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The Christian Recorder
MAY 2022
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THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE BOTSWANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE CELEBRATES WMS DAY OF SERVICE By Potlako Molomo, Contributing Writer
It was all smiles behind the masks, well wishes, praising God, and catching up as the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the Botswana Annual Conference reminisced on the blessed hymn of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, “And Are We Yet Alive,” as they met to celebrate the 2022 WMS Day of Service. This event is one of the highlights of the WMS calendar and is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of March on a rotational basis in our four areas of the conference. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WMS did a mini celebration in 2021 with very limited attendance, as opposed to the customary representation from the entire annual conference. Therefore, it was a breath of fresh air and reason to give thanks unto the Lord from whom all blessings flow when the mothers of the church converged again in person on 6th March 2022 to execute their mandate of the ministry in giving at Malokaganyane AME Church. In attendance were the presiding elder of the Lobatse District, the Rev. Beauty Lekone, our pastors, the Rev. Goitsemodimo Sedietso (supernumerary), the Rev. Selebaleng Gaditshwane (H.B. Senatle AME Church), the Rev. Yola Mosata (Lucas Mhere Mosata AME Church,) the Rev. Ramotantile Nkgelepang (Collins Temple AME Church), Honourable Councillor Kopo Mononi (guest speaker), and mothers from the four areas which make up the annual conference. The WMS Conference president highlighted the reason for the occasion, underscoring scripture, “Blessed is the hand that giveth,” and thanked the mothers for traveling from all near and far to be part of and bear witness to the work of missions.
TRAVELING THROUGH OUR PAIN WITH PURPOSE By Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Columnist
At some point in each of our lives, we experience pain through the loss of a loved one. We experience pain through the end of a friendship; we even experience pain through the mistakes we have made in life. However, the journey is not about the pain we experience but about the purpose it gives to us. Pain can debilitate us and make us helpless victims of its outcome. It is not so much the result we want but that we must travel through our individual pain with some purpose in mind. I have attempted to journey with a purpose in mind during my own seasons of pain. First, as we travel through our pain, God gives us purpose. As I was swimming one day, God spoke to purpose within my pain, and the pain was not less severe, but now it had a purpose. In your pain, it is important to find purpose. The purpose will give direction to your pain. We all know pain is not easy, nor is it something we look forward to in our lives; however, pain is a reality of our existential experience. Pain is a part of our journey. Second, we travel through our pain with strength toward our purpose. Pain can make us weak at the knees. It can cause sleepless nights and long days, but pain can also cause us to gain strength we never knew existed. In my own pain, I have found strength and support from my faith. Faith is not faith when we see it. Faith is really faith when we do not see it. Second Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that, “We walk by faith and not by sight.”
The WMS donated duvet covers and toiletries to three elderly women in the church. In his address, Hon. Mononi highlighted and cited the wonderful deeds and sacrifices of women in the Bible, such as Esther, Mary Magdalene, Ruth, and others. He especially noted how, throughout history, women had dedicated their time, resources, and energy, experiencing pain, protecting, loving, and caring for their children, the community, and the nation at large. He commended the WMS for this act, which he said may seem small in their eyes, but was a confirmation of Jesus’ parable of feeding the poor and taking care of the needy as found in Matthew 25:35-40. He also cited Jeremiah 29:11 and told the WMS that God had a good plan to prosper them and make them flourish beyond this act of kindness and the challenges of COVID-19. In response, Ms. Nnanantsi Lekgowe, one of the recipients, thanked the WMS for their love and gifts, which she said will go a long way to alleviating their daily needs, and prayed that God continues to bless them abundantly. The 18th Episcopal WMS president gave a vote of thanks. She commended the WMS and encouraged them to continue with their good deeds, acts of love, and perseverance during COVID-19. ❏ ❏ ❏
— TRANSITION — CHIQUITA A. FYE, MD (1952-2022) On July 17, 1952 God sent Chiquita Agatha Fye to earth with the mission to serve him and others with her dynamic gifts. For sixty-nine years Chiquita worked tirelessly serving God and enriching the lives of others here on earth. On the evening of March 1, 2022, as she peacefully slept at home, she heard the words “well done, good and faithful servant...come and share your Master’s happiness.” Her mission of service had been fulfilled. Chiquita was born in Dublin, Georgia to the late Rev. and Mrs. Marion Fye, Sr.; the baby sister to her three siblings, Jacintha, Edward and Marion, Jr. She went on to complete her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. Her servant’s heart led her to open a private practice in Montezuma, Georgia as the first black physician in the area. Montezuma became her home and she served that community faithfully for ten years. Everyone in Macon County appreciated Dr. Fye’s dedicated service to their community. She also practiced in Columbus, Oglethorpe, and other areas of Georgia prior to her retirement from medical practice in 2017.
make our organization and our work more diverse, equitable, and accessible.”
Chiquita’s devotion to God through the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was evident. Dr. Fye served the global AME Church as the fifth medical director of the Connectional (International) Health Commission. As an active member of Bethel AME Church (Montezuma) she served as a steward, former President and Youth Director for the Janie Jolly Missionary Society, church musician, and choir director. She previously served as the area director of the Eastern District Women’s Missionary Society and was also a member of the World Methodist Council; attending conferences all over the world. Her service did not end there. Chiquita pledged her life in “Service to all Mankind” in 1973 by becoming a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was also a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
McPherson earned her law degree from Northwestern, a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. She is also an ordained minister with a master of divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. ❏ ❏ ❏
Chiquita is survived by her brother Edward Fye, Sr. (Dorothy); niece Felicia Fye Perry (Lewis); nephews Edward Fye, Jr. (Litisha), James Holloway, and Justin Holloway; cousins James Dawson, Jr. (Arlene), Jasmine Ellis (Alfred), Aja Ellis, and Afton Cowen (Rahmel); a host of other relatives and friends. ❏ ❏ ❏
Third, we travel through our pain in the community. Only some will understand our pain. Everyone will not be cordial and supportive. In fact, some people may even attempt to take advantage of our pain. Nevertheless, we can find genuine community as we travel through pain with a purpose. We are not created to live alone, but we can decide with whom we want to take this journey. ❏ ❏ ❏ ...From TiShaunda McPherson p6 truly excited to partner with her to chart a bold course to
