When God Stepped In, My Pain Became a Ministry: Writing From Rejection to Restoration – Gcinaphi Simelane - Impacting lives with Christian Literature

My name is Gcinaphi, affectionately known as Gcie. I am a woman of God who finds fulfilment in service and in serving people. I am a public servant and a co-worker with Christ, and I am also passionate about mentoring the youth in church.

What I Was Writing About

My writing was inspired by my own journey of growing up and hitting rock bottom in my teenage years. The effects of rejection almost made a mockery of me, but when God stepped in, I knew that within that experience was a ministry. By extension, it also became the birth of one of many books to come.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Yes, I did encounter writer’s block. To manage it, I had to reach out to my journal. More intensive reflection and meditation also helped me to some degree.

Receiving Feedback During the Writing Class

To be honest, knowing the gaps that still existed in the booklet, I expected more negative feedback. So far, nothing stands out as having been negative feedback.

Balancing Writing and Other Commitments

I juggled through without a solid plan, and I am not proud to admit that. There were a few intersections I had to navigate in this journey, so I only had short-term plans on how to manage my time.

My Experience in the Eswatini Sapphire Writing Class

The class was helpful, especially at the beginning. It was beneficial to me, and I would recommend someone to join the class.

A Word to Aspiring Writers and Beginning Authors

Yes, please keep journals. They can save you from losing your mind when thoughts and words just evaporate. I wish I had been more intentional in journaling, because that would have created so much more great content.

Closing Reflection

My journey in the Eswatini Sapphire Writing Class has reminded me that writing is not only about putting words on paper. It is also about recognising the ministry hidden in our experiences, the lessons buried in our pain, and the message God can bring forth from what once felt like rejection. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow, reflect, and begin the journey of bringing my story into written form.

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CLC Kenya Celebrates 16 Graduating Writers from the Jade Writing Mentorship Class

CLC Kenya joyfully celebrated the virtual graduation of 16 writers from the Jade Writing Mentorship Class, marking another milestone in raising Christian authors across Africa.

Facilitated by Jackline Ingasian and hosted by Dr. Muthoni Omukhango, the graduation brought together writers from Kenya, South Sudan and Zimbabwe who have completed manuscripts across various genres, including memoirs, marriage guidance, Christian living, parenting, children’s devotionals, inner healing, financial stewardship, leadership, and discipleship.

#Graduation Flip Book

Jade-Writing-Class-Graduation-Celebration-3.pdf

During the ceremony, each writer shared their writing journey, the inspiration behind their book, and the lessons learnt through the mentorship process. The event also highlighted CLC Kenya’s wider mission of advancing the gospel through Christian literature, a mission connected to CLC’s global work across 44 countries.

The CLC Kenya’s Writing Class has continued to grow since its beginning in 2020, raising writers who are not only completing manuscripts but also preparing to publish books that will serve families, churches, communities, and nations.

The 2026 graduating writers were encouraged to move forward into the publishing and marketing phase, with the hope of celebrating their published works in 2027 with an in-person graduation set for 28th November 2026 at Garden Estate.

As the session closed in prayer and thanksgiving, the charge was clear: graduation is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of greater stewardship. These writers carry stories, testimonies, teachings, and messages that can impact Africa and beyond.