Women of Faith Conference inspires hope and renewal

Hundreds of women gathered at the Rocklands Civic Hall in Mitchell’s Plain on Saturday, November 15, for the transformative Women of Faith Conference, with Pastor Ronel Levendal as the guest speaker.

The theme of the event was “Have Faith Like a Mustard Seed.”

Florence Gamanie, Visionary of the Women of Faith Team, said the conference idea was conceived in 2018 while she was teaching in Qatar. She recalled that God placed a vision on her heart, showing her that many women were broken, hurting, and losing hope.

She believed the conference would be a way to rebuild the faith of women who felt discouraged. “God gave me the theme ‘Have Faith Like a Mustard Seed’. He wants us to trust Him in everything. I told God that a conference would cost money I didn’t have, but He promised to provide - and even eight years later, He is still providing in abundance. All honour and praise belong to God,” she said.

Despite challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the conference continued annually. Ms Gamanie praised her loyal team, who have supported the vision for the past eight years, and expressed joy over this year’s success.

“The conference is for broken and hurting women who are going through storms in their lives. It was a God-given instruction to uplift and restore their faith, especially for those who have lost hope. It encourages them to keep trusting God despite their challenges,” she said.

Throughout the day, women sang, danced, and shared heartfelt testimonies, each story serving as encouragement to others. Pastor Levendal urged the attendees to trust the Lord wholeheartedly, reminding them of God’s protection and faithfulness. She concluded with a powerful prayer over the crowd.

One of the speakers, Ronelle De la Cruz, shared her moving journey of raising an autistic son and battling clinical depression, which once left her paralysed. Doctors told her she would never walk again, but she testified that through the power of God, she overcame it. “God is our pilot. I have placed my son’s life in His hands,” she said.

Ms De la Cruz added that God has since enabled her to bring hope to others struggling with loneliness and heartache.

Another speaker, Shirley Herman, recounted the tragedy of losing her son after he was hit by a car. Overwhelmed by grief, she blamed her husband and later suffered severe stress and depression, landing her in the hospital in 2008. Doctors warned she would lose her speech; yet through prayer, she recovered.

“Prayer lifted me. Prayer is powerful. Today I am standing, talking, and walking. God is our guide,” she said.

Women attended the conference from various communities, including Grabouw, Kuils River, Steenberg, Lavender Hill, Bonteheuwel, and Mitchell’s Plain.