E 23: Woman of Faith
Welcome back to the podcast for this week. With this episode I am celebrating those women in ministry who truly inspire me and I want to give them a shout while they are still in the land of the living.
Too often do we wait for people to pass before we give people their flowers. So today, I want to encourage us to celebrate those who have made a difference in our lives. Those who influence us from afar and raise us using the Spirit of God & the example of our lives.
Here’s my list:
In this episode I honor these women of Faith, woman who I look up too:
1. Sarah Jakes Roberts
2. Rorisang Thandekiso
3. Bathandwa Kwatsha aka Mam K
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." - Proverbs 31 vs 30
These 3 women are great examples of God's grace!!! I pray that this episode inspires more women to arise and take their position in the Kingdom of God.
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge
Productions.
Follow me on Instagram @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane
We’re not done with this topic of Relationship Goals! Welcome back for part two and today I share more personal stories than before, in hopes that it will help you.
Referring to quotes from the book, “Relationship Goals” by Mike Todd; encouraged by all your questions; and shares from episode 19 “Relationship Goals”, let’s dive deeper.
There’s this concept of the counterfeit that the book introduces to the reader. The person who you hope will be the person for you, but as the author mentions, “...you end up needing to heal from being in a relationship instead, when things don’t work out.”. Many Christians - including me - can vouch to that happening. Feeling lonely, blocking out the discernment and good advice of the wiser counsel for the sake of your happiness. Short-lived happiness or pleasure, if we’re honest.
"When we don’t wait on the Lord, we give the Enemy the chance to introduce us to counterfeits. Then we deal with the results of mistakes and have to get healed and delivered from something God never meant for us to experience." - Pastor Mike Todd
So how do we know when the right person is in our lives? The book of Ephisians 1:17 -18 mentions the desire for, “the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of your calling...”. A prayer for wisdom and studying His word helping us to develop better judgment when making these decisions. No one is perfect, but that's why the growth has to be intentional. Aligning our prayers and desires to that of scripture is what brings us closer to God and gives us lasting results in all areas of life.
Did you notice the mention of connection to our purpose? Realizing that poor decisions in relationships can lead us away from God’s purpose for our life. In this episode I make mention of purpose partners. Purpose partners are individuals who enter our lives and share a similar passion, vision, or purpose. They walk alongside us, supporting and challenging us to grow, while also providing guidance and encouragement. They may not only be romantic, but they are those we can make real change and build powerful structures to glorify God.
What has made the biggest difference in my life is listening to those wiser than me and preparing for that partnership. Many of us haven’t seen healthy relationships in our communities or homes, so how could we possibly just know? I hope after listening to this episode, you are encouraged to learn more about developing healthy relationships, and to develop the patience needed to wait for your partner God has for you.
Please share your stories and encourage our community. You never know how much your story could mean to someone. If you’ve found your purpose-partner, I would love to hear your story too, via email or DM on Instagram.
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge Productions.
Follow me on Instagram @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
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This week on “Worship, in an African Way”- A revival of gospel music continues to happen in our country of South Africa and the continent! God be praised. More musicians are collaborating with each to show the unifying power of music and God's desire to bring us closer to each other & Him. International artists are drawn to the unique musical tones of our artists and through it all, God is glorified.
John 4: 21 - 26 - “ Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”The woman said, “I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am He.”
Albums discussed:
Dumi Mkokstad - “The Overflow Gcwala Kimi “
Woman in Chronicles Version 1 - ” Wangiphakamisa”
Nathaniel Bassey - “Hallelujah Live”
Like these singers, if God has called you to release the sound of heaven - do it! Do not be afraid He is with you!
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge
Productions.
Follow me on Instagram @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
In this week's episode I want to share an a-ha moment and give God praise!! O, let me continue sharing the healing effect of music and some great musicians I have come across. Below are my recommendations of music to add to your playlist.
Song references:
“Every Praise” by Hezekiah Walker
“My Testimony” by Marvin Sapp
I had an a-ha moment that God had answered one of my prayers. Years ago someone hurt me which really shook my faith, but I took it to God in prayer and asked him to help me forgive them and forget what they did.
When I encountered the person recently, the hurt was a dull ache. Instead I felt the love of God.
Psalm 91:15 - “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”
I will end off with this scripture…
1 John 5:14 : “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
These difficult experiences with others are here to teach us and to help us grow as Christians. There’s a lesson in the challenge, in the pain. GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS and can soothe any hurt!
Please share in our comments a time that God helped you to forgive and forget. A time when He helped you to heal from difficulties? We’d love to feature your story.
Let’s grow.
Do follow us on Spotify and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts to not miss an episode. Appreciate you, my people.
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge Productions.
Follow me on Instagram @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
In this episode of A Heart for People, I ask the question, “What exactly does it mean to have a Godly relationship or connection?” Well, it means that we're intentional about who we spend our time with, that we prioritize our relationships based on God's values, and that we strive to build connections that honor God and edify one another.
Let's start by talking about the importance of being intentional in our relationships. When we're intentional, who we spend our time with is a serious choice. Who we seek to build relationships that will help us grow in our faith, and we make choices that align with our values. This means that we may need to say no to certain relationships or connections that do not align with God's values.
But what exactly are God's values when it comes to relationships? Well, the Bible tells us that God desires for us to have relationships that are based on love, respect, and mutual edification. In 1 Corinthians 13: 4, we're reminded that “...Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, think no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things…”. These are all qualities that we should strive to have in our relationships. Not to be perfect, but to do the best we can and always grow.
Another important aspect of Godly relationships is accountability. As Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." We need people in our lives who will hold us accountable. Who will challenge us to grow, and who will encourage us to live out our faith.
Lastly, we need to remember that Godly relationships are not just about what we can get out of them, but what we can give. We should seek to serve and bless others in our relationships, just as Christ did for us.
So, whether it's with family members, friends, or romantic partners, let's strive to build Godly relationships and connections that honor God and bring joy and fulfillment to our lives.
Please share your experiences with building Godly relationships with me in the comments below, as I would love to hear from you. If you liked this episode and want to hear more, please share and subscribe. I look forward to you being with me next week. xo
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge Productions.
Follow me on Instagram @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
On this episode of A Heart for People, I share the worship song Imisebenzi Yakho (Your works) by Ntokozo Mbambo. It has been such an encouragement to me. She is an award winning South Africa well known talented legendary gospel music singer, songwriter, voice coach and worship leader signed to Koko Records, she was born on November 6, 1985 in Umlazi Township,KZN, South Africa.
Worship: A topic I can never speak too much about. Let these scriptures encourage you.
“That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”
Psalms 30:12 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.30.12.AMP
“And David was dancing before the Lord with great enthusiasm, and David was wearing a linen ephod [a priest’s upper garment].”
2 Samuel 6:14 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/2sa.6.14.AMP
These scriptures remind me of a time when I went on a mission trip to Uganda. Watching them worship God with everything they had. Changed my life!!!
If we are willing to totally surrender and give ourselves to Him, there is nothing He will deny us. I hope you will be encouraged by this week's song and are loving this series of “Worship the African way”.
Let us know your favourite worship song and we’ll try and feature it in our upcoming episodes.
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge Productions.
Follow me on Instagram at @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
You’re back for another episode of A Heart for People and I’ll be sharing my inspiration from God’s Word about preparing for our prayers being fulfilled.
Often we focus on asking God for various things and offloading the pains in our hearts. Yes, He wants us to draw near to Him and lean on him in tough times, but He also wants action from us. He wants us to prepare for the abundance we request. If our prayers were all fulfilled today - right now - would we be good stewards of the gifts? Know how to maintain these gifts and multiply these “talents” - reference from the parable - so we can glorify Him through our growth?
It’s all in the preparation.
“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” - Michelle Obama, Becoming
Unplanned motherhood was my most unexpected lesson and blessing. It saved me from straying far from God and helped to grow in Him in a way that I never may have before. Liwa, my daughter, reminds me of His love everyday and all the ways I can still lean on Him.
Yet, I know we are all impatient. Me too, people! We want those things now! It can be excruciating waiting, but what we do while we wait on the Lord is so important. Are we allowing His healing from trauma? Are we serving in His kingdom, the Church so we can improve and share our gifts?
As Christian women, we are called to be the light of the world and to use our gifts and talents to serve others. But we cannot effectively serve others if we are not taking care of ourselves first.
So my people, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the person you want to become. What does she look like? How does she act? What kind of impact does she make on the world around her? And most importantly, how can you start making room for her in your life today?
Perhaps it means taking a small step towards your goals each day, whether that be reading a devotional, taking a walk in nature, or reaching out to a friend for support. Or maybe it means seeking guidance and accountability from a mentor or counselor.
Remember, we are all created for a purpose and each one of us is needed on this earth and in His kingdom. So let’s reflect and focus on growth as we wait on the Lord to fulfill our prayers in His perfect timing.
Please share below what you learnt from this episode. I hope it will be of encouragement to you!
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge Productions.
Follow me on Instagram at @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
Welcome back my people! Let’s mix it up and center worship music this week! Allow me to be that friend who puts you on to new music regularly.
With this episode, I share two songs which I have on repeat recently and about my love for worship. How I understand it; what it means to me and; the amazing revival we are all bearing witness to in worship music. There is remarkable growth in God’s vineyard across the continent. I encourage you to add these to your playlist and share which songs are on yours!
Featured songs and musicians:
Tobechukwu by Nathaniel Bassey ft. Mercy Chinwo
Eze Ebube by Neon Adejo
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge Productions.
Follow me on Instagram at @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
Let’s pause and check in with ourselves for this episode. How are you REALLY doing? I know I am being challenged!
We need to talk about the effect of the pandemic. Wearing masks, isolating and having to adapt to new behaviors has left us with a different version of ourselves.
Our communities have been losing a lot of people to depression and suicide, because they are afraid to reveal what they are going through. To let us see what's under their mask. These are the schemes of the enemy: Isolation in order to torment you.
Eph 6 : 10-11 - “ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ”
Let us all find safe places, trusted friends and companions where we can easily be ourselves and lay our burdens down. Reach out if you need me and I’ll help where I can.
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge Productions.
Follow me on Instagram at @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
I am back for season 2! Welcome to “A 🧡 for people” with Bantu! Thank you to my “day one’s”, who’ve been following me from the beginning. If you're a new listener, welcome to the podcast. I hope you will be encouraged here. This season we will be bold and shine for Jesus. Like I have said before, all I want to be known for is my love for Jesus.
My first episode this season, I’m asking, "Who are you?" and; “Are you operating in your power?”
Scripture of encouragement for this episode: "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 NKJV
It is important to know who you are and where you stand. Having this clarity in the Lord, He guarantees your victory against the devil’s tactics. Understanding your identity will help you to be bold and also help you operate in the power that God has given you. When you choose to follow Christs’ example as best you can, you can never go wrong. It might not be easy, but God will provide on your journey: A friend; a helping hand; extra strength; or the right encouragement for the moment.
Operating in your power means taking a stand for what you believe in. So you can be proud of your legacy and when you get to heaven.
I am happy to announce that I have a team behind me from this point on. Glory be to God and the growth of this brand. Here’s to growth and prosperity with Him and in Him. Amen!
This podcast is a co-production between Bantu Bungane and Emerging Africa.
Sound and music production by Emerging Africa and Carlin Davids from Knew Knowledge Productions.
Follow me on Instagram at @aheartforpeople and Facebook at Bantu Sandisiwe Bungane.
We came, we saw and we conquered...only by His grace. 2022, a year of crazy faith. "Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]." - Hebrews 11:1 AMP
Thank you for journeying with me in the first season of Aheartforpeople podcast....Season 2 launching soon :)
Godbless
"This eviction notice is to notify fear, doubt and imposter syndrome that they have to vacate within 10 days from effectiveness of this eviction notice. As a person you have to get to a point of silencing all the voices in your mind, and only listen to the voice of God.
"Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever." Exodus 14 : 13
“God is not a man, that He should lie,Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"
- Numbers 23:19 NKJV
Whatever God has spoken, He will surely do it.
Do not waver in your faith. Believe in God and His promises.