Monday, August 19, 2013

Women and men - different and unique?

When Adam stayed out very late for a few nights, Eve became upset.
"You're running around with other women," she charged.
"Don't be ridiculous," Adam responded. "You're the only
woman on earth."
The quarrel continued until Adam fell asleep, only to be awakened by
someone poking him in the chest. It was Eve.
"What are you doing?" Adam demanded.
"Counting your ribs."


This insightful joke reveals the simple fact that our gender shapes the way we think and act! God made us either male or female - unique individuals in His image. Yet our world continues to shape attitudes towards gender issues that lead to complex and heated dialogues around coffee tables e.g. can you be born gay? What we are learning at Ethembeni is that gender specific activities are important in restoring people's relationships with the opposite gender and with God. So Men's Only and Ladies Only events have become regular monthly activities which we encourage for example:

· This week 10 females got together and did an exercise class together - they sweated and laughed together in a safe space where God encouraged them to look after    themselves.

·  Last month 15 men went on a 5km obstacle course set up by Wedgewood nougat (www.wedgewoodnougat.co.za) - we were learning how to be brave and work in teams to get over obstacles - God blessed us with a fun memory.

The list of intentionally planned gender specific activities continues to grow at Ethembeni where the outcomes are restored relationships between the two genders for example:

Mens' Imbizo's are organised in each new area where we start HIV counselling and testing

· These events celebrate and challenge men's roles as key leaders of families and communities.

·     Bake for Profit courses have trained over 50 women in how to be entrepreneurs using baking as the means of business. We are open to men yet it is the women who most want economic development.

 Over 100 young people (mostly boys) gather every Friday afternoon with their dogs to learn how to train them. Go to www.fundanenja.co.za for inspiration and encouragement. So what gender specific activities do YOU participate in that you think we should consider adding to our ministry? Drop me an email at director@ethembeni.co.za with your suggestions.  
 
Blessing Grant

 

No comments:

Post a Comment