From Japan to Mozambique: The Extraordinary Koti Mission; The Island Flame

A Bridge Between a Mission Field and a Mission Force

"Mission is not just about preaching, it’s about living among people, sharing their burdens, and empowering their future."

In the coastal Angoche District of Mozambique lives the Koti people — a community of around 151,000, primarily Muslim, dependent on fishing, farming, and small trade. The Koti face challenges in education, healthcare, and economic development, but also hold a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of coastal life.

This is not just a story about the Koti people of Mozambique—it is also a remarkable chapter in the story of the Japanese church. Once considered a mission field itself, a small Japanese congregation stepped out boldly to bring the gospel to an unreached Muslim ethnic group on the other side of the world.

Through prayer, worship, and radical obedience, God connected this church to the vanishing island of Boozoo, opening the door to a historic partnership that would transform lives across multiple islands.

Where they live: Angoche District and the surrounding islands on Mozambique’s northeastern coast. The region features sandy coastal plains, limestone formations, and rich fishing grounds.

God’s Leading to Forgotten Places

When the Japanese team first visited Mozambique, they were welcomed by the tribal chief, who invited them to bring the message of God’s love to all the Koti islands.

While traveling at sea, strong winds unexpectedly took them to Boozoo—an island so small and eroding that it wasn’t even on the chief’s list. Yet here, hearts opened to the gospel for the first time, marking the start of a spiritual fire that would spread to the whole Koti community.

The Power of Worship and Prayer

The mission was not born from a human plan, but through hours of prayer and worship. As the Japanese believers sought God’s heart, their burden for Africa—and specifically for Mozambique—intensified.

They believed that missions are birthed in worship, carried by worship, and sustained by worship. This spiritual posture became the driving force behind every step they took.

A Multi-National Missional Partnership

The mission quickly grew beyond Japan. Workers from Mozambique, England, New Zealand, and South Africa joined hands, forming a diverse, Spirit-led team.

Their ministry model followed Jesus’ training of the twelve—intensive discipleship with the goal of rapid multiplication. The aim was clear: raise local leaders and pass the baton within three years.

Today, the Koti leadership team governs their own ministry with wisdom and unity, while Japanese and international partners continue to provide mentoring and support.

The translation of the Bible into local Language

One of the greatest breakthroughs has been translating the Bible into the Koti language. With Luke and Genesis completed, the Koti church now worships with God’s Word in their own tongue—deepening discipleship and equipping believers to reach others.

Holistic Compassion in Action

Beyond preaching, the mission team has worked to meet the whole needs of the people:

• Rebuilding homes destroyed by storms

• Providing fishing boats for livelihood

• Offering sewing classes for women

• Supporting abandoned children and promoting faithful marriages

This holistic love has been a powerful testimony, breaking cultural barriers and opening hearts to Christ.

A Movement That Multiplies

From a small group of disciples on the island of Buzi, the movement now involves over 400 leaders.

They are planting churches, baptizing hundreds, and even sending out their own mission teams—first to the Mwani people in the north, and now praying for the Comoros Islands.

The Japanese church that once received missionaries has now become a mission-sending force—a living example of the modern missional value: Blessed to be a blessing.

📌 Key Missional Takeaways

1. Prayer-Birthed Vision – The foundation of any sustainable mission.

2. Contextualized Ministry – Respecting Muslim culture while introducing the gospel.

3. Rapid Leadership Transfer – Empowering local believers to lead early.

4. Holistic Care – Meeting both spiritual and physical needs.

5. Global Partnership – Leveraging diverse skills and backgrounds.

6. Multiplication Mindset – Training disciples to make disciples.

   
   

🚀 The Journey Continues

The mission among the Koti people is far from over. With the Mwani beginning to receive Christ and dreams of reaching the Comoros, the fire is still burning.

From the eroding island of Boozoo to the far reaches of the Indian Ocean, this story is a testament to what God can do when His people obey His call—no matter how small their beginnings.

The whole video clip for Koti mission

https://tv.kakao.com/v/413520826