ONE WOMAN'S MINISTRY

  By Joyce Ndungane.   .

J oyce Ndungane, a member of the Pretoria, South Africa congregation, is a woman whose love for God's people drives her to serve everyone who is in need. Motivated by faith, she puts her trust in God to supply whatever she requires for this service. Here is her story, submitted   by Bill Pearce:

“From 4 th to 7 th July 2003, I attended the women's retreat in Malawi. It was a very cold weekend, but to mix with these dedicated women, you brave the cold and want to drink more from God's word. And you warm up!

It was the first time I met people who are really poor, yet so rich spiritually. It brings to mind Proverbs 11:25 and Proverbs 22:2.

This year I attended the retreat held in Zimbabwe from 21 st to 24 th May. I asked for donations before I left and God's people heard my plea. I booked on the Greyhound bus, and the ticket stated clearly that only two bags were allowed per passenger. I had five large bags filled with donations. Because we worship a wonderful God, the driver overlooked this small problem. Even at the border post the bus was allowed to pass through without anything to be declared!

The retreat began every morning at 6.30am when breakfast was served. The theme was “Lord, change me.” There were no guest speakers this year, and the women themselves gave all the messages with prayer, praises and witnessing in between. I was called upon to lead the worship session one day and twice was invited to speak on the theme, “Lord, change me.” Those present also wanted to know more about the South African churches, and in particular the Pretoria church whose gifts helped make the retreat more memorable. There was also money to be shared out among the needy.

Those of us who are more fortunate take many things for granted, like having three meals a day. When it was announced that the South African women's ministry had sent gifts including toiletries, clothing and juices, these women were very happy. Nsama Kaoma gave thanks and prayed for the South African brethren. Thanks to those who opened their hearts to our sisters across the border. There will be another opportunity to donate next year, when the retreat will be in Zambia. Though we cannot help all of Africa, we can do our best where possible.

After the retreat I visited Mondoro where Mr and Mrs Ranjis have planted a church. I was told that 25 people attended the first meeting, 10 of whom had come from Harare. The day I attended there were about 40, including the 10 from Harare. A Mr. Sithole is doing a wonderful service transporting these 10 people from Harare to Mondoro in his lilght delivery van. He bears all the expenses himself.

There is great excitement in this congregation, and they are so willing to learn from God's word. They are poor, yet so grateful for the gifts of candles and sweets which was all I had left over from the retreat. They send their love and grateful thanks.

This is an exciting and rewarding work. Let us all want to be part of it so that our Lord can one day say, “When you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it to me. Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you” (Matthew 25:30 – 40).