“Blessed to be a blessing.” We often hear these words when people share their testimonies. For the Women’s Ministry at Krugersdorp Corps, however, this is far more than a familiar phrase. It is something we seek to live out in practical ways. It has become our battle cry.
Our desire is to see women come together to encourage, equip, and empower one another. We do this in faith, believing that the skills we learn can make a meaningful difference in our lives, our families, our Corps, and our communities. Even if only a few women take what they have learned and use those skills to improve their circumstances, the purpose of empowerment has already been fulfilled.
This journey did not begin this month. It is part of an ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment that started earlier this year. Our vision is to continue these sessions on a quarterly basis, creating opportunities for women to gain practical skills, share knowledge, support one another, and explore possibilities for entrepreneurship.
We were privileged to partner with the Home League of Randfontein Corps for our latest session. Together, we learned about table setting and explored practical ideas for starting catering and décor businesses. Yet the learning did not stop there. We also focused on a skill that is often overlooked but remains essential in every household: effective cleaning practices. We discussed where to begin when cleaning a home, how to reduce the spread of germs, and ways to maintain a healthy living environment for our families.
The session then moved to a practical demonstration on making cleaning products. We are fortunate to have many skilled and gifted women throughout the Central Division who are willing to share their knowledge with others. We invited our sister in Christ, Mrs Sthandile Ndlovu from South Rand Corps, to teach us how to make cleaning products. The focus was on dishwashing liquid and thick bleach, products that are both useful and affordable for everyday household use.
We are grateful for this experience because we believe these newly acquired skills can create opportunities for women to generate income and become more self reliant. What we learned has the potential to open doors for entrepreneurship while contributing to the wellbeing of families and communities. These skills also have practical value within our own Corps. As our hall is cleaned every week, producing quality cleaning products locally could help us maintain a clean, welcoming, and healthy environment for all who enter our doors.
Above all, we were encouraged by the Word of God. Colossians 3:16 reminds us to “teach and admonish one another in all wisdom.” Through this experience, we were reminded that teaching one another is a genuine expression of Christian love. Sharing knowledge requires generosity. Teaching others requires wisdom. Helping someone grow requires a willing heart. We witnessed these qualities throughout the day as women freely shared their skills and experience with one another.
We thank God for calling us as women to care for one another, encourage one another, and help carry one another’s burdens. We are not blessed simply for our own benefit. We are blessed so that we may be a blessing to others. When women are empowered, they can empower others. When they learn, they can teach. When they are strengthened, they can strengthen those around them. This is our battle cry. This is our mission. It is women empowering women for the glory of God.