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Reverend Elize Goddess Circuit Minister |
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I was born and brought up in a traditional Christian family in South Africa. As one of four siblings we had the open space of a farm as our playground where we enjoyed the fresh air and loved and enjoyed all that nature offered. At a very young age I believed I was called into fulltime ministry, but this was not allowed for women at the time and as alternative I went to university for a career in Social Work. After completion of my studies, I married and became a fulltime mother dedicating my time to the children till they all started with school when I joined the work force again in various fields working with children, the elderly and then entered the male dominant career in the Property market and later Fire control, Access systems and CCTV, where I gained life experience and people experience in many ways. During all this time of growing up and life as an adult, I had the encouragement and support of a loving and nurturing Spiritual home, first in the Dutch Reformed Church and then in the Methodist Church where God reminded me about my undertaking to follow through with His call on my life. At the late age of 38yrs the call could not be ignored any longer and I started my theological studies and never looked back. It was like a home coming. Nearly 18 years as presbyter in the South African Methodist Church followed when God changed the address and expanded ministry to where I am now in the East Solent and Downs Circuit among yet another loving community and with the blessing of a supportive spiritual home. Praise be to God for this call and purpose for my life, and for the support of my loving husband Ray as soulmate and life partner and companion for nearly 25 years. |
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