Written by: Courtney K Louter
Article source: Supplied
Nation Changers, the outreach arm of CityHill Church in Hillcrest, is a non-profit organization that works to improve lives through community-based projects like adult literacy, skills development, feeding schemes, and educational support. A farewell was held on Wednesday, July 23, for the outgoing Head of Nation Changers, Nadine Wright, who is stepping down to a different capacity. She is eagerly anticipating how God will lead her in this next chapter, and her colleagues celebrated her as a kind, disciplined leader who is leaving behind “a legacy like very few can.”
From a Calling to a Career
Wright’s journey began with a spiritual calling more than three decades ago. She recalled a quiet time on August 18, 1993, when the Lord gave her Isaiah 58, “I underlined it, I dated it, and I knew that God wanted me to work in communities where we could restore and renew… that was just burning on my heart.” She said her experiences as a mother of five, a schoolteacher, and a businesswoman all became building blocks that prepared her for the role.
This calling became a reality about 20 years later. “I was sitting in a church service here at City Hill, when Fiona Marshall launched what was called City Hope Engage… and I sat there thinking, ‘Oh my, that’s what I should be doing. Why am I not doing this?’” Her path to leadership was confirmed after elder Graham Kiggan recommended her to Pastor Steve Wimble. Wright recalled that on the morning of their meeting, she woke up with a picture of a shadow behind a face and felt the Lord saying, “the face behind the face.” She concluded, “So, 23 years after first hearing from the Lord, I had been incredibly blessed and just don’t have words enough.”
Heartfelt Tributes and a Lasting Impact
Wimble explained that when God wanted to do something great, “he picked a person. And that person was you.” The organization’s growth from a storage container to a massive distribution centre was fuelled by Nadine’s faithfulness. He concluded with a story from 2 Kings 4, where a widow’s oil was miraculously multiplied, stating, “God’s taken the little and multiplied it out there.”
Operations head, Sam Jordt, gave a heartfelt tribute, recounting her journey with Wright since 2017. She spoke of their shared work, which evolved from delivering meals from their cars to operating from a huge warehouse. Jordt applauded Wright’s influence, stating that her “dedication, compassion, and leadership has been a constant source of encouragement.” This sentiment was echoed by Project coordinator, Bonisiwe Zulu, who honoured her as “a leader, a mentor… a kind woman of God,” adding, “I’ve been through thick and thin, but you never left me.”
A touching tribute was shared by NPO partners including Deborah Shabalala from Ikhwezi Pre-school, Gugu and Thoko. They thanked Nadine for her love, support, and for “always showing up for us and for the community.” They expressed gratitude for the training that made them better teachers, food, clothes and for crucial support during the challenging COVID lockdowns. Noting, “our kids now, they’ve got their equipment to play, chairs, tools, and we have a new stove to cook food for the kids.” Tim Hilliar, overseeing elder for Nation Changers, celebrated her as a “doer” who had faithfully served the organization and formed countless relationships. Wright’s daughter, Bernadine, shared a poignant reflection, describing her mother as a “well-played instrument in the hand of God,” who had consistently said “yes” to her calling.
Reflections, Gratitude, and Future Hopes
Wright reflected on her greatest triumphs: “The Nation Changers months were always a highlight. When we sent out a vast number of projects… to see that happen, unfold, get done, and more money than what was asked for to come.” Her biggest regret was “having so often felt inadequate,” a struggle she cautioned can “rob” a person of their calling and encouraged others not to let the devil do that to them.
She also shared one of her most memorable testimonies of God’s provision. While visiting a crèche in an informal settlement, she saw children seated on plastic in a kitchen, which sparked a thought: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had black bikes for the children to get out and be able to ride up and down on the ground outside.” The very next morning, ten brand new black bikes had been anonymously donated. “That was just such a big kiss from Jesus,” she said.
Looking to the future, Wright expressed her confidence in her “dynamic, efficient” successor, Angela Van Heerden, believing the team will “grow to greater heights” under her leadership. She spoke passionately about the volunteers, calling them “the lifeblood of this organisation,” and gave heartfelt thanks to the “amazing donors” for their trust. She also celebrated the partnering NPOs and schools, applauding them as “the absolute gems in the communities” and comparing them to “beautiful desert flowers that bloom in the desert.”
For over three decades, Isaiah 58:10-11 (NIV) had been Wright’s guide. She concluded her speech by sharing it:
“if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Support the mission at: nationchangers.co
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Date published: 06/08/2025
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