WEST CONFERENCE

30 April 2023

The LTI kicked off with devotions and went into the organisation with greetings from the host local n district presidents and the conference president. Districts gave brief reports on how the respective districts are doing. The total number of registered members was at 30. We then changed into the all-white attire for the candle light service. Rev. OS Tladi gave a message "leba mme o bone" from the scripture 1 Samuel 24: 10 - 13.

On Saturday, day started with a fun walk/street revival. (Side note: we also went looking for cattle that escaped on Friday night at of the houses that accommodated our members, what a mission phewww!!!), which was followed by exercises and games while waiting for breakfast.

The 19th ED RAYAC President, bro. Thembinkosi Kumalo Snr outlined and presented the missionary uniform and encouraged members to buy the uniform. In time, we should all be having the uniform and also be participating in the robing ceremonies at our local churches like other auxiliaries or ministries in the church.

The brothers weren't part of the morning session and therefore the president called them forward and fined them for their absence...

We have been campaigning the adopt-a-member programme, adopted members were presented through a quiz by the exbo. Members from all districts were selected and picked position (they did not know what positions they were choosing as they were in folded notes) after lunch they explained what their respective positions duties were through a quiz by constitution and bylaws.

The social action chairperson presented Dignity packs to children from the community that were donated by members. Only 7 of the 40 expected children showed up, thereafter the rest of the packs were left for the local church to distribute. President Thembinkosi donated each of the recipients with a R100 extra for other needs.

Rev Segaetsho gave an insightful presentation on why men don't come to church. All brothers that were present agreed with the presentation.

Rev Mere lead the discussions on Spirituality vs Religion. He toned it down to African Spirituality vs Christianity. We had to cut it short as it went on for long with members engaging.

As the day continued we had a cheer a fellow member campaign, where members all wrote messages of encouragement to either a specific member or to the general membership. The notes were randomly read out loud, a few members got special mentions. For a bit of fun members played game (flipping the bottle), surely most members have seen it on TikTok and Facebook. Only Bro Vincent, our guest (episcopal worshiper) and Sis Seipati got the bottle to stand up right.

To close off our Saturday, we changed for the night, the theme was Retro Night. The star activity of the night was Karaoke which our members thoroughly enjoyed it. Members looked good in their vintage attire, we took them back to 80s and 90s through dance and music.

The morning started with unfinished business where the minutes and the registration report were read. The total number of registered members was at 44, followed by the closing worship experience. The debutant West Conference Gospel Choir rendered a spirit filled music ministry item. PE Rev. ZM Qokela gave a message "the best is yet to come" from the scripture Philippians 3: 12 - 14.

The VP gave a vote of thanks and the LTI was closed off with a benediction.