The Praxis of Faith, Purpose, and Leadership: Reflective Insights from South Africa and Zimbabwe

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The past several weeks in South Africa and Zimbabwe have been both extraordinary and deeply meaningful. I had the privilege of serving as a guest lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, where I spoke with undergraduate students on leadership, resilience, and purpose.

I am grateful to Professor Bhaso Ndzendze for the invitation and for creating space for this important exchange. I also extend my gratitude to Rethabile Joy Mosia, Dr. Sinethemba Sidloyi, and the entire Faculty of Humanities for their warm welcome and hospitality.

I also had the opportunity to speak with dozens of young people and their families at Refuge City Church. Refuge City Church, under the leadership of Apostle Luke Van Weren and First Lady Heidi Van Weren, created a meaningful space to pour into the lives of young girls and their families, with a focus on faith, purpose, and leadership.

From there, I traveled to Zimbabwe, where I served as a guest lecturer at the Women’s University, speaking on faith, resilience, and leadership. I am grateful to Semukeliso Gono, Dr. Chipo Hungwe, and Dr. Helen Venganai for their engagement and hospitality during my time there. While in Zimbabwe, I also spent time in fellowship at New Life Covenant Church under the leadership of Bishop Tudor Bismark and First Lady Chichi Bismark, where I was welcomed with generosity.

I concluded this portion of my journey in Langa Township in Cape Town with the Girls With Pearls South Africa group, where I worked alongside Nandipha Mandogana, pouring into young girls through mentorship, leadership development, and purposeful engagement. This experience was both impactful and affirming, reflecting the global reach and continued evolution of Girls With Pearls.

My final speaking engagement took place in George, South Africa, where I served as the keynote speaker in partnership with the George Municipality, George Libraries, and the George Museum. I extend my appreciation to Mandy Naidoo, Jonel Kerspuy, Rachel Williams, and John Luyenge for their leadership and partnership. While in George, I was struck by the breathtaking beauty of the Outeniqua Mountains, a powerful reminder of both the majesty of creation and the stillness required to reflect, realign, and move forward with clarity and purpose. I was also honored to spend the morning of April 1 with high school graduates during the George Wednesday We Read Initiative, where I participated in a reading reflection and engaged students in conversation to advocate for the importance of literacy.

I am grateful to Lewis and Alice Mujati, Lovemore Ncube, and the Rhema Revival Center, under the leadership of Bishop Martin and First Lady Elaine Visagie for their hospitality, kindness, and spiritual encouragement. This experience has left a lasting imprint on my life.

One of the most meaningful moments of this journey occurred on Youth Sunday, March 15, at Refuge City Church. During a panel discussion, young people were asked what inspired them to remain committed over the years. One young lady shared:

“Girls With Pearls taught me that I have a purpose, that I matter, and that serving and loving God is the best thing anyone can do. The sermon taught me how to love better and to give more to the Lord. It made me realize that I have a purpose and that purpose matters.”

As I sat beside First Lady Heidi Van Weren, she gently squeezed my hand as I became emotional. In that moment, I was reminded that we do not always see the full impact of our work while we are doing it. Sometimes, we are given a glimpse, just enough to affirm that the work matters, the people matter, and the calling matters.

This journey reinforced that leadership is not defined by titles or positions. Leadership is rooted in service. It requires obedience, perseverance, and a willingness to continue even when the path is not easy. It is a reminder that the work is not about us, but about those we are called to serve.

What This Journey Has Taught Me

Principles for Faith, Purpose, and Leadership

• Live in a way that reflects Christ through both your character and your actions.

• Do not lose heart when the journey becomes difficult. Stay committed and continue forward.

• Develop the ability to see beyond what is in front of you and grow in spiritual discernment.

• Surround yourself with people who genuinely desire your growth and are not threatened by your success.

• Seek guidance from mentors who will be honest, challenge you, and help you grow.

• Be intentional about your environment. Position yourself in spaces that stretch and develop you.

• Do not allow anyone to intimidate you or cause you to question who you are.

• Walk boldly in your calling. You were created to lead, not to shrink back.

• Remember that your life has meaning. You were created with purpose and intention.

• Stay committed to your purpose, even when others do not understand your path.

• What God has established for your life cannot be taken away by people, opinions, or obstacles.

  
  

Walk in faith. Walk in purpose. And above all, live in a way that honors God.

Let us stay connected!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSZrPGekpOk