Mission trip to Mozambique

From Maxixe to Edmonton, a week of service, worship, and shared mission reminds us of God’s work across nations.

A Salvation Army Partners in Mission trip to Mozambique became a life-changing experience for Edmonton chaplaincy and ministry worker Chaplain Danielle and her team, as they served in the city of Maxixe (Ma-Shesh). The journey, which included four flights and a long car ride over three days, led to a week of service, worship, and cross-cultural ministry with local Salvation Army officers and youth.

From the moment the team arrived, they were met with overwhelming hospitality.

“I have never been so welcomed in my life,” Chaplain Danielle shares. “The Salvation Army congregation came to sing songs, dance, and pray over our time in Maxixe.”

Serving side by side in Maxixe

The week began immediately with hands-on work on the officers’ living quarters located behind the Salvation Army temple. The buildings had not been repaired for many years, and significant water damage had occurred due to rusted roofing.

The team worked to sand both the interior and exterior surfaces before painting ceilings and walls. The work was physically demanding and continued over long days.

“I have to say, I’ve never been more thankful for doing shoulder presses at the gym,” Chaplain Danielle jokes. “I took on the honorable role of painting and scrubbing many ceilings.”

Local officers and lieutenants joined the effort, contributing to roof repairs, plumbing, and electrical work. Despite language barriers between Portuguese and English, the team found meaningful ways to connect.

Officer Aciate played a key role in helping with translation and making the Canadian team feel at home. Officer Ida Simango, while also preparing for the youth conference, provided meals and hospitality that deeply impacted the visiting team.

“The kindness and hospitality were beautiful and ministered to me,” Chaplain Danielle says.

Gratitude and perspective

Through the physical work, Chaplain Danielle gained a renewed appreciation for everyday life in Canada and the often-overlooked blessings of infrastructure.

“It was a humbling reminder of how much we have in Canada,” she reflects. “Running water, hot water, lights, and proper plumbing are not things we should take for granted.”

Youth conference and ministry

The weekend focused on a youth conference where the team led Bible studies and activities. The youth were described as lively, expressive, and deeply engaged through music and dance.

The theme centered on standing firm in faith, identity in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Officer Simango served as translator throughout the sessions, bringing energy and passion to the ministry experience.

“I have never preached so lively in my life,” Chaplain Danielle says.

Using a soccer analogy, she spoke about being in a “ready stance” — always prepared to respond to God’s leading.

During the conference, she also noticed a shortage of Portuguese Bibles, something she hopes may be addressed in the future.

The team also participated in Sunday School, and leader Jennifer Hensen preached during the Sunday service. The team joined an open-air worship service where officers invited the local community to attend. A government official from Maxixe also unexpectedly joined the service.

A powerful moment of worship

One of the most memorable moments came during a youth presentation of song and dance. The performance, filled with stomping, clapping, and layered harmonies, deeply moved the visiting team.

Chaplain Danielle, who has a background in dance, connected strongly with the expression of worship through movement.

“It was incredibly powerful to witness,” she says.

Afterward, she asked one of the youth about the meaning of the song. He explained that it told the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

“When Saturday arrived, Mary and Mary Magdalene woke up early in the morning to go to Jesus’ tomb… An angel of the Lord descended from heaven and said, ‘Go to Galilee.’ And the women said, ‘Jesus is not here… Go to Galilee!’”

Next steps

Chaplain Danielle reflects on the trip as more than a mission experience—it was a reminder of global unity within The Salvation Army and the shared mission of faith and service around the world.

“I came home with a deeper sense of gratitude, humility, and encouragement in seeing how God is at work globally,” she says.

Closing reflection

Thank you for all the prayers and support. Thank you for the work you continue to do at Grace Village and for loving people right here in our own community.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Jesus

Blessings, Chaplain Danielle