Meet Ann Rowsell

Ann Rowsell is married to David Rowsell and they come from East Grinstead, U.K. It was wonderful getting to know her better. This is what Ann said….

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
A.R: I come from a church-going family so I did learn about Jesus at an early age. But, I didn’t understand how I could give my life to him. When I was 14, I went to a Bible class called Crusaders and the leaders explained it very clearly and I understood what it all meant. When I left school, I went to university to study Biological Sciences and that was where I met my husband. After I finished my degree, I trained to be a teacher and then got married. I have 4 children aged 23, 21, 17 and 14.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
A.R: My family life is a bit like Piccadilly Circus – people going and coming all the time. We try to all be together for Sunday lunch as during the week, we all do things in the evenings so there is usually someone not at home for dinner.

M.M: What are your hobbies?
A.R: I am getting more time for hobbies as my children are getting older. I have done some investigating into my family tree. I have taken evening classes in German and French and currently my husband and I are singing in a community choir. Otherwise, I do a lot of reading and play on Facebook.

M.M: What are your impressions of Ebenezer?
A.R: I didn’t know what to expect at Ebenezer. I was just so pleased to be here! Ebenezer looks so clean and tidy – a really beautiful place to be. It was very peaceful when we were there.

M.M: What is your favourite drink?
A.R: I love my coffee – only 3 or 4 cups a day but I can’t do without it. Otherwise I got a taste for “L + P” when I visited New Zealand and Sparletta is growing on me……

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
A.R: One of my favourite women in the Bible is Esther. She was made queen at a particular time for a definite purpose. I hope that my life shows the destiny God has ordained for me.

M.M: What is your favourite film?
A.R: There aren’t many films that I would watch more than once. I enjoy the original “Star Wars” trilogy, and some of the old Hollywood musicals such as “Singing in the Rain” and “On the Town.”

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
A.R: “Boring women have tidy houses.”

M.M: Great chatting to you Ann.

By Molly Manhanga

Get to meet Pearl Pride

Pearl Pride

I’ve known David and Pearl Pride since 2000 when they came to serve at Kingsway Community Church in Bindura. Building a friendship with them over the years has been wonderful and it was great catching up with Pearl over the weekend when she came to Bulawayo…..

M.M: tell me briefly about your background.
P.P: I’m the eldest child in my family. I have 1 brother and 2 sisters and I was raised in the Southern part of the U.K.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
P.P: I’m married to David and we have 2 sons. Our sons are now both married with sons of their own. I was busy as a mother and as we lived by the sea in Bournemouth, we spent lots of time down on the beach especially during school holidays. I loved being a mum and now a grandmother. I worked part-time in the church offices. When the boys grew up and left home, David and I started to be involved in helping practically in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

M.M: What are your hobbies?
P.P: I love reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and gardening.

M.M: What are your first impressions of Ebenezer?
P.P: I loved being at Ebenezer and seeing all that is happening. Amazing!

David and Pearl Pride

M.M: What is your favourite drink?
P.P: Sparletta Cherry Plum (Only available in Zimbabwe)

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
P.P: Esther

M.M: What is your favourite movie?
P.P: The Sound of Music

M.M: I really like The Sound of Music too. Great chatting to you Pearl.

By Molly Manhanga

Jo Partridge

Jo Partridge

Jo Partridge has 5 children ; Andrew (25), Melody (24), Matthew (21), Emily (19) and Isaac (4). Jo have been married to Ray for 27 years and they are currently living in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Andrew is currently working in London, about to embark on a Masters degree in Development studies and feeling led to put his business skills into practise in Ghana. Melody is working as an Occupational therapist in rural Eastern Cape, Matthew is working in the travel tourism industry helping people abseil off Table Mountain and such like, Emily is 1st year studies of Social Work at University of Cape Town, and Isaac is at pre-school

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
J.P; I was born in New Zealand, but did most of my ‘growing up,’ in the U.K with two sisters and two bothers. I met and married Ray in 1983 and we lived in North West London involved with the New Frontiers Family of Churches there until God led us on a surprise adventure to work at Project Gateway, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in 1996 with our four children then aged between 5-10! We were there for 6 years before moving to Cape Town where we lived for 8 years, loving being part of Khanyisa Community Church before God led us on another surprise adventure moving to Harare, Zimbabwe two months ago.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
J.P: I just love family: my husband is my number one hero , and I have learnt so much from being a mother, have learnt so much from my children and love being part of the journeys they are on with God. We have had our storms (and I’m sure there will be more to come), but the storms are a time of pressing into God together and growing closer. I am so thankful for our precious gifts from God. God brought little Isaac into our lives when he was abandoned at the age of 4 months old. Through him we have learnt even more about family about what it really means to be adopted into family as we have been by God! We have also been blessed with extended family and have loved having a home that is always open and seeks to be an oasis for anyone who just longs to come and be a part of the Partidges’ lives.

M.M: Amazing. Were there any significant changes in your life when you and Ray left Project Gateway?
J.P: We arrived at Gateway with 4 young children and left with 4 teenagers and ‘almost teenagers!’ I felt (and still feel) that we had been on an incredible learning curve and learnt a lot more from the people we were with than what we gave! We found ourselves in many situations that just threw us onto God, so I think we did a lot of growing up in Him, we learnt a lot about working with people from very different backgrounds and cultures, and our lives became richer because of them. Africa also got into our blood stream, we love the music, the movement, the value of family and ‘extended family’ and so much about African life.Our faith and trust went to new levels as we saw God provide in amazing ways particularly as we had periods of totally living by faith.

M.M: You are now living in Zimbabwe. How has your stay been so far?
J.P: It was tough at first, we had to say goodbye to friends we love and value greatly, to our Khanyisa family and leave children behind for the first time. But I never cease to be amazed at God’s faithfulness and provision. I have already been so impacted by people we have met and friendships that we have started to make and can honestly say I really love Zimbabwe and am thankful to God for this next new leg of our adventure with him.

M.M: Wonderful! Who is the person you most admire and why?
J.P: It is impossible to pick out one person; there are people who have gone before and I admire them hugely through the biographies I have read, there are people I have met and worked with who I honour and admire greatly, people who’s ministry I have sat under and so on. Currently I am staying in the home of Nigel and Lisa Measures who lead Khanyisa Community Church. I admire them both hugely and so loved working alongside them in the Church for a number of years, and our friendship as individuals and families is something I value greatly. I have watched Lisa supporting the call on Nigel’s life through her hairdressing business, persevering in prayer over many difficult situations, speaking prophetically into the life of the Church and people’s lives, honouring and supporting her husband 100%, being an amazing mother and friend and so much more..... she inspires me and I admire her greatly.

M.M: What, if any, is your favourite T.V programme?
J.P: ???????

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character and why?
J.P: Again, it’s hard to choose one, there are times one becomes a favourite more than others probably depending on what I am going through at the time. I love David and am inspired by his songs that are so real yet always unswerving in his devotion to God and his heart after God. The prayer of my heart is “Lord I want my heart to be 100% devoted to and after you, and everything else flowing from that.” My heart echoes the words of one of his prayers “Who am I and my family oh Lord that you should bring me to this place?” I cannot believe the incredible adventures God has taken us on as a family and often feel overwhelmed by a sense of why me? Who on earth am I? Yet as with David so long as God is at the center and I am looking to him whatever is happening, he gives the victory and he provides for all we need.

M.M: If you were to encourage ladies out there, what would you say?
J.P: Keep pressing in to grow closer to God..... there are always new depths in him! Keep close to your husband if you are married.... be each other’s best friend! Keep close to your children.... be their champion and pray constantly for and over them! Love and enjoy the friendships God gives you, embrace the gifting God has placed within you! Don’t compare yourself to others, be inspired by them! Remind yourself of what God thinks about you... you are wonderfully and beautifully created by the amazing creator God who holds the universe in place and has a vital part for you to play in building his kingdom here on the earth.

M.M: Wow! Thanks so much Jo. This is really encouraging. I truly hope you have a blessed and fulfilled time in Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

One on one with Madeleine Willard

Adrian & Madeleine Willard

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
M.W: I grew up in Croydon and South London, was educated at Catholic Schools. I went to Australia in 1971 returned in 1974. I trained as a chiropractor and graduated in 1982, I returned to university in 1994 graduated in 1998 with BSc Hons health science studies. Adrian and I have five grown children and three grandchildren.

M.M: How best would you describe being married to such a creative husband - Adrian Willard?
M.W: Interesting!

M.M: What work to you do?
M.W: I am a chiropractor, I mainly work in paediatrics. I am chair of the paediatric faculty of the college of chiropractors, previous elected member of the General Chiropractic Council. I organise and teach post graduate continuing professional development.

M.M: Any highlights of your work that you’d like to share?
M.W: Everyday I am amazed at the way the body has been created, and designed to heal itself.

M.M: What have you most enjoyed about your trips to Zimbabwe?
M.W: I have loved the people, and I feel so blessed that I have been able to help people when I have been there.

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
M.W: No one on their death bed wishes that they spent more time in the office.

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character and why?
M.W: God, awesome. How would you even begin to create a universe?

M.M: What do you do to relax?
M.W: Listen to music, read, walk by the sea, watch a film, I love the cinema. I like football, support Crystal Palace (don’t tell Adrian). I also love to exercise and travel.

M.M: Great. Thanks so much Madz.

By Molly Manhanga

One on one with Wendy Virgo

Wendy Virgo

It was so good catching up with Wendy when she and Terry visited Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Wendy is lovely and I really enjoy chatting to her – such a wealth of information, Godly lady, encouraging and dynamic. This is what she said…..

M.M: How do you feel about the transition within Newfrontiers as a Family of Churches?
W.V: We had been thinking about it and chatting about it for a while now. We are always in transition. We are not a static people but a mobile people. There is always change and adaptation. There is the question – when Terry goes what will happen? We are not worried as we have never felt ownership in the sense of possessing it. Rather, we are thrilled to be a part of it. What will God do next? It is Gods and He is already raising up people and putting people in place. We are praying for and seeing Apostles coming through. I have no doubt of Terry’s apostolic gift and its exciting seeing other men coming through.

M.M: Fantastic. Is it really then transition or multiplication as other men are coming through?
W.V: The word transition seems indecisive, leaving but never arriving. Multiplication can be defined as another stage, new season of growth, of expectation, faith. Multiplication is more positive.

M.M: When did you feel called to the ministry?
W.V: Since I was a little girl I knew I would be in the ministry. I thought I’d be a missionary and to me that meant going overseas. I had met Terry when I was older and dared not fall in love with him. I specifically then heard God say that the call for my life was Terry Virgo. It was very clear from God. I was yoked to Terry. Whatever he did, I’d be a part of.

M.M: Terry is an apostle and you are his wife. A commonly asked question is “Can women be apostles too?”
W.V: 90% no. It’s a governance thing. The only reference to an Apostles wife is in 1 Corinthians 9:5 “Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?” An apostle’s wife in mentioned in the context of mobility, travel and to be part of what he is doing.

M.M: Great. What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time?
W.V: I’m hoping to grow in the prophetic gift and hear God more consistently. I’d like to lead more women into confidence in their gifting while being in a Biblical place of submission. The world is yet to see what Godly women are about. I’ve seen my children walking with the Lord and now I’d like to see my grandchildren also walking with God and finding their destiny. I’d also like to publish 2 more books.

M.M: Much to do. Much to do! Give us one highlight of all your travels?
W.V: It’s amazing to go to the ends of the earth and I thank God for Newfrontiers around the world….to be with people who share the same value. It’s amazing. Although we share the same values, there are different flavours and yet we are family.

M.M: God is good. Thank you Wendy. I’ve loved chatting to you. Enjoy your travels and your time with your family.

By Molly Manhanga

Catching up with Heather Wells

Heather Wells

It was great spending time with Mark and Heather Wells and getting to meet new people. Heather is such a lovely lady. I enjoy our “straight talk” as well as taking walks with her dog. Nice! This is what she had to say……

M.M: Which church are you now attending?
H.W: We now attend Oakham Baptist School Church.

M.M: How is your work at the Council?
H.W: Very busy. There is lots of change happening with the new government and all their plans. Education never stands still: from 0 – 19, we try to improve the outcomes for children no only academically but in social, family and community work which is very exciting.

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
H.W: Esther, a woman with conviction and positive influence

M.M: What’s the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
H.W: Sheep’s eye – not to be recommended. Very squishy!!

M.M: Who has influenced you the most recently?
H.W: Mark, my husband. He has been very determined through difficult times and has been unflinching in his belief in me and what God can and is doing?

M.M: Always a delight talking to you. Be blessed in the work you are doing.

By Molly Manhanga

Meet Angela Vincent

Angela Vincent

I first met Angela Vincent in 2001 and have great memories of going punting with her, her husband Peter and some friends in Cambridge. It was excellent. Peter leads Community Church in Bishop’s Stortford which meets at The Charis Centre. He has been leading this church for 19 years. Over the years, I have come to really value Angela’s friendship. It was GREAT seeing her in the ‘lanes’ in Brighton and having tea together in Bishop’s Stortford. Here is what she says

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
A.V: I was brought up in a little northern-English village, where I was related to almost everyone! My family had for generations worked in cotton weaving or farming – my sister and I were the first ones to be encouraged to broaden our horizons and go to University! In the village, chapel was either off your radar or the centre of life. Since my mum was a chapel-goer, so was I. I learned lots about God, but didn’t know Him and was pretty turned off by what I considered to be the hypocrisy of going to church on a Sunday, then meeting up to gossip about the minister during the week. One of my friends at secondary school started calling himself a Christian, which intrigued me – I assumed that since I wasn’t a Muslim or an atheist, I must be a Christian! But it didn’t click for me until I was 17 and heard, for the first time in my life, the real Gospel and realized that what I was thinking and doing hurt God. I was so, so sorry and so, so grateful that Jesus had died in my place. It cost me to walk down the chapel aisle, in front of people I’d known all my life, to commit my life into God’s hands, but faced with what I now would call grace, I couldn’t have done anything else.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
A.V: My family life now? I think I’d say “constantly evolving”. We’re a close family, probably more so as we educated our two daughters at home, for the most part. Peter being in church leadership means that there’s no such thing as regular hours but also that he got to see quite a bit of them as they’ve grown up. They are now 23 and 20, really loving God and seeking His will for their lives. That’s a source of immense pleasure to me and I thank God every day for them and ask for His blessing on their lives and the people they mix with. Both are currently based here, though Ellen’s away at university studying physiotherapy for two-thirds of the year. We have our share of strife but lots of laughing and sharing, too! Peter is the sole male and has to put up with some girly stuff, but he copes.

M.M: What have been the highlights of ministry?
A.V: oohh…… getting to spend time with people and see the journey that God’s taking them on. I regularly have a few tears of joy when I see people I know and love stepping out into things they wouldn’t have done just a while ago. More recently, too, I’ve been able to do more things with Peter, whether here in the church, in the region that he serves or overseas – Sweden, central Asia and Ukraine particularly. We work well together!!

M.M: Any challenges you’d like to share?
A.V: hmmm… There have been more than a few hairy moments in the life of the church, times when we’ve had to seek God, even asking, “Do you still want us here? If You do, You’ll have to straighten all this out!!” Keeping my attitude good has been key at those times, especially when people say things that are hurtful about your husband. And as family life changes with changing age, maintaining the balance of attention, time and love between church, family members and others is a constant challenge.

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
A.V: I don’t know that I have a favourite… I have a favourite Bible prophecy!! Does that count? It’s when someone prophecies simply, “The Lord is with you”. Now, the listeners could have thought, “yeah, that’s obvious. Tell us something we don’t know”, but they took it as God’s encouragement and that simple line made it into Scripture. That encourages me that the simplest truths at the right time can have far-reaching effect.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
A.V: I like to get on the piano and doodle! In fact, music plays a big part in my life, whether listening, playing or singing. Playing in the church worship team is a big commitment but amazingly recreational as well. Plus, I like crafts of different types, like making greetings cards out of bits and pieces - reflects my thrifty upbringing!! Just chatting with friends rates very highly and I definitely get energy from being with people.

M.M: You certainly are GREAT to be around. Thanks so much Angela.

By Molly Manhanga

Meet Catherine Hunter

Catherine Hunter

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
C.H: I’ve been a Christian since I was 12. I trained as a primary teacher and meet Steve (my husband), though mutual Christian friends. We moved to near Dorchester just after we married and joined NF church there. Then we moved to Weymouth in 2002 to help plant the church there. We have 4 children, Hannah who is 11, Jemimah 9, Ben 7 and Abigail 5.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
C.H: Busy! All the children are now at school full time, so I have started to do some supply teaching. Hannah has started secondary school, so we are always busy with their social lives and homework etc.

M.M: Were there any significant changes in your life when Steve started leading Weymouth Family Church?
C.H: Yes, Steve had a lot more people to see and meetings to go to, and we had added responsibility to oversee other leaders. Obviously Steve had to carry more weight and that had a knock on impact on all of us.

M.M: What have been some of the highlights in ministry?
C.H: I love seeing people becoming Christians and then growing in their faith. I love encouraging leaders in what they are doing and seeing their gifts develop. Meeting people from overseas churches has also been a privilege and a great opportunity to learn and grow. We have started a women’s ministry group that I’ve enjoyed helping to run.

M.M: Great! Any challenges you’d like to share?
C.H: It is always hard to see friends face struggles. Also I find conflict amongst fellow Christians a sad thing to deal with. It’s a challenge as well to see non-christian friends walking away from God.

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
C.H: Difficult to answer, I read lots of books and tend to only remember the last one! Also have lots of the parts of the bible which are favourites. Steve used the message translation of Romans 12 v 8 to the end which was inspirational and found a prayer from Blaise Pascal in Where is God When it Hurts? By Phillip Yancey, but it s a bit long to type out!

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character and why?
C.H: David, partly because I love the Psalms. I also like God’s description of David being a man after His own heart. The other reason is that David messed up on so many levels and yet God still loved and used him in His plans.

M.M: If you were to encourage ladies out there, what would you say?
C.H Never believe that God has given up on you. Keep learning about Him and believing in His promises. Also the grass is rarely greener on the other side, we have all we need in Jesus.

M.M: Thanks so much Catherine.

By Molly Manhanga

Meet Megan Land

Megan Land with her family


Megan Land is married to Drew and they lead Hope Church in Durban. They have been leading Hope Church for…3 1/2…years. Megan and Drew have 4 children:……Jonas aged…9., …Eden aged 8..,…Daia aged 5 and ……Anya aged 4.

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
M.L:I grew up in a small town in Texas. I have one younger brother. I had the privilege of growing up in a loving Christian home. I made a commitment to follow Jesus when I was 15 and was filled with the Holy Spirit at 18. I longed to serve God and the poor and see people from all nations come to know him. Drew and I fell in love at a young age and got married when I was 20. We then moved to England for six years, where we served at the Kings Arms Church. Then we moved to South Africa, where we served a church in Pietermaritzburg for three years and have now been in Durban for four years.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
M.L: My family life now is busy, noisy, messy and full of fun! We have been blessed with four kids so it is never boring. We love being together as a family - camping, having people over and doing silly things together.

M.M: Were there any significant changes in your life when you and Drew planted out in Durban?
M.L: Yes. One major change was that I gave birth to my fourth child. So balancing a new birth of a child and a new birth of a church was a challenge. We also had to learn again the different ways that we lead and how to depend completely on God together.

M.M: What have been some of the highlights in ministry?
M.L: The best highlights have been seeing people come to know Jesus for the first time. We had a young man who works at the school our kids go to. He just felt drawn to speak to Drew one day and felt like he needed to come to church. God met with him in a wonderful way and he committed his life to Jesus. His mom then started coming to church and she became a christian as well. His younger brother now is walking with the Lord in a radical way. So that is one example of seeing an entire family changed and its been a wonderful privilege.

M.M: Any challenges you’d like to share?
M.L: The biggest challenge for me has been the identity issues that planting a church has brought out. The reality is everyone will not like you or like what you do. I realized how much stake I put in what other people think about me. I have also struggled with the issue of wanting the church to be successful and people to perceive it as successful. So God is taking me on a journey of learning to depend on Him and want to please Him above everything and everyone!

M.M: Amazing and so honest! What is your favourite quote?
M.L: “Love to be real, it must cost - it must hurt - it must empty of self” Mother Teresa

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character and why?
M.L: My favourite Bible character is probably the woman who poured perfume on Jesus' feet. I want to live a life like that. Totally consumed with Jesus and not letting anything around me hold me back from a life of extravagant worship.

M.M: If you were to encourage ladies out there, what would you say?
M.L: I would say pursue intimacy with Jesus above all else. Find your identity as a beautiful daughter of God and know that God delights in who you are before you do anything for him.

By Molly Manhanga

Catching up with Lindsey Pettit

Lindsey Pettit

At present Lindsey is living in Cape Town, South Africa. She has 3 children Emily is her oldest and she is married to Ryan. She is a journalist. Charles is the middle child and he is married to Barbara. They have Lily and Harrison, Lindsey's 2 totally adorable grandchildren – Charles does something amazing in finance (not sure what) and Lindsey's youngest child is Alice. She is a beautician.
Lindsey is so grateful at the moment that they are all are living in Cape Town. They have all travelled widely and lived abroad but like homing pigeons they have come home to roost - so They have great hilarious noisy family times together quite often.

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
L.P: I was born in Horsham Sussex and lived all my life in Sussex until we uprooted in 1990 and moved to Cape Town. I met my late husband Simon at school and we married after we had finished university. We both taught for a while and then our children were born. About that time Simon left teaching, studied theology and then went full time as a Baptist Pastor so I had to learn how to be hospitable and pastoral. It didn’t come naturally. I had to work hard at it.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
L.P: When we meet together very noisy – we all talk at the same time and we eat together a lot which is something we all enjoy. I love cooking large amounts and having an open house and table – I really enjoy my children. They are all individual and have very distinct strong personalities

.

M.M: Were there any significant changes in your life when Simon passed away?
L.P: What didn’t change? Overnight it all changed – obviously we all lost a huge and significant and loved person. His influence and character had spread far and wide and the loss in all areas of my life was immense.
I had to learn how to be a single parent and take responsibility in areas that Simon had managed in our marriage – like paying bills etc. I didn’t like that and I am still not that great at administration. Even in areas like driving around, I had to do the late night pick ups and learn to be mum and dad.
I had travelled widely with him and when he passed away I had to learn to do that on my own. The first time I stayed in a hotel room on my own was very hard and very lonely but these things become easier with time.
There are some advantages strange as it may seem, returning to singleness - I can eat sushi (Simon hated it ) and spend as long as I like clothes shopping and buy nothing and not have to explain – to an exasperated husband - why that was a good outing

M.M: What have been some of the highlights in ministry?
L.P: Definitely my work in Pollsmoor Prison. Jesus’s words in Matthew 25 struck me to the heart ‘……I was in prison and you visited me ‘ It wasn’t so hard to go and visit – that was all Jesus asked and in doing that simple thing I found my own heart being healed and restored. Sometimes I feel so expectant about going to prison – it is like going to visit Jesus. I work with juveniles and I can see the eyes of Jesus reflected through the eyes of a wounded child .

M.M: Any challenges you’d like to share?
L.P: Being a single woman is a huge challenge in so many ways. It is difficult to know where I fit in.

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
L.P: So many – but this I wrote in the front of my bible “ ….far better is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though chequered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the great twilight’ Theodore Rooseveldt

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character and why?
L.P: David – he is interesting and in spite of glaring faults is described as a ‘man after Gods heart’ and I have a feeling that he would have been very handsome!!

M.M: Interesting! I recall what an amazing job you did with Titus 2 Ladies? Are you still actively involved in ministering to women?
L.P: Not at all – in fact I work almost exclusively with men. I work in a male prison with male colleagues – one day a week I work with Ambassadors in Sport who run a football academy in prison – so I work alongside the football coaches - I oversee and facilitate educational programmes for the inmates.

I think God has a seriously funny sense of humour in that frequently I feel I’m the wrong gender, wrong generation, wrong nationality and belong to the wrong language group to be working with male inamtes in prison – and yet somehow it all comes together and it’s great!

M.M: If you were to encourage ladies out there, what would you say?
L.P: Romans 8 v28 is my all time encouraging quote “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him……” Whatever happens however indescriminate or seemingly worthless God is working and because God is only good we can trust Him with everything – we will make mistakes – it is at those times we know we need God more than when we feel all is going well – when we make mistakes and fall and fail, we are humble and then we expereience the warmth and healing power of our great mysterious and wonderful God

M.M: Thanks so much Lindsey. This is excellent. All things certainly do work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes.

By Molly Manhanga

Meeting Catherine Redmill

Maurice and Catherine Redmill

Catherine is one of the 5 elder’s wives at Kings Community Church in Southampton. It was excellent spending 2 evenings with her and Maurice and getting to know them better.

What is your favourite quote?
God hasn’t finished with me yet.

What ministry are you involved with at KCC?
HALO: Have A Lunch Out. This is a ministry to the senior citizens and we meet every 3 weeks. We have a 2 course meal, entertainment and spiritual input. We have Songs of praise every 2 months and a Sunday afternoon tea and service.

Who has influenced you the most recently?
The “Freedom in Christ”course.

What is your favourite current album?
Domingo Greatest Love Songs

What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
It’s a dark pastry (Don’t recall the name) but it tasted disgusting!

Any words of encouragement you’d like to share?
God is good!

A few minutes with Jane Brombley

Graham and Jane Brombley

It was wonderful visiting Graham and Jane Brombley in Southampton. They attend Kings Community Church led by Martyn and Gaynor Dunsford. They have been with the church for 17 years. Jane does administration in the church office, heads up the pre-school age children (Sparklers) at their Sunday school, runs a cell group for the 9 – 10 year olds, does graphics and she is a safe-guarding officer (safe-guarding children and vulnerable adults).

What do you do to relax?
Watch a little bit of television: romantic comedy and detective stories. I also read romance and detective novels.

Who has influenced you recently?
The book of Ephesians

What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
Curry, ostrich steak and kangaroo

What is your favourite current album?
“The Great Sojourn” by my son, John Brombley

Who is your favourite Bible character?
Jesus

A brief chat with Ginger Marie Price

Ginger Marie Price at Crossroads

Ginger attends Jubilee church, St Louis, City Location, Midwest in Missouri and she has been attending this church over 10 years. Jubilee Church is led by Bryon Mowrey.

What do you do to relax?
G.P: I’m an American. We DON'T relax! I’m learning to stop and relax and taking time to enjoy the quiet.

Kezi is the right place for all of that. What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
G.P: Coagulated ducks blood in soup in China. It tasted okay.

Who has influenced you recently?
G.P: Sam and Marlene Poe. Their passion to go anywhere with no fear and be obedient to God!

A few minutes with Betsy Slate

Betsy Slate

Betsy is part of a Life Change Team from America that was out visiting Sam and Marlene Poe. It was awesome having the Team at Crossroads Community Church and getting to know them better. Betsy comes from the East Coast, Boston, Massachusetts. She attends Fenway Church led by David W. Hill. Fenway Church is part of Newfrontiers family of churches and Betsy has been attending this church for a year.

What do you do to relax?
Read a lot and take naps

What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
Pickled beets

Who has influenced you recently?
Tim keller’s book “Reason for God” and Francis Chan’s book “Forgotten God” which talks about the Holy Spirit being minimized.

A few minutes with Sarah Giles

Sarah Giles

It was great catching a few minutes with Sarah Giles at Momentum 2010.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
S.G: I have a nice bath with candles and “smelly” things of the nice variety! I have a glass of wine or watch a movie.

M.M: What are you passionate about?
S.G: Jesus and the Church, children and justice for the poor.

M.M: What is the weirdest food you ever eaten?
S.G: Crocodile. It’s quite tough and doesn’t have a great taste.

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
S.G: “A sky without stars is like a face without freckles.”

M.M: What is your current favourite album?
S.G: Seal

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
S.G: David. He is deep, holistic, emotional, sensitive, expressive, a worshipper and a mighty leader.

M.M: What are your thoughts on Momentum 2010?
S.G: The word sums up what is happening in the spirit - The Churches getting together. Momentum speaks of continuity, a journey together.

M.M: Thanks so much Sarah.

By Molly Manhanga

A brief chat with Pam Windsor

Pam Windsor

It was great meeting Tim and Pam Windsor at Ebenezer Training Centre. The Windsors fellowship at The Kings Family Church, Oakville, Ontario, Canada. This church is affiliated to Newfrontiers Family of Churches and it’s led by Chris McLean. This is what Pam had to say:

M.M: What are you passionate about?
P.W: Worshipping Jesus, spending time with God, journaling and I love people.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
P.W: Listen to music, read a good novel, walk and sleep.

M.M: Who has influenced you recently?
P.W: A girl called Julie who is a missionary in Mozambique. She is sold out for Jesus and doesn’t count the cost.

M.M: What are your impressions of Zimbabwe?
P.W: Aaaaah! Beautiful! It has a beautiful countryside, warm and friendly people and the smiles – I love the smiles of the people.

M.M: What are your thoughts of Ebenezer?
P.W: It’s incredible what God is doing here. People have faith to do things that are risky and edgy as well as to step out and invest in the lives of people. I like the discipleship model.

M.M: I understand you had a word about Zimbabwe. Please could you share it?
P.W: I saw a picture of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. I also saw a road made of maize or corn. It started in the middle of Zimbabwe and went all around into Mozambique. And then at the beginning of the road, I saw oil – the oil of the Holy Spirit and it flowed down the maize road. Then a fire started and moved rapidly across Zimbabwe and into Mozambique.

M.M: Any other comments?
P.W: I feel like Ebenezer is a well – a source place. I see lots of streams coming from this well which is well-made. Ebenezer will have far reaching effects with the streams. It’s really encouraging to see what God is doing.

M.M: Thanks so much Pam. Hope you enjoy your time in Zim.

By Molly Manhanga

Catching up with Marlene Poe

Marlene Poe

Sam and Marlene Poe are from Tacoma, USA and they are serving in Kezi, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe up until July. What a privilege to work closely with such a precious couple who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. I caught up with Marlene at Camp Momentum in Kezi.....

M.M: What do you do to relax?
M.P: read or hike

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
M.P: “Make new friends. Keep the old. One is silver, the other gold.”

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
M.P: Mupani worms

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
M.P: Peter. He is impetuous but real and changeable

M.M: What is your current favourite album?
M.P: Robin Mark “East of the river”

M.M: What are you passionate about?
M.P: Worship

M.M: Who has influenced you recently?
M.P: “Influential Women” by Wendy Virgo. It’s special because Wendy is my friend. Both Terry and Wendy are “people’s people”. You can have them in your home and feel comfortable with that.

M.M: So true! What are your thoughts on Momentum 2010?
M.P: I’m amazed at all the work and the incredible team that worked together to put on an event like this so well.

M.M: What are your impressions of Crossroads Community Church?
M.P: When we arrived, the ladies greeted me with warm hugs but there is the challenge of learning their names. I definitely enjoyed the experience and look forward to getting to know people.

M.M: Fantastic Marlene. I’m so looking forward to working with you.

By Molly Manhanga

Incredible ladies.....

Relaxed moments with Wendy Virgo, Tashinga Malaba and Flora Chizana

It was wonderful spending some time with 3 incredible ladies: Wendy Virgo, Tashinga Malaba and Flora Chizana. The conversations were both encouraging and so funny. It's just brilliant being able to relax among Godly women, share issues pertaining to women and see the humour in some of these issues and the different cultures as well. The conversation was so great that we ended up exchanging email addresses stating that we'll be in touch with one another. Praise God for such love, diversity and connectedness.

The meal of course was great but moreso the company....

By Molly Manhanga

Catching up with Vanessa Steffens

Vanessa Steffens

M.M: tell me briefly about your background?
V.S: I was born in Bulawayo, born again in Harare, met my husband in Jerusalem and by the grace of our wonderful God, travel from our base in the Netherlands to all sorts of places around the world.

M.M: What do you do now?
V.S: My husband and I work together as full time Bible teachers.

M.M: What word do you have for Zimbabwe?
V.S: A word for Zim – I’m not sure where this is in the Bible but there is a place where it is written: “The latter end of these things will be much greater than their beginning!

M.M: What do you do to relax?
V.S: I read or walk. I love walking with my husband but sometimes I just walk alone with God.

Peter and Vanessa Steffens

M.M: What are you passionate about?
V.S: I am passionate about all kinds of things, but only a few things touch me deeply and they All have to do with the amazing God who adopted me and allows me to call Him Father.

M.M: Wonderful! Thank you Vanessa.

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Cath Oldreive

Cath oldreive

Cath Oldreive is married to Brian Oldreive – Founder and pioneer of Foundations for Farming. She is an incredible lady – humble and compassionate. Cath is such a precious friend and I was so glad to have spent a bit of time with her at the recent Foundations for Nations Conference. This is what she said:

M.M: What do you do to relax?
C.O: Bath

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
C.O: Matemba with eyes

M.M: What is your favourite current album?
C.O: Stuart Townsend

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
C.O: Procrastination is the thief of time

M.M: You’ve been married to Brian for a long time. What do you most appreciate about him and what are your thoughts on Foundations for Farming?
C.O: What I appreciate about Brian is his total dedication to spending quality time with God and hearing from God. He has wrestled with God for over 20 years making sure that he has actually heard from God. I also appreciate his humility. With Foundations for Farming – God takes us forward in small steps. He won’t give us more than we can handle. God has added wonderful people to open and broaden the vision.

M.M: Thanks so much Cath.

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Lynne Knight

Lynne knight

Lynne is based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She is the Zimbabwe Team leader of Family Impact as well as the Programme Manager for Foundations for Family.

M.M: What are your thoughts on Foundations for Family?
L.K: Foundations for Family is going really well. We are starting to build portfolio of champions in Churches that we’d like to help. I’m excited about resourcing the Church and transforming Family Life.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
L.K: Play sport, sitting and reading.

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
L.K: Sushi. I loved it!

M.M: What is your favourite current album?
L.K: Feist – One, two, three, four

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
L.K: “ Leadership is like being a woman. If you have to tell people you are one, then you’re not.” Margaret Thatcher

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Carola Bogezi

Carola Bogezi

Carola is based in Harare, Zimbabwe. She is the Programme Manager for Foundations for Health.

M.M: How do you feel Foundations for Health is going?
C.B: We are at the developmental stage but I feel that we have GOLD in our hands. It has huge potential to reach the world. We are at the pre-piloting stages at the moment working into 3 sites. We are taking it out ourselves. We need to modify our manual before it’s goes out to people.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
C.B: Bath with lots of bubbles

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
C.B: Python

M.M: What is your favourite current album?
C.B: “Rise up Africa” by Shelton Bogezi – my newly wedded husband

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
C.B: “We can do no great things. We can do small things with great love.” Mother Theresa

M.M: Who has influenced you the most recently?
C.B: Beth Moore. I’m now studying God’s word more.

M.M: What are you passionate about?
C.B: Empowering individuals to live a healthier life.


M.M: Thanks so much Carola.

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Josie Milligan

Josie Milligan

Josie Milligan is the youngest child of Brian and Cath Oldreive – Founders and pioneers of Foundations for Farming. Josie is the International Office Manager for Foundations for Farming. She attended the recent Foundations for Nations Conference which was held at River of Life Westgate Church and I managed to catch a few minutes with her. This is what Josie said:

M.M: What do you do work wise?
J.M: I’m the International office manager for Foundations for Farming as well as the office manager for International Newfrontiers Communications.

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
J.M: Haggis

M.M: What are you passionate about?
J.M: Communicating biblical principles to affect life change

M.M: What do you do to relax?
J.M: Potter about at home and walking

Work, work, work with Josie Milligan

By Molly Manhanga

One on One with Jen te Velde

Jen te Velde

M.M - Tell me briefly about your background.
J.tV – I was born and brought up in Nepal by missionary parents. When I was about 10 we moved to Northern Ireland, were I did my secondary education. When I was 18 years old I did a gap year in Nepal, and then returned to study briefly in Scotland, Edinburgh. For university I studied Stage Management at a drama college in London and on graduating briefly worked in the theatre. For various reasons I decided to join the world of Christian charity work and have worked for Interserve, a mission organisation reaching into the Arab and Asian world arranging gap year placements for individuals and more recently have worked doing Admin/PA work for our local church, New Community Church, S.E London. I met my husband Riemer in 2006 and we have been happily married now for nearly 2 years.

M.M- Where did you meet Riemer?
J.tV – We met through a mutual Zimbabwean friend called Simon. Simon had grown up in Zimbabwe with Riemer and had his 30th birthday party, to which Riemer and I were both invited. Riems was living in Holland at the time and we decided we quite liked each other and to stay in touch

Jen at Isaiah Children's Home in Bulawayo

M.M –How would you describe Zimbabwe?
J.tV – Riems parents live in Zimbabwe and in 2008 we visited them here. I had longed to visit Zimbabwe for so long having heard so many wonderful things about it and when I finally got here if I am honest, I was a bit disappointed. With all the troubles that Zimbabwe has experienced over the years, it wasn’t the childhood paradise my Zimbabwean friends had spoken about. Nostalgia ran thick in the conversations we had with people living here, disappointment, lack of hope, I came away feeling rather disillusioned. Our visit this year however, has really encouraged me. I really see changes happening and I’ve really come to love Zimbabwe. It is beautiful, the people have experienced so many hardships, but are filled with a new hope and strength to carry on. Come and visit, I know you’ll love it too!

M.M – How best would you describe your African trip – Cape Town to London (Jen and Riemer are travelling by car from Cape Town to London over a period of 8 months, volunteering with various churches along the way) – so far?
J.tV – In three words - adventurous, encouraging and humbling. So far we’ve travelled through South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana and now Zimbabwe and we have been amazed at the variety of experiences we’ve had along the way. We’ve had a wheel spin off our car while we’ve been driving, and fall into the sea, numerous flat tyres and a blow out, and been stuck in the mud twice once in the dark and once with wild animals nearby making it dangerous to get out the car. We can testify that prayer really works!
We have been so encouraged by the stories we’ve heard about how God has intervened in various people’s lives, bringing hope where there was non, bringing love where there was non, bringing compassion where there was non. We have seen such material poverty, but seen God riches overcome all this. In Lesotho, which is one of the poorest nations of the world, I worked with a girl called Nwansaki from the local Newfrontiers church. She had lost both her parents and was now in charge of bringing up 4 or 5 younger siblings; feeding them, clothing them, paying school fees etc. Despite all this she found time to volunteer for the church 5 days a week visiting the sick in their homes in 3 different villages, praying for them, encouraging them and telling them the good news about Jesus. I was very humbled and challenged.

M.M – What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
J.tV – I must admit I’m not good with weird food, I tend to generally avoid it, possibly it was an insect that was inside a candy.

M.M – Who has influenced you the most recently?
J.tV – I think quite possibly it was Nwansaki, the girl from Lesotho. She was materially in poverty, yet she gave God her whole heart, her compassion, her time, and God has made something beautiful out of it.

M.M- Amazing! What are you passionate about?
J.tV - The nations! I just love the variety of people we have in this world, the richness of cultures, and how God can break across all the barriers that this could present . I always get excited when we sing and read about how every tribe and every tongue will worship God.

M.M: Thanks so much Jen. It’s been a joy being with you and spending time with you and Riemer. Happy adventures and be blessed as you travel through Africa!

By Molly Manhanga

Catching up with Heather Wells

Heather Wells

It was GREAT seeing Mark and Heather Wells again in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. They visited Kezi and have been a delight to fellowship with. Heather has impacted my life so positively. I enjoy being around her and find it so easy to chat to this amazing lady. I caught up with Heather when she and Mark spent the evening at our home in Bulawayo. This is what she said:

M.M: How best would you describe your visit to Zimbabwe this time round?
H.W: Fascinating, tiring, exhilarating. Zimbabwe is such a wonderful place to be and meet up with friends like you Molly. Bulawayo is a land of opportunity and anticipation.

M.M: Thanks Heather! Have you made inroads in the City of Kings - Bulawayo?
H.W: Well, that sounds like a huge question. I hope so. We have met with people who love God and are of influence in the Church and City. The City of Kings is recovering. We have seen that over the last year. It’s more than a recovery though, it’s a journey that will lead to Bulawayo reclaiming that it’s for God and becoming a City of the King. That sounds very profound but there is so much going on with Foundations for Farming, Foundations for Family as well as Operation Trumpet Call.

Mark and Heather Wells

M.M: What are you passionate about?
H.W: I am passionate about Education. The process of learning is lifelong and provides the opportunity for people to grow in wisdom, knowledge and skills. Education opens doors that allow children to achieve their potential. For everyone it is empowering and I am sure that Education in its broadest sense is a very, very powerful tool of one we need to develop and use to support communities.

M.M: Brilliant. What are your thoughts on Adult Literacy?
H.W: Education is for everyone. Learning is easier when you are little, BUT, and it’s a big but, everyone can learn. Adult learning is a huge opportunity for people to improve their skills and knowledge. Exciting opportunities are there for everyone to reach their God-given potential. I could go on and on, there is so much to say but……………………………….

M.M: Everyone reaching their God-given potential is what is on my heart and you’ve expressed this so well. When will you and Mark be back in Zimbabwe?
H.W: We are hoping to be back in May this year to continue building relationship and catching up with our friends and all that they are doing.

M.M: As a woman, how you influence people in Rutland County?
H.W: My role in Rutland (County in the middle of the U.K) is an elected member of the County Council. Within the Council, I hold the portfolio for Children and Young People’s Services. That means I am politically responsible for anything to do with children and young people (0 – 19), that includes schools, youth services, special needs, social services and in addition adult learning. So a very broad brief It is a challenge and privilege to be elected to such a role and also very busy. The role requires me to lead on the implementation or strategic legislation or strategic legislation as well as locally driven initiatives such as improving the way in which we support children with special needs and help them to be integrated into main stream schools. I am part of a county council with 26 elected members, within that we have an executive or cabinet and it is on the cabinet that I sit, so it is a real privilege and opportunity to serve. I serve on the cabinet with my husband. It is quite unusual for a husband and wife to both be elected, so that’s fun!


M.M: Truly inspiring talking to you Heather. I really look forward to your next visit.

Interviewed by Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Suzanne Bryon

Suzanne Bryon

Suzanne comes from Woking and attends The Coign Church led by Malcolm Kayes. She has been attending this church for nearly six years and it is part of Newfrontiers. Suzanne is married to Norman and they have three children. Their eldest child is Jonathan and he is in China with his wife and baby, the second born is Philip and he helps people get employment in Nottingham. Anna is the third born and she is serving at Ebenezer Training Centre in Zimbabwe. Suzanne is a retired school teacher and she and Norman will be serving in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe for 6 weeks before going to Harare to serve for another 6 weeks. We had been in comms via email and it was wonderful to finally meet Norman and Suzanne. I caught up with Suzanne in Bulawayo and this is what she had to say:

M.M: What are you passionate about?
S.B: I’m passionate about my family, hospitality and sharing Jesus. I also enjoy making things with pressed flowers and candles.

M.M: Who has influenced you the most recently?
S.B: Malcolm Kayes with his preaching. The emphasis was on being passionate for God’s kingdom before anything else

M.M: In the 3 months that you are in Zimbabwe, what are you hoping that the Lord will do for you personally?
S.B: I’d like to be clear on where my niche is and wherever it is, to give myself totally to it and get on with it.

M.M: What are your impressions of New Creations led by Mbonisi Malaba?
S.B: Invigorating, lively, youthful. Mbonisi’s preaching touched my spirit.

By Molly Manhanga

A brief chat with Flora Knapp

Flora Knapp

Flora comes from London, U.K. She is a midwife and has been doing this just over a year as well as being a nurse for the last 6 years. She has been in Zimbabwe since November 2009. Her first stop was in Chiweshe where she served in the Salvation Army Hospital. She is now in Bulawayo using her nursing skills to serve the folk out here. We are excited because she is coming to Kezi to serve the apprentices at Ebenezer Training Centre, the Home Based Care team from Crossroads Community Church and the Farm workers at Shalom Camp Site. I managed to catch up with Flora in Bulawayo and this is what she said about herself:

M.M: What are your thoughts about Ebenezer Training Centre
F.K: Ebenezer is an amazing and exciting project. It’s great seeing people trained and sent out.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
F.K: I read and I enjoy chatting to people

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
F.K: Jesus

M.M: Who has shaped your life?
F.K: My family, friends and my faith

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
F.K: Crocodile

M.M: What is your favourite movie?
F.K: Bourne Identity and Bourne Supreme

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Tashinga Malaba

Meeting of the GREATS….


Tashinga Malaba

Tashinga, better known as Tash is a GREAT friend whom I’ve known for years. She is married to Mbonisi Malaba, the lead elder of River of Life church in Bulawayo. Tash is a dynamic lady, a mother of two and great to be around. I consider her to be a GREAT lady and this is what she had to say….

M.M: Who is your favourite worship artist?
T.M: Michael W. Smith

M.M: Who has influenced you most recently?
T.M: Apart from Mbonisi who is an ongoing influence, my good friend Sabina, James Dobson, Drew & Megan Land/Dave Larsen(i-groups), Elizabeth George and some really cool mums I hang out with once a week.

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
T.M: Octopus!

M.M: What do you do to relax?
T.M: I like to read, I like to watch DVDs with Mbo, and more recently I like to write.

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
T.M: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what’s for lunch : )

Mbonisi Malaba – lead Elder of River of Life church Bulawayo, holding his son Noah

By Molly Manhanga

Catching up with Wendy Virgo.......

Wendy Virgo

Wendy Virgo is married to Terry Virgo – founder of Newfrontiers. Wendy is an exceptional lady, one whom I admire and respect deeply. Her wisdom and insight into the word of God is so evident as she is firmly rooted and grounded in His word.

I am so honoured to have spent some time with Wendy interviewing her but sharing heart as well. She is extraordinary. This is what she had to say:

M.M: How many years have you been married to Terry and how many years have you been in ministry together?
W.V: Terry and I have been married for 41 years now and we’ve been in ministry about the same.

M.M: With so many years behind you, what highlights in ministry can you share?
W.V: I can remember the first church plant where people were filled with the Holy Spirit. Those were wonderful days. There was such a sense of community. The first Bible Week – Downs Bible week which was held on the race course in Sussex. It started with 2000 and ended with 10 000. We stopped it to seek God and the churches were growing fast. In 1990, we had Stoneleigh. It was fabulous. 30 000 people would attend especially for the day. It was wonderful. A special time of our own was seeing our children coming to know the Lord, getting married and having babies. There are so many highlights.

M.M: With all the joys, there is much pain. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?
W.V: The early years in Brighton in 1979……we were looked down upon in the town. Terry was misunderstood. Lies circulated. Those were difficult times. Now we have friends all over the city. God has been kind to us. We have had very few internal disagreements in New Frontiers. The situation in India 7 years ago was very painful. The churches are now healthy and growing.

M.M: God sure is faithful even in the most difficult of times. I really enjoyed reading your book "Influential Women." What inspired you to write it?
W.V: My own experience and revelation of the dangers of the Jezebelic spirit. I knew at the time that I’d write about it. It’s such a prevalent problem. I needed time for it to digest and get a right perspective on it. The seed of the book was 10 years ago. In the New Testament and epistles we read of other women and can glean much.

M.M: Interesting! What words of encouragement would you give ladies, especially as you look around the room at our ladies here in Zimbabwe?
W.V: God is for you. He is absolutely not wanting to put women down, not squashed. He wants you to be fulfilled and His ways will lead you to joy, peace and fulfillment. Believe what God says.

M.M: Totally! What is your favourite quote?
W.V: “As for God, His ways are perfect”. Also Psalm 18 and Psalm 144:12.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
W.V: I love running (not as much now) and walking on the hills around our home, swimming, reading, crosswords, scrabble.

M.M: What’s your impression of the Church in Zimbabwe?
W.V: Courageous, full of faith, valuing the presence of God and seeking for it. There is vision to advance the Kingdom and not just maintain it, to church plant and see initiatives. You don’t meet the bitterness and anger when talking to people but how God provides for people. It’s remarkable.

M.M: Thank you so much Wendy. I hope you enjoy your time in Durban, in Cape Town and beyond.

Interviewed by Molly Manhanga

.......Women are like Pillars........

Wendy Virgo

Wendy shared about Pillars from Psalm 144:12.

Pillars: pillars are strong, straight, solid, able to hold something up, sharing.
Strong:

• Women need to be strong. God wants strong women. Not the idea of strong that we have which is aggressive, pushy, self-assertive.

• Ephesians 6:10 – 13. We need to be strong in a particular way: strong in the Lord, a sense of knowing who we are in the Lord, secure in Christ and being warriors in God. We need to stand and stand firm – not being pushed around. Our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood. The enemy is trying to push us, to bring accusation and doubt. We need to withstand the accusations. 2 Timothy 2:1, 1 Corinthians 6:13.

• We need to counteract the lies of the enemy for Biblical femininity. Men and women need to live in harmony. The man is the head of the woman as Christ is the head of the church. It’s linking of authority. There is order in the Godhead. The enemy hates submission but submission is not being a doormat. We need to be strong to withstand the lies of the enemy and we need to know what we believe.
Straight:

• Phillipians 2:15. As women we need to be straight, not crooked. Straight forward in our ways, not devious and with half-truths. Jesus comes to make the crooked straight.

• We need to be uncompromising and clear on our motivation.

• Lot’s wife also turned into a pillar – of salt. We don’t want to be that pillar.
Stable/solid:

• James 3:17. We shouldn’t be double-minded, not wobbly. Our immovability must come from Jesus. 1 Corinthians 16, Stand firm. Psalm 112:11

• We can be vulnerable and admit to being vulnerable. We can depend on God and need the Holy Spirit.
Purpose of pillars:

• To hold things up & be supportive. As ladies we can take a certain amount of pressure. The ways of God keep us going.

• Hold up the roof: sometimes pillars are hidden while others are seen. Some women are more prominent than others. We need to be positive about this and supportive, not undermining. We need to see our position in relation to the ceiling. Don’t be part of the problem.

• Pillars have to have a foundation – be well-rooted. Proverbs 31. Enjoy being a woman. V 25, she is clothed with strength and dignity. Be comfortable with whom you’re married to. Be industrious, have vigour and be clothed with strength not manipulative or easily manipulated. Her husband had confidence in her love, affection and understanding. She brings him good and not harm. She is a woman of strength.
Position of a pillar:

• Pillars are not to be the same. There are a variety of pillars and that is characteristic of us women. Things that are common to us as women are: loving, forgiving, sexual purity, value homes and family but we shouldn’t all be the same.

• Thank God for the pillars that are hidden: the prayer warriors, counselors, hospitality and so on. Others have prominent positions but we are not to feel inferior.

• Pillars are in groups or rows. God wants us as women to be together. The enemy will try and separate us but we need to maintain unity. Don’t gossip and spread lies. Enjoy fellowship with one another. Pray together. There is strength in that. We need other perspectives to widen our understanding. Iron sharpens iron.

The session ended with Wendy praying for the ladies. Amazing truths taken from Psalm 144:12.

Summarised by Molly Manhanga