By Puisano News Reporter
They came. They gathered together. They celebrated with music, sermons, dance, exhibitions, glitter and glamour. And they left with joy. But the memories still linger.
The memories of these celebrations which took place last month are still fresh in the mind of Pastor Tsiu Tamme, who is the Presiding Pastor of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa church’s Phuthaditjhaba Assembly.
That was another year of reunion held by this assembly, which is known as AFM Phuthaditjhaba, and is situated in the mountainous area of Qwaqwa in the Eastern Free State.
The reunion gathers together all former members, leaders, and pastors of the church who for various reasons, such as work, studies, business, and other reasons are staying in different parts of the country.
For Tamme, his wife Dimakatso, his family and the entire assembly, this is a high profile event that will be recorded in the church’s history and that will also mark his reign as the Presiding Pastor of Phuthaditjhaba Assembly.
Most importantly, he holds in high regard the organisers of these celebrations and all the participants, who came from near and far, as he continues to enjoy their support even though they are no longer full-time members of his assembly.
“They are pillars of my strength. They spur me on. They guide and support us. I am strong because of them. May the good Lord continue to bless them wherever they may be. May they also be a blessing to their current pastors and churches at their various places of residence,” said Tamme.
AFM Phuthaditjhaba’s maiden reunion was held on 12 September 2015 with the honouring of the church’s former Presiding Pastors, who are the late Emeritus Pastor Masusu Moshoeshoe Johannes Mofokeng, late Emeritus Lekhotla Michael Thito, current International President of the AFM, George Mphikeleli Mahlobo and Emeritus Moeketsi David Nyama.
The function has been branded as Reunion/Digital Church and is headed by Molefi Nkhabu. He could not mince his word in appreciating the support and the sponsorship for this activity.
“To all current and former members of the AFM Phuthaditjhaba thank you so much for your undivided support and sponsorships. To Pastors, who preached throughout the July month thank you so much. May the good Lord bless you and your families,” he said.
Nkhabu further expressed gratitude to the donors and sponsors for supporting and sponsoring both all the celebrations and business expo.
This year the reunion marked its ninth year and the main highlight of the event was the business expo whereby different businesses displayed their products and services as well as a business gala dinner, which was a platform for business networking and empowerment on starting or growing a business.
“We are very much grateful as the church to host this kind of an activity. It is our highlight of the year. We are still full of joy, good memories and energy. It seems like only yesterday. We are really empowered. I have also received a feedback from members of our assembly of how this event has offered them an opportunity to network.
“I believe that many more people are still going to come forward with testimonies of what the Lord has done in their lives through this kind of a function, on all sides – from our current members and our former members, who continue to participate in this event,” said Tamme.
The reunion that was packed with a variety of programmes and church services for the whole July month ended with a parting shot from Pastor Thys Letsoho who in his preaching highlighted the uniqueness of each an individual. He said an individual person has the power to make things happen with his message titled: You are a show stopper.
With his sermon based on John 12: 9 – 11 and 1 Samuel 16: 11, he said: “You are the show stopper. You are peculiar, chosen, loved, fearfully and wonderfully made. You are the show stopper in the Name of Jesus Christ.”
The Eastern Free State Regional Leader of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, Pastor Bongani Mashobane, was full of praise for AFM Phuthaditjhaba.
“This is a wonderful initiative which shows continuity from one generation to another. As the Eastern Free State Region we are happy with the success of the AFM Phuthaditjhaba knowing that one’s success is our success,” he said.
