Written by Andrea Kelly Miles
Proofread by Lance Reed Lawrence
The South African National Woman’s Day weekend was an incredible journey that honestly touched my heart, mind and soul, including many other individuals across the globe; watching from the comfort of their homes. The #Dare2Care virtual weekend was initiated in aid of raising awareness on the abuse of women, children and the LGBTI civil society – encouraging us to speak up and say “NO! #Notonmywatch!” – Daring us to care for each other, and encouraging a healthy self-love practice since you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Funds were also donated to the MASAKHE FOUNDATION: The word Masakhe means “Let us Build” and the objective is to assist individuals through education and support, in the communities we work to become the best person they can be.
A variety of family-fun activities were encouraged to participate in, abiding with the Covid-19 Rules and Regulations. The weekend featured our very own singer, Paxton Fielies. These activities included the virtual music concert, fun run/walk, TikTok challenges, expert discussions on a variety of daily challenges we face, and then ended off with the beautiful Divine Service sharing a reminder through the Bible Word:
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
FRIDAY VIRTUAL WEEKEND KICK-OFF
FRIDAY, 7 AUGUST 2020: The #Dare2Care Virtual Music Concert commenced a live broadcast from 19:00 to 20:00.
South African participants auditioned via video recordings to share their God-given talents, virtually. Gracing our eardrums and revving viewers out of their seats to groove, move and acapella tune with them.
Amongst the auditions were musicians show-casing their instrumental, vocal (which is an instrument too), rapping and dancing skills. All within respect to our Christian faith through praise and worship, and abiding by the Covid-19 Rules and Regulations.
SATURDAY #DARE2CARE ACTIVITIES
Saturday, 8 August 2020: The #Dare2Care activities commenced from 09:00 to 17:00.
The daring to care initiative consisted of:
- Dare2Care 5/10km fun run/walk against GBV
- 08:45 to 11:45: all pictures and videos had to be submitted to ypdare2care@nac-sa.or.za to be featured on our New Apostolic Church’s website.
Amongst the contestants of the 5km-10km fun run/walk was me and my brother, Caleb. Daring to care and emphasising our belief that we all do need to take care of each other. We can truly be thankful for our Living God and the sacrifices He made and the love God has for us. He taught every one of us, His creation, to love and care and show genuine support in efforts that showcases love and support for our fellow neighbours.
Increase our knowledge on what is wrong, what is right – what is pleasing to my God, Our God – in His sight. Practising our faith through our love for God’s works. We will experience His blessings, in due time.
“SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.”
My Brother, Caleb, and I are encouraging YOU to show your support for each other through love, respect and #DARING2CARE #DARE2CARE #NotOnMyWatch #StopGBV!
Virtual Challenges:
- 25 Push-Ups Challenge
- 25 Sit Up Challenge
- TikTok #NACfamilyfun Dance
- Tik Tok #WearAmask Challenge (for sisters/women in celebration of National Woman's Day)
Virtual topic discussions: *AWARENESS DISCUSSIONS* 14:00 - 17:00:
- Gender-Based Violence: Apostle Peter Lambert & Guest Speaker - live at 14:00
- Social Media: Apostle Sipho Mogane & Guest Expert - live at 14:30
- Decision Making in relation to Crime: Apostle Peter Thompson - live at 15:00
- Suicide: Apostle Abrey Page & Guest Speaker - live at 15:30
- Sexual Misconduct In The New Apostolic Church: Apostle Worship & Guest Expert - live at 16:00
Live Zoom discussions:
- Taking charge of my future: Apostle Swartbooi – live at 14:00
- Covid-19: Apostle Mintoor – live at 15:00
- Relationships: Apostle Diedricks – live at 15:00
- Coming clean: Support for parents and family members: Apostle Meyer – live at 16:00
- Self-image and peer pressure: Apostle Liwakala – live at 16:00
- Service for the departed: Apostle Mukwati – live at 17:00
Participants of the virtual fun weekend #Dare2Care were encouraged to register and received their unique zoom password codes to choose the topics they were most interested to learn more about. A Q&A session was conducted, appropriately, and provide an in-depth teaching and a fresh insight into the above-mentioned topics.
The greatest feeling of all was that even though we sat in the comfort of our homes, probably snuggling in bed or at the fireplace, we were – and still are - connected through the love and oneness of the Holy Spirit through God’s grace and His children showing their care towards each other.
It truly takes a village to raise a child.
SUNDAY DIVINE SERVICE HIGHLIGHT
The weekend’s highlight created a warmth of excitement, contentment and thankful that we could be part of this amazing initiative.
9 AUGUST 2020: #DARE2CARE Young People’s Divine Service live transmission broadcast commenced at 08:15.
The Divine Service was conducted by the New Apostolic, District Apostle, John Kriel, at 09:00 to 10:00
Before service hymns were performed by a live band as from 08:15.
Bible Word: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
This beautiful word took us back to the book of Genesis to remind us that we are all equal – men and women – but different.
That God granted the woman as a help meet for man, and man as a help meet for the woman. This context shed light in terms of both spiritually and naturally. We need to uplift each other, through the grace of God. To stop judging each other and doing works of evil – where the serpent interfered.
We have the power of God to overcome sin and live a life that pleases God. And in so doing, there will be more respect, love and kindness shown and projected through the hearts of many. That seed of Love God placed in us will germinate and grow into a beautiful, sweet and fresh scented fragrance that will draw many nigh to God.
And that, my dear brothers and sisters in faith and all walks of life, is a beautiful future to look towards. I believe and know it can and will be accomplished. Starting today. One day at a time. We will Grow in Love and Compassion!
Live band at the Young People’s Divine Service.
Paxton Fielies gracing our ears with her Angelic voice from God.
CONCLUSION
What a beautiful effort it is to see many talented individuals and hearts daring to care for each other. Igniting the Light of Love and Compassion in the hearts of all who participated in the Virtual Fun Weekend nation-wide and globally via YouTube.
I pray we continue to show our efforts, donate where we can and volunteer simply by practising compassion, respect and love towards each other.
All links are provided above for you to still catch your seat and be part of a community, globally, all nations, and show that YOU DARE TO CARE for your fellow human beings.
Trust, Hope and Love are needed to perform great works, but Love is the Greatest one of ALL.
Comments