On a winter's day with little sunshine and a few dark clouds, the Mozambique South Conference Area United Methodist Youth held an afternoon of praise for the elderly. They were united in purpose, enthusiastic and moved by the spirit of helping others.
Young People in Solidarity brought together more than 200 young people, as well as members of other church organizations and people from the capital city of Maputo and surrounding suburban areas. The group mingled at the Malhangalene Pastoral Charge in the Maputo East Ecclesiastic District, and all were imbued with the same spirit of solidarity.
The gathering included musical performances, prayers and biblical reflections, culminating in the offering of donations for the Hulene Elderly Center. The center currently houses 153 elderly people aged between sixty and ninety, of whom seventy eat meals onsite every day, fifty take meals to their homes, and thirty-three receive regular food baskets.
Event attendee Isabel Naiete said, "The idea is praiseworthy because the Word of the Lord says that we should remember those in need. Hence, we are fulfilling this Divine presupposition in a form of thanksgiving, and I hope that these [donations] reach the elderly anointed people of God. This is a practice of loving our neighbor, giving rather than receiving.”
An act of faith, compassion and love for others
The donations collected during the event included clothing, soap, rice, cooking oil, pasta, corn flour and sugar. They were delivered to a senior citizens' class. The reception of the youth was warm, with a time of sharing about the Hulene Elderly Center, its activities and challenges.
Members of the Hulene Elderly Center presented a dance to share their appreciation for the youth who expressed care and support for them in their time of need.
During the visit, there were cultural and interactive moments, including dances performed by the elderly people themselves as a way of expressing their gratitude and joy for the young people’s initiative. The atmosphere was a mixture of emotions, with lots of music, smiles, hugs and the sharing of life experiences between generations.
Cíntia Damásio, who is responsible for social action at the annual conference, said, "I grew up and was motivated in every way to help those in need, and thank God I did. I joined the church's social affairs committee, encouraged to develop social aid projects and thus influence young people to practice solidarity. There is no faith without works, and we follow one of our commandments, which is centered on love for our neighbor. This love makes me look at the other person as an equal human being and therefore reach out. Churches must make solidarity a priority."
Effusively touched by the unique gesture of sharing that was organized by the youth, Arlindo Boene shared, "This is an honorable way of representing God here on earth, following his commandments. We need to reinforce this motivation and advise more young people to wake up and follow God's path, embracing these initiatives and doing good."
Visibly moved, Hulene Elderly Center's medical doctor, Milena Cláudia, remarked that this was the best day in her life, given the years she has been working there. It was the first time she had witnessed a major initiative by United Methodist youth for older adults. She said, "I am deeply thankful for [the youth] visiting and supporting us. God will pay back and bless you for this noble gesture.”
Care for the elderly in Mozambique
In Mozambique, the elderly population (60 years and over) represents just under 5% of the total population, around 1 million people. This section of the population is growing and needs attention and specific public policies to guarantee their well-being. Despite the growth of the elderly population, people of this age group in Mozambique face difficulties, such as lack of access to pensions and other types of social protection, an issue that has been pointed out by the United Nations.
Elderly people need support and help at all levels. The United Methodist Church and its partners are doing a lot of work in this area by accommodating a considerable number of elderly women rejected by their families in a women's center located in the Massinga district in the Inhambane province. They receive food, healthcare, clothing and spiritual nourishment from the Word of God.
Fulfilling vital needs
"One of our tasks is to clothe our elderly and we heard that you brought a lot of clothes, which is one of our greatest needs. Your visit is already significant for us. God has sent us real angels. I invite you to come in and smile with our parents. Nothing is too little coming from God's anointed hands. Acts like these will never fade from the memory of each one of us,” said Boaventura Mavila, administrator and responsible for the Hulene Elderly Center's logistics.
Justina Mondlane, the Hulene Elderly Center's director, honored the youth group with words of wisdom, "I would like to advise you to [continue] with this spirit of caring for our elderly people."
Paulina Duzenta, aged 72, glanced at the young people and could not hide her smile or her life experience. She recounted the events of her life, saying, "I come from very far away and survived complicated circumstances in the past. I arrived here with so much poverty; many of the things I heard and saw made me feel sad, especially coming from my home and extended family. My heart has always been bitter, and my self-esteem has dropped too. I have children and some of them are sadly no longer alive. When I heard about this center, I came here and they accommodated me. I live here with my friends. We eat, dress up and socialize in a comforting environment. Thank you very much for rejuvenating us with your visit and donations. "
Laura Maungue moved the young people with her words, "My dear children and grandchildren, please know that by coming here to the center you already helped me blow away my anger. I feel so bad for those who just like me were dished out on streets by their relatives for no known reasons. I always think of people of your age, because I have children and grandchildren who never remember where I am; they do not even know where their own lives will end up. I really congratulate you and may this gesture not only be for us but it also should be extended to your relatives. Tomorrow God will increase your days of life."
The youth gathering was an unforgettable event. The elderly welcomed the young people with so much love and joy, and the youth left feeling physically and spiritually renewed. The day reinforced the commitment of the United Methodist youth to the renewal of Christian values for God’s service, solidarity and love for others, and displayed faith through concrete and compassionate gestures.
Suneila Edite Langa is a communicator from Mozambique. Adapted and translated by Ezequiel Nhantumbo, Lusophone Correspondent in Africa, based in Maputo.
This story was published on July 18, 2025. The contact is Laura Buchanan.
