Nazarene on the Maputo Mozambique District of the Church of the Nazarene. June 25th is a national holiday/independence day for Mozambique. His other jobs include work in the field of telecommunications. He and his wife, Juvenalia, have two girls and a boy: Helena, Virginia, and Diamante.
Where were you born?
In the southern part of Mozambique in Tavane. It used to be a Nazarene mission| now it is a village.
How did you become a Christian?
When I was 10, my uncle invited me to a Church of the Nazarene. At age 12, I met Jesus as my Savior and felt great peace in my heart.
Then, I became a member of the church. But I wasn't influenced by Christian parents, and stopped attending for a while. My pastor came to visit me to check on why I was missing services and his visit prompted me to start attending again. I was baptized at 19 years old. From there, my faith kept increasing.
Do you have siblings?
I have 8 sisters and 8 brothers. That's another story!
Have you ever participated in an extreme sport?
No, but I rode an elephant once. It was exciting.
Dream destination?
Rome, because it's historical. The whole world has been influenced by Rome. And Rome contains a lot of Christian history.
Educational background?
University degree in electronic engineering. I am working on a master's in information technology management from the University of Liverpool.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
I don't know how to ride a bike. I ask myself why. But I just don't know how.
Favorite day of the week?
Wednesday. I was born on Wednesday. When I became a Christian, I was surprised to learn about Wednesday church attendance for prayers and came to love that.
Juvenalia's best trait?
She is a great and willing listener
What was one of the best days of your life?
When my first child, Helena, was born. She entered the world at 6:00 A. M. We were living in a house owned by the church. I was happy to be a dad and was given a t-shirt, 'Dad of the Century (the year was 2000).
How do you balance being a bi-vocational pastor?
First, I acknowledge that being a pastor is not an easy task. I wish I was a full-time pastor in order to give more time to my people. But I understand that in developing countries like Mozambique, I need a secular job to meet my family's needs. It works well for our environment.
What frustrates you?
To see people suffering makes me angry. Especially in my country, to see people who have no food and no place to sleep or live.
What can the church do about human suffering?
If the church continues to preach the message of hope, it's a good principle. As people are filled with the Holy Spirit, they will have compassion and will get involved in ending suffering. Some people suffer because they have lost hope and don't know what to do. Some have potential but because they've been in that situation for so long, they have no one to tell them that they are loved by God, have basic human rights, and have a brain to use and think on solutions to their problems.
Sometimes we only focus on the spiritual life of others but we don't do enough to strengthen people physically. When people are physically weak, it is difficult for them to be spiritually strong.
Three good things about living in Mozambique?
1. People there are very humble.
2. We have many natural resources such as natural gas, coal, minerals. There is plenty of land for agriculture.
3. We are willing to learn. Through that, we can maximize what we have and create a better society.
How many attend your church?
140 average.
What's happening at your church?
We have a lot of children, around 45, and they are involved and willing to help. They are excited about serving God and being involved at the church. A couple Sundays a year they lead the service. Their excitement is contagious. When people see the children being involved, they want to be involved, also.
Favorite color?
Green.
What type of music do you like?
An African and Mozambican style called marrabenta. This has influenced me since I was young but I like any gospel music as well.
What should our readers know about you?
I love God. I love the church. I'm willing to serve the church. I feel like I can do something for the church. I try to live by example with my people to meet the challenges.
My church was built with local materials. Church people helped the contractors. Most of the time, we have to be there, and I'm there.
What makes you laugh?
Everything. I'm always laughing. That's me.
Holiness Today, May/June 2013
Please note: This article was originally published in 2013. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.
