Trained to Serve: Challenged to Reclaim

SID Women Committed to Global Mission

Reclaimed Indeed

More than 3000 women from all over the Southern Africa Union attended the women's congress in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in August 7-9. The congress was intended to challenge women to be involved in the global mission of the church by reclaiming others for Christ. Presentations on reclaiming mental well being, health, and reclaiming other women for Christ filled the three days.

Another highlight was when Zodwa Kunene, SAU Adventist Women's Ministries (AWM) Director, honored all eight Women's Ministries directors who first directed the Union and the seven Conferences through the program "Honoring and Celebrating our Women." Caroline Chola, SID AWM Director, was also appreciated for her unfailing leadership and mentoring. The women praised God for the WM pioneers who prepared the way for the women of today.

GCWM Leadership Training in Namibia

A week-long leadership training brought a spiritual feast to 63 Namibian women. These women--and some men--joined together for the Women's Ministries Leadership Certification Level 1 training in Windhoek, Namibia. Zodwa Kunene was the main facilitator.

The women attended everyday for five days for 2- 3 hour sessions in the evenings after work. Among the attendees were Angolans sisters who are refugees and speak Portuguese; an excellent Portuguese translator was provided.

On Sabbath the women celebrated the International Women's Day of Prayer with all neighboring churches attending. In the afternoon, after much prayer for abused women and girls, and promoting the enditnow campaign, 61 women and three men graduated from the Level 1 training in a moving and exciting ceremony.

The week ended with a prayer breakfast on Sunday morning. The women left the meetings renewed and empowered to Touch a Heart and Tell the World.

Reported by Zodwa Kunene (SAU Women's Ministries Director)