Ian and Liz Linton are both recently retired and live in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Liz worked for 20 years as a teacher of physical and religious education. Ian worked for National Air Traffic Services (NATS) for over 40 years; now he leads the team which serves the Maidenhead congregation of River Church and is also a local magistrate chairing the Adult Criminal Court.

Liz has recently completed a “Teaching English as a Foreign Language” (TEFL) course in London. She regularly helps out at Re:Charge which provides a drop-in cafe facility for single mothers. They have 5 “grown-up” children living in Australia, the Midlands, Cornwall, Manchester and Maidenhead.

Ian and Liz sitting on a fishing boat at Pria Nova next to the India Ocean. This is 7km away from where we live.

Julian interviewed Ian and Liz during their visit to Angoche in April…….

Julian: Ian, why did you decide to come to Mozambique?
Ian: I suppose it was for three reasons – firstly because we are your friends. Secondly, because we have a heart for overseas mission, having previously visited India in the 1970’s, and subsequently Thailand, Lesotho and now Mozambique. We have also helped to provide financial support for a young girl in the Philippines for the last 12 years via an organisation called CompassionUK. Thirdly, we heard the incredible story of God working amongst the Koti people and wanted to see it for ourselves.

Julian: What were your first impressions of Angoche?
Ian: Primarily the incongruity between the poverty of the current population against the residue of a Portuguese colonial town which was clearly once quite affluent. I found it amazing that the Koti did not have a written language prior to 2000 and that so many were suffering from hunger, cholera and malaria. Angoche is quite a large post-colonial town (similar in size to Marlow) which has fallen into decay and now provides a home to so many who battle for an existence.

I found a friendly and responsive people who will always greet you with a “Bom dia!” rather than the preoccupied stress of London life.

Not being able to speak the language has been a distinct disadvantage. The needs are always evident and the dilemma is what response should we give?

Julian: What have you learnt whilst you have been in Angoche?
Ian: During my first few days here Julian gave me a book titled “Muslims, Magic and the Kingdom of God” written by Rick Love. This has made a big impact upon my understanding of this culture. Whilst the business of church here is quire prescriptive, which is very different to what I am used to, I have noticed that there are clear strategies and priorities which are reflected in the meetings. When people meet, time is always made for praying for the sick and for those who haven’t yet received the gospel. In addition I note that they will shortly be sending out a team to work amongst the Mwani people of Northern Mozambique, who are also a coastal people group. For cultural reasons some of my normal Christian terminology is not appropriate so what I might call “churches” are called “Families of Faith” and the name for the work is “The True Way” rather than “……….Church”. There does seem to be more of a simple and direct approach to Christian living, so maybe in the “sophisticated” West we over-complicate things?

Julian: What sort of things have you been doing?
Ian: I enjoyed having the opportunity to bring words of encouragement to others and seeing Julian building upon my contributions. Helping produce workshop materials based upon the book of Luke has been challenging for me. I find “The Message” a very accessible version of the bible as it is written in a modern idiom. If I was able to use a Koti version with metaphors appropriate to this culture that would be brilliant!

Julian: What would you want to say to someone who hasn’t been to Angoche?
Ian: For those reading this interview, please tick the right answers…
a) Buy lots of mosquito repellent
b) Don’t come
c) Make sure you have a good camera – it’s beautiful
d) Learn some Portuguese
e) Come and see it for yourself. Prepare for your perspectives on life to be changed!

Annie and Liz

Julian: Liz, Why did you come to Angoche?
Liz: Because we are your friends and wanted to see you, to see what you are doing and in some small way help and support so you feel cared for, and not alone.

Julian: What have you enjoyed doing the most?
Liz: Teaching English! It’s a good tool to build relationships and get to know people. I am not an up-front speaker but I do enjoy talking to small groups. The students here who want to learn English are great guys and we have had fun together.

Julian: During your career you taught ethics. What are the ethical challenges that have impacted you here in Angoche?
Liz: The most obvious ethical challenge here is poverty. “Who do you give to and how much do you give?” I’m not sure this is an ethical problem as much as hearing from God who prompts you who to give to. But the bottom line must be “I was hungry and you gave me food!”

Julian: Do you think the trip will shape what you do next in your retirement?
Liz: I hope our trip to Angoche will be one of many such trips where we are able to go, see and encourage. I’m sure I didn’t put myself through four weeks of intensive English learning just to use it in Angoche. So I will wait with interest to see what other opportunities open up.