The Alliance in Angola expanding to the “mainland”

The only Portuguese speaking Alliance National Church in Africa, the ICAA (Igreja Cristã de Aliança em Angola) is concentrated in the oil-rich province of Cabinda but plans to expand its presence in the “mainland” Angola, planting new churches in the provinces of Malanje, Moxico and Zaire.

The first missionaries from the Christian and Missionary Alliance in the United States arrived in Angola on February 4, 1885, and established the mission called the Evangelical Mission of Mboca. From that, a work founded in 1907 by Rev. Elmer E. Christ was officially recognized by the Portuguese government on June 21, 1910, and in March 1914 three of the first converts were baptized: Maria Muendo, João Yedo and David Macosso. Macosso would become the first pastor of the church’s missionary work, and on July 31, 1931, the Angolan church was granted autonomy from the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

During the war of independence from the Portuguese, much of the population – and also the

missionaries – left Angola and the region. This significantly affected the local church, and church buildings were destroyed. But after the war the church was re-established and on March 26, 1998, the ICAA (Igreja Cristã de Aliança em Angola) became a member of the World Alliance Fellowship. It received legal recognition by the Angola government on February 14, 1992. Presently, its president and legal representative is Rev. Alberto Nguala.

Despite poverty, persecution and loss of members, the church is now stable and seeks to be a presence nationally.

It has a number of ministries:

• Christian Education is led by Rev. António Keka da Costa and is responsible for the preparation and supervision of Sunday School.
• Youth: This department seeks to encourage youth within the church and society.

  

• Alliance Women’s Association

  

  (ACMAA): Its mission is to apply Christian principles in the home, church and society, including visitation to hospitals and the re-education of prisoners.

• Alliance Men’s Association (ACHAA): This group seeks to apply Christian principles in the home, church and society.
• Missions is led by Rev. Tomas Sunda Lelo. The vision is to plant churches in the provinces of Malanje, Zaire and Moxico and open more centers in the capital, Luanda.
• Theological Institute of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Angola (ITACA):

  

  This is led by Rev. Martinho Bingo. In partnership with their Brazilian sister church (ACEMBRAS), it has been training leaders in theology. There have been seven graduates to date.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for the construction of the General Office.
• Pray for work to be established in the southern provinces: Malanje, Moxico and Zaire.
• Pray for the re-qualification of the ITACA.