An Autobiography of Simão Gonçalves Toco, Founder of Tocoism
My father’s name was Ndombele Luvumbu Bitopo, or Tôco, and my mother’s name was Ndundu Nsimba Tôco. At the time of my birth, my mother had twins, namely Adam and Eve. I was the first to be born, and the first part of my body to emerge were my legs, followed by my head—a curious fact about my birth. Eve passed away shortly after, and I survived. Both of my parents died in the same week, on a Monday and a Friday, between 1924 and 1925, during an outbreak of smallpox in the region. Simão Gonçalves Toco is not my birth name; it was given to me by my brother Domingos Kibeta, who entrusted me to the missionaries. My mother named me MAYAMONA, which was later changed to OMA YAMONA and OMA IMONANGA. I am originally from Maquela do Zombo in the district of Portuguese Congo. I was born on February 24, 1918. In 1926, I entered the BMS Mission in Quibocolo, which was mandatory and not by my choice, at the age of 8. On October 2, 1928, I was taken to Leopoldville until 1929, when Reverend Arthur Enock Guest came to get me, but even then, I did not want to return to Quibocolo. In summary (because it’s not worth telling you everything), in 1930, I went to Thysville and began attending the BMS school there. Reverend Jennings wanted me to go to Banza Manteca, Gombe Lutete, or Kimpese to study to become a teacher (nlongi), but I refused because Reverend Guest kept bothering me with successive letters asking me to return to Quibocolo. Reverend Jennings wrote a request letter to Mr. Guest, but he denied the request. There was a call for Maquela, my hometown, and my uncle and I went. When we arrived, Reverend Guest called again, asking me to return to the Mission in August 1931. Soon after arriving, within two or three days, I was baptized. On July 2, 1933, we marched to Luanda to continue my studies, where I stayed for four years. I completed primary school at the Evangelical Mission in Luanda and enrolled in high school, where I reached the second year. I returned to my hometown in Zombo to continue working at the Quibocolo mission. In 1938, I was transferred to the Bembe mission, where I stayed for 4 years. In 1942, I went to Belgian Congo in Leopoldville and continued to serve at the Protestant Mission in Leopoldville for 7 years. Source: Joao Daniel – Tocoistas.net
Pastoral Letter from Father Mayamona
PASTORAL LETTER No. 001/SL/COLJCW/0025 Beloved Auxiliary and Honorary Bishops; • Honorable Members of the Body of Twenty-Four Elders; • Dear Members of the Episcopate; • Distinguished Coordinators of the Central Order of Men; • Beloved Mothers of the Women’s Ministry; • Valiant Young People from the Youth Ministry and the Children’s Ministry; • Dearest Servants of the Central Tabernacle and all Levites;” Greetings in the name of the One who anointed me consecrated me, and sent me on His mission (Matthew 15:24). As we embark on this new year, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all of God’s children for a year filled with great boldness, intelligence, wisdom, and integrity in every moment and event of life. Rest assured that no challenge will arise that your Father in Heaven will not equip you to overcome (John 16:33). With the year just beginning, I encourage each of you to embrace the opportunity for renewal in all aspects of your lives. We are reminded that God the Father has never abandoned us throughout our journey (Isaiah 41:14). However, I am deeply concerned about the lack of love among you. While some strive to fulfill the great commandment, I urge you to reflect on the words of 1 John 1:4-5. I hope that this issue will be wholly eradicated this year, or at the very least, diminished to a point where brotherhood and love can flourish among you. Otherwise, your struggles will have been in vain. It is disheartening that, as we enter this New Year, there are still those among you who harbor old grudges against their neighbors. Letting go of these grievances, even towards those outside your fellowship is essential. Share the best of what you have learned, for they will recognize the source of your wisdom. Remember, those who hold grudges against the chosen people will not prosper in any area of their lives. Embrace change now, and you will witness transformations in every aspect of your existence. The God you worship has spoken: “Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18). I understand that the world can be challenging, but it will not be insurmountable for those who hear, keep, and live by His commandments. For such individuals, the Lord grants restful sleep; in other words, God will always provide (Psalm 127:2). My beloved, As we enter the first semester of this significant year, we have two major events to celebrate: First, we acknowledge that God demonstrated His love by sending His Son to the ends of the earth, taking upon Himself the curse for all sinners who dwelt in darkness. Though His brothers regarded Him as a sinner and without beauty (Isaiah 53:2-12), He suffered for their transgressions and continues to do so today (Isaiah 53:4-6). To those who believe, this Stone is precious; however, to those who do not believe, the Stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6-7). Likewise, those who believe are saved, while those who do not believe are condemned (St. John 3:17-18). February 24th marks a historical and spiritual milestone of immeasurable value for all who have received Him as the Son of God and the Cornerstone. I invite all of God’s children to work towards realizing an event that reflects the mission of the One who came to illuminate the path back to paradise. He came into the world, and the world did not receive Him; but to all who did receive Him, He granted the power to be called the sons of God (John 1:11-13), born not of blood, nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but by the will of the Spirit of God. On this date, as your Leader celebrates one hundred and seven years, your expression of gratitude from grateful hearts must surpass any shortcomings in this life. I know you are a chosen people, children who recognize your Shepherd, and you will strive to overcome difficulties and engage in meaningful spiritual, cultural, and religious activities at the highest level. The second significant anniversary we celebrate is the upcoming ninetieth year since God manifested Himself here in the lowest parts of the world, coming to meet the one He had previously chosen. This marks the ninetieth year, with only ten years remaining until the centenary of this grand event. Additionally, the site of His appearance, Icolo e Bengo-Catete, has been elevated from a municipality to the status of a Province. This elevation will undoubtedly bring growth and a requalification of what was once a peaceful village, whose true value was hidden, despite possessing two great spiritual, social, and political symbols that I will not elaborate on, as you are all well aware of them. I am confident that this ascension will compel the authorities to enhance the area and will certainly transform the reality of the Sanctuary, the “Holiest” in the south of the Sahara. Let us prepare to celebrate these two significant and rare events here on Earth. Returning to February 24th, this day should be celebrated by each church in its respective locality. However, the Theophany should bring the entire Church together at the Sanctuary in Catete, now part of the Icolo e Bengo Province. The Commission established for this purpose must present the full program and plans for its implementation. They should collaborate with the Governor of Icolo and Bengo, Dr. Auzílio de Oliveira Jacob, to ensure that we organize an event worthy of such noble and significant occasions. To all Auxiliary Bishops, Honorary Bishops, Reverend Pastors, Deaconesses, Evangelists, Elders, Servants of the Tabernacles, Christians, and Disciples of God in Mayamona, I wish steadfastness in faith and dedication to the work of God the Father. Let love guide all your thoughts and actions. To the youth, I encourage you to complete the work of the ordinance that was initiated so that what was determined can be fulfilled. Soon, we
Tocoístas Honor Rosa Maria Toco in Thanksgiving Service
On December 27th, the Tocoísta community gathered for a heartfelt Thanksgiving worship service to honor and celebrate Her Majesty Rosa Maria Toco, the beloved spouse of His Holiness Prophet Simão Toco. The event took place at [insert location], bringing together members of the congregation to express gratitude and reverence for the contributions of Her Majesty to the church and its mission. The service was marked by uplifting hymns, prayers, and reflections on the teachings of Prophet Simão Toco. Attendees shared testimonies of faith and the positive impact that Her Majesty Rosa Maria Toco has had on their spiritual journeys. The atmosphere was filled with joy and appreciation as the community came together to celebrate the legacy of love and service that she embodies. During the service, special tributes were made to Her Majesty, highlighting her unwavering support for the church and her role in fostering unity among its members. As the service concluded, the congregation was encouraged to continue embodying the values of love, service, and community that Her Majesty represents. The Tocoístas reaffirmed their commitment to building a strong and united church, inspired by the teachings of their leaders. The Thanksgiving worship service not only celebrated Her Majesty Rosa Maria Toco but also served as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and community within the Tocoísta faith.
Tocoísta Church Officially Established in the USA
The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World is officially recognized and authorized to conduct its liturgical and religious activities in the United States of America. The authorization certificate was presented to the Spiritual Leader, His Holiness Bishop Dom Mayamona, and was shared with the church community during the Sunday service on the 28th, which celebrated the conclusion of the International Youth Days festivities. His Holiness received the certificate from the hands of His Reverence Auxiliary Bishop Antônio Vemba, accompanied by the faithful of the church in the USA, including two pastors who were consecrated on the same day.
First Tocoísta Worship Service Held in the United States
On October 29, 2023, Washington, D.C. marked a historic moment with the first Tocoísta worship service held in the United States. This landmark event drew attendees eager to embark on a new spiritual journey within the Tocoísta community. The service was filled with enthusiasm and gratitude, resulting in approximately three individuals embracing faith and converting during this inaugural gathering. This significant milestone highlights the growing spiritual movement of the Tocoísta Church in the nation. In the spirit of this momentous occasion, a message was shared emphasizing the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. The community stands united with a vision for a unique, one, and indivisible church, promoting order, steadfastness, and faith among its members.