ALABASTER MINISTRY

At the Alabaster Conference, women empty themselves at the feet of Jesus.
It is a moment of total surrender.
We break our jars of hidden grief, pain, uncertainty, and we remove our filthy rags and lifestyles to lay them all at the feet of Jesus.

A WORD FROM THE PROVOST
Rev Can Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye (Provost, ASCK)

The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye – PROVOST, All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala

Alabaster Ladies’ Conference began 12 years ago at All Saints’ Cathedral with a burden to minister to women in different generations and create a platform for mentorship. The Conference has grown through the years registering phenomenon successes and transforming the lives of women. Many conferences provide information to the hearers, but Alabaster transforms the hearts of women irrespective of their status, age, and level of spirituality. For this, we give glory to God.

In Mark 14:3-9, the woman with the Alabaster jar of oil encountered a man who loved her greatly and as a response she poured on him very expensive oil. Typically, anointing from the Old Testament was done by prophets to Kings or God’s chosen, in accordance with the word of God.

For a sinful woman to anoint the son of God was very peculiar. Yet she gave her best. For Mary, it was not about the cost of the oil but the benefit of being at the feet of the Lord, the blessing of forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. From Mary’s example we gather that following Jesus is about self-denial. She denied herself the best perfume, disregarded public opinion and gave her all to Jesus.

During the Alabaster conference, women empty themselves at the feet of Jesus. It is a moment of total surrender. We break our jars of hidden grief, pain, uncertainty, and we remove our filthy rags and lifestyles to lay them all at the feet of Jesus. In return, we go back forgiven, healed, redeemed, liberated, and challenged to walk afresh with Jesus who emptied His life on the cross for us.

Repentance, brokenness, and self-surrender are some of the things that make Alabaster unique.

This year, our focus is on the Unshakeable Faith based on Hebrews 12:22-29. We desire that our faith will be like a tree planted by the water side that bears fruit in season and out of season. We want to be women that are like Mt Zion, which cannot be moved by prevailing circumstances. In this season, women worldwide are burdened about the state of their families, breaking marriages, death of loved ones, and more recently in Uganda, the disrepute and suspicion brought on by the wave of DNA testing that has washed over the city of Kampala. This has left so many women in vulnerable positions; battered, bruised and in pain. All these and many other pains need to be emptied at the feet of Jesus. We desire to see strengthened and rejuvenated women who are going to face the world with courage and sincere faith.

In Luke 14:27-33 Jesus shared with his disciples the value of counting the cost of being His followers. When we start our journeys with Jesus, the cost seems almost too high to pay, but as we interact with those who went before us, we see how the grace of God is sufficient. Mentorship is one of the key pillars of Alabaster, and through a deliberate focus on mentorship and discipleship, women have accepted Jesus as Lord and savior, their questions have been answered, lives, marriages and characters have all been transformed. Many lives have been impacted because of our wonderful and intentional mentors who have emptied their love and commitment to allow others grow in faith. Our mentors use a balanced and well-designed curriculum where they share out of their wide experience but pointing to the word of God.

Through our various online and social media platforms, Alabaster reaches out to women across the country and beyond, providing counselling, prayer meetings, fasting, faithful reading of the word and discussing pertinent and timely issues on periodic podcasts. We are grateful to God for the committed team that spearheads the ministry, and we are confident that more lives are yet to be touched.

We invite you to participate in this year’s Alabaster Conference programme, starting with our Night of Glory Overnight at All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala on 4th August through to the 13th of August 2023.

Come let us study the word and grow together as we empty our hearts at the feet of the Savior.

God bless you.

MESSAGE FROM OUR MINISTRY CHAIRPERSON
Ms. Diana Angwech

Ms. Diana Angwech – Ministry Chairperson

During my time at the University, women specific programmes or ministries were not very common. Majority of the pronounced women ministers and conferences enjoyed the privilege of international status. As a leader in one of the university fellowships, I once attended a retreat where a word was spoken over me that I would host a Women’s Ministry. I checked it off as a word for a far distant future.

Three years later, the burden for a Women’s Conference which would bring together a cross generation of women was conceived and birthed in the hearts of several young passionate women. With no prior experience or template to model, the conference was launched with so much zeal.

After prayer and careful consideration, the name Alabaster was chosen. Over the years, it has proven to be the most suitable name we could have chosen. Alabaster is a precious white stone used to make vases/boxes that typically hold precious oil or perfume. The women who attend the conference are those precious stones molded in God’s hands to carry the precious presence of God.

Our very first theme became our shibboleth~ Made for More.

As many people’s interest in Alabaster grew, the programme and activities expanded and were adapted to meet the prevailing need. Over the years during the conference, we have enjoyed activities such as; mentorship walks, exercise sessions, professional breakfasts, girl talk sessions, teachings and inspirational talks and luncheons which are now significant parts of the Alabaster conference.

One of the most fundamental times for the ministry was during the COVID-19 lockdown when public gatherings were outlawed by the government. This meant that the annual conference could not take place physically and therefore there was an urgent need to adapt to the changing times.
This led to our very first virtual conference. While there was a downside to not gathering for ministry, this new normal afforded many women across nations an opportunity to attend the conference virtually. As a result of the improved record keeping facilitated by the online delivery of the conference, a structured Mentorship Programme was formed and we are currently running the 3rd cohort.

The hybrid sessions presented another opportunity in the form of podcasts. The Alabaster ministry, now publishes monthly podcasts which started during last year’s conference.

Through the years we have had various testimonies of women quitting bad habits, restoration of marriages, deliverance from oppression, salvation of souls, raising of leaders in the marketplace and church and healing emotionally and in various forms.

It has been my greatest privilege to live through my purpose and create an environment for many others to discover theirs. As we celebrate our 12th year of ministry, please join us for this year’s conference and be a part of impacting your world.

A WORD FROM THE CONFERENCE CHAIRPERSON(S)

Alabaster 12!

We are extremely proud and overjoyed to present to you the 12th Alabaster Ladies’ Conference.
Over the last 11 years we have seen the ministry grow from hosting a two-day conference when it first started, to the current, over a week-long conference. Having served in the ministry through the years, we have witnessed the birth of many programs including the mentorship walk, precious memories where our seniors had a platform to pass on their knowledge; the professional breakfasts that attract skilled women from all walks of life, and the overnight prayers. With each passing year, we have witnessed the goodness of God through the testimonies that women have shared.

As we celebrate 12 years of ministry, the theme for this year’s conference is ‘The Unshakeable’ anchored in Hebrews 12:22-29. As we carefully selected this scripture, which will be ably expounded on by our esteemed ministers, we desire that the hearts of women be drawn back to the Lord. God is drawing to Himself, women wholly devoted to Him, who will stand against the allure of worldly passions that are steadily diverting them from Christ. Being grounded in their faith, they will be able to pass on this faith to the next generation as Paul commended Timothy about the sincere faith that he saw first in his grandmother Lois and later in his mother Eunice (2 Tim 1:5).

This years’ programme shall include, for the first time, a session for the teenagers whose needs in this generation are unique and many times not intentionally addressed. We are proud to have the teen’s session, which is the first of many new innovations as we look expand the reach of the Alabaster women’s Conference to become relevant to all ladies, across different generations.

Women at the conference can also expect to enjoy insights at the professional breakfast, with seasoned career gurus, Bible based teachings, an evening of worship and prayer, night of glory overnight and a luncheon to crown the conference.

The 2023 Alabaster Ladies’ Conference will host a variety of seasoned speakers. The theme exposition will be done by Ms. Rachel Mugarura-Mutana. The conference will be hosted by All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala, from the 4th to the 13th of August 2023 with varying times clearly indicated in the program.

Welcome to the Alabaster Ladies Conference 2023.

Dr. Amanda W. Mujunga & Mrs. Esther .K. Gonahasa

TESTIMONIES & HIGHLIGHTS

In 2020 when Alabaster ministry held an online overnight, they asked that we send in prayer requests and women would pray for us. I halfheartedly sent in a prayer request that they would pray I have another child and let it be a boy. I had been on unsuccessful fertility treatment for over 7 years. We had spent numerous resources and the doctors had returned a report saying that our bodies were unable to hold a child. This had put a strain on everything. After that overnight, one month later without treatment I discovered that I was pregnant and as God would have it, it was a boy! I had fibroid which would make carrying the baby difficult but I successfully carried to term and delivered without complications and the fibroid were also removed.
— Suzan —

I thoroughly enjoyed the event and learnt from the experience shared by the speakers. I was really happy that I attended.

— Alice —

I was captivated by the fire of the Holy Ghost in the women of God that
organized the conference.
— Claire —

I have been encouraged today and grieving my grandma has been had but
I am accepting it and allow God to let Him heal me.
— Vivienne —

This conference helped me understand why my mom is still grieving the loss of her husband so many decades later
— Miriam —

My faith has been renewed. To God be the Glory. Amen.
— Annet —

Thank you for the word shared in closing the conference. I feel a fire for
believing has been ignited and fear has been destroyed. Surely it is well indeed,
God sees it all.
— Rebbecca —

Thank you for this great women’s conference never stop am not the
same. Keep doing it.
— Grace —

In 2020 after having a miscarriage, I had waited to have another child for a while, I joined the online prayer overnight and my request was that God would give us another child. Two weeks later I discovered that I was pregnant and successfully delivered the baby the next year.
— Rose —

When I came for this conference I was living a lukewarm Christian life, I had struggled with an addiction to smoking for a while, I left the conference delivered and set free.
— Marion —

I got my prophesy concerning my life and I am believing God for its fulfillment since he is a promise keeping God.
— Lillian —

I came there when I was spiritually low and you lifted my faith in the Lord again.
— Allen —

Every speaker and every testimony was a confirmation again and again of God’s commitment to his word and to us. A personal invitation to me to continue in deeper fellowship with him to discover more with Him in and through my life.
I was greatly refreshed and it was wonderful to experience a heightened level of fellowship and worship with a congregation of believers that has been lacking for me during this season of lockdowns and restrictions on gathering.
— Estella —

Thank you so much and God bless you to continue impacting the world with women conferences.
— Grace —

I saw God work out a situation for me when I was worried and this has taught me not to worry about anything but rather present my request to God through prayer, supplication and Thanksgiving and let God take charge of it.

— Esther —

Thank you so much for availing yourselves. Blessings to the team and everyone involved. Because of your obedience and service many lives are being transformed, destinies being restored and many coming to the saving knowledge of Christ. God strengthen you more and more as you serve.
— Pearl —

MENTORSHIP COHORTS

Testimonies & Highlights

I was blessed by the mentorship program. I saw God come through when my wisdom failed me. I learnt that with God I need to present my request and wait for him to take lead but that also even when I fail He still finds a way to glorify himself. The program because of its “structure” exposed a lot of my personal weaknesses that I have been able to and continue to work through.
— Carol —

This is a very unique well-structured program, full of love for each other, a lot of prayer
and centered on the Biblical principles. The program connected two strangers
together for divine assignment. The leaders Diana and Daphne are so committed and
class apart, any time you consult them the offer possible solutions. I also appreciate all
the Trainers and Rev. Rebecca for her spiritual support and cover in prayers.
— Christine —

I thoroughly enjoyed going through the program because it was wholesome. I got to learn quite a number of tips on how to lead a well-balanced and fruitful life spiritually, relationally, physically and financially. I would encourage anyone to join in either as a mentor or mentee. As a mentee, I have really learnt a lot and am looking forward to paying this gesture forward by becoming a mentor in the next cohort! I am very grateful to the founders and mentors for this wonderful initiative. God bless you!
— Esther —

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE LEADERS

Amanda Mujunga – Chairperson
Esther Gonahasa – Co-Chairperson
Carol Mirembe – Prayer Lead
Priscilla Malisa – Worship Lead
Bridget Nalumu – Treasurer
Diana Kabale – Coordinator & Time Keeper
Trina Ankunda – Publicity Lead
Pamela Tumwebaze – Mobilization Lead
Martha Turyatemba – Venue Coordinator
Grace Kenganzi – Professional Breakfast
Praise Mugoya – Catering and Luncheon
Zipporah Ayebare – Ushering Lead
Lindsy Byamugisha – Registration Lead
Faith Duku – Counselor
Ruth Katweheyo – Counselor
Daphne Ameny – Mentorship
Sarah Munezero – Mentorship
Geogette Ndabukiye – Fundraising Lead