Tshegofatso Hlakudi

SAVED, Pretoria

South Africa

Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

SHOMCOM 2011 was a shock!!! I had seen the DVDs from previous SHOMCOMs and had been praying to God about it since the year before. I had begged my parents, but I truly did not expect that I would get the opportunity to go. I left South Africa with a thirsty and open heart, ready to receive whatever God had in store for me.

As I got to the Qodesh and we started praying in one of the chapels just before the opening ceremony, I knew this was more than just boarding a plane to Ghana to attend a church service.

I learned a lot during the event including love, specifically sister and brotherly love in Christ. In fact, I had never in my whole life entered a place and felt so at home and loved. I made so many friends while at SHOMCOM, and until then, I never knew that I had a deep kind of love for others in me. From the tours I got to see what it took for the church to be where it is today. It humbled me and gave me a new level of respect for the men and women of God in LCI. The church history astonished me and I believe that SAVED should be prepared to continue what has been started.

A lot changed about me after my SHOMCOM experience. My friends kept telling me how much more loving, giving and wise I had become. Well, these are some of the things that changed in me. I overcame a whole lot of foolishness in my life. My prayer life, understanding and knowledge of the Word of God are the ones that were affected the most. I never used to share my quiet time with my friends before but since then, I have tried to make it a daily habit and this is what has increased my knowledge. This was truly the best 21^st birthday gift I could have ever received from my parents, and I am grateful to God for that.