The expansion of the Church in largely unreached contexts remains both a significant challenge and a profound opportunity for Christian mission today. In south-east Angola, in the city of Menongue in Cubango Province, a new mission is taking shape. It is a tangible expression of what can be achieved through persevering faith, committed local leadership, and strategic partnership.
A Journey of Preparation for Mission
The ministry journey of the Rev. Paulo Pepe Salunga is marked by perseverance, faith, and a deep commitment to the mission of the Church. He became an Anglican at the age of nine and was later recognised as a catechist at thirty. In 2021, he began his missionary service in Cuito in Bié Province, serving for eight months as an evangelist. Due to significant logistical and financial constraints, he was unable to settle there permanently and instead developed an itinerant ministry between Benguela and Cuito. This involved a journey of over 900 kilometres each way. Travel conditions were extremely demanding and often required more than a full day in each direction. Despite this, he would remain in Cuito for approximately two weeks at a time, living in modest conditions and devoting himself fully to the proclamation of the Gospel.
Throughout this period, he demonstrated a growing desire to deepen his theological understanding and strengthen his ministry. In 2024, he enrolled in the catechist and evangelist training programme of Relay Trust in Lobito. This training equipped him with essential tools for handling the Scriptures, a more grounded understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus, and a greater capacity to communicate the message of the Gospel faithfully.
In recognition of his growth and dedication, the Diocesan Bishop, Dom Pedro Vilar Jamba, ordained him to the diaconate and subsequently to the priesthood in May 2025.
A Missionary Vision for the South-East
Since the establishment of the Missionary Diocese of Centro and Sul in May 2022, Dom Pedro Jamba has consistently articulated a clear vision. He seeks to extend the presence of the Church to every province within this vast and still largely unreached region. It is one of the largest dioceses in the Anglican Communion.
While the direct implementation of missionary initiatives is not typically a central area of work for Relay Trust, the scale and urgency of the need in this context present a unique opportunity. Supporting this initiative enables the diocese to advance its missionary vision while also extending the reach of theological training and discipleship.
Recognising both the missionary calling and the resilience demonstrated by the Rev. Salunga, Dom Pedro Jamba entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the establishment of a new mission in Menongue.
The Establishment of the Mission in Menongue
In July 2025, members of the Relay Trust joined Bishop Pedro Jamba on a visit to Menongue in order to understand the local context and identify practical ways to support the launch of the mission. A space for worship was secured, along with modest accommodation for the Rev. Salunga, his wife Mrs Ester, and their five children Margarida, Raul, Julieta, Luzia, and Fonseca. Relay Trust also supported the purchase of a tricycle, which has proved essential in enabling mobility and supporting the development of the mission. With these initial provisions in place, the mission was formally established.
The work began with street evangelism, and gradually people began to respond. As is often the case in pioneering contexts, the early months were marked by both encouragement and challenge. In the second month, the church experienced a setback when 20 of its 30 chairs were stolen overnight. Nevertheless, this did not hinder the progress of the work. Members continued to gather faithfully and brought chairs from their own homes for services.
On 28 December, the mission celebrated its first baptisms, with eight individuals publicly professing their faith in Christ.
Ongoing Growth and Impact
The church in Menongue currently has 43 members and is showing encouraging signs of growth, particularly in its children’s ministry. The mission continues to gain momentum and is marked by a strong sense of purpose and local engagement.
In April 2026, Daniel Magagnin, Chief Development Officer and Regional Relationship Manager for IAMA, visited the mission and witnessed first-hand both the work of God and the ongoing commitment in this challenging context.
This account offers a clear reminder of what can be achieved through faithful partnership, committed local leadership, and strategic support. For the Relay Trust, it is a privilege to walk alongside initiatives such as this. We give thanks to God for the opportunity to take part in His work in Angola and remain encouraged by the continued growth and impact of this mission.
We invite you to join us in prayer for the congregation in Menongue, that they would be rooted deeply in Christ and strengthened in faith, hope, and love. We ask that God would raise up faithful leaders, protect and provide for families, and establish this church as a place of light and witness in the community.
We also invite you to pray for the wider Church in Angola, that it would continue to grow in unity, maturity, and mission. May the Lord equip His people for the work of ministry, sustain those serving in challenging contexts, and extend the reach of the Gospel across the nation.