WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 4 APRIL 2014
BESTER TSITSI MAZOMBE GOSPEL ARTIST/HUMANITARIAN
a woman who can see beyond herself
Men and women colabouring in the Body of Christ
Becoming Me HOLINESS
CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT WITHIN
HOW SHOULD CHRISTIAN WOMEN DRESS??
PROFILE
DARE TO DREAM SERIES THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD FEATURE GOSPEL ARTIST ZENDELING
THE PRICE OF WORSHIP
PUBLISHER'S DESK HILDAH LUNDING
WHY DO you SEEK THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD?
The gospel according to Luke tells us that on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: I can almost imagine these women dragging their feet as they made their way to the tomb. At this Point all their hopes had been taken away from them. The day preceding the Sabbath they had seen and witnessed the death of their only hope Jesus of Nazareth. They must have been stil in shock at the horrible cruel death. . It had been their hope that He would redeem Israel and deliver them from their Roman oppressors; but now their dreams and hopes lay in the darkened tomb. But can you imagine their excitement when they got to the tomb and it was empty!! Easter is a time of celebraing the death and resurrection of our Saviour. He is alive and He alone is our only hope today. Let us continue to reach out to him and stop seeking Him amongst the dead! He is alive!!!! Remember He loves you and wants to spend time with you.
in this issue 4 Meet the writers 6 Power of Sisterhood 7 My Cancer story 8 A Woman who can see beyond 10 Dare to dream series...Sheep 14 Men and women co-labouring 16 Raising Godly children 18 How should christian women dress 20 Women as vessels of God 22 I awaken 24 Profile: Bester t. Mazombe 26 Being chicken is the new David 30 Intervew with Zendeling 34 Becoming me 38 The price of worship 42 To know you more 44 Holiness 46 The Man pleasing snare 48 Books to read
Contributing Writers
Prophet Nesmith has been called for such a time as this, with a apostolic and prophetic anointing to declare the Word of the Lord with signs and wonders following. It is Prophet Nesmith's belief that the church is on the brink of the last day outpouring, but first the church has to embrace the Spirit of holiness and reformation. Are you ready?
Constance has been a member of First AME of Oakland, California and Tree of Life Empowerment Ministries, of Oakland, CA. Lastly she received her healing and deliverance at Grace Bible Fellowship in Antioch, CA. As a new member of New Birth Church of Pittsburgh, California, Constance is living for Christ everyday now serving as a praise dancer, choir member and minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. http://transformnu.weebly.com/ab out-the-author.html
Pearl is the author of the book Hannah’s Testimony. She is also the Founder of Hannah’s Testimony International. A women’s ministry dedicated to encouraging women to love God and look up to Him as the author and the finisher of their faith. She is a mother and a publisher. She is the CEO of Bluecode Company Limited, a publishing and printing firm.
Louise Des Bordes Founder of Eve Redefined Ghana , Eve Redefined Ministries is an outreach Ministry that is primarily geared towards young women, but for women of all ages and our main objective is to organize International Christian Conferences usually at the end of every year, to encourage and empower women through the Word of God.
Anita is the Founder and President of A Snowden Ministry, Inc. Anita and Michael, whose marriage covenant thrives upon the agreement that “God is a good God even on a bad day,” make their home in Hinesville, Georgia and worship as a family at Full Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Hinesville, Georgia.
Francis Ashcroft I am 60 years old, and have been walking with Jesus, (Who changed my life incredibly for the better!)since February 2, 1982. "MyGene" (alias Eugene) and I have been married for over 30 years; we have 2 grown children and 3 beautiful grandchildren. We reside in Ellenburg Depot, New York which is only a few miles from the Canadian boarder.
Janet Farmer, 76 years old. Saved May30,1970, Ordain Evangelist , for 43years traveled Ministering for over Five years., Have the degree of Associate of Applied BusinessBanking/ Finance Technology from CTI June 1980.Sunday School supt. for 15 years. held many positions in the church over the years. I am a widow since 1980 and Mother of eight children ( four girls- four boys) grandmother of twenty, great- grand mother of forty five and great- great- grandmother of four
Prophetess Delisa Lindsey, PDL Ministries International Email: Delisa.Lindsey@truelovec hurchofrefuge.org Website: pdlministries.weebly.com
Apostle Mary is Founder/CEO of Call of the Wild Ministries, Inc. - an Apostolic Revivalist Ministry with the Mission: “Helping Others Answer God’s Call.” She is an ordained minister (consecrated as an Apostle/Prophet) and is a member of several international fellowships.
I am the founder of Break Free Release Ministries and have inspired many to embrace spiritual change and live a more fulfilling life free from bondage. I was ordained in in January 2009 as a licensed minister. I am a graduate of the Grace Bible Institute in Christian Counseling and a Certified Christian Counselor. I received my Bachelors in Christian Counseling in June 2012 from International Kingdom Christian College Seminary & School of Counseling
The power of Sisterhood by Yolanda Sherman
The meaning of sisterhood is the relationship of two sisters. These
women have a common interest and it varies such as community, religion, or etc. Sisterhood is not limited to your biological sisters , but can be extended to outside relationship with others. There are many important points to empowering your sisters to reach their goals. First thing is to have accountability to one another and a high level of trust. You must be able to communicate about anything with your sister and know that it want be discussed. A sister is someone that listens and is sensitive to your needs and feelings. There are times when you have to cry and need a shoulder to lean on or a big laugh. Women experience many things in life that may cause them to rely on their closes friend aka sisterhood and it brings strength to the person. Sisters are encouragers and they are a great support team. They inspire a person to be the best and always give good advice and willing to help if needed. They never allow you to walk through difficult situations alone. Things that damage a sisterhood is betrayal and gossip in the relationship. Always be true to your sister, because she values the relationship and respects the friendship. Don’t take advantage of one another and be equal to your responsibilities in the relationship . I have been blessed to have a few good sisters in my life and I am grateful. The key to the relationship was prayer, communication, accountability, and trust. When you experience difficult situations it is good to have a strong sisterhood that is dependable.
MY CANCER STORY by Ava Johnson Tate
On sept 2012 my docter
had me take a colon rectal test, because of my age I need to have one done . So I went and had the test done. Afte tbe test was done I found out that I had colon cancer and it was in stage 3 . There was a tumor that needed to come out . So the next step was for me to go and talk to the surgeon who would tell me what was going to happen . The surgery was going to be done on oct 7th 2012 . My youngest brother who was staying with me and my husband passed away at our home on oct 5th 2012 . I had to call the docter's office to make another appointment for my surgery . They set the surgery for oct 17th 2012, so I had time to bury my brother. I went in and had the surgery done and stayed in the hospital for about three or four days . After about one month after the surgery, I went to see the cancer docter so he could set my six months of chemotherapy . I started to take my treatments . I finished my treatments in july 2013 . So my docter ordered a PET scan, I went and had that done. This scan, scaned my body from my stomach to my chest . I did not get the results for a month . When tbe results. came back they were negtive. The cancer did not spread to any other part of my body . I am thanking God for his grace over my life. I still have to see my cancer docter, for a check up . The last time I saw him he told me that everything was good and he would see me in six months . I am still thanking God for his favor over me...
A WOMAN WHO CAN SEE BEYOND HERSELF We are living in a world where many have become selfish, wanting and hoarding everything for themselves. Many women of today are looking for outside acceptance, looking for love in the opposite direction, hurting from past relationships, bruised, battered and betrayed. Women of today have not been taught to love themselves beyond the capacity of over and in addition to. We have failed to understand that every woman concentrates on herself before thinking on anything else and also deems important looking good to feel fine and selfconfident. It goes beyond vanity. If she didn't feel comfortable with whom she was she would show many doubts when facing the world that she would unavoidably suffer many drawbacks. We have been raising a generation of women who are self-seeking more interested in personal profit and self-serving pleasure, with the inability to discern the power that is invested in their spirit and become aware of who they are. The most essential part of a woman is one who can “see beyond” meaning she has the power to foresee past her sense of her own priorities, allowing God to be preeminent covering as to what she is able to accomplish in her life, seeking God’s will what legacy she leaves to future generations, having a standard as a role model for the young women of tomorrow, and making sure She possesses a powerful life transformation in such a unique and poignant way that she is able to establish her footsteps into possibilities and promises.
BY ANITA SNOWDEN
Only expressing her desire to stand on the principles of “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” As her daily Decalogue Queen Esther, her identity as Jewish and thus a worshipper of the one true God was more important than her position as queen or even her life. For us, who we are, should not be wrapped up in endless pursuits that will not achieve ambition. Our identity goes beyond these things to a deeper place. As believer, we are indwelt by the spirit and this is the deepest reality of our existence. Our main focus is not to “stumble on” this within ourselves, but to let go of what’s already inside of us. Queen Esther feared when Mordecai commands her to approach the king. The laws of Persia are irrevocable, so if someone enters the presence of the king uninvited, they are to be killed instantaneously except the king raises his golden scepter. Esther decides to look beyond herself and goes against the law of the land. Queen Esther sees beyond herself to save a nation, not for her sake but for God’s sake. She took courage to act when she looked past her own ability and concluded “If I perish, I perish” (4:16). This is not hopelessness; this is an audacious will power from within to respond to what is necessary. Seeing beyond you, says I can see GREATER even when the powerful forces strikes against my faith, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; (Hebrews 12:2). Knowing we have reassurance that there is something inside of us that is more powerful than anything else we can face. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
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by Mary Eisenacher
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Many of us had a false sense of security while growing up as young, tender, impressionable lambs. As life presented itself, we found our security shattered. We began to strain toward The Word for comfort and understanding. As we began to lean on The Word (Jesus), we found a security beyond ourselves and circumstances. Any observance of signs, wonders, and miracles took us into a hunger for even more of God. There has been some real sacrifice to get there and understand the workings of the Holy Spirit. As a young sheep, I loved Jesus. I actually thought that most people in the church did also, but I found (in my circle) people had lots of problems with no remedy of deliverance. I invited many to attend functions. I led hymns at the piano as a child in Sunday School. But outside the church, the miracles presented themselves. I heard the stories of my Aunt - as a young bride – who had been healed from a terrific fall from an apple tree – bones and internal injuries healed miraculously when my Uncle prayed for her. X-rays (before and after) proved it, and she was pronounced a miracle by the doctors and released from the hospital. Her brothers and sisters testified of the healing as long as they lived.
2
by Mary Eisenacher
dare to dream
I also experienced the love of God through my grandmother into my
married life and my first pregnancy. She and my mother prayed for a neighbor, and she was healed. But, I was in my late 40’s before I personally witnessed and could testify of God’s miraculous physical healings - or even realized them in my own life. Emotional healings were a part of my life and calling, but I didn’t recognize them as a supernatural gift from God until He revealed it. There were times when I failed God along the way and was made to feel like the black sheep. Those who pointed at me with condemnation failed to put forth the way of repentance and forgiveness. It only placed blinders on my spiritual eyes. A few times in my life, I was one who was called a rebellious sheep when I left the church because of the lack of Spirit-led Shepherds. There were times I saw their hypocrisy. And, there were times they simply were not hearing God on my behalf. Because I was studying the Word, praying, and knew the ways of my Shepherd, He gave me discernment. However, whenever I would have fellowship with strong believers (who were Spirit-led, hearing from God, and speaking forth truth), I would begin to grow again. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 - The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments. As I became a mature, obedient sheep, I knew who my Shepherd (Jesus) was; and I enjoyed the adventure and joy of following Him. John 10:27 (TLB) - My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I’m praying that you will DARE TO DREAM about continuing to grow and mature even more as you allow Your Shepherd to call to you, impart to you, and release you to affect many lives for Christ.
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
MEN AND WOMEN CO-LABOURING I THE BODY OF CHRIST
Men and woman co-laboring together in
ministry is the most healthy way the bride of Christ can effectively move God's church forward in this hour. The bible states in I Cor 3:9 are For we are laborers together with God; ye are the husbandry, ye are God's building. The word labour in the oxford dictionary means work, a especially hard physical work. This shows the ob.fact ministry isn't a platform to become a entertainers, nor a vacation from a 9 to 5 job. Ministry is labour and toil, when a woman is in s labour birthing a child, this is the most intense, painful part of bringing life into the earth. d Once the birthing process is done, the new life ho brings excitement and joy, overriding the o- rigorous pain in labouring. One great model we have highlighted in scripture is Priscilla and s Aquilla, who were a first century missionary married couple, who it is believed were listed h among the seventy disciplines..
o
This Co-labouring couple worked alongside Paul who described them as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 1 Cor 16:19 states the churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. This eludes to the fact this couple co-laboured together overseeing a church and teaching the saints concerning this new faith in Christ that was now sweeping the land.
IN
by Dion Nesmith
They represent a great model of a man and woman in ministry for the comman cause of pushing God kingdom forward. We have seen in our day great men ministries as well as woman's ministries being birthed, with great Male vessels of God dealing with issues that men deal with, as well as great woman vessels ministering to the needs of women.
I believe it is vital to have such, which demonstrates great breakthroughs, when we see platforms dealing with issues that may seem taboo, Thus having men and woman co-laboring is vital to properly minister to the total man and the entire body of Christ...We are now seeing a great emergence of Men and woman standing together speaking the heart of God into the earth..God sees the the church as his bride, through revelation this shows the unity God desires between Men and Woman in ministry. God is the husband, his church his bride showing the heart of God concerning Colaboring of Men and Woman...
T
RAISING GODLY CHILDREN
here was a time parents really believed this was the way you should raise your children. When a baby started to say words they were taught " Jesus wept", later on they were taught a little prayer and later still they would be able to recite the 23rd Psalms. Then the big one, the Lords Prayer. Parents understood that children imitated what they saw and heard. Even if the parents did not go to church, they sent their children to sunday school. Fights or misunderstanding were not done in front of the children. But as time changed so did things in the home. Single mothers had to work, take care of their children alone , and some began to look for love in the wrong places, not realizing that the love they needed was in God. Those that were raised in a home that feared God and were taught about Him, remembered their up-bringing and would start doing the things they were taught as a child. In some cases, it took a while for them to move in this life style but they would return to what they knew. Parents love their children and want the best for them no matter how life has treated them. The best thing that could happen to your children is to teach your children about God while they are young. Letting them know that God will never leave them nor for sake them. He is an excellent Father who will provide for His children even when they are old. God bless you.
by Janet Farmer
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Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22;6.
HOW SHOULD CHRISTIAN WOMEN DRESS?
Awake, Awake! Put on your beautiful garments now! Christians should By Verna Green
not wear clothing that promotes rebellion against God or provoke sinful passion or practices, but should “abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thess. 5:22) Are you naked and not ashamed? The definition of the word naked is being without clothing or covering (2) without adequate clothing. Christian women should dress everyday in their royal apparel like Esther the Queen according to Chapter 5:1. Therefore, Beauty should not just be outwardly but inwardly. It is important how we dress the body, but it is also important to God how we dress the spirit and mind. Dressing for success is not just wearing a short, tight dress, three inches above the knees and a pair of high heel shoes but putting on the whole armour of God according to Ephesians 6:11-18. Beautifying the spirit, mind and our body is more effective in our everyday affairs. Who can find a virtuous woman? Man looks at the outer appearance but God looks at the heart. If the spirit is naked, then your body will show the nonverbal communication. “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” (Genesis 2:25; 3:7) Many women are walking around naturally half naked and spiritually naked.” We cannot leave our houses half dressed or not dressed at all. It is time to dress for the “King.” Her natural clothing is beautiful and her spiritual clothing is beautiful, too. There are special pieces of garment that every woman must have on everyday. How Should Christ Women Dress? I am glad you asked. Let’s look at the scripture according to Ephesians 6:10, 12 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, (WHY?) they ye may be able to stand against the wiles of devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Many women are walking around naturally half naked and spiritually naked.” We cannot leave our houses half dressed or not dressed at all. It is time to dress for the “King.”
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:13-18) We must clothe and adorn ourselves with the word morning and night. Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house” (Esther 5:1) We stand against the wiles of the devil and Esther too was able to stand against the gates of hell that was trying to destroy the Jews. Now that you are awake, put on the whole beautiful garments! You do not have to be naked. Christian women should dress everyday in their royal apparel like Esther the Queen according to Chapter 5:1. If we ask the Holy Spirit what we should put on He will help us. We must dress our spirit, mind and our body. Beauty should not just appear on the outside but the inside the heart.
WOMEN AS VESSELS OF GOD by PEARL DUA Greetings, favoured woman! The Lord is with you! Luke 1:28 (NLT) Mary was going about her normal duties, engaged to be married to Joseph when suddenly her life began to change dramatically. She had found favour with the Lord and had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus, the son of God. How awesome is that? From the beginning of time, God had great plans for women. He created man and woman in His own image and tasked them to be fruitful and multiply and to govern the earth. Women have since played an important role in the world and in the body of Christ. Can you imagine a church without women? All women are special to God and we all have a role to play. Mary said “O how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.” Luke 1:47-49. Why was Mary chosen as a vessel? Was it by her good works? The bible says in Ephesians 2:8-10 says that “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Indeed it is not by our works so we cannot boast. Every woman can be a vessel for God. God chose Mary and has also chosen you. We have been chosen to serve God in many ways. Some have been chosen as teachers, others apostles, prophets and workers of miracle. Others have the gift of healing and some are able to help others. Some have administrative gifts, and others serve God by cleaning the house of God, by singing, ushering people, as encouragers, counsellors and so on. The important thing is that whatever we have been called to do, we do it well. When God calls you, He will also qualify you. The Holy Spirit is there to guide you all the way. When God gives you an assignment, He will definitely provide the means.
When God called me into the women’s ministry, I didn’t even know God that well. As Mary did, I asked, how shall it be? God provided men and women of God to support me every step of the way. He also provided encouragers. Looking back now, I realised God had been preparing me long before I gave my life to Him. I had been involved with many circular womens’ groups in the past and had held leadership positions in these groups. My training ground didn’t start in the House of God but it has come in useful in the House of God. I was not selected because I was righteous. God qualified me and I therefore do not take it for granted. What kind of vessels are we supposed to be? As much as we will not serve water in a dirty cup, we cannot also continue providing God with a dirty vessel. We cannot continue to offer God, a life filled with iniquity. Since the blood of Jesus has cleansed us, we must endeavour to remain clean. Colossians 3:12 says that “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” As women, our role is very crucial in the church. When you look at the body of Christ, women are in the majority and the body has to work together to achieve God’s purpose. Let us play our roles not as unto men but as unto God. Let us encourage each other along the way.
I arise and awaken to
the voice of my Father, then I can begin to see again and hear His voice calling me to new depths and greater heights. Awaken my spirit, leap for joy because today, you have been counted worthy to stand.''
womensfrontline
Blessed is the one who does not walk i step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the compan of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its frui in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. PSALM 1:-3
BESTER TSITSI MAZOMBE When I look at the woman I have become I cannot think that I became what I am today by my own efforts, rather I am a product of the efforts of all those I met along the way and especially the effort of my mother. I am the first born in a family comprising of two girls and one boy. I was born premature and grew up and was educated in Zimbabwe up to the age of 18. I started Grade One at Lomagundi Primary School in Chinhoyi and I struggled severely to grasp what my teacher taught. I remember wanting so much to do well like the other children in my class but no matter how hard I tried I lagged behind and got most of my work wrong. I was so frustrated. In my class we used to be seated according to how well we did in our work and I found myself seated at the ‘daft table’ the table were the failing kids sat. It was at the end of my first school term and my mother went for the first consultation day. My first grade teacher told my mum she did not know how to help me because she had tried all she knew to assist me. Thank God my mother was a teacher! On going home my mother said it hurt her so much that it could be said that her child was hopeless yet she herself was a primary school teacher. With this in mind my mother decided that she would do whatever it took to change the trajectory of the life of her first born. My mother bought a blackboard, chalk, pens, pencils, crayons, flash cards, manila, in fact everything that she could think of to help me learn. Every single week day of that April school holiday my Mum sat with me outside and taught me under the African skies. I learnt phonics, I learnt to count, I learnt to write, I learnt to read and I learnt not to be timid but to speak up for myself as a confident learner. Sometimes I cried I just wanted to play but my Mum had a different vision of who I could become. May be having been born premature slowed my grasping of facts and one thing that my mother discovered was that I was slower in grasping facts than the average five year old. Seeing this about me my mother broke down my learning into little bite sized chunks and sure enough I started understanding my lessons better. As a teacher my mother had to learn to be patient and to work with where I was a learner. Yes she wished I could learn faster but education is not effective if it is not tailored to meet the needs and the capabilities of the student. By the end of the holiday I had grown in confidence and knowledge. Second term of Grade One came and the little Bester who walked through the classroom doors that term was not the same Bester who exited that same door last term. I was no longer timid, frustrated and the ‘daft one’ who always lagged behind. My class work improved dramatically and from Group 6 , for the ‘daft kids’ my teacher moved me to Group 2. Come consultation day at the end of that term, my mother walked back into that classroom to meet my teacher and my teacher could not but literally shake my mother’s hand and congratulate her for whatever my mother had done to help me because she knew my mother had done something for me for my performance to change so much. The story did not end there. Third term came and by the end of that term I sat at Group One for the bright kids and when we wrote our end of year tests I came top of the class in a tie. Who would have believed that the kid who had been written off as a hopeless case could in that very same year become top of the class? Well, this is what happened, thanks to a mother’s love, patience and diligence. From then on I became a top class student and someone to be reckoned with academically all the way from Primary to University.
PROFILE
If I look back at my life I realise that I would never be where I am today if my mother had
not chosen to be actively involved in my education. I probably would not have gone to the fantastic high school I went to, St David’s Girls High Bonda .I probably would never have had a chance of doing my university education in the UK without the ability to read let alone write in English my second language, but all of these things became possible because my mother cared enough to help rewrite my life story. The input of my mother certainly transformed my life and as I grew other teachers, adults and peers poured into my life to help me become who I am today. Today I am based in England where I am Registered Nurse and Midwife holding a Diploma in Adult Nursing from Middlesex University and a Bachelor of Science Midwifery degree from the University of Hertfordshire. As a result of this journey in education that my mother redefined at the beginning I grew into a confident lady who loves God and has been able to travel the nations helping others with the gifts, knowledge and skills that God has given me. By the grace of God in 2010, I joined a team of professionals that left the UK and USA to help survivors of the devastating Haiti earthquake. I was the only black African woman on the team and I believe that when God opens doors for you no one can shut them. Being able to serve with my gifts to sing, inspire and lead children together with my professional skills and know how I was able to serve others in a strange land. How great is our God? This was all made possible by the young mother many years ago, who had decided to change the fortunes of her daughter by taking a leading role in educating her child. On leaving Haiti I flew to Lagos, Nigeria where I addressed an audience of approximately 10 000 people on how the Haiti Earthquake Relief Mission was progressing. I was able to do interviews with the Nigerian media journalists detailing the relief work in Haiti. Besides volunteering as a nurse and midwife during my time in Haiti I also was able to lead the children’s singing, playing and learning activities making use of my dominant gifts in singing and inspiring others particularly children. As I am a true demonstration of the combined power of a mother and early childhood education I am increasingly becoming passionate about early years education and am looking forward to now changing my career path this September to retrain as an Early Years teacher, specialising in the education of children between the ages of 3-7. I believe that the struggle that I had as a Grade One pupil the intervention of my mother and the following work done by all my other teachers and lecturers from then on has all steered me onto the path I have been on and I am now taking.
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BEING CHICKEN IS THE NEW DAVID:
How Accepting our Feelings of Inadequacy can really build up Strength by Louise Des Bordes Why are several Christians today afraid of delving deeper into the roots of their personal inadequacies (character flaws which lead to sin and unbelief such as bad habits, secret sins, temporary bouts of fear…etc.)? We live in a day and an age where we’re inadvertently taught by our growing culture, to mask our inadequacies; Pretending to have the happiest relationships when our marriages are crumbling. Assuring ourselves that our families are intact when our children are really wayward. Speaking ‘life’ over others when we’re secretly fighting the same demons. Preaching Purity when we’re struggling with lust. Telling others and ourselves that, ‘God is good to us’ when we’ve got a mounting bitterness towards Him because of growing failures. If God could expose the condition of some of our hearts, some of us would never imagine how we might perhaps be an argument away from years of developing unforgiveness or a tragedy away from cursing God and developing a suicidal spirit. We basically refuse to let others know that we may be going through a wilderness period because we fail to admit it to ourselves, first and foremost. We pile up imperfection upon imperfection; inadequacy upon inadequacy, hurt upon hurt and mask them under the best religious guise; ‘I am Blessed and Highly Favoured’. Masked inadequacies, which are never dealt with, create a forever broken spirit and a crushed heart. So why do some Christians mask their inadequacies? There can be several reasons, several of which are intricately intertwined with our personal lives and experiences but one thing is for sure, the culture we live in plays a major role in this. Images on TV, tweets, Facebook post and pictures and other cultural trends bombard us daily with "perfect" images about perfect people, and their perfect jobs, perfect spouses, perfect marriages, perfect gifts and overall the overt false representations of a 'perfect life'. No wonder people never linger towards 'imperfections' anymore because we're too busy trying to make our lives 'perfect' for people to see that we've got it all together...when most of us are crumbling within.
We must all embrace our feelings of inadequacy so that God can work through the skeletons in our closets and ultimately build our Character. As Paul shares with us in Romans 53-5, we should always rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
BEING CHICKEN IS THE NEW DAVID: How Accepting our Feelings of Inadequacy can really build up Strength One of the dangers in succumbing to the practices of this culture is that we're a society that is losing touch and dare I say, has lost touch with the true essence of Character, and developing our characters in Christ. Hear this: Living under the false assumption that you've 'arrived' does not speak of your character but rather validates you as another social media statistic. However, our inadequacies can be viewed as a blessing in disguise when we begin to perceive them in the light God’s Word. Now this word "blessing" is used, not in the sense where one embraces their weaknesses and tells themselves that they can never do better, but a blessing in the sense that God has never waited for a better opportunity to show you how much He loves you, how much He wants to work in you, heal you, restore you, and once again glorify Himself through you. How can we allow God to work through our deepest fears, closet prayers and personal struggles? We need to go back to being authentic with God...Moses gives us one of the best examples of someone whose growth in character progressed only through his full dependence on God. The man was practically a coward without God. He cried to God, doubted God even tested God but in the end, God worked through the authenticity of His weaknesses and his consistent faith to give him true victory. Moses, one of the most insecure and inadequate men became a Winning man in the eyes of God. You know, the kind of victory that is talked about generations after his death.
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That kind of victorious legacy, which exists beyond time. Moses was real. The kind of real that promises you Eternal victory. Victory in his heart, mind, spirit and in the Heavenly realm- True Victory. We must take note that victory, however, is not synonymous to perfection as were so often bombarded with. Victory comes from within and translates itself externally. A victorious person produces good fruits, has character, lives for not themselves but for people and leaves a legacy in their sphere of influence and beyond.
When we shift our gaze from self-consciousness to God-consciousness and decide to stop with the pretenses and face our Goliaths head on, we come to realize that these inadequacies create an opportunity for Him to extend His grace towards us and eventually reveal His glory in us. It simply gives us a greater testimony of His power.
by Louise Des Bordes
FEATURING ZENDELING
Zendeling is a 29 year old gospel artist who lives in the Netherlands and is a passionate singer and song writer. Her passion is to sing to glorify God and to be a channel in which people can be uplifted and inspired as they go through life. WFM Hi, its wonderful that we finally manage to do this interview. I know that you have been extremely busy, so thank you for taking time off to do this interview Zendeling Oh, its been crazy, I am so busy at the moment, but I am happy that we are finally able to do this WFM okay, I am not even sure where to start really...tell us about yourself Zendeling Well, I live in the Netherlands and I am a school Nurse. I love working with children. At the moment I am busy with my Masters in Nursing Science and being the first year, I am finding it is intense and there is a lot to study. WFM I can imagine. Tell us a little bit about your background. Zendeling okay, I have an older brother and a younger sister. My parents have inspired me in many ways. My aunt also loves to sing and she taught me about leading worship.
zendeling WFM When did you start to sing? Zendeling I started to sing around 9yrs old, but I used to just sing and not take it seriously until six years ago. I posted a video on you tube and did not think much about that, but then I started to get comments from strangers telling me that I was gifted and that my songs inspired them. WFM What happened then? Zendeling I started to take God seriously from the age of 18, so I had to pray and ask Him to use me as a channel for His messages. Although I received encouraging comments on youtube, it took me a while before I actually began to take this journey to another level. You see, I am a very shy person, so I was not keen on all the attention this singing career would bring. And I was afraid! It took a lot of convincing from the Holyspirit and friends so I could finally step over and let God do what He wants to do through me. WFM Do you write your own songs and where do the words come from? Zendelng Yes I write my own sons. Ther are different ways I get words, but it is God working in the inside of me, that inspires me. For example with my song Avalance, I was just sitting at night,, very tired and God started to give me words. It was so amazing, that He chooses me to be His messenger. Who am I that He chooses to use me? It just truly inspires me to do more and for His glory. WFM What is your vision, and where do you see yourself in the years to come? Zendeling Well, music wise, I am surrounded by lots of people. I am not business minded at all, but they are helping me to go further with my music and teaching me the business aspects of t, but I need to be comfortable that it is God who wants me to go in a certain direction. Hopefully I will have recorded more songs. It is just overwhelming for me the way the Spirit can move people. I still have my fears about the future but still trusting God that everything will work out the way He wants it to.
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WFM Is God strecting you?
Zendeling Definetly. Someone told me that when you are comfortable in your christian life, you must be doing something wrong!! Yes, I am being stretched, God is shaping me and I am scared! I have however grown since I started this journey. God always responds to my questions. The songs and melodies He gives me are in different ways depending on the situation I am going through in my life at that partiular moment.
WFM How many songs have you written?
Zendeling I have been writing songs since I was sixteen....so I have many songs, that still need to be recorded. WFM Lastly, which gospel artist has inspired you on your journey?
Zendeling Rebecca St. James. I listened to her a lot in my teens and I was so drawn by the way she sang so passionately. She sounded confident and radical about her faith in Jesus.
WFM Zendeling, thank you so much for your story. We love your music and look forward to hearing more of you in the future. We hope and pray that God gives you the right people who will help you grow further in this journey.
Zendeling Thank you so much. I was so nervous that you would ask me personal questions, but this has been fun!
Hildah Lunding is founder and Leader of Women's International Prayer Circle (WIPC), a women's ministry that inspires, uplift sand impacts women to live their life with purpose and passion for the word of God. She is also founder and publisher of the online magazine Women's Frontline, a tribute to women and a platform to share their stories. She currently resides in Horsens, Denmark and is married. Contatct: womensfrontline@gmail.com
Yes I am an over comer! I am a recovering cocaine addict who was addicted for a majority of her young teenage and adult years. 17 years to be exact. Yes I was promiscuous, a manipulator, a liar, a cheater, I was even an accuser! I never wanted to accept responsibility for any of my poor choices.
becoming me!
by Constand Cooper
BECOMING ME
by Constance Cooper
Initially when I was first asked to write this article, my first response was one of complete and utter joy. But then reality set in and I thought to myself...'who are you Connie?' I asked myself this question, I mean who am I right now at this very moment in time? So that was when I asked myself the question, 'where are you going and where have you come from? I mean I actually had to go and retrace my steps to find out who Constance is. Who is this woman and what is she working on becoming? To answer that question I went back to these simple facts I am a single woman who happens to be the proud mother of four beautiful children, three sons and one daughter. I am a working cosmetologist, a praise dancer, a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I happened to earn the title of being an over comer. Yes I am an over comer! I am a recovering cocaine addict who was addicted for a majority of her young teenage and adult years. 17 years to be exact. Yes I was promiscuous, a manipulator, a liar, a cheater, I was even an accuser,. I never wanted to accept responsibility for any of my poor choices. But God!!! When I was a child, I did something that would one day catch up with me, and work out for my good. I gave my life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 4 years old. That one event would eventually catch up with me at a time when I needed it the most. When God knocked on the door of my heart I answered. I had made several attempts in the earlier part of my life to try and stop my addictive behavior, but it wasn't until I had an encounter with death that God allowed me to get me to a point that I had to answer this last and I believe could have very well been my last not from God.
So Who am I now? I am a work in
progress. I am a happily divorced twice woman. I have four books written three of which are copy written and the 4th are in edits. I am a current Biblical studies student with an Associates Degree in Christian Counseling. I will be graduating this year with my Bachelors Degree in June. Yes I am sober, clean, Holy, sanctified, set apart for the work of the Kingdom. Yes I am single, saved, sexy and satisfied. I'm whole, nothing missing, nothing lacking, nothing broken! I am a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a student. I am wet clay, and God the Father is the Potter. If you want to know who I am, I am a woman of God, a refelection of the fathers handiwork, His divine craftsmanship, just like you my sister, my brother, my friends.
I am a proverbs 31 woman, I am a Psalms 139 woman, I am you and you are me. Fearfully, beautifully and wonderfully made waiting on God for my King to find me, my true, God ordained husband. I am a Masterpiece!!! Who am I? I am the kingdom which is come, in you and me
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THE PRICE OF WORSHIP by Delisa Lindsey We are a society of people, at least I am, who loves bargains. We love deals, sales, and who isn’t thrilled with a BOGO (buy one, get one free) sale? But in terms of the Kingdom of God, cheap is not always a bargain. In fact, the more costly and the more expensive, the better the sacrifice. The prophet Gad instructed David to offer unto the Lord on the altar of sacrifice on Ornan's threshing floor. This was the ancient place of Mt Moriah where Abraham worshiped the Lord when he was told to offer up Isaac. When Ornan saw David, he ran and bowed in reverence and offered to give David the floor, the ox, the implements, and the wheat needed to sacrifice with. David refused him saying in essence, I WILL NOT GIVE MY GOD CHEAP WORSHIP. “King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site. And David built there an altar to the Lord and presented burnt offerings.” - 1 Chronicles 21:24, 25 David paid for the sacrifice by purchasing the threshing floor, the oxen, the implements, and the wheat with full price. He refused to use another man's sacrifice as his own. He gave Ornan 600 shekels of gold which is approx. $195,000 in today’s market. What does that say about worship? Why would the Lord consider David a man after His own heart? Because David withheld nothing back from the Lord. And because he continuously poured himself out in worship and praise, the Lord continuously poured Himself out into David's life. Even when David messed up, which we all do, because he had a reputation of worship and praise, he knew how to fall back into favor with the Lord.
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David knew what it took to gain the Lord's attention. Now how about us? Why does it take so long for us to find God in our place of worship? Why is it that when we fall, we need someone to help us, call us, text us, inbox us, visit us, and pray for us to get back in favor with the Lord? Could something be wrong with our worship that we can’t move God? Could it be that we never personally learned to reach for the Lord’s favor? Either we have a heart after our God, or we don't. Either we know what real and genuine worship is or we don’t. afraid to pay for it.
THE PRICE OF WORSHIP by Delisa Lindsey
I'm telling you, there is a place in worship that we haven't even touched. It’s a place most CHRISTIANS don't even know exists! There are dimensions in the heavenlies that are waiting for the sons of God to reach and tap into, but we are too cute, deep, slothful, blind, prideful, lazy, cheap, and sleepy to realize it! God help us! Show us by Your Spirit, how to reach that place in worship where you move and let us not be afraid to pay for it.
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David didn't flinch when Ornan offered his possessions for David to worship with. He said, “NO! I will pay my own vows! I don't need your help. Just tell me what you want for it and it's done!” How do you think the Father responded to David after all of this? What was the result of David's sacrifice on the altar at Ornan's threshing floor? Heaven opened over him! God answered by fire!!! for the sons of God to reach and tap into, but we are too cute, deep, slothful, blind, prideful, lazy, cheap, and sleepy to realize it! God help us! Show us by Your Spirit, how to reach that place in worship where you move and let us not be 1 Chronicles 21:26, “And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.” 1 Chronicles 21:27, “And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.” 1 Chronicles 21:28, “At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.” There were signs and wonders following the offering of David’s sacrifice. Angels showed up! God started moving and speaking on David’s behalf. There was intense heavenly activity over his life because he paid the hefty price for worship.
to know yo more
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Bless me with simplicity Eyes of a child able to see Not swayed by man's theology I only want to know YOU more Lord, let me know YOU as a friend Human limits may I transcend My love upon YOU may I spend I truly need to know YOU more Though grateful, Lord, to be YOUR heir And thankful YOU see me as fair Into YOUR eyes I long to stare My passion is to know YOU more Gaining knowledge OF YOU is grand As is faith through trials to stand Yet though some may not understand Still I yearn just to know YOU more I trust that YOU will grant this plea For YOU placed this request in me To "know YOU" is my destiny Eternally I'll know YOU more By Frances C. Ashcroft
Holiness is a lifestyle of honesty, uprightness, justice and decorum. We exhibit holiness throughthe medium of speech, behavior, or attitude. Similarly, holiness can described as a high standardof morality. The canker of immorality in our society is so unconstrained, such that, we actunjustly without any sense of regret, remorse or prompting in our conscience. In years of yore,you can easily identify a Christian from a non-Christian. Today, we flock together in thingswhich make it difficult to hand pick a Christian from quintillions of people. Astonishingly, theChristian and nonChristian attend “night clubs”, “pool party”, “potay”, “picnic”, “floating”, and“gamma and do all manner of things in the name of socialization. In some cases Christian tenantsfight their co-tenants or land owners, some are insubordinate to their superiors and othersproduce substandard work after collecting huge sums of money for a particular project. If Children of GOD and Children of Belial are manifesting similar or same characteristics inoffices, schools, or public places, where then, lays our FAITH and TRUST in GOD? How do weinfluence society with the culture of CHRIST? How do we depict Christ values? How do we winthe world for CHRIST? What kind of message do we offer them? How do we demand integrityfrom them when we are victims of immorality? And how do we accelerate the spread of theGospel in our localities? It is about time that we walk worthy of the vocation we are called. Wemust keep aflame the love of CHRIST in unity of the Spirit; we must seek and support thingsthat are right; we must inspire and transform lives through appropriate lifestyle of decentbehavior in communities.
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by Rachel Pauline Aikins-Mawuko We must as a matter of exigency alienate from vain or corrupt conversation which areunedifying; deceitful and youthful lust that are treacherous to our conjugal relationship withGOD; and financial malfeasance, judicial injustices, and political vindictiveness that derail ourdignity. Let us haul up the flag of CHRIST through the lifestyle of holiness and prove to theworld around us that JESUS CHRIST is the source of our being, He is the architect of the life welead and the focus of our message. Let show the world that JESUS is the centre of our FAITH,the one and only reason for Christianity, as well as the ultimate important epitome for world’shistory Dearly beloved reader, join me; and together, let us redefine holiness under the spectacles ofCHRIST’ Teachings and passionately unveil to the world that as Daniel was infallible andStephen pious in their days, we can do same and even more in the twenty-first century andbeyond. May the LORD heal and restore our holiness so that we can confidently and positivelyinfluence society to the Glory and Praise of HIS Holy Name.
THE MAN PLEASING SNARE Father, I believe it is time Because it is YOUR plan That I no longer yield To the fear of man I've tried to keep the secret That I've been a man pleaser Attempting to make peace I've been an appeaser From others I've often sensed The act of manipulation Yet did what they wanted To avoid confrontation Here is another area In which I had been weak Often when I didn't agree I found it hard to speak I thank YOU, Father God For making me aware That wanting to please others For my soul had been a snare When my motive for being kind Is to gain man's favor I'm doing YOU an injustice Jesus, my Lord and Savior
In every situation Help me turn to you and pray Grant me ears to hear Your voice And speak what You"d have me say ~ Frances C.
Discussing the journey from Spiritual inactivity and disability, the process of enduring personal hardships and spiritual growth and the endurance necessary to prevail. www.amazon.com
BY YELEINA MORGAN
ANOTHER PART OF ME by Constance Cooper is a journey into the mind of Constance. It is a narrative and poetic account of the author's raw emotions and feelings in the midst of life's challenges. She reveals how God is not unreachable, untouchable or unloving but can be the healer of every hurt, who can regulate every mind, and facilitate the exchange of wrong relationships for right ones.
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