Searching for Churches – Five Wild Years in Mozambique

At an age when most people are settling into retirement, Alvin and Jean Witten chose an entirely different path—one that would lead them deep into the heart of Mozambique on a mission unlike any other. Searching for Churches is the remarkable true story of their five-year journey across a vast, unpredictable country to locate and verify more than 1,300 church congregations.
 
Commissioned to undertake this task, Alvin and Jean left behind the comforts of home, the nearness of their family, and the familiarity of South African life. What lay ahead was a world of extremes: scorching heat, impassable roads, collapsing bridges, and encounters with wild terrain and wild bureaucracy alike. They travelled by car, motorbike, bicycle, and on foot—whatever it took to reach communities scattered across Mozambique’s towns, villages, forests, and floodplains.
This memoir is as much about the people they met as it is about the churches they found. From small gatherings under trees to humble chapels in remote settlements, Alvin and Jean were welcomed by individuals whose warmth, resilience, and faith left an indelible mark. Along the way, they faced moments of frustration and fatigue, fear and doubt—but also profound joy, unexpected humour, and deep spiritual connection.
 
Written with honesty, compassion, and a touch of humour, Searching for Churches goes beyond the details of a daunting mission. It is a story of calling and commitment, of learning to see beyond the obvious, and of finding purpose in places few would think to look. Alvin Witten, a former church leader and passionate storyteller, brings to life the colour, complexity, and spirit of Mozambique and its people.
 
This is not just a book about churches. It is a journey into the heart of humanity—into cultures and communities often overlooked, yet rich with insight and inspiration. Whether navigating language barriers or wrestling with corrupt officials, Alvin and Jean’s determination never wavered. Their story challenges conventional ideas about aging, comfort, and success, proving that adventure and impact are not reserved for the young.
 
Searching for Churches is ultimately a love story—of a couple united in mission, of strangers turned friends, and of the quiet power of faith in action. It will resonate with readers who enjoy real-life stories of courage, travel, purpose, and the surprising grace found in the most unlikely places.