God has lavished on us the riches of his grace
“I have been encouraged by studying the history of Christian mission. Transcultural missionaries have built and grown the church. Each generation has to take seriously the call to go and make disciples of all nations.”
You can help young leaders like Lunga Makhanya teach and serve a growing church.
In 2015, I had a clear and vivid encounter with Jesus. I was a first-year student at the University of Johannesburg. Together with other men from my residence, I attended a Bible study on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Pastor Mbulelo Maliza explained the gospel from Ephesians chapter 1 and answered our questions. I was compelled by the love God showed sinful people like me in gifting us his Son. Before this, I was unsure what Christianity was all about. Many variations and popular false teachings had led me away from the faith.
In Jesus we were chosen
At Christ Church Leondale in Germiston, Gauteng, Pastor Mbulelo gave me many opportunities to serve. During my two-year apprenticeship, I worked with students, youth and children. Leading tender believers taught me to be gentle and patient. Experience in the pulpit grew my preaching and exegesis skills. I learned that fruitful ministry is governed by good theology and good administration.
Christ Church Leondale sent me to study at George Whitefield College (GWC). I desire to go back to this church and resume my ministry there but I also wish to use my studies to develop the field of biblical scholarship and serve the church throughout South Africa. The church in South Africa is growing exponentially and it needs not only preachers and evangelists but also readers, thinkers, scholars and teachers. I wish to make my humble contribution.
He guarantees our inheritance
I am especially interested in the Old Testament. I sense that we misunderstand and misuse this part of the Bible. In some churches, the Old Testament is used as the law for Christians to live by as if we were still in the Old Covenant instead of the New Covenant. The Ten Commandments must be understood and applied in the light of Jesus, his words, life, death on the cross and resurrection. Otherwise we moralise rather than trust in Jesus and live in the Spirit.
To answer my questions about the Old Testament I will need a better understanding of Hebrew and the African church. At GWC my studies are enriched by brothers and sisters from numerous nationalities and cultures, and with different ministry experiences.
We are his possession
There is much work to do and I still struggle to establish a good study routine. Will you pray that I will balance my academic life with other healthy habits? I also worry about the well-being of my family in Soweto.
Please pray that God will provide for my family. Pray that God will use me to equip and empower believers to share the transforming message of the gospel.
Lunga Makhanya is studying for a bachelor of theology at George Whitefield College in Cape Town.