Stella Mckenzie Smuts: East Africa

The Call

Way back in 1976, a prophetess told me the following:

The Lord is going to take you to places you never dreamed possible. That which you are doing for Him now will grow into ministries you could not have imagined. Serve Him with all your heart and might.

At the time, I was in school and active in ministries such as SCA, YFC, Sunday School teaching, worship leading etc. After I left school, I always got involved wherever I could be of service.

Servicing my Heavenly Father and His people has always been a priority in my life.

What a busy year which has just passed. My late mother always said that the older you get, the shorter the days are and the quicker the years fly passed. Back then, I did not understand this. Monday morning meant a whole week of school had to go by before one could again enjoy what the next weekend had to offer. And goodness, did time drag by. But now, I do understand what Mother was saying and fully agree with her opinion on the matter.

Unfortunately, I was unable to travel to East Africa during 2017. However, I did continue with the admin work for the 3 countries. We saw a number of Pastors graduate after 4 years of training. Graduation is always a wonderful time of celebration. For the Staff and Volunteers, it is always a joy to stand on the side-lines and experience the atmosphere created by the celebrations. To God be the glory.

As a Volunteer at EMIT, I have been blessed to participate in the training of these Pastors. The knowledge the subjects provide, equips these men and women to continue the work of the Lord successfully. Many entered the program feeling defeated and discouraged. Four years later, they leave with a spring in their step and an anointed determination.

Over the past 2 years, EMIT have begun a program to empower the women of Africa. Subjects include Entrepreneurship, Computer skills, Trauma etc. Women from all walks of life are invited to participate in the course, including amongst others, politicians, educators, business women and the lady who sells vegetables on the street corner.. A sense of anticipation is experienced at the training institutes. Many women have never had to opportunity to attend such training.

In keeping with the Lord’s plan for my life, I will no longer be directly involved in the work of EMIT in East Africa. Naturally, my emotions are somewhat mixed. I met many wonderful people in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Many of these folk are now FaceBook friends, so we will remain in contact.

It has been an honour to serve the Lord’s people in these countries. However, it is now time to move into the next season that the Lord has planned. Thank you to each one for your friendship, advise, guidance, laughter, and acceptance.

I will continue to pray for you all

God bless.

Ministry in Africa

For many years, I have assisted my Pastor and his wife, Johan and Alta Cronje, with admin work relating to their ministry. They have been called by the Lord to train pastors and church leaders in various countries in Africa, in association with EMIT.

Training is provided throughout Africa. A total of 37 subjects are taught, spreading of knowledge out into cities, town, villages and remote areas, to people who do not have the opportunity to receive formal training as church leaders.

To learn more about EMIT, please click on the link provided.

Widow Support

After 30 years of marriage, my husband Peter, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer and passed away 3 months later. Nothing could have prepared me for the emotional roller-coaster which lay ahead. I read some excellent books about grief, but none told me how to cope with the day-to-day walk along the pathway called Widowhood.

Many widows have no one to turn to who really understands. Each ones copes differently, behaves differently and reacts differently.

Parables and Pebbles is a collection of devotions through which I will provide support and guidance to Widows. The Parables are real stories. The Pebbles all the Widow to glean from the stories and apply what they need, without ever having to compare themselves with any one else. Their experience will become their own Parable.

Please follow these devotions at https://sparrowwidows.blogspot.com

Life Coaching for Widows

Suddenly, a widow finds herself alone. This is a new era, a new season, a new way of living.

As a life coach, I will assist you to find your feet and take steps along the pathway of widowhood.

This is not counselling as I wont be solving your problems for you. Neither it is mentoring, where I would be teaching you what to do. A life coach helps you, the client, to discover your dreams and how to achieve them. I will also guide you as to how to deal with challenges, so that you will be giving yourself the best advice that you need.

For more information and costs, please send an email with your name and contact details to sparrow@asab.co.za

Clerical Services

Clerical work is my forté and I am therefore thrilled at any opportunity to use my talents to assist in any ministry which is very close to my heart. Travelling costs form a large part of my expenses. I have a fully operation office at home, from which I also do tent-work to supplement my running costs. I offer general clerical services, including typing, PowerPoint presentations, and bookkeeping to trial balance on QuickBooks. Kindly consider my services should you require any form of clerical work to be done.

Sparrow Blessings

Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds? Matthew 6:26 One day, I enjoying a time of Holy Communion at a railway bridge in Namibia. As I was praying for family and friends, I would break a crumb from the bread and throw it onto the river bank. {This was symbolic for me but that is a story for another day.} A small sparrow flew down and started eating the crumbs. The Lord was providing food for the sparrow and reminding me that He is my Source and Provider.