Israel Nkate

Israel Nkate

The Grace Bible Church in Tlhabane, outside Rustenburg, North West, was packed when the congregation welcomed Pastor Tsholofelo Makopo back from a six-month fellowship in the United States.

Women were clad in colourful African traditional garb "because the pastor wanted to feel at home".

Makopo has just returned from Pastor David Demola's Faith Fellowship in Sayville, New Jersey.

She said the course was initially meant to last three years but was shortened to six months.

"I'm happy to be back home," she told the congregation.

"The fellowship helped me to see so many things I did not see before. Things are very different abroad but inspirational as well.

"I have never in my life seen a grown man cry to Jesus before. But in the US one was greeted by the voices of big men crying to Jesus.

"The course also helped me to see life differently and be thankful.

"My biggest challenge is to impart the skills I've acquired."

Her husband, Pastor Kenneth Makopo, said he would benefit from his wife's experience.

"The experiences she acquired will be helpful to the church."