Circle of Light - Energy to lift the world's poor out of darkness

Circle of Light Launches In Mozambique

This fall, Circle of Light will launch Energy Stores in two Mozambique communities.

For the last six years, Circle of Light (CoL) has focused on establishing and expanding its ministry in the African country of Kenya. Now, with your help, CoL is entering new territory—literally. This fall, families in the rural communities of Chongoene and Siaia, Mozambique, will have cooking and lighting systems as well as the hope-filled message of Christ’s love and salvation.

Our in-country directors, Gildo Cuamba and Marcos Chambule, have established Light for Development Association, the local entity that will help execute the CoL program in Mozambique (similar to their counterparts Nathan and Josephine Chesang who direct Servanthood and Light for Development Foundation, which operates CoL in Kenya).

Operating out of an office in Maputo—located at the very southern tip of the country—Gildo and Marcos have been working closely with CoL Executive Director Jim Karins and CoL Engineer Mike Swartzlander to set the appropriate framework for a successful program launch. The import license (needed to import goods on a continuing basis) has been acquired, financial accounts and bookkeeping systems have been established, and a warehouse for supplies and equipment has been secured. An agreement has been signed with a major supplier of LPG (propane) fuel (used to power CoL cooking systems) and the materials needed to equip 1,000 homes (at least four Energy Stores) will arrive soon.

Still, there are many elements and activities that must come together before the launches in Chongoene and Siaia.

"Although our program has been successful in Kenya, Circle of Light has had to adjust some of its operational elements to fit the culture of Mozambique," explains Jim Karins. "There are new contacts to be made, new suppliers to be found and different communication techniques to employ. Each country CoL enters has its own unique set of challenges and circumstances that need to be navigated."

In the meantime, residents in the communities of Chongoene and Siaia are excitedly anticipating the arrival of their cooking and lighting systems. Families are signing up and making their financial commitments to reserve their systems.

"This is an exciting new chapter for Circle of Light," says Jeff Loving, CoL director of Donor Development. "Please pray that God will continue to guide us through the process and that he will continue to provide the resources needed each step of the way."

Prayer requests for Mozambique:

For logistical processes to smoothly fall into place and for equipment to continue to arrive safely and on schedule.
For our in-country directors (Gildo and Marcos) that they will have discernment and wisdom.
That the Circle of Light is positively received among Mozambique’s leadership and influential persons.
That God will provide trustworthy, skilled and diligent staff members for the Light for Development Association in Mozambique.
For partner ministries to come along side Circle of Light to help meet other basic needs such as orphan homes, Christian discipleship and training, purified water, medical care, micro-finance and vocational training.