What a Gift!

Mamonyane Mohale, who has shepherded Ministry of Hope Lesotho from the beginning, turns 70 today. On this milestone birthday, we share a tribute from her longtime friend, Nancy Dimmock, who co-founded Ministry of Hope Lesotho with Mamonyane in 2009.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. —Romans 12:6-8

Mamonyane Mohale was born in Teyateyaneng District, Lesotho, on Aug. 10, 1956, the fourth of 11 children. She grew up helping her mother care for her younger siblings. Then she attended nursing school at Scott Hospital in Morija. She served in the hospital for many years, adding midwifery to her skills.

It was those skills that she shared with me on a cold evening in July 1986, when I delivered my firstborn son. She came in with a big smile of congratulations, lovingly cleaned me up and showed me how to nurse my baby. What a gift! And the beginning of a long and wonderful friendship.

Mamonyane had joined the community-based health care department at the hospital at that time. There her gifts of service, teaching and encouragement were so effective in helping families in the community learn to rehabilitate their special needs children, rather than hiding them away. Years later, she accepted the role of primary health care director of the Christian Health Association of Lesotho. Her gifts and skills served the nation.

Mamonyane was always especially passionate about promoting breastfeeding and caring for orphaned and vulnerable children. So in 2009, she stepped out in faith to establish Ministry of Hope Lesotho. What a gift this ministry has been to hundreds of children and their families!

Mamonyane has been blessed with so many gifts, especially the gift of service, and has exercised them well. Happy 70th birthday, Mme Mamonyane! You are a gift to all of us!

Nancy