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, Rev. Beauty Lekone, our pastors, Rev. Goitsemodimo Sedietso (Supernumerary), the Rev. Selebaleng Gaditshwane (HB 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 4 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.
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.
