The first week of September 2023 was not just an ordinary week for many Adventist women in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID). More than 2,000 women from six union territories of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe attended a regional congress at Rusangu University, near Monze, Zambia. Two hundred ninety were from the Malawi Union Conference. The theme for the regional congress was “Better, Not Bitter.”

Margery Herinirina, SID Women’s Ministry director, was the keynote speaker for the devotional moments. She shared with the delegates the Word of God from Ruth 1:20 and 2:11. “It is good for women to be better, not bitter, as bitterness is like poison in someone’s heart that consumes good thoughts,” she said.

Herinirina further encouraged the women to stop being bitter and instead have hope whenever they face challenges. “You should have trust in God, and [you] will be transformed,” she said. She continued by encouraging women to be kind to each other so that some people can be transformed and start trusting in God through their kindness. In the Bible story, Naomi turned to and trusted in God because of Ruth and Boaz’s kindness.

Harrington Simui Akombwa, SID president, attended. Akowbwa said it was high time for women to arise and shine in the name of the Lord. “We are in [a] world full of challenges, but let us rise, shine, and pray,” he said. “And the challenges will disappear.”

Other leaders presented on various topics. Trymore Mutimwi, Stewardship director for the Zimbabwe East Union Conference, spoke on women and evangelism. Mutimwi encouraged women to evangelize and spread the Gospel, noting that it should be the reason for their existence. “Women are also gifted just like men,” he said. “Share your beliefs with everyone through actions and preaching like Dorcas did.”

Dr. Gift Mweemba, a retired minister and leader in the Southern African Union Conference, also encouraged participants to be better, not bitter. “Women should have high self-esteem because they are individuals on their own,” Mweemba told attendees. “You should trust in yourself that you can do better.… Learn to enjoy yourself and work for the Lord, and the church will grow, because there are more women than men in the world. Be proud of yourself, as Jesus Himself trusted in His mother while He was on earth.”

Precious Milingo, a member of the Olive Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kampala, Uganda, and founder of Utano Health Solutions, took the guests through issues related to women’s health. She advised the women to follow the example of how an expensive car is serviced and managed by the owner. She said women are also “expensive.” “You are a billion-dollar asset, so you have to take care of yourself by taking healthy meals … exercise, avoid stress by being connected to people with whom you can freely [share], and rest and sleep for seven hours,” Milingo said.

Mercy Kumbatira, executive director of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, presented on the topic of women and finances. In her presentation, she said everyone wants money and needs it to survive. “You should have savings to [then decide how to spend it] … and develop small businesses to achieve your short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals,” Kumbatira said.

On women and violence, Maimba Ziela, a managing partner at Lusitu Chambers and Personal Ministries director for the Northern Zambia Union Conference (NZUC), reminded participants that abuse is any conduct or act that is likely to cause harm to the safety, health, and well-being of a person. “Do not hide or be silent when abused,” Ziela told them. “Please seek help.”

On busy women and work balance, Linda Sibanda, NZUC Women’s Ministries director, advised women to develop time-management skills. “Learn to value those around you and work with them as a team to avoid burnout,” she advised. “I encourage you, my fellow sisters, to plan in advance and prioritize your tasks, communicate your boundaries by sharing your working hours … and invest in your relationships. Learn to say ‘No!’”

Nokanyo Lulu Ndholvu, from South Africa, was the main speaker during the daily power hour and evening service. She encouraged women by saying they are the light of the world, and if they pray for their marriages and children, God will bless them. She also advised them to avoid holding grudges and bitterness. “Let us choose hope—gratitude over bitterness whenever we have challenges,” Ndholvu said. “Let’s thank God in everything and write down good things the Lord has done to us. When we live in prayer, we will have gratitude, and our children will imitate it.”

During the event, women went out for outreach activities. They visited Monze Mission Hospital, Monze Prison, and the Choongo School for children with disabilities. The headmaster of the school said he was glad to see women from three countries visiting Choongo. “As a school, we are humbled,” he said. “These children you see today are from this surrounding area.… Most of these learners are [in] wheelchair[s] and are escorted by their parents when the school is open. Every time you throw food in your bins, please think of these children who are facing a lot of challenges.” The women distributed assorted items such as slippers, soap, books, and cash.

The congress lasted four days and was closed by union parades with cultural presentations.

The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Review website.