Women for Jesus Newsletter Volume 1 Issue 11
Festive Edition
“It’s hard to believe that it has been five years! We truly serve a faithful God. David says in the book of Psalms “God honours His word more than His name”. That describes the intensity of his faithfulness to what He says he is and will do. Our theme this year was love and it has been pleasant to see Gods love overflow in our lives, to the ministry and everywhere else <3. As inadequate, flawed women, in our weaknesses, we have seen God’s love-His soothing love that has restored our hope, dreams and transform us into better women. It’s easy to become caught up in the programmes offered and activities that take place all in the name of “excellence”, it’s easy to use such a platform to draw attention to self because of the magnitude of influence that it carries. Therefore, it becomes imperative to examine the state of your heart continually. “Search my heart oh God, and examine my thoughts. May the work of my hands reflect your heart for women”. It has not been easy. I have had days I wanted to quit. I have been criticised and discouraged but God’s plan always surpasses man’s effort. Thank you to the prayerful team of bold women that have championed the divine purpose through this ministry. The conference has been a definite highlight. We hope next year is just as life changing. Looking forward to meeting more ladies, engaging in discipleship but most importantly, are making Jesus known to the women. “-Lebogang Tisame (Women for Jesus chairperson)
It is not about the masses, It is about Hearts and If one heart-just one heart, can be transformed because of the message of the cross which we preach to women, that will be enough…that is fulfilling. Women’s ministry isn’t about the fluff, the tea parties, Boaz, beauty, societal perceptions of what women are. It is about changing lives. We champion Greatness; we raise bold leaders who look to Christ for affirmation, direction and purpose.”-#WomenforJesus2015
Volume1 Issue 10
woman of influence
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Woman of Influence : Andrica Lekganyane
2015 has been a great year and our regular woman of influence feature leaves us feeling inspired every single month. Our woman of influence feature for this month is quite a great way to end of the year. Andrica Lekganyane is just the woman we need to leave us feeling inspired and geared up for 2016. Andrica is the Founder and Principal Agent (MPRE) for AreaGroup Property Services. We got an opportunity to interview this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading lady in Property which is known to be a male-dominated. We hope her story inspires you to go for what God says you can do and live a purpose driven life.
Tell us a bit about yourself? Your background, where you grew up, most memorable moments. Andrica grew up in Seshego Polokwane in a family of 5 siblings and was raised by a single parent. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really say we had it all then, but my mom tried by all
means to ensure that we go school, have uniforms, a roof on top of our heads and a meal every night. A former Commerce student from Bokamoso Senior Secondary school who always had a passion for the Business World………. My most memorable moment during my high school days was when I used to wake up around 2am in the early hours of the morning to study. My mom’s kitchen in a “four-roomed” RDP house, turned into a library between then and 6am every morning until when I had to prepare for school. I look back now and I am all smiles, I remember having to walk to and from home to school and vice versa in the morning, at lunch hour and after school… No one could keep up with the “brisk-walk” and its so funny that I am still unable to walk slowly for at c. I have an Honours in Property Valuations and Management, doing my Msc in Building next year, I have also completed an Advanced Leadership programme in Shopping Centre Management, a certified Master Practitioner in Real Estate, received two bursaries during my career life from the South African Council of Shopping Centres and Women’s Property Network. What you studied and why? Initially I wanted to do a B.com Accounting at Wits University but I only got my letter of acceptance after I had made up my mind that I will pursue a career in Real Estate (Property). I enrolled for a property qualification at the then Wits Technikon and I majored in Property Development and Management. I studied Real Estate because of the diverse skills it offers, a self-proclaimed marketing expert plus my keenness on high-rise developments were also some of the reasons I studied this qualification. However, this changed over the years when I picked up the loop-holes in the property industry. There’s only a few BLACK people who are familiar with this sector and I felt the need to educate those who want to learn more about the industry, through my organisation Area Group, which will be recruiting more property professionals from 2016 onwards. What your company, Area Group Property Services Offers? AreaGroup is a property services company which provides a comprehensive range of services from Property Management (all types of properties), Sales
and Rental of all types of immovable properties, Retail property consultancy services, Maintenance and property development.
Being retrenched at the age of 21? and the circumstances leading up to the event. In 2007 my former employer decided to merge with one of his biggest competitors, my manager resigned and started his own company. Therefore being the only staff member left in a department of only 2 people I was left with no choice but to familiarise the new “boss” with the basics of the department and most importantly to introduce her to some of our key clients only to be retrenched a few months later. A lot actually happened that year, I remember losing my grand-ma a few weeks after the retrenchment and I somewhat kept of recalling how I grew up and where I was heading. I didn’t let this pin me down, I knew my life purpose at a very tender age and giving up was the last thing on my mind. I must be honest though, that I was for a few days not content, but little did I know that GOD had a Bigger Better Plan. I am grateful for the retrenchment otherwise, I’d still be a paper pusher and only focusing on someone’s goal when GOD gave me my own mandate to pursue. Not that there’s anything wrong with working for anyone, as long as you are content with it. I want to “sleep” peacefully knowing that I have helped someone feed his/her family, knowing that I have helped millions of children go to school and put a roof over their heads etc……………..
Starting your company and going back into the industry and making that final decision to pursue your company ambitions. Unfortunately due to the current challenges faced by most emerging black entrepreneurs, I had to go back into the corporate world, and its not because I wasn’t fit enough to pursue my passion for business but I felt the need to save up enough capital for the organisation from branding and securing other tools of trade and honestly I can’t really say I have taken the final leap of faith but I know that God is in charge of guiding my steps and I live to serve him wherever
Pearls of wisdom from Andrica for our readers One of the biggest lessons I have learned in life is that every day comes with its own challenges and you just need to keep swimming. Business just like ones personal life, has its own challenges and its unfortunate that most businesses fail because of lack of knowledge, therefore, I have made it a tradition that I invest in myself every year, whether it is through academia or expanding my network or familiarising myself with my surroundings by reading articles and related materials which will ultimately contribute to my personal as well as my professional development.
Volume1 Issue 10
woman of influence
Sister Ministry: Sistaz United Network
We were privileged to cross paths with a ministry that is just as dedicated to empowering women and making Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name across nations. It was exciting to meet the founder of this influential ministry known as Sistaz United Network. Shirley Hlungwani is a self-employed brand manager and founder of Sistaz United Network which is dedicated to empowering women across the globe through Unity, love and Compassion. Its such a wonderful experience to watch an initiative that is working towards accomplishing what we would like to accomplish because not only does it bring a different yet relatable perspective, it assures us that we are in the right path and God is raising other leaders to advance the kingdom with a similar mandate but a relatable approach. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to know that we are not alone in championing the cause.
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What is Sistaz United Network? Sistaz United Network is a non-profit organization aimed at uniting and empowering women and young girls in the spirit of love and compassion. Where do you see Sistaz United Network in the next 5 years? My 5 year vision for @SUN is to witness women across the globe uniting in one accord for specific goals that benefit not only themselves but their communities as well. It will bring me such joy to see women and girls stand together and help each other rise above their adversities. What keeps you going? The Word of God, prayer, reading inspirational books. What is the great lessons life has taught you? 1. Integrity rewards. 2. Define yourself, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, people will. 3. Forgiveness starts with you. 4. Rest if you must, but do not quit. 5. When one door closes, move on to the next one. What are the main virtues you live by? Humanity. Forgiveness. Courage.
How can people be affiliated with Sistaz United Network? They can start by following the @SUN page on facebook and twitter as thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where all our activities are communicated. There are a lot of great programs coming up that will only be communicated on our social media presence. What legacy do you want to live behind? Unity, love and compassion amongst women. It is a dream of mine to one day see us women and girls focus on empowering ourselves and nation more than hating on each other. What advice can you give to women out there who want to start an organisation like Sistaz United Network? Do not start an organization because everyone else is doing it, let it be a manifestation of your true vision and life purpose.
Redeemed to release: Be aligned with Christ event We were honoured to have been invited to our last event for the year, as hosted by Redeemed to release under the theme be aligned with Christ. The event was a complete success and we left feeling empowered and filled with the word. We received a word from seasoned speakers and enjoyed fellowship with fellow believers. Well done to the team and hope God elevates your ministry in 2016.
A letter to church leaders-Lerato Masenya I have heard it being said from a pulpit that one of the things a church needs to do in order to effectively carry out it’s mandate of being salt and light to the earth, is to address issues facing society. I therefore write this letter to highlight that there are societal issues that have risen (in fact have always been present) that need a response from the church. The students of South Africa have shaken the nation with the Fees Must Fall campaign and the Rhodes Must Fall movement. These movements and the responses to them from the public have revealed a lot of ills within our nation. They have revealed issues of poverty, of racism, of a need for restitution and they have challenged the identity that our various skin colors give us. These are important topics to engage with because at the core of them they deal with human dignity and with justice, which are core themes in the message of Christianity. Therefore I feel that it is critical that the church cannot be passive in this time. I do appreciate that there has been prayer meetings inspired by the events in our country, and we know that prayer is pivotal. I also appreciate that there have been messages of solidarity and statements addressing the issue from some church groups and this has sent out a needed message into the nation. I also appreciate that there has been church groups and individual Christians that have engaged in various ways with the issues, either by participating in protests or by conversations or by providing aid in their capacities. However, what I want to bring to the table is that in my conversations with fellow students I have gathered that in general there are core questions that people have. I feel that these questions must be answered by the church. I have seen that there are questions that have tormented the minds of the youth, so much that people have left the faith because of the frustrations and they have concluded that God must be oblivious to the issues specific to our nation. It is not only students that grapple with these; I believe they spill out into the rest of society. The themes I want to bring forth are: - The history of Christianity in Africa and the notion that Christianity is the white man’s tool to perpetuate slavery and to colonize Africa. - Racism, be it structural or overt, that can be identified in church groups. - Christianity and Politics: A look into the role that Christians played during the apartheid era. People may be unaware that there are struggle veterans such as Albert Luthuli who fought the political fight as Christians.- The use of Christian doctrine to “tone down” black people’s anger towards the injustices of the apartheid era and it’s legacy.- Christianity that annihilates African culture, tradition and values. I understand that this requires extensive and unbiased research into South African, African and Christian history which some leaders may feel unequipped to do but it would be shameful if in all of South Africa, the collective church is unable to address the issues with truth and clarity and thoroughness. My hope in all of this is that the insight shared may be healing balm to the children of Africa who are feeling forsaken and unknown by the God of all the earth. Lerato Should you wish to communicate your response to this letter please do so to lerato221@gmail.com
#RoundTableDiscussion We are delighted to bring you our new feature called #roundtablediscussion. This feature is aimed at providing sound counsel to us and provides readers with an opportunity to raise questions and concerns and receive proper counsel from those that God has appointed to guide us. Our panel is made up of men and women of God who have been entrusted with various ministries in the body of Christ. We are delighted to have them on board and we hope that they will help us have a clear perspective of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of doing things. Our panel comprises of the following leaders; Pastor Brix Rapholo Pastor Brandon Bailey Pastor Israel Phiri Pastor Olga Lebelo Pasor Martin Mgiba Remember to email us your questions to womenforJesus10@gmail.com
My love story competition Please note that the date for the #Mylovestory competition has been extended to 31 January 2015. Please write your short testimony or email us your blogpost to womenforjesus10@gmail.com and stand a chance to win a manicure nail treatment package courtesy of glamfair.
New year, New beginnings Happy new year in advance to all our women for Jesus queens. We look forward to an exciting year with you and thank you for being part of our journey. On the 2nd of January we will be having our AGM and we welcome any ideas/contribution that will make 2016 another exciting year for the Kingdom. Blessings
For more info please contact: Chair Person
Lebogang Tisane 0713569928 Logistics Shirley Malope 0760278395 Love in Action Molatelo Mathoko 0724213344 Meladi Montjane 0790653603 Unashamed
Lerato Masenya 0797845086 Mabothaka a morena Maphuti Mashamaite 0817571489 Secretary Phethego Kgatla 0766543160 Public relations Mahlatse Tloubatla 0721265311