I was sitting in church one Sunday and heard an announcement for a women’s trip to Cape Town, South Africa to visit a ministry supported by Tirzah. I had been on the first Pulpit Rock women’s trip to India two years ago, so I was excited about the chance to see another part of the world with fellow sisters and see what Tirzah was doing in Africa.
In October, 11 other women and I departed Denver for our trip to Cape Town, South Africa. We were eager to visit Beautiful Gate, part of this year’s Christmas offering.
On our first day at Beautiful Gate, they were celebrating their 31st anniversary. Dancing, singing, smiles, performances, prayers, more dancing, more singing and energy abounded. Not only was I culturally immersed in the festivities, but I could see how important Beautiful Gate was to the local community by the sheer number of people who joined the celebration. As part of the celebration, we were asked to write something encouraging on a colored rock for display. I chose: You are Loved.
Beautiful Gate is led by Minah Koela, a powerful, strong and encouraging global leader. Minah introduced us to the women who participated in the micro-enterprise portion of Beautiful Gate, and we heard the women’s testimonies about the impact of micro-enterprises on their lives. Witnessing their accomplishments and the pride they took in supporting their families and communities was inspiring. I found a woman I had been praying for during the months leading up to our trip and presented her with a bracelet I had made. Even though she couldn’t speak English I was able to communicate that I had been praying for her and we shared a moment together. At the end of that time, we could purchase some of the products from their businesses. I love shopping so this was one of my favorite things: getting the opportunity to purchase handmade goods from the women in the room. 🙂
We also participated in presenting a group of women with their emerging leader program materials, an experience like students receiving new textbooks, filled with eagerness and anticipation for the journey ahead.
Intermixed with our visits to Beautiful Gate we toured areas within and surrounding Cape Town, including a tour of Robben Island, a penguin beach, and even a game preserve. Cape Town is beautiful with mountains and ocean and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. And penguins. I was very excited about seeing penguins.
At our farewell luncheon with Minah, we prayed over our luncheon’s host. You never know when people will suddenly stop everything and be moved to pray with and for each other. This was one of those moving, Spirit-led times.
Our trip concluded with a safari; another highlight of the trip for me. To say we got very close to many animals is an understatement. I could spend hours choosing photos from that portion of our trip, but I’ll just choose one.
As I look back on the trip, I’m encouraged as a woman-leader myself to know there are other women leaders out there who are doing God’s work daily. I’m thrilled to be part of a church that supports women-led ministries. I hope I have more opportunities to witness the work Tirzah is doing to support global women leaders.
Kristina Roth
Photo credits: Suzy Bates/Ruth Tate/Cindy Limbrick/Kristina Roth
