Sisterhood – Am I my sister’s keeper?

Hosted by Mariana Crompton and sponsored by Kingfisher FM, this year’s Arise Women’s Conference speakers include Wyona Norman from the UK, Lefokane (Lydia) Meshoe, Jean Guthrie and Shelley Walters. Workshop speakers include Zantie Swanepoel, Petro Botha and Janine Simons. Arise 2011 takes place September 8-11 at Word of Faith Christian Centre, Port Elizabeth. Central to shops and accommodation establishment women travel from all over the country to attend this conference. This year’s conference charities include Project Hope, Mother’s of Hope and Shepherd’s Field Rehabilitation Centre. Arise had fewer than 200 women at its first conference over six years ago and has grown year by year and we are excepting an excess of 700 this year. Women from all walks of life and denominations can come and relax as they are inspired and refreshed by world class speakers. From beginning to end the concept has been planned and thought out to create an exceptional four day event. This year’s conference theme is “Sisterhood – Am I my sister’s keeper?” The rational of this conference is based on women reaching out into their communities and making a difference.

Wyona Norman and her husband lead three churches in the London area. Her ministry is prophetic and dynamic. She preaches a now word to the body of Christ and has been invited to speak at churches and conferences around the world. There have been powerful manifestations of healing and deliverance in her meetings.

Lefokane (Lydia) Meshoe is a conference favourite. She is a member of the National Executive Committee of the ACDP and is President of “Women of Destiny”, the ACDP Women’s League. Lydia played a major role in empowering and uplifting women during the apartheid era as the South African President of the International Organisation “Women of Valour”; and as Deputy President of “International Christian Women Conferences”. She is also the founder of “Tshepo Women Help Centre”.

Jean Guthrie is the founder of Jean Guthrie Beauty Care. The Company was launched in South Africa in 1980 and today markets a range of prestige Cosmetics and Fine Fragrances internationally. As a committed Christian, Jean’s objective is to reach women with the message of both Inner and Outer Beauty.

Starting on Thursday evening, which is free, the event is woven together with an outstanding Opening Ceremony packed with dance and drama. Creative Workshops on Friday afternoon includes A Women in Business Workshop with Zantie Swanepoel a past conference speaker and ex-Mrs United Nations, she is a National Spokeswoman for babies born in South African Prisons and founder of the Babies behind Bars Project that was launched in the year 2000. A Natural Health Workshop with Petro Botha who will explain the value of the four main food groups that can heal your nervous system, help you lose weight and maintain your weight, strengthen your mind and support your total well-being. From Wealth to Victory workshop with Janine Simons, a Pastor, Worship Leader, Intercessor and Beauty Therapist who has overcome severe life circumstances and is fully restored today.

The Saturday of Arise is packed with food, fun and inspiration. Beauty Wise will be hosting a Pamper Zone between sessions for all conference delegates and massively discounted rates. Delegates can enjoy treatments from as little as R30 and R60 each including mini facial’s, manicure’s and pedicures to back, neck and shoulder massages and hot stone back massages. From the Sisterhood Picnic, High Tea Colour Rooms to the Arise Coffee Lounge you can expect a place to relax, enjoy, chat and hang out while enjoying an atmosphere of food, fun and friendship! Saturday night’s Women in Worship is a dynamic evening of prophetic worship and captivating music.

Shelley Walters will share her testimony on the Saturday night. Her passionate and direct approach will motivate and encourage delegates to lean on God and to trust Him, not only with their eternal salvation but with their lives here on earth.

This year’s conference charities include Project Hope, Mother’s of Hope and Shepherd’s Field Rehabilitation Centre.

Project Hope brings Hope to the Children and Youth in Our City. Activities include weekly children’s churches at various venues in the Northern Areas where they teach God’s Word, values and destinies for each child’s life. They feed and provide clothing and school supplies for the needy as well as life skills workshops, equipping children for their future. Project Hope meets children’s personal, spiritual, emotional and material needs. This year each delegate is requested to bring evening dresses, bridesmaids, matric farewell or wedding dress to donate to the “Dress your Sister Initiative” in aid of Project Hope.

Mother’s of Hope aims to empower women with a skill set such as sewing, baking, knitting, planting their own vegetable garden etc. Many of the women come from very dysfunctional families, where the cycle of abuse, violence and hopelessness is perpetuated. They aim to lift their morale and aid them to become pillars of strength in their communities.

Shepherd’s Field Rehabilitation Centre rebuilds lives that were destroyed by substance dependency. It helps regain and rebuild trust that was lost through substance abuse. They are also actively involved in drug-awareness projects within the community.

To register for Arise 2011 go to www.ariseconference.org.za or call Madge Blignaut on 041 399 4400 or email madge[at]wordoffaith.org.za. You can also register at Word of Faith Christian Centre, Cnr Lily St and William Moffett Expressway, Mangold Park, Port Elizabeth. Registration costs R250 per delegate. Optional Workshops for delegates cost R60 per delegate. We will do our best to accommodate all special needs. Please contact Charlene Erasmus before your arrival on 041 399 4400 or email: women[at]wordoffaith.org.za.