On the 29th of June 2024, 97 brave and beautiful young women aged between 15-35 years from various Corps in the Western Cape Division met at Goodwood Corps for the Young Women’s Conference. The theme, “With Brave Wings She Flies,” derived from 2 Kings 11, set the tone for the day, led by the Divisional YWF (Young Women’s Fellowship) Coordinator, Captain Zimkita Shereni, supported by the YWF committee. It was great having the special guest TYS, Captain Nonhlanhla Maphalala, meet and greet the young women, followed by vibrant times of praise and worship. The young ladies all proudly pranced around with their beautiful wings in a rainbow of creativity and colour. It was also encouraging to see many of the girls inviting their friends who attended a Salvation Army event for the very first time.
The DDWM, Captain Juanita Wright, shared on how the YWF is a crucial part of women’s ministries with the four fold purpose of Worship, Fellowship, Education and Service. Captain Juanita continued to share her vision for the young women in the Western Cape Division and encouraged them to be young women who W.A.I.T. on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31), especially since we live in a fast-paced society where instant gratification has become ingrained in our day-to-day lives, whether at school, at home or in the workplace.
The young women were reminded that it is important to trust God with the days and moments of their lives using 4 letters:
- W – Want more of God in our daily lives. Want to live in obedience to God’s purpose and plan for our lives.
- A – Available for God to use while being good stewards of our lives, time and talents.
- I – Inspire/Influence others in the things of God by being a witness, living out what God means to us.
- T – Truthful. In a world of deceit, lies and compromise, may young women stand for the truth.
The day continued with two workshop sessions for each of the age groups. One of the break-out sessions for ages 15-19, facilitated by Mrs. Kim Thompson, focused on “Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful” (Psalm 139). It gave the group the opportunity to create their own vision boards, reflecting their unique identity and beauty.
The second workshop was geared for ages 20 to 35 years, led by Ms. Portia Tirivanhu, themed “Find Your Fire.” This session encouraged the ladies to reflect and be aware of their God-given strengths and passions, especially in a world full of injustice, poverty and unemployment. They were encouraged to seek out opportunities to use these strengths to bring glory to God and let their light shine to impact their communities.
The day ended with Territorial Youth Secretary, Captain Maphalala, sharing a powerful challenge from 2 Kings 11. She encouraged the young women to be brave like Jehosheba, who, despite the challenges she witnessed in her community and own family, took a stand against evil and made a difference that mattered, saving lives in the process.
As young women, we too can stand for what is right and speak with united voices against all that is evil around us—abuse, injustice, crime, etc. Being young women means that we can be brave and courageous when we put our trust in God, as encouraged by Isaiah 40:31:
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.“