It was Elder S. Sihlahla who began the Sabbath service with a riveting sermon themed, “uThixo ungumoya, sasiyakumbedesha ngomoya nange nyaniso.” But Bishop Shweni’s conclusion stole the headlines emphasising the need for restoration in the Temple of God. It was the 1st of a series of circuit visits that the new leader of COGASOC along with Grandmother Sarah Somi will undertake over the coming months. It was appropriate that the visits kicked off in the Botwe/Komani circuit that had birthed and groomed Bishop Shweni over the years and he emphasised when he preached that he felt compelled to stand up and say a word as the visits kicked off in the headquarters of the church eTempileni – his spiritual home. The gifted preacher made It abundantly clear that restoration of the iTempile lied in attendance and being of service in the house of God. Above all Bishop Shweni gave 2 pillars which needed to be at the forefront if we are to complete the spiritual restoration of iTempile, “ubulumko nokuqonda.” This wisdom and knowledge will take us forward in the task at hand – an enduring message as the new era takes its place. But this was only the beginning as the following week, the Saints heeded the call to head to Kiwane Beach Resort just outside East London as the Ngqika/Transkei circuit also put their best foot forward to welcome the new leaders. The unbridled joy and excitement that was evident in this remote location was perhaps the rare opportunity for the house of Israel to spend a great deal of quality time together. Unbridled joy aside, always on the agenda is the Sabbath Day before any other festivities. So it began with the Lord’s Holy Sabbath where 2 of Ngqika’s trusted old heads, Elder Msengana, in charge of the Mdantsane, led with the 1st sermon of the day, then Elder L. Dondolo with his typical humorous wisdom in the 2nd sermon. In between these 2 powerful sermons were the sweet melodies of the congregation, who at the behest of Chief Choir Mistress N. Mgwigwi , raptured in song so that the heavens could attest that it was indeed the Sabbath Day. Bishop Shweni ended the 1st service with a powerful prayer. The 2nd services was conducted and the Saints dispersed only to return for the welcoming ceremony. There is a large contingent of Daughters of Jerusalem who along with the ministers of authority are a massive driving force for the Ngqika Circuit and at the welcoming ceremony preceding the Holy Sabbath they were out in full force dressed to welcome the leader, Grandmother Sarah, of the DOJs. Gifts were exchanged, songs were sung and a beautiful night culminated with the leadership of the church feeling appreciated by the congregation. Then there was the Karoo, a visit to the De Aar followed the next week. There is an intangible spirit in De Aar that lingers when one enters the small town. It’s homely, perhaps that is due to the warm hospitality of the families that reside. Enter a Hendricks, Dapula, Ketjoe, Shweni and many others home and you instantly fall into a comfort zone. It’s either that or we feel the spirit of the late Charles Mgijima, uMphathi Omkhulu whose bones lie in the Northern Cape not too far from De Aar. Why wouldn’t we though? In 2017 we entered with the grandson – Bishop A.S Pehlo – of the late Trustee Mgijima as he was welcomed as the anointed leader of the church by the Karoo. This year we entered with a great grandchild of this great man of Israel, whose grandmother Mother Rachel Adu Shweni was the last born daughter of uMphathi Omkhulu. The lineage of Trustee Mgijima continues to not only live, but play a leading role in the church. Perhaps this was best summed up by Elder Mbonde in his sermon on the Sabbath Day when he echoed these sentiments, “This is a moment whose time has come to pass. This is a moment that our forefathers prepared us for (through Bishop Masiza, an elder statesman of the church who has played a supporting role in 3 tenures of presiding Bishops) and this is our moment with you Bishop G.M. Shweni.” The first 3 visits were a spiritual reinvigoration for all the Saints of the Most High, the 1st visit had its essence in celebrating the birth or anointing of a new leader in Bishop G.M Shweni. The 2nd visit at one of the DOJs strongholds strengthened Grandmother Sarah Somi to assume the task at hand with enthusiasm and the humility with which she had led with before. The 3rd paid tribute to the leaders that are not only ushering in a new era, but guiding those at the forefront right now it paid tribute to our very own Bishop J.M Masiza. Bishop G.M Shweni shared with us his vote of thanks for the overwhelming welcoming they enjoy across the 1st 3 visits, please read below; “Firstly, I’m humbled by the responsibility and trust bestowed upon me, by the church and by extension God Himself and I am grateful for the love and support I have received from all corners. This was even more manifested during my roadshows so far in Komani, Ngqika and Karoo Circuits. The saints were filled with renewed spirit, with a purposeful energy. Each function was unique and held in high spirit and with love as was demonstrated through gifts for my family, Bishop JM Masiza, and grandmother Sarah Somi. I wish to take this opportunity to again thank the Saints for the gifts, love and support. My belief is that, I’m appointed to be God’s servant and a servant to God’s people, the House of Israel. Peace.”