In a recent interview with Just Gospel radio, traveling minister Hilda Geweldt shared her experiences spreading the gospel across East African nations, highlighting the unique cultural exchanges and spiritual connections formed during her decade-plus ministry work.
Geweldt, who began her traveling ministry in 2012, has consistently conducted annual conferences in Kenya, only interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work has provided unique insights into Kenya's diverse tribal cultures, including the Kikuyu, Luo, and Maasai communities.
"Kenya itself is very vast," Geweldt explained, describing her experiences with different tribal groups. She particularly highlighted her encounters with the Maasai people, known for their distinctive jumping tradition. "The Maasai have different reasons for their jumping. It's not just for seeing far like meerkats, but also plays a role in their traditional practices, including courtship," she noted.
One of Geweldt's most memorable experiences occurred during her first visit to Kenya, where her use of Afrikaans during a prayer meeting led to an unexpected cultural misunderstanding. "The congregation thought I was speaking in tongues," she recalled with amusement. "They asked me if this was the language spoken in heaven."
The South African minister also shared profound experiences from her time in Burundi, where she witnessed innovative approaches to multilingual worship. "We were a diverse group - French, Portuguese, Kikuyu, and Maasai speakers - each wearing earphones and receiving the message in our own language," she described.
Geweldt particularly emphasized the dedication to prayer she witnessed among Kenyan women ministers. "If you have never heard people praying, you should hear them pray," she stated, describing marathon prayer sessions lasting up to two hours. "Whatever they pray makes sense because it comes straight from the word of God."
Geweldt is a Christian since 1990, and continues to travel across East Africa, fostering international religious connections and breaking down cultural barriers through her ministry work. Her experiences highlight the evolving nature of modern Christian ministry and its role in bridging diverse cultural communities.