“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” Prov. 31:28 (NIV)
The delightful theme, “They call HER blessed” was announced by Judy Monda to female parents at the church service in mid September as women went into a rapturous applause over the topic after a fleeting suspense; perhaps, a little uncertain about the scope of the instruction they anticipated to derive on the very day.
She went on, “This year’s Women’s Day would be split between the parents and singles, the events occurring a week apart from each other…” This marked the beginning of an onward march in earnest as the women members of the International Churches of Christ Nairobi Church prepared to host their favourite annual affair. As usual, the weeks ahead were devoted to fervent prayers, concerted fasting chains and many preparative activities.
D-Day
On Sunday, November 11, the sun rose early to welcome a warm and cheerful day. As is customary, the ladies arrived looking elegantly at ease and exhibiting a remarkable example of the modern age of refined style and fashion. Unlike past events when lunch usually was at the tail-end of the convention, this year food, catered by disciples, was provided upon arrival at midday. This variation in the program indeed made for a big difference in retaining the 1000+ capacity audience till the end. Entertainment, too, came early rather than as a sign off.
“We altered the usual programming because we wanted to make this year’s event pleasantly unpredictable both for the sisters and for our friends who love this event in our church calendar,” said Jane Maleya, the Women’s Ministry Leader.
For the first time ever, the mother’s dance troupe regaled the receptive audience with a cocktail of hip-hop and local gospel tunes. And after a session of stirring comedy and entertainment including poetry recitals and dulcet choral presentations, the mistress of ceremony, Ruth Regau was ready to introduce the first of seven speakers.
Carol Ochieng’, a mother of three young children, charmed with her story of the homemaker who is constantly learning to strike a healthy balance of family, ministry with teenagers and gainful employment.
Now a happily married wife but who’d been a single mom to her 18-year-old son for 13 years, Judy Monda encouraged financially challenged single parents to “look for work and fight to give their children the very best they can.”
Parenting as a daughter of Sarah, a ministry for women whose husbands don’t attend the Church, is not easy. For those whose spouses are not religious at all, nurturing their children in the faith can prove burdensome. Jennifer Omolo exhorted obedience to the Biblical command of being submissive wives and delivered elaborate practical ways to invest in and bond with children.
Mary and Esther Mwanza shared about their admirable mother-daughter relationship; relating the joys of growing friendship and the pains of dealing with challenges. Wrapping the testimonials, professional counselors Ann Irungu and Judy Ouko taught the extremely educative classes on “Personality Developments” and “Child Sexual Abuse” respectively.
The Choir
“The staff is really happy at how the Women’s Day turned out… many women who normally would just sit back really got involved in the planning of activities. The teamwork in the catering was outstanding to see and we thank everyone who used their God-given talent to make the event a huge success,” added Jane Maleya.
This congregation of women was learning and many, in their feedback later, shared a sentiment that struck the same chord: “seek to serve their families; ensuring that their children are raised with impeccable character, a strong education and a faith that reflects their own.”
Certainly, a woman of noble character does not eat the bread of idleness. That woman is and will eternally be celebrated, applauded and called blessed. Glory to God in the Highest!
The writer can be contacted via e-mail at makinjones@hotmail.com
