Catching up with Wendy Virgo.......

Wendy Virgo

Wendy Virgo is married to Terry Virgo – founder of New Frontiers Family of Churches. Wendy is an exceptional lady, one whom I admire and respect deeply. Her wisdom and insight into the word of God is so evident as she is firmly rooted and grounded in His word.
I am so honoured to have spent some time with Wendy interviewing her but sharing heart as well. She is extraordinary. This is what she had to say:

M.M: How many years have you been married to Terry and how many years have you been in ministry together?W.V: Terry and I have been married for 41 years now and we’ve been in ministry about the same.

M.M: With so many years behind you, what highlights in ministry can you share?W.V: I can remember the first church plant where people were filled with the Holy Spirit. Those were wonderful days. There was such a sense of community. The first Bible Week – Downs Bible week which was held on the race course in Sussex. It started with 2000 and ended with 10 000. We stopped it to seek God and the churches were growing fast. In 1990, we had Stoneleigh. It was fabulous. 30 000 people would attend especially for the day. It was wonderful. A special time of our own was seeing our children coming to know the Lord, getting married and having babies. There are so many highlights.

M.M: With all the joys, there is much pain. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?W.V: The early years in Brighton in 1979……we were looked down upon in the town. Terry was slandered and misunderstood. Lies circulated. Those were difficult times. Now we have friends all over the city. God has been kind to us. We have had very few internal disagreements in New Frontiers. The situation in India 7 years ago was very painful. The churches are now healthy and growing.

Wendy Virgo

M.M: God sure is faithful even in the most difficult of times. I really enjoyed reading your book Influential Women. What inspired you to write it?W.V: My own experience and revelation of the dangers of the Jezebelic spirit. I knew at the time that I’d write about it. It’s such a prevalent problem. I needed time for it to digest and get a right perspective on it. The seed of the book was 10 years ago. In the New Testament and epistles we read of other women and can glean much.

M.M: Interesting! What words of encouragement would you give ladies, especially as you look around the room at our ladies here in Zimbabwe?W.V: God is for you. He is absolutely not wanting to put women down, not squashed. He wants you to be fulfilled and His ways will lead you to joy, peace and fulfillment. Believe what God says.

M.M: Totally! What is your favourite quote?W.V: “As for God, His ways are perfect”. Also Psalm 18 and Psalm 144:12.

M.M: What do you do to relax?W.V: I love running (not as much now) and walking on the hills around our home, swimming, reading, crosswords, scrabble.

M.M: What’s your impression of the Church in Zimbabwe?W.V: Courageous, full of faith, valuing the presence of God and seeking for it. There is vision to advance the Kingdom and not just maintain it, to church plant and see initiatives. You don’t meet the bitterness and anger when talking to people but how God provides for people. It’s remarkable.

M.M: Thank you so much Wendy. I hope you enjoy your time in Durban, and in Cape Town and beyond.

Interviewed by Molly Manhanga