Rest in Peace, Pastor Matusse
MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
It is with a great sense of loss and sadness that Mally and I were informed of the home call of Pastor Bento Bartolomeu Matusse, the long standing senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Maputo in Mozambique.
We first met Pastor Matusse while conducting a church/missions survey of southern Mozambique. The IMB, BUSA and Baptist Convention of Mozambique were establishing a parnership in church planting and missions development. Bento and myself were invited to be a part of the initiative. We soon became fellow workers for the Eternal Kingdom and enjoyed many wonderful and most blessed times of fellowship together - a ministry which lasted for more than 28 years.
Among many other joint ventures, one special occasion that stands out was Bento and Maras 50th Wedding Anniversary in July 2019, which lasted for four days. Leading them in a renewal of their marital vows and preaching over the weekend was particularly blessed.
Pastor Bento has fulfilled an exceptional leader’s roll among Baptists in Mozambique for more than 45 years. His faithful Godly mentorship and labour of love in the Gospel, earning for him the respect of countless numbers of his countrymen.
Our last responsibility of Kingdom service together was at Ponta Do Oura in November 2022, where we were members of an ordination council, interviewing and later ordaining a young man to the fulltime pastoral ministry.
Pastor Matusse has "Run and finished the race". He has fought the good fight of the Faith; he had kept the Faith; henceforth there is laid up for him the crown of life which the righteous judge will award him.
Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.
We thank God for every remembrance of Pastor Bento Bartolomeu Matusse.
On behalf of the Macedonian Ministries team, our sincere condolences to Mara and her extended family.
With sincere love and appreciation to all of you for the rich blessing you have been in our lives over many years.
Trevor and Marilyn Eayrs
