“As 2024 ends, I cannot help but thank God Almighty for His wonderful love and care. David said in Psalms 115:1 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name we give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.” God has been with us throughout the year 2024. The World Officers can testify to the goodness of God as He cared for us when we traveled to five Areas for Weaving Together Program and Area Seminars: Latin America in Curitiba, Brazil in April; Britain and Ireland, and Europe Continental Areas had a joint Area Seminar in Porto, Portugal in June; West Africa Area in Ganta City, Liberia in July; South Pacific Area in Apia, Samoa in September; and North America Area in Atlanta Georgia, USA in October – November. How inspiring it was meeting women from these many different countries displaying their uniqueness in language and culture, yet, bound into one by their faith in that baby born in a manger on that first Christmas Eve. Knowing what they are doing for others and God’s creation through the action plan was amazing and a milestone for the World Federation.
While celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, some of us usually recollect events of the past year. There may be pleasant moments and experiences that cause us to praise and thank God, but also there has been much grief too. Many have experienced pain, sickness, financial problems, and loss of loved ones.
The situation in our society and the world is rather grim. Today the world appears to be spinning out of control with violence, injustice, exploitation, war, and political unrest. In all these troubled and tumultuous times, the message of Christmas is our hope. The angels announced to the Shepherds, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” (Luke 2:10) The Apostle Paul also reminds us that “Jesus Himself is our Peace.” Peace is not something we can achieve, rather it is what God gives to us no matter what our circumstances or situation may be. May God fill us with hope, peace, and the confidence that we belong to a loving God who cares for each one of us.
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
– Sipiwe Chisvo,World President
(Taken from the October – December 2024 edition of the Tree of Life)
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