A memorial lecture was held at the Living Gospel World Mission (LGWM) church on Saturday, 5 October, to honour the iconic couple who founded the church, Pastor Dr MP Ragimana and Pastor ME Ragimana. The Ragimana couple is regarded as spiritual parents to many believers, both locally and internationally.
Christians from various churches across South Africa gathered at the headquarters of the LGWM in Tshilivho for the event. The memorial lecture was organised by the church's national leadership, in collaboration with the family, under the theme: "Resilient Faith to the End."
The occasion was graced by senior traditional leader Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, who was very close to the late leaders, along with Bishop MG Muhali from the Higher Grace Church, President Pastor Robert Kharivhe of LGWM, Pastor Professor Kitsekile, and many others.
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| Gospel sensation Lebo Elle Tisane Ragimana in full flight during the memorial lecture. Photo supplied. |
Renowned media personality Mr Tshamano Makhadi led the team of panellists who shared their profound experiences of living with Papa and Mma. The panel included Mr Kenny Mathivha, Pastor Dr A. Mavhutha, and Bishop J. Tshikomba from the AFM, along with Pastor Malele, Pastor Makhwanya, and Pastor Mashego from the Living Gospel World Mission Church.
Papa and Mma Ragimana were eulogised as exceptional in identifying leaders. They believed in working closely as a unit in serving God, encouraging self-sustainability rather than dependence and begging. They believed in sharing all they had with the ministry to sustain the Kingdom of God.
Dr MP Ragimana was described as a prophet who would make light of serious matters, and you would only realise their significance when they occurred. The couple undertook numerous risky missionary journeys to places they had never visited to preach the gospel to lost souls. They built churches worldwide, and by their final days, any money they received was directed towards church construction.
They preferred discipline and order among their members and feared no competition, which is why they believed in training young pastors.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop MG Mujali encouraged attendees to reflect on how their late Christian leaders had impacted their lives. A friend of the late couple, Pastor Professor Kitsekile, expressed his happiness and elation at seeing how the church has grown since the passing of its founding parents.
The children's ministry provided a moving performance that dramatised the life journey of the late couple, leaving many in tears.
Mr Tondi Ragimana, representing the family, shared how their parents dedicated all they had to the Kingdom of God. He noted that even during challenging times, they maintained their unwavering faith in serving God.
Church President Pastor Robert Kharivhe, who was personally mentored by the couple, shared how he was sent on missionary journeys without prior notice, only receiving prayers for God's guidance. He told the attendees that he was witnessing the manifestation of the prophetic messages he was lightly told. He said the mentorship had enabled him to witness the unstoppable growth of the church worldwide.
Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli praised the church and its leadership for their role in the community. "I am very impressed and proud to see how things are run here. The legacy of the founders is in safe hands. I promise to be a regular visitor for services here," he said.
Guests were entertained by renowned gospel artists Takie Sikhwivhilu, Lebo Elle Tisane, and Mukondi Malabi. The memorial lecture concluded with a visit to the memorial park on the church premises, where the Ragimanas had been laid to rest.
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| The memorial park where the couple were laid to rest. Photo supplied. |