Monkeys or Church? A Young Man’s Sabbath Decision in Mozambique
🗓️ Faith in Action – Week 3 Weekend Feature
Monkeys or Church? A Young Man’s Sabbath Decision in Mozambique
As told by Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission
In southeastern Mozambique, vervet monkeys are more than a nuisance.
To small farmers, they are a threat to survival — bold raiders of cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, and peanuts.
So when António Cuchata was told by his father to stay and protect their crops on Saturday, he faced a decision that tested his faith.
🙏 A Simple Prayer of Faith
António had recently given his heart to Jesus and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For him, Sabbath wasn’t just a doctrine — it was sacred. It was obedience.
But the monkeys didn’t care about doctrine.
“Dear God,” António prayed, “please stop the monkeys from coming to our farm while I am at church.”
And with that prayer, he walked 15 miles to attend Sabbath worship in the town of Casa-Nova.
🐒 When Even the Monkeys Rested
When he returned that evening, the fields were untouched.
No monkeys. No stolen crops. No destroyed plants.
The next Sabbath, he prayed again and went to church.
Again, no monkeys.
Week after week, as long as António was home, the monkeys stayed away every Sabbath.
💬 Faith in Conflict with Family
António’s father didn’t approve. He didn’t understand why his son worshiped on Saturday.
He came from a different tradition — and watching the crops seemed far more important than going to church.
But António quietly, prayerfully followed what he knew was right.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy... In it you shall do no work.” — Exodus 20:8–10, KJBPNV
✝️ When God Honors Obedience
Even years later, António still remembers the miracle.
He smiles and says:
“The monkeys also kept the Sabbath.”
That’s the power of simple faith — the kind that moves beyond fear, steps away from pressure, and leaves the results in God's hands.
🧠 Reflection Questions:
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Have you ever faced pressure to compromise your faith for something “practical”?
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What’s your version of “guarding the crops” on Sabbath?
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How might God be calling you to trust Him — even in small, quiet ways?
✨ Key Verse:
“Them that honour Me I will honour…” — 1 Samuel 2:30, KJBPNV
📚 Source Credit:
Source: This story was originally published by Adventist Mission in the Inside Story section of the Adult Bible Study Guide – 3rd Quarter 2025.
Author: Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission.
Visit www.adventistmission.org for more stories.
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