19th Episcopal District Hosts First Annual RAYAC Summit
By Sisters Mandisa Skibane and Mpho Phago and Broter Lebohang Monyake, 19th Episcopal District
Over 200 RAYAC members from the various corners of the 19th Episcopal District of the AME Church graced the beautiful city of Makwarela, in the Vhembe District Thohoyandou. This took place from 6-8 September 2019. This was the first Annual Summit event, held under the theme, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
This was an event with spiritual upliftment sessions and mind-engaging dialogues. “My 19th, My Church, My Spiritual home” was the tip of the iceberg when a panel was selected, consisting of two members from each of the five conferences. The panel had to engage in the current state of the church and how it has, directly and indirectly, affected their spiritual being. At length, problems, challenges, and solutions where debated. At the end of this engagement, the renowned sentiment was to go back to basics, rededicate the church to God, and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell once more in the church. This went back to the #19thbelongstoGod motto.
There was an open discussion about the LGBTI Community. Virginia Magwaza and the Rev. Klaas both represented on “The Other Foundation”
African trust featured speakers who shed some light on the very heavy and challenging lesbian gay bisexual transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community. The main guest speaker gave their experiences about this way of living and how the community’s rights to exist have been infringed. The Rev. Klass gave a brief overview of what both the South African law and the AME Church say about the LGBTI community. The main social justice that every living human being desires are that of acceptance and the freedom to be acknowledged regardless of any social, political, or lifestyle choices.
The second day involved community outreach in Makwarela Streets. The 19th District RAYAC gave back to the community by donating groceries to three members of the church and one community member living around the church. This initiative focuses on “taking care of our own,” hoping that at least one member of the church benefits from a RAYAC event. We continue to pray that it is never a once-off activity but that we continue to reach out.
The end of the second day had members in their best outfits, dressed up for the Thanksgiving Ceremony. This glamourous gala dinner not only welcomed new members and bid farewell to graduating RAYAC members but it also shared light on the need for members to encourage support initiatives such as the scholarship awards and stop hunger campaign. We thank members of H.B Senatle Cathedral.
The real showstopper throughout the event was the spirit of praise and worship during sessions. The members of this vibrant auxiliary took the words “spiritual upliftment” to another level. The opening memorial service on Friday was a message from 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 and Matthew 24: 3-8. It was entitled, “Don’t Lose Hope, It Is Not Yet Over,” by the Rev. John Bashimane Phehla.
The Bible study on Saturday was from John 1:1-3 and Psalm 24:1-10. It was entitled, “All Things Belong to God,” by Rev. David Tshaka Ntloedibe. The closing service was taken from Isaiah 55:6-13 and Matthew 6: 31-33. The Rev. M.D.T Makhene preached “Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and All These Things Shall be Added to You.”
We remain thankful that all the members who had taken days off at work to travel all got back to their families and different destinations safely. To God be the glory.
