PROVERBS31: 25-26
ODYSSEY
JOURNEY
OF HOPE, FAITH AND PURPOSE
05 AUGUST2025
INSIDEAUGUSTISSUE
ODYSSEY MAGAZINE
Editor-in-Chief
Tshidi Raluare
July edition taught me that not to have unwavering faith in God.
Pastor Jeminah Dube's story is so touching and blessed. She went through a lot but did not give up. She believed in God and He came through for her just like He did for Job.
I love the advice she gave us that when we talk to God we should be honest, open our heart and surrender all to Him and He will do the rest. And last but not least to live our faith with integrity and authenticity.
The mother of a sick baby, after joining the church her faith increased and her baby got healed.
If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can remove mountains. Matthew 17:20
About mental health, it's not easy to always keep it together, sometimes we lose it but being aligned in God's word and always praying makes lifer better.
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BEAUTYFROMASHES: LEBOGANG’SJOURNEYOFFAITH, SURVIVAL,ANDPURPOSE
Lebogang’s life is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness, healing power, and love that never fails. Saved at the tender age of 12 while living in the rural areas with her blind grandfather, she knew from that moment that God was real But it was only years later that she would come to truly understand just how great and miraculous He is the God who does exceedingly above all we can ask or imagine
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
In 2009, Lebogang fell ill and visited the doctor expecting a routine checkup and medication. Instead, she was told she was pregnant. The shocking news didn’t end there the pregnancy was ectopic, meaning the baby was developing in her fallopian tube
BYTSHIDIRALUARE
PHOTOGRAPHYBYLEBOGANGGALLERY
Doctors explained that the child could not survive and that continuing the pregnancy would be dangerous for her own life The recommended solution was to terminate As she tried to process the news, the doctor mentioned possible causes, one being depression At the time, she was dealing with many personal challenges, yet she continued to pray
Five months later, while at work, she began experiencing severe pain She took herself to the hospital but was so weak upon arrival that she could only communicate by writing
She was rushed into theatre and given ten minutes to attempt a natural delivery before a C-section would be performed Miraculously, her baby girl arrived in just eight minutes, tiny, underdeveloped, and in need of long-term hospital care As Lebogang held on to life, she began to lose her breath She remembers hearing distant voices before everything went dark Later, she learned that the medical team had accidentally left the umbilical cord inside her A midwife returned to the room to find doctors trying to resuscitate her lifeless body He quickly used medical instruments to remove the cord and at that moment, God intervened. Her life was restored
Seeing the Hand of God
Through the entire ordeal, Lebogang learned the importance of investing in prayer before the storms of life come Though her daughter was born with complications, God worked a miracle in the hospital her undeveloped organs grew and strengthened Isaiah 61:3 became her anchor: “To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes”
She was not alone in her fight Her late mother, late sister, and spiritual mother stood with her in prayer, keeping watch at midnight, 3 am, 6 am, 9 am, noon, and 6 pm. Together, they saw God’s power at work
Three months later, during a church service, Pastor Borena called for an altar call As a grandmother helped carry the baby in a stretcher, they noticed something unusual on her neck After prayer, Lebogang rushed her to the hospital and to her amazement, doctors confirmed that her collarbones, which were missing at birth, were now growing The song that filled her heart was, “When I remember what the Lord has done, I will never go back anymore”
" and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor" .
Isaiah 61:3
Transformation Through Trial
Before this journey, Lebogang believed that bad things happened to Christians only when they were not praying enough or had wronged God. This experience changed her perspective She came to know God as the faithful Provider who knew her before she was born, whose plans are always to prosper, and whose promises are Yes and Amen She learned to trust God fully refusing the advice to terminate her pregnancy or to seek help from false prophets Her conviction was unshakable: “I knew my Redeemer lives”
Life Today
Today, Lebogang is a preacher of the living Word, ready to serve God whenever and wherever He calls Her daughter, once given little chance of survival, is now healthy, beautiful, intelligent, and full of joy Doctors once warned of possible brain challenges due to a tumour on her spine and deformities, but God restored her completely her bones stretched, her mind is sharp, and her smile is radiant Lebogang keeps her faith strong through unceasing prayer, trusting daily in God’s beautiful plans for her life
A Message of Hope
Her encouragement to anyone facing a similar situation is simple yet profound:
“Keep trusting in the Lord Keep praying Don’t lose hope, even when there’s no sign of change God’s delay is not denial sometimes He is simply saying, ‘Not now, later, or I have something better for you’”
She leaves readers with Habakkuk 3:17 and a reminder during Women’s Month:
“Let us be each other’s keepers for there is no Ruth without Naomi, no Mary without Elizabeth, no Esther without Mordecai I wouldn’t have made it without those who prayed and stood with me”
Conclusion
Lebogang’s story is more than survival, it is a song of victory What began as a season of fear, pain, and uncertainty has become a powerful testimony of God’s miraculous power From the ashes of despair, God has brought beauty, purpose, and a renewed calling to serve Him
SHECAMETOKNOWGODASTHE FAITHFULPROVIDERWHOKNEWHER BEFORESHEWASBORN,WHOSEPLANS AREALWAYSTOPROSPER,ANDWHOSE PROMISESAREYESANDAMEN.
"COMESEE AMAN..."
LLUKE4:29 LUKE4:29 UKE4:29
Spiritual Spiritual Spiritual Corner Corner
SERMONBY MRSSIBONGILE VAVA
BYTSHIDIRALUARE
AFM of SA Western Gauteng Region Sisters Fellowship – Women’s Day Fundraising Service, 9 August 2025
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." – John 4:10
A Special Women’s Day Gathering
On 9 August 2025, Women’s Day, the Sisters Fellowship of the AFM of SA Western Gauteng Region gathered at Zenzele AFM Harvest Centre for a special Women's Day The event was filled with vibrant worship, heartfelt prayer, and a strong sense of unity among the women present.
The Speaker of the day, Mrs. Sibongile Vava, a student of Theology, delivered a powerful message under the theme “Come see a man ” Drawing from John 4, she shared the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well an unexpected meeting that became a divine appointment
A Meeting at the Well
Mrs Vava reminded the congregation that Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with each other, yet Jesus chose to engage this woman in conversation She came to draw water in the heat of the day, possibly to avoid others due to the shame of her past But that day, her place of humiliation became a place of transformation “Your place of shame can become your place of encounter with God”
In their exchange, Jesus revealed that He knew everything about her life, her relationships, her struggles, and even her unspoken pain His words were not to condemn, but to show that He sees and loves us as we are Quoting Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,” Mrs. Vava reminded the women that God knows our weaknesses and our worth, and there is no need to hide from Him
Mercy That Changes Everything
She went on to share from John 8, where another woman, caught in adultery, was brought to Jesus While the crowd demanded punishment, Jesus responded, “Let him who is without sin be the first to throw a stone”
Through this, Mrs Vava explained, we see the mercy of God, mercy that spares us from the punishment we deserve and gives us a fresh start “Mercy rewrites our lives and gives us a new name”
MERCYREWRITESOUR LIVESANDGIVESUSA
The Living Water We Need
Returning to the Samaritan woman’s story, Mrs Vava spoke about the living water Jesus offers the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Strength This living water refreshes and empowers us to face life’s challenges God knows our needs and invites us to bring our burdens to Him
From Shame to Purpose
The Samaritan woman’s encounter didn’t end at the well; she became an evangelist, boldly telling others about Jesus Mrs Vava encouraged the women to let their own encounters with God transform them and ignite a passion to share the Gospel
A Call to Rise and Shine
Concluding with a call to action, she declared: “You may start weak, but in Christ, you will finish strong” The message left the women encouraged, reminded that the Lord of Lords and King of Kings knows their name, offers them living water, and calls them to live as transformed vessels for His glory
Name a woman in the bible starting with each letter from A to Z
A B C D E F G H V J K L M Z Y X W I U T S R Q P O N
ATOZ WORD RACE
WOMEN OF THE BIBLE
Luke 1:45 Luke 1:45
MOST:A HEART ALIGNEDIN PRAYER
Prayer is more than just words; it is a heart-to-heart connection with God While there are many outward ways we express ourselves in prayer, it is the inner condition of our hearts that truly matters In this reflection, we learn about the posture of prayer and how Scripture affirms this truth
What God Really Sees
One Thursday night during Bible study, our pastor said something that deeply impacted me: "Though you might kneel or take whatever kind of posture when praying, God is actually more interested in the posture of our hearts than the posture of our bodies."
PSALM
"CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD, AND RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITHIN ME."
BYLERATOLEMPE
That truth stuck with me It reminded me that God is a God of the heart.
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7
"I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways." – Jeremiah 17:10
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” –
Proverbs 4:23
God sees beyond our movements.
The Word of God warns us against shallow worship: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." –
Isaiah 29:13
Whether kneeling, standing, sitting, closing our eyes, or walking, God sees beyond our movements He sees the posture of our hearts People may look at our actions, but only God truly sees our motives and sincerity.
Examples of Prayer Posture in Scripture
Here are biblical examples of various physical postures in prayer, each expressing different attitudes such as humility, gratitude, sorrow, or reverence These outward positions reflect inner postures but are not requirements.
Sitting - 1 Chronicles 17:16–27 – "Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: ‘Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, my God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant You, Lord God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men ’"
Walking - 2 Kings 4:35 – "Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes"
Standing - Mark 11:25 – "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins"
Luke 18:13 – "But the tax collector stood at a distance He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’"
Kneeling - 1 Kings 8:54 – "When Solomon had finished all these prayers and supplications to the Lord, he rose from before the altar of the Lord, where he had been kneeling with his hands spread out toward heaven"
Acts 9:40 – "Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up."
Prostrate - Mark 14:35 – "Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, the hour might pass from him"
Joshua 7:6 – "Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads"
Bowing - Exodus 34:8 – “Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped."
Nehemiah 8:6 – "Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘Amen! Amen!’ Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground."
Psalm 72:11 – "May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him"
Lifted Hands - 2 Chronicles 6:12–13 – "Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands Now he had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide and three cubits high, and had placed it in the center of the outer court He stood on the platform and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven"
Prayer was essential in Jesus’ life. He often withdrew to pray. In His trials, He remained in constant communion with God and so should we.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Final Thought
Whether you are sitting, kneeling, walking, or lying prostrate, always remember: God is not measuring how you stand, but how your heart kneels
ADECADEOF GROWINGINFAITH: MYFAITHGIRLS JOURNEY
The Verse That Shaped us
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1) This is a verse I could recite even if woken at 2 a.m. We repeated it at every gathering, it’s the foundation “Faith Girls” was built on. At first, memorizing it felt like a chore. When Mamoruti Lempe or other teachers made us recite it as a group, you’d hear a lot of mumbling. But over time, the verse’s power I was 14 when it began, thrilled by a girls-only space to learn, and build sisterhood sank in It became our anchor through life’s journey
FAITH GIRLS MINISTRY
BYKHANOMUNYAI PHOTOGRAPHYBYLERATOLEMPE
16 A Safe Space to Belong
Ten years of Faith Girls, how time flies! For those of us the world called “socially awkward,” this group was a safe haven. Our quirks weren’t just accepted, they were celebrated as we learned to live for God. The teachers nurtured our unique personalities, helping us see we didn’t need the world’s approval. We were God’s children that was enough From an awkward teen, I grew into a woman who now boldly stands for the Gospel, teaches, and leads all because of Faith Girls
Firsts That Shaped Us
Faith Girls gave us spiritual roots and unforgettable “firsts”
My first hike
My first Christian march
My first gala dinner
My first camp
My first trip outside Gauteng (to somewhere beyond Limpopo!)
Every adventure had God at the center, filling us up, spiritually, emotionally, and physically Sharing these with sisters in Christ gave us stories to cherish and excitement for what came next
The Embarrassing Moments We’d Never Trade
One memory stands out: Mamoruti Lempe made those of us without vocal talent sing in front of everyone. Embarrassing? Yes. But also, hilariously bonding. Even the awkward moments were part of what made Faith Girls transformative. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
A Prayer for the Future
11:1
To Faith Girls: May you thrive for decades to come Keep impacting lives, and never stop centering God in all you do
Remembering the women who marched in 1956
HEALTHCORNER
HUMANPAPILLOMAVIRUS(HPV)
BY:KHETHIWEBOQO PROFESSIONAL NURSE
HPV
The Human papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted infection contracted by most sexually active people It can be contracted without showing off symptoms
There are over 100 types of HPV with approximately 30 of them affecting the genitalia, cervix, anus and rectum
Transmission
HPV is highly contagious, contracted through skin-to-skin contact. Transmission is not dependent on the exchange of body fluids. Even when there is no ejaculation, sexual partners infect one another The spread is not limited to intercourse only, oral and anal sex are equally effective Transmission can be minimized through the use of condoms and prevented through vaccination
HEALTHCORNER
Symptoms
It does not always carry symptoms The harmless types of HPV progress to warts which is the most common sign while the more severe ones’ progress to cancers Not all HPV’s cause warts. But all warts are causes by HPV infections
Warts are itchy, uncomfortable, cauliflower like growths that can appear on genitals, hands, palms and feet
This is a classical sign of HPV
The cancers are caused by the formation of abnormal cells during cell division The most common type of cancer is cervical, followed by cancers of the anus, rectum, penis, vagina, vulva and throat
Treatment
Mild HPV infections clear without treatment. Other treatment modalities include
1.Cryosurgery- burning the warts by freezing them with liquid nitrogen.
2.Electrocautery, burning the warts with electric current.
3 Application of topical creams
4 Trichloroacetic acid- the application of creams that burn off the warts
Immunisation for HPV is part of the National Department of health school programme with emphasis on the immunization of girls from age 9. The target is to immunize them prior to exposure to sexual activity.
WOM MONTH SPECIAL FE
Holiness is not outdated; it is God’s timeless call to His children. This powerful command from God, first spoken in the Old Testament and reaffirmed in the New, still speaks to us today. As I reflect on holiness, I’m reminded that it’s not just a suggestion it’s a covenant for all who belong to Christ. Whether married or single, our lifestyles must reflect the holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ we serve
As single women who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are called to live fully for Him, without compromise or divided loyalty Romans 12:1 urges us: "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship " Our lives should not be shaped by the trends of this world, but by the truth of God’s Word
In today’s culture, relationships are often pursued outside the boundaries of God’s design. The idea of mojolo (dating or casual romantic relationships) has become normalized, even within the church. Yet, this is not biblical. God calls us to purity to a lifestyle that honors Him in body, soul, and spirit.
Many today are choosing to live together before marriage (vat-en-sit), even while serving in church. Others justify unbiblical relationships by saying, “She’s old enough, she can have a boyfriend.” But spiritual maturity isn’t about age; it’s about obedience. God’s standard doesn’t change with culture or time.
BY:NOMAGUGURATAZA
We are reminded in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Our first priority must be to seek God not companionship, validation, or worldly approval. God has equipped us with His Word as our weapon against sin. Psalm 119:1–3 says: "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord… they do no wrong but follow His ways." And verse 11 declares: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”
Let the world see Christ in us. Too many believers look like the world they talk, dress, and act like everyone else. Some even consult sangomas (traditional healers), then lift holy hands the next day. But the world can tell the difference. They recognize true godliness Our lives must reflect something different something holy
Jesus is able to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24) He empowers us through the Holy Spirit to live a life set apart. Let your lifestyle be the testimony that draws others to Christ. You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13–16). Don’t lose your flavor or dim your light.
In the end, it’s not about how many people approved of our choices; it’s about hearing God say: “Well done, My good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Let’s hold firmly to God’s truth, walk in holiness, and finish the race well.
Reflection:
Am I living a life that is truly set apart for God? Are there relationships or habits I need to surrender to Christ? How can I be a light to other young women around me?
Prayer:
Lord,helpmetoliveaholylifethatreflectsYouineveryway.Strengthenmetoresistthepressuresoftheworldandto walkinpurity,obedience,andlove.LetmylifeglorifyYouandleadotherstothetruth.InJesus’name,Amen.
AUGUSTMONTHDEVOTIONAL
ByKefilweMorakabi
LORD, LET ME WAIT ON YOU
For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him
Psalm 62:5 (AMP)
Psalm 62 is a song of trust in God’s deliverance In it, David reminds himself and us that God alone is our rock, salvation, and refuge. It is a psalm that calls us to quiet confidence, even when life feels uncertain.
For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him.
Psalm 62: 5 (AMP)
Waiting on God must be one of the hardest things any of us can ever do in this life.
I find myself struggling with questions like: Why would someone have a dream in their heart only to wait for a long time with no guarantee of it ever coming true? Or prayers that seem unanswered?
It’s in those moments of uncertainty that God shapes our character and deepens our faith
But the real challenge for us as Christians is not in the waiting, but in how we wait. Our posture in the waiting season can either draw us closer to God or lead us into frustration and doubt
In this verse, we see how waiting on the Lord requires surrender and a trust in God that cannot be explained
We see the psalmist expressing the act of waiting quietly for the Lord with all that is in his being It’s like an inner knowing that even if I don’t get what I want, I am content with God with all He has done and that even if He were to deny me, it is definitely rooted in love. Therefore, I submit my desires to Him with reverence for His sovereignty and with trust that He knows what is best for me
Proverbs 11:16. "A gracious woman gains honor, but violent men gain only riches."