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

Women from the Bible - Mary...

Wendy Virgo

The second story was on Mary, taken from Luke 1:26 when God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary. God sent the angel to a specific person, at a specific time with a very specific message.

Mary is like a prototype woman. God comes specifically to us. Mary possibly had her plans but God was interrupting her plans with the message about Jesus. God the Father was sending God the Son. Mary objects and thought she was being asked to do something she couldn’t.

When God comes to us, He changes everything. In and of ourselves, we don’t have the ability to bring life. The Holy Spirit is the answer and he comes along side us in our times of weakness. The Holy Spirit gives us power to do what God has called us to do.
Forgiveness: It’s not a human thing. It’s a lifestyle. We chose to forgive and in our human strength, we are unable to. It’s not natural but the Holy Spirit will empower us.

Why was the story of Elizabeth brought in here when Mary was receiving her news? It shows us that NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE for God regardless of age. The Holy Spirit comes to enable us to do the supernatural.

God is taking us to new areas and Satan is trying to bring us down. We are called to pray: your kingdom come. Pray it into being.
Wendy encouraged us to be women of prayer, who seek God and have new understanding – women with discernment.

Summarised by Molly Manhanga

Women from the Bible - Jobs's wife...

Wendy Virgo

I really enjoyed Wendy Virgo’s sessions with the ladies. They were an encouragement for the women to have our roots deep in God and not be superficial and to be pillars, not devious, crooked and full of half-truths.

During the first session with Wendy, she told two stories: the first about Job’s wife and the second about Mary. We learnt very real truths about what can become of our characters as women.

In the story of Job we see how God doesn’t change. Our circumstances may change as God gives and He takes away but He remains the same. He is the bedrock of my belief. Job and his wife had the “good” life: they were wealthy and had many children. God took it away and Job was inflicted with sores. The saying: “How the mighty have fallen” depicts Job and his wife. Trials show us where our strengths and weaknesses are. Job held on to God. He refused to blame God and maintained a worshipful attitude. His wife on the other hand, is pretty known for her words “curse God and die”.

What lessons do we learn from Job’s wife?
1. She is an immature woman.
2. She was an outward show.
3. Take everything away from her, the status, money, wealth and there is nothing there.
4. She didn’t have her roots in God.
Job reacted much better to the crisis. Job prospered in God. He remained healthy in spirit. Jeremiah 17:7

It’s a good picture for us. Job and his wife seemed like they were flourishing. Everything on the outside looked good but Job’s wife was superficial – her roots didn’t go deep.

Very interesting lesson to learn!

Summarised by Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Sue Hosier

Sue Hosier

What do you do to relax?
Gardening

What is your favourite quote?
Romans 15:13 “

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Fufu

What are you most passionate about?
The Lord, the church, my family, discipling younger women and compost

Who has shaped your life?
My husband John

What sorts of book do you like reading?
Traveling books

What is your favourite current album?
Evan Rogers “Devoted”

Book Review - Influential Women

Wendy Virgo

Every woman is unique and no two are the same. Wendy Virgo explores this fact to the full. She addresses a fascinating selection of Biblical heroines and villains, many of whom discovered God’s best for them while others failed badly due to the pull of seductive but destructive alternatives.

Chapter 1 is riveting – “Two quarrelling Women” - Euodia and Syntyche. Paul wanted them to reconcile and quickly. What was the dispute all about? For Paul, the issue was not the issue. He is interested in the health of the church. Many potential pitfalls were identified. Paul however addresses the dispute, urging the women to “agree”, “be of the same mind”.

What goals should we be pursuing in discipling one another? Not only about ensuring the health and well-being of men, women and families in the church for their own sake: it was also about communicating their lifestyles to others around them – to bring to them a sense of purpose, which was to honour Jesus.

Corinthians 14:33 – 35 and Timothy 2:11 – 14 seem to place restrictions on women. Women however should view these teachings with faith, believing that God’s ways are good. God wants women to operate in security under the covering of an eldership, yet clear about boundaries. In church, if there are no boundaries we can be unsure as to how far we can go beyond the proper limits and cause ourselves, and others harm. Boundaries define a spacious area to be profitably used and enjoyed.

The famous question…..Why should women not be elders? Are we saying that women are not equal to men, that they are inferior? No! Our model is the Triune God. There is a sublime love relationship in the Trinity; there is mutual trust and there is perfect equality. But, there is also an eternal order: it will always be Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in that order. This does not detract from the worth of any of them. Same with men and women – men came first, then women. The role of eldership in the church is for men and women can do almost anything else.

The chapters on The Devious Woman, The Dangerous Woman and Jezebel are very enlightening. Wendy tackles them with such transparency and truth. There can be all sorts of ramifications but Revelation 2 gives us the answer – zero tolerance and repentance. As Wendy says, the best policy is to pray that God will reveal and expose things His way and in His time. Her personal story reveals the grace of God and how her “giant” was slain. As she says, “Jesus must always be our magnificent obsession.”

The final chapter looks at Two Influential Women – Eve (Genesis 3:1 – 2) and Mary (Luke 1:30 – 31) They were both influential but pretty much as opposite as you can get. Eve acted in her own interests; Mary acted in faith, forfeiting her own plans. Eve considered how she might be like God; Mary considered how she might serve God. Eve’s actions brought death and destruction; Mary’s brought life and peace. Eve precipitated a curse; Mary opened a pathway to blessing.

“Influential Women” is an excellent read. It comes Highly recommended.

A few minutes with Flora Chizana

Meeting of the GREATS….

Flora Chizana & her beautiful daughter Maita

Flora is married to Tapiwa Chizana. Taps was an elder at River of Life Church Bulawayo – rebirthing to New Creation. Taps and Flo have been a part of River of Life church for 4 years. They are now leading Thembalezizwe Church in Umguza, Bulawayo. I managed to catch a minute with Flo – a GREAT lady and this is what she had to say….

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
F.C: It’s a hard question as I don’t memorize quotations.

M.M: Who has influenced you most recently?
F.C: Lynn Hybils book: “Nice girls don’t change the world.”

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
F.C: Mupani worms

M.M: Give us a highlight of your family life.
F.C: Family days on Saturdays

M.M: What do you do to relax?
F.C: Going away and having a change of scenery

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Bernadette Ncube

Meeting of the GREATS….

Bernadette Ncube

Bernadette, better known as Berns is a GREAT friend whom I’ve known for years. She is married to Cedric Ncube - an anointed worship leader, and they are currently fellowshipping at New Day Church in Gabarone, Botswana. Bernadette is an awesome singer and she working on producing a C.D at the moment. I consider her to be a GREAT lady and this is what she had to say….


M.M: Who is your favourite worship artist?
B.N: Smokey Norful

M.M: Who has influenced you most recently?
B.N: My mother. I appreciate her and love her wisdom

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
B.N: “Fluffed” meat in Botswana

M.M: What do you do to relax?
B.N: Pray

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Mercy Chirima

Meeting of the GREATS….

Mercy Chirima

Mercy is a GREAT friend whom I’ve known for years. She is working in the Zimbabwe New Frontiers office as a graphic designer. Mercy used to head up the worship at River of Life Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe where she fellowships. What I love about her most is her desire to draw close to God and she enjoys life despite the difficulties. I consider her to be a GREAT lady and this is what she had to say….


M.M: Who is your favourite worship artist?
M.C: Brooke Fraser

M.M: Who has influenced you most recently?
M.C: Rebecca Jackson – her passion for worship

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
M.C: Snails

M.M: What do you do to relax?
M.C: Read

By Molly Manhanga