Our volunteer of the month is one of our home-group leaders, Margaret Palmgren-Chege.

Margaret has been a member of Smyrna International Church since she moved to Sweden 1.5yrs ago and has been serving ever since in the intercessory and home-group ministries. 

We took some time to interview her briefly on the work that she does in the  home-group ministry, in order to appreciate her, shed some light on what that ministry is all about and find out what it takes to be involved.

Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself :
My name is Margaret Palmgren-Chege. I come from Kenya. I am 46 years old, married with 2 daughters.

As a homegroup leader, can you tell us what  a home-group is?
I would define a home-group as a small group of people who gather on a particular day, time and place, often in one of the member’s home for the purpose of spiritual growth through reading and studying the Word of God, prayer and fellowship.

What does the home-group meeting you are part of look like?
It was once a gathering of strangers but now friends with Jesus Christ as our focus.

How often do you meet and for how long?
We meet every Tuesday for 1½ – 2 hours.

Do you enjoy being in a home-group?
Immensely.

What is your favourite part of the home-group?
Studying The Word together and watch a member(s) get an “Aha!” moment and the joy that shows on their faces. This then generates a hunger for more and raises faith.

Who can join a home-group?
Anybody can join a home-group.

As a home-group leader, what is your main responsibility?
My responsibility as a leader is to liaise with and communicate to members on
a) Where to meet and the time
b) What activities we get involved in during the meetings
c) Make sure that we keep to our chosen subject/activity of the day

What are the other responsibilities?
a) Encourage members to participate which brings out the spiritual gifts and character strengths in them
b) Pray for the Home-group as a whole and for individual members
c) Liaise with other home-group leaders for advice and encouragement

Can you say that you and those in your home-group are achieving the purpose set for home-Groups? Explain:
Yes. Personally my relationship with Jesus has improved immensely, both through the weekly meeting and my personal time with God as I seek His wisdom as a leader. The members are reporting among other things, peace and joy in their lives and testifying of miracles after prayers, so yes, we are achieving the purpose.

What are the challenges you may incur as a home-group?
Availability is the main challenge. Some members have to travel a long distance to the meeting place while some miss due to work. This is a known fact but no one complains, I guess because the reward is greater than the sacrifice!

Can you describe any powerful God-moments at the home-group?
There is always a powerful moment and most significantly is the presence of God during our meeting that always makes us want to go on and on. This has always been so evident and is confirmed by the answered prayers.

Thank you Margaret for your time. We wish you God’s continual blessings as you continue to serve.