Church pays tribute to Meshoe
Mother to the community, Dr Lydia Meshoe, came from a family that knew how to uplift the needy.
Her father built several schools and her mother always cooked enough to feed anyone who needed a meal. The lively young Meshoe’s parents were also ahead of their time.
Her mother taught her the importance of reading and academic success. Her father encouraged her to obtain a science degree.
It was natural that Meshoe should become a mother to the community of Vosloorus. From Hope of Glory Tabernacle at 3050 Roets Drive, she helped those in need through her many projects.
Every year the church helped local gogos with blankets. At Christmas, the residents of Wolf informal settlement received gifts and after Sunday services those who were hungry could always count on something to eat. There were also drives to collect books for children and marches against abortion.
Meshoe was an empathetic pastor, accomplished preacher and dedicated woman of prayer. Her church and community could always count on her in times of need. For anyone in difficulty, her prayers were only a phone call away. Her sermons were legendary, especially those she delivered at women’s meetings, where she uplifted many and even rescued marriages.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, she prayed with her congregation for everything and everyone – from the national economy to Covid-19 to an orphan in difficulty.
Meshoe was also the founder of Tshepo Women Help Centre in Maubane Street, a few blocks from the church. Here, schoolchildren could drop in after school for a hot meal, anyone with medical problems would be helped by registered nursing sisters and those with crisis pregnancies could receive counselling.
Over the years, scores of babies were saved from abortion. Either biological mothers were empowered to raise their own children or adoptive mothers were found.
As a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Meshoe was a popular and vibrant speaker. All political parties respected her as she stood for Christian values, love for all human beings and integrity in government. Her office became a haven for those in trouble and she was a mentor to many.
