Blessed Moments – Betty Maliela

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I will never forget that moment—the opportunity to hold your hand, to see your face, and to personally witness the love and care you have for all members of the Church.

Betty Maliela

Betty Maliela: My dearest Brother Eduardo, I am Sister Betty Maliela, writing to you from Manyatseng, Ladybrand, South Africa. I serve as a finance officer and a deaconess in our local congregation.

It has been twenty-four years since I was called into the Church Of Christ. I can truly say it was one of the happiest and most life-changing moments of my life.

It all began during one of the darkest times of my life. I had lost my husband, and I was six months pregnant with my youngest daughter. As a teacher and a single mother of three, I carried a heavy load trying to stay strong while silently breaking inside.

Then a friend invited me to attend a Bible study in the Church Of Christ. I was searching for answers. Searching for hope. I attended a worship service, and the lesson that day was about how God’s servants—though tested by trials and sorrow—are never abandoned. God reaches out His hand to keep them safe.

It was as if the message was made just for me. Tears streamed down my face. In that moment, I felt His love and care for me. It was then my desire to come closer to God began.

Since then, I learned about the truth about God and to truly know Him by joining the Church Of Christ. After my baptism, I decided to uphold Church duties and take part in the activities you continue to encourage. I was even blessed with the opportunity to travel to the Philippines and see the Central Temple in Quezon City.

There in the Philippines, I learned even more how God truly cares for His nation in these last days, how He helps it grow and reach the furthest part of the world. Because of God’s desire and your dynamic leadership in the Church, reaches the continent of Africa. It was at that time and my journey began and now I continue to see the Lord God’s marvelous works happening. Like what happened here in Ladybrand, South Africa.

As I believe you are the appointed leader of the Lord God over the Church, God used you as our dynamic leader in the further growth of the true faith. Growth that even led to the time that we were blessed in Ladybrand with a magnificent house of worship, which gave us a permanent place where we could serve the Lord God and have a place of refuge, a moment of joy and great pride in my life as a member.

What made it even more unforgettable was when you personally visited us and led us in the chapel dedication of Ladybrand. I will never forget that moment. The opportunity to hold your hand, to see your face, and to personally witness the love and care you have for all members of the Church.

I also remember when you inaugurated the School for Ministers, so that many will be trained to enter the [Holy] Ministry, ensuring the continued growth and welfare of the Church for generations to come here in Ladybrand and throughout Africa.

In every aspect of our spiritual welfare, you guide us to remain strong and active. You encourage us to develop and share our talents for the benefit of our faith as well as others. Even in my old age, this gave me the chance to be part of [a] songwriting competition–the “Noteworthy” season two. And by God’s grace, I became the grand winner.

[Video clip: Noteworthy Season 2]

Brother Bob Pellien: And the winner of Noteworthy Season 2 is none other than Sister Betty Maliela.

Betty: I feel so great because this is my first time in this city hall in Capetown. I want to thank God for the song I wrote because He saw my heart. I am now strengthened in my faith.

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Betty: I am truly blessed, for this provided even more opportunity to come closer to God. I know this blessing came from God, after the hardship I experienced and overcame. Through your leadership, God continues to show us His love, His care, and His constant guidance.

Ka Eduardo, from the depths of my heart, I thank you for your tireless love, care, and guidance for the whole Church. Your great example of steadfast faith and leadership, we are strengthened, inspired, and led close to God each day.

I have faced many trials in my life, moments of loss, loneliness and struggle. Yet, by God’s love and mercy, I overcame them. What once felt impossible, He turned into victory and through your leadership, I was guided to stay strong in my faith and to never lose hope.

May our Lord God bless you with all that you need to continue this sacred work. Strengthened in every trial, wisdom in every decision, and joy in every victory. May He keep you in good health and surround you with His protection so you can continue to shepherd His nation until the Lord Jesus Christ comes.

With love, respect, and unending gratitude,
Sister Betty Maliela

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