History is often written in the quiet moments of sacrifice. In January 1974, while the Spiritual Leader of our church, Simão Gonçalves Toco (Father Mayamona), was in exile in Ponta Delgada, the Azores, his heart remained with the faithful in Luanda, Angola. Despite the distance, his focus was on the future: the youth.
In a landmark letter sent from the Azores, he reached out to his “beloved brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces” to establish a new order of leadership. He didn’t just see children or “minors”; he saw the “seeds” of a global movement.
The Pioneers: A Legacy in Action
Pictured above:
To the right of Father Mayamona: The first seed and 1st General Representative of the Youth, Brother Luzaísso António Lutango, who serves today as an Auxiliary Bishop.
To the right of Lutango: An “Angel in person,” Sister Rosalina Cumbelembe Xavier, the first female General Representative (In Memoriam), who returned early to the Glory of the Father.
To the left of Father Mayamona: The 1st Representative of Luanda, Brother Tuassolo Victor, currently an Auxiliary Bishop.
To the left of Tuassolo Victor: Sister Elvira Mateus Sebastiāo, the first female Representative of Luanda and current Elder Advisor of the Central DPJ.
The 1974 Decree: A Transcript of the Original Extract
Below is the translated transcript of the original decree issued on January 30, 1974, which officially appointed these first representatives:
From: Simão Gonçalves Toco
Location: Ponta Delgada, St. Michael – Azores
«Extract»
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3rd. Your youth named António Lutango, brother of Quiala Lutango, is appointed as General Representative of all Tocoist boys in Angola, North and South. Respect him, just as the girl Rosalina Cumbelembe Xavier is very young—respect her. The elders of both sexes must instruct these two minors in respect and in the word of Jehovah God.
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4th. The girl Elvira Mateus Sebastião is appointed as General Representative of the Tocoist girls residing in the neighborhoods of Luanda. Respect and instruct her, for Jehovah God will work His will in her.
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5th. The youth Tuassolo Victor is appointed as the representative of all Tocoist boys in Luanda. The elders must instruct him in obedience and respect for the word of the Lord.
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6th. Every neighborhood of Luanda, and all neighborhoods and villages throughout the North and South, shall appoint boys and girls as representatives of their respective communities.
— Simão Gonçalves Toco
