A wedding....

On Sunday a couple from my cell group, Mathandela & Melittah got married. They have been together for a long time, over 7 years I think and have 2 beautiful little girls. For various reasons they haven't been able to get married until now.

In Basotho culture, as in almost every culture, weddings are traditionally very expensive. Mathandela & Melittah live in a 1-room shack, Mathandela was not working until very recently and Melittah serves on our People of Hope team for very little financial reward. So they have never had a hope of paying for a traditional wedding.

But that was actually great, because it meant that our cell group was able to work together to give them a lovely day. They got married during the morning service, and a lot of their unsaved family came along. After the service there was cake for everyone bought by the church. Then about 40 people went back to Jeremy & Laura's house and we had a little reception for them. We had borrowed tables & chairs from church and laid them out on the lawn. Our group provided the main course and drinks, and another cell group very generously made puddings and cakes. Everyone had a great time, Mathandela even gave a little speech before they cut a beautiful chocolate cake. Jeremy's sister had sent from England 2 bridesmaid dresses for the girls and another lady at church had made a simple but lovely outfit for Melittah to wear. And the best wedding present - Mathandela's mum who has been very difficult about the wedding and church etc gave her life to Jesus after the gospel call in the morning!

The whole wedding was such a testimony to the community of the church. Mathandela & Melittah were blessed with a lovely day which cost them nothing, and to be honest in the grand scheme of things didn't cost us much either! It was hard work, but so worth it. Mathandela & Melittah are now married, something they've wanted for a long time. They can now begin the next season of their lives together. They have been and continue to be a wonderful example in our community of what it means to follow Jesus, even when that means making the difficult decision to shun your culture risking family relationships.






PS - it was also another first for me....I was in charge of the food for the reception! So I can now confidently say '40 people, easy'!