August 31, 1974 – The Return from the Azores (Portugal) to Luanda, with stop in Lobito
A Brief Summary of the Stay in the Azores and the Return to Angola After 11 Years in Exile
On July 17, 1963, Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco was deported to the Portuguese island of the Azores. The colonial authorities considered his presence a threat because of the way he awakened the consciences of the local people through the Word of God and the principles of freedom that would later lead to Angola’s independence.
As far back as the 1940s, his concern was already to see Africa freed from the darkness of oppression and from the great empires that colonized the continent.
Departure from Luanda to Lisbon
Before leaving, he said farewell to the church leadership and the people, giving them instructions to remain united. He asked that upon his return, he would not find the church divided. For administrative matters, he appointed trusted brothers to guide the church and encouraged everyone to remain strong in faith during his absence.
He traveled with his wife, Maria Rosa Tôco, his daughters Ilda and Esperança, his nephew João Sivi Tôco, and his sister Maria de Fátima (who later returned to Angola).
Arrival in Lisbon and Transfer to the Azores
In Lisbon, Prophet Toco was received by the Portuguese Prime Minister at the time, António de Oliveira Salazar. Their meeting included strong disagreements over the church, the preaching of the Word of God, and the war in Angola.
On the way to the Azores, something extraordinary happened. According to Prophet Toco himself, the pilots had been ordered to throw him into the ocean. When they tried, the plane suddenly stopped in midair and would not move. Shocked, the pilots and a priest on board began to pray, but the plane remained suspended. Only after Prophet Toco prayed to God did the engines start again, and the plane continued safely to the Azores.
Life in the Azores
Upon arrival, he was told he would no longer be considered Angolan. He responded firmly:
“My homeland will never change. I was born in Angola, and I will always be Angolan.”
He also foretold that one day, when two people (one Black and one White) would come looking for him in the Azores, it would mark the end of his exile and the time of his return.
He lived on the island for 11 long years. During that time, he supported and guided the church through thousands of letters. These letters strengthened the people spiritually, reformed the church at every level, and kept alive the connection between the Prophet and his followers in Angola.
On August 31, 1974, the prophecy was fulfilled. After years of sacrifice, exile, and faith, Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco returned triumphantly to Luanda, Angola.
Source: Vida e Obra, by Simão Fernando Kibeta
