Mathinyane Frank Mangena (Autobiography)

This book is an autobiography about the life of a full time pastor, who was an evangelist, church planter and icon in the spiritual matters. It is about a man whose boldness and passion towards God’s work has brought vast change in the North East District Church of the Nazarene. He is regarded as a pioneer in Trichardtsdal zone. He has proved that God uses an ordinary person to do extraordinary work. He crafted a picture of servant hood in the midst of various challenges and responsibilities. He led Lorraine Church of the Nazarene for 41 years during which he displayed energetic, creativity, faithfulness, determination, courage, an unwavering faith. He retired at the age of 66 still energetic; he paved a way for a younger pastor to lead the church.

1. EARLY LIFE

I, Mathinyane Frank Mangena was born 19 February 1947 at Phokeng Village. I am from a family of four, three (3) brothers and a sister of which I am the third born son of Matsie (Mother) and Mphefu Mangena. I was born and raised in a family where ancestral worship was practiced.

2. SCHOOLING YEARS.

I started schooling at Calais Nazarene Primary school in 1960. Because the school was Nazarene we were forced to attend church on Sunday. My love for the Lord developed there. I served as a youth leader and Sunday school teacher for many years in the church. Our pastor was Mr Lot Mahlo.

3. DIVINE CALL INTO THE MINISTRY

The leadership responsibility of Sunday School teacher and youth president in the local church opened my eyes in the Divine call into Ministry. This was so because I was to attend all conferences and participate in the District activities. That is where I was convicted that God was calling me to be a Pastor.

4. BIBLE COLLEGE YEARS.

I went to Artherseat Bible College in 1968. My pastor who was blind at that time, invited a farmer from Trichardstdal by the name of Mr Tallied , who was a protestant church member. He was impressed about the manner in which I presented my Sunday school lessons. He then offered to pay all my tuition fees at the college until I finished my studies. This became additional evidence that I must go to the Bible College. One of the challenges I experienced at the college was the language barrier; being a Pedi young man, lessons which were taught in Swazi and Zulu were difficult for me to actively participate in class discussions.

5. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE.

I met Thamara Mashego who was a student pastor at the college. We got married in 1971 and God blessed us with four children. Our eldest son, Jonathan who was born in 1971 departed in 2006 in an untimely death. This was a very difficult time for our family but standing up in faith, surrounded by the supporting children of God made us to conquer. Our son Jonathan was tempted to commit suicide, and until when he was murdered. Losing one’s first child is very painful. The incident of this young man was very testing to me. The second son Benjamin was born in 1976, the daughter Muriel Modjadji born 1984, last born son Mahlogonolo born 1991.We are blessed with 3 grandchildren.

THAMARA.

I thank the God Almighty for granting me an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I feel honored to be married to this great man. I am a wife of a pastor who was dedicated to the work of the Lord. I enjoyed being the helper of my husband in the work of God. To be a pastor’s wife you have to portray the picture of servant hood with your life. My husband served freely, he had passion with young people. He encouraged them to study. He believed that education is the key to success. I saw the Lord doing wonders of His work through the life of my husband. We supported many families when they were bereaved or celebrating irrespective of being members of the church or not. I feel humbled by God to witness that moment where my husband retired due to old age. My prayer is for unity and church growth in all spheres. Thank you my love to be part of my life. As we grow old together, may the Heavenly Father be honored with our lives.

BENJAMIN:

First and for most, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Almighty for sparing my life and being able to share with you about the life of my dad Pastor Mathinyane. I call him an old God's fearing man who stood firm in his entire life. He was spreading the word of God with boldness and passion. He taught me about life. I remember when we were still young with my late brother; when mom was at the college; he kept the fire burning at home. As children we sometimes get out of hand but he loved us and never gave up on us. He loved his family so dearly; he is a caring father, a loving husband, a friend, an inspiration to the community and a very good grandfather. Today I am blessed to be part of this great family. I am humbled to say to him “Tlou... Mmirwa a shaya lekopo ga se mmirwa ke mmirwaana ” you have been my inspiration, you played your role of a father to us. It is time to enjoy your retirement peacefully with our beloved mom ngwana Mashego Thamara.

MURIEL.

I would love to thank God for the parents he has blessed me with. I am proud to have a father of his caliber. He is the father who always shows love to his children. He never gave up on us even when we made gross mistakes. Sometimes I felt that he is too strict on us not knowing that he was paving a good path for us. Today am blessed with a loving husband and two children who call him grandfather. As children we really witnessed his calling by God. He is a prayer warrior. We witnessed him in prayer and fasting. He is an intercessor. He is a marriage counselor to many. Lorraine, Makhutšwe ga Sekororo and other parts of the world listened to his sermons; he laid hands on them in prayer and touched lives from different angles. I thank God for having blessed him with a God fearing woman who always stood by him. We are having a good relationship as a family; he is our best friend. We thank him for everything.

MAHLOGONOLO.

A man amongst men, an advisor, a man of God, a born leader, a friend and most of all a father. Who would have thought that an ordinary man’s life could touch so many people‘s lives in so many ways? Most of the time we did not appreciate his work not because we did not want to but because we did not realize his goal with our lives. Many people would think that growing as a pastor’s child is difficult. If only they knew that it’s a privilege and a blessing! They will change their minds. I personally have learned a lot from him. Many principles that I am applying today in my daily life are working. Today I am appreciating his role as a man of God, a role that he has excelled in. I’m saying this because with the help of God he has encouraged young people in the church to study and he produced doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers and more professionals; the list is endless. He has led many souls to Jesus Christ through revivals that he has conducted and sermons that he preached. He led many young men and women to the Holy matrimony and rescued many marriages from divorces through counseling. All of this could not have been possible without the help from the God that he is serving and the beautiful wife who has been his pillar of strength, partner and a wonderful mother of his children. As much as we appreciate him it is worth mentioning her because behind every successful man there is a woman. A woman with all that you he needed. To Lorraine church of the Nazarene, may God richly bless you and enlarge your territories. We (Mangena’s family) are who we are because of you, your support, prayers and love has kept us going all through these years. My father wouldn’t be who he is if it was not because of you. Mathinyane Frank Mangena my father, I thank you for being the father that you are to us. Thank you for standing for the call of God against all odds. I am ready to follow your footsteps and continue with the baton. I speak to you the word of Psalms 23:6 a “surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.”

6. PASTORAL WORK.

6.1 THABENG CHURCH

After completing my three years diploma, I started serving in 1971 at Thabeng Church. I enjoyed the services and the love from church members of all age groups. We were young; but we were welcomed and respected by people whom we
got contact with. We did not serve this church for a long time.

6.2 LORRAINE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

I was requested to pastor the Church in 1972. When we arrived at the mission we found that there was no church board, all members were ex-communicated due to the fact that they have taken their children to initiation. This practice was against church policy. Traditional practices that were against God’s law were practiced. We started with house visits. We received a warm welcome by the community. The challenge we had was the location of the church which was outside the village. Families that were staying there were relocating to the new residential area. We requested the site from the Chief and the church was relocated to where it is now. The digging of graves at night for burial preparations was practiced at this village. An incident of factionalism in the community with regard to burial of a foreigner of which I was to conduct his funeral brought a turning point in this practice. I made a submission to the chief that digging his grave during the night may put the lives of community members in danger of attacking one another taking advantage of the darkness. I therefore requested that his grave be dug in daylight. That brought a relief to men and the practice was changed to this day, praise God! Methods that were practiced in those days for evangelism were tents, home visits and open air, for church growth. In 1976 we had a revival at Banareng School in which Reverend D.L Mokebe was a speaker. People accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and they brought ancestral materials that were burned and this brought a big change in Lorraine village and the church. One of the open-air services that brought a difference was held. We started singing and preaching at round about 03H00 in the early hours of the morning. Community members were surprised and came to attend this event and people were saved. This was one of the big harvests in our area. I was blessed throughout my pastoral work; I witnessed members who were demons possessed being delivered from the power of darkness, people accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, got baptized and accepted into church membership. The result was that new churches structures, parsonages and Sunday school classes were built. I was blessed to witness young people entering into Holy matrimony. The following are the families of our young people that accepted Jesus Christ, raised in the church and started their own families:

1. Solomon and Ruth Mmola
2. Simon and Gelitah Seale
3. Albert and Rosinah Mashilane
4. Amos and Jeritah Maake
5. Samuel and Robina Seale
6. Lordwirk and Glankie Mola
7. Samuel and Annah Komane
8. Peter and Gloria Mogale
9. Daniel and Loikie Shai
10. Ralph and Agnes Mathaba
11. Gideon and Lerato Mangena
12. Frank and Mohlala
13. Collins and Philisiwe Madike
14. Jonathan and Meisie Ramaila
15. Isaiah and Gift Malepe
16. Peter Mola
17. Semetja and Tebogo Mangena
18. Daniel and Thabitha Mathaba
19. Clayson and Jude Monyela
20. Thonic and Masuku Ngwenya
21. Puleng and Centhy Moagi
22. Dorothy Lawrence Ramperi
23. Pastor Jan and Nancy Magowa
24. Theresa and EdwardMotebejane
25. Rosina and Dominic Mokgalabone
26. Irene and Joshua Malatji
27. Dr Molapo Godfrey and Lizzy
28. Murriel and Eric Mohlabine
29. Masenyeki and Ruel Mthethwa
30. Pretty and Bonginkosi Maseko
31. Pastor Danike and Mathapelo Kutumela
32. Cindy and Martin Seale
33. Tumi and Paul Tiyago

I have learned a lot from members - the manner in which they conducted themselves in serving the Lord. I enjoyed the support that they gave my family when we were happy and during hard times in our lives. Their love, passion, sacrifice, dedication towards God’s work, the way in which they conduct church services, their Sunday school lessons, NMI services and all activities in the church were impressive and they were blessings to me.

6.3 ORDINATION.

I was ordained as church elder in 1975 by General Superintendent: George Coulter at Acornhoek.

6.4 WORKING WITH MISSIONARIES.

I have worked with the following missionaries: Reverend P Bedwell. Reverend J Rally and Reverend J Kanis. I have learned a lot from them, especially their dedication to the work of the Lord.

6.5 REQUEST TO SERVE AS A DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT.

Reverend D.E Dodds once requested that I should join the Limpopo North West District to serve as a district superintendent. I did not accept the request because I had passion in soul winning and pasturing.

6.6 SERVING IN THE DISTRICT COMMITTEES.

I have served in the following committees of the district.

No:	Potfolio	Years
1	District NYI president	(1974 – 1977) 3 years
2	District Assembly Secretary	(1981 – 1985) 4 years
3	District Treasurer	(1977 – 2010) 38 years
4	District Advisory board	(1978 – 2011) 33 years
5	District ministerial credential board	(1979 – 2013) 34 years
6	District Evangelism board
7	District Ministerial study board
8	Men’s ministry council	(2006 – 2010) 4 years

I have served under the leadership of the following District Superintendents.

No:	Distric Superintendent	Years
1	Rev M.A Maenetja	1975 – 1981
2	Rev R.M Ribisi	1982 – 1984
3	Rev M.W Makhubela	1985 – 2006
4	Rev M.C Maenetja	2007 – 2012
5	Rev E.F Mnisi	2013 – 2014

6.7 GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

I thank the North East district for the trust and support they shown me as I formed part
of delegation to the General assembly in America. The general assembly that I have
attended empowered me with the knowledge to understand the Church of the Nazarene
and its policy. I implemented most of the things that I have learned.

6.8 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

• Project management: 1997
• Malegeru crèche: Chairperson.
• Lorraine Banareng Primary School Governing Body: Chairperson
• Semama Mental Health Society: Treasurer 1988 – 2004.

7. CHURCH PLANTING.

The period of forceful removal of people from The Downs; The Heights and other places
has given birth to these great harvests. Members of the Church of the Nazarene
relocated to different villages around Makhutswe ga-Sekororo and it was difficult for
them to join other churches that were available in those villages.
The members started to look for the church of the Nazarene and Lorraine was the only
mission around. Lorraine church played a very significant role in establishing branches;
monitoring them until those branches were dedicated as self supporting churches.
Members who were leaders of these branches were from Lorraine church. I identified,
developed and supported members who had passion in God’s work.

7.1 HLOHLOKWE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

Our first branch was established in 1976 whereby Mr J Moagi from Jele village now
called hlohlokwe came to the mission and requested us to start a branch at his house.
The services were conducted but this branch did not grow. There were challenges that
hindered church growth.

THE GREAT REVIVAL IN THE 1980s.

This branch that did not perform well at Mr J Moagi’s house relocated to Mr D
Mangena’s house. The church had a breakthrough. The revivals that were conducted
in this village brought a great change in the community.
In one of the revivals whereby we pitched a tent, a young lady came to the service like
any other person. She had 120 demonic spirits in her; this spirits were tormenting her
because during examination time she will go blind and it was difficult for her to write
examination. It was one of the toughest experiences we have ever met. We prayed
with her for a month; this caused her parents to be saved and burned their ancestral
staff. Praise God now she is a teacher by profession.
This church is lead by Pastor M.R Malebati from Metz village till to date. This powerful
man of God took the church forward and it is now one of the biggest churches in the
district, largest church building, classrooms and ablution facilities.

7.2 METZ CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

I met Jelane Charity Mangena in town (Tzaneen) who was a member of The Downs
Church of the Nazarene. She indicated that she has relocated to Metz village; and
having a challenge because there is no Church of the Nazarene where she can freely
worship God with her family members. In 1979 the church was founded through her
request.
The church is growing well till to date. It was led by Pastor S Seale; Reverend S.J Supe
and now under the leadership of Reverend R Chinula. This church is also doing very
well with a lot of infrastructure improvements.

7.3 CALAIS CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

In 1980 the church was founded by the request of Mampa’s family who were members
of the church from The Downs. The church is functional till to date. It was led by Pastor
and Mrs D Mangena. Mrs Mangena was called by the Lord to rest, what a setback it
was for the church growth. Pastor D Mangena continued single-handedly to pasture the
church until Pastor Mabusela succeeded him in 2012.

7.4 BISMARK CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

It was different with Bismark church. We requested to pitch a tent whereby the revival
took two weeks. As a family we donated chairs and pulpit in loving memories of our late
son Jonathan. The church was planted in 1993 and It is functional till to date. The
church was led by Pastor Ralph and Ms Agnes Mathaba, Rev M.J Supe , Rev R
Chinula and now is under the leadership of Pastor D B Mahlaku. Thank God to the
Missionaries that built the church recently after many years of members worshipping in
a shack.

7.5 SEKORORO CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

The church was founded in 1965 by Mr S Maenetja. He was called to rest by the Lord.
We were responsible in taking care of it after his death. We requested the late Pastor
Lordwick Mmola to lead the church, Pastor Gideon Mangena, Pastor D.B Mahlaku. The
church is still functional till to date under the leadership of Rev R Chinula.

7.6 BELEVILLE PREACHING POINT

In 2009 the Monyela family travelled to Lorraine church for Sunday services; the church
board deemed it fit to establish a branch at the village. Mrs M Moagi was requested to
lead the branch. The health of her husband, Mr F Moagi, deteriorated to an extend that
it was difficult for her to go to church and he has recently passed on. Ms A.K Mathaba is
now the leader of the branch to date.

7.7 MOGAPENG (TEBOGO MEMORIAL) CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

A young girl, Tebogo Mametja who was delivered from Satanism, from Mogapeng
village pioneered the establishment of this preaching point. She was a dedicated saint.
In 2000, she mysteriously became very sick and passed on. In 2001 we started a
branch in this village in the family of Mr L Mametja, dedicated to Tebogo Mametja’s
memorial. Some challenges still exist, but with God’s intervention, the church will also
move forward. Fortunately, the church site was purchased and fenced. Thanks to the
Lorraine Church for its generosity and the district to fence the site.

7.8 INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF SISTER CHURCHES.

I thank God for the love and support that each church gave to the other churches. The
spirit of oneness prevailed in all the churches. We used to prepare a Church Christmas
party whereby we celebrated and a beast is slaughtered for feast. I pray for unity in the
body of Christ.

8. THE GOLDEN MOMENT.

The moment of truth has arrived! It was a long blessed, innovative and yet challenging
journey. I have run the race; I am having the crown that I will wear on the glorious day of
the Lord with the entire saints. Bidding farewell to the church that I have loved, served
and cherished for 41 years is an honor to me.

FROM MEMBERS!!!

He is faithful to his wife and to the church. He is time conscious. Every time when he
ascends the pulpit, he preaches as if he will never preach again. He is a man of
integrity, humility and commitment.
- Mr D Shai. Lorraine church.

He is a born again pastor who is passionate to soul winning. He is humble, patient and
faithful to everyone. He loves children.
- Mrs A.K mathaba. Lorraine church.

He is supportive, spirit filled, enthusiastic, humble and dedicated servant of God who is
willing to bring people to Jesus Christ. Indeed he is always ready to serve people and
not to be served. I will like to make an appeal to our local churches to invite him.
Thanks to his beloved wife for taking care of him. I wish them all the best. God bless.
- Pastor K.L maake. Kgogonwe church

Facts about reverend M.F Mangena. He is known to me as man characterized by the
following:

• Honesty and loving the truth.
• Hard worker.
• Straight talker.
• Persistence.
• Financial manager.
• Full of sense of humor.
• Good listener.
• Helper.
• Full of compassion.
• Demon fighter.
• Very supportive especially for the youth.

- Mr Ronald Khumalo: Nkowankowa church

He is a great leader of our time. He is filled with spirit of servant hood. His sermons are
alive even today. You are my mentor. We have worked together in peace and love. The
relationship of a father and a son.
- Pastor M.R Malebati: Hlohlokwe church

He is punctual. He supports young people in all activities that they had. On a personal
note he taught me to know the word of God. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal
Lord and Saviour when he used to come and preach at our church ; his sermons and
lessons have build me to the stage that I am today.
You are a father and a mentor to me. You have played your role in full.
- Mmakoma Mangena: Metz Church

He is a man of God. He loves people equally.
- Mrs Lesaba: Hlohlokwe church

Rev Mangena is a God- fearing man. He is objective in doing thing. He is a very patient
man. He is innovative and creative. He is a good father figure. He gives good and true
life-giving counsel. He listens to other people thoughts and ideas. He does not
segregate people he embraces everyone irrespective of what. A man with a big heart;
who would do anything to make other people feel better in their misery. He is a very
supportive person.
- T.E Mangena: Metz church.

• He is time conscious.
• He is a horticulturalist.
• He is supportive, submissive, forgiving, selfless servant.
• He is an advisor, counselor, peace-maker and teacher.
• He does not hold grudges, he is not jealousy and he does not proud himself.

- Mrs M.R Mahlo, Lorraine church

He is an honest pastor. He is committed to the work of God. He managed to assist
many families to solve their problems.
- Mr M.S Malepe, Straussburg Church

As a family we give thanks to God for everything. Rev Mangena prayed for the sick and
where healed in Jesus name. He shows compassion to the needy. He worked as a
marriage councilor. He prayed for people who were demon possessed and were freed
for the bondage of demonic spirits. He taught us prayer and fasting. He strived for unity.
Thanks to Mrs Mangena, she played her role with dignity. She was a mother to all of us.
She encouraged us to keep the spirit of oneness. “Re seke ra lapa mo mošomong woo”
Melodi 217.
- Madike N.M, Lorraine church

I have known him since 1979. I have learned patience, hard- working and perseverance.
He defended his faith in all spheres. He encourage Christians to commit themselves to
God‘s work. He is a good example to both Christians and non Christians.
- Rev M.S Sako, Starussburg Church

“The great elephant!” Thank you very much for the contribution you have made in our
lives. You are an evangelist. A teacher of young and old. You have managed to plant
churches with the help of God. I am blessed to pastor the church that you have worked
very hard for. We have learned a lot from you.
- Mahlaku D.B Bismark Church.

• He is a leader, He lead by example (practice what he preach).He corrects and teaches.
• He is a counselor. He mends the broken hearts. His marriage life gives open counseling to everyone.
• He is a peace maker. His life / character are full of peace. He makes peace with every one (good or bad).
• Solution seeker. He is a person who needs clarity and clarifying to the word of God and challenges of life.
• He is full of love. To God. To the church. To his family. To the society.
• A servant of God. A servant to children, church, community / world.
• He hates sin and love sinners.
• He prophesize through the word of God.

- Mrs A.J Tshikalange. Associate member Metz church

You accepted the call of God at a very tender age. Just like Samuel (I Samuel 3).You served people according to God’s will, just like Moses. You stood firm in all circumstances. Psalm 71: 6-9 17; 18. God will take care of you, throughout the stage that you are in. Well come to retiree’s world. - Pastor M.E Maake, Lenyenye church

Thanks to have a father figure like him. He has played his role perfectly. - Yvonne Mangena, Lorraine Church

He is a good Christian who model Christianity through his life. I saw his love, commitment and persistence in the work of God. He is an honest and trustworthy pastor. He did not just preach and teach the gospel but his actions and deeds spoke well of him. I want to thank you for your endurance in your Christian life and God’s work. One thing I can assure you is that your sermons will not become old. If you are requested to preach, be kind enough to do so. - Rev M.W Makhubela, Nkowankowa church

I have known you for a while and I have been taught so many things. Thank you for giving me the courage to hold on. You teach me how to pray, to anchor my faith to Christ the author and finisher of our faith. You are the best father, pastor and mentor any kid in this world would wish for. To our mother, you treated us with respect and love. You corrected us with love not harsh to us but with soft spoken words. I am wishing you and mom all the best in everything you will be doing in your retirement age. - Khomotso Mochetele, Lorraine Church

Faithful servants of the Lord!!! If there is a need of a pastor to mirror Christ, so that pastors to be, and those who are already serving in the field of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ should emulate, North East District Church of the Nazarene is highly privileged to have one named Rev Mathinyane Frank Mangena and his wife. As a young pastor he was stationed at Thabeng Church Of the Nazarene, a well established church, which by the standard of that time could provide for his needs. The following year was transferred to Lorraine Church Of the Nazarene a complete opposite of the first one because all its members were excommunicated. Being freed from self centeredness and glued to others centeredness, Rev Mathinyane and his wife allowed God to establish a very strong church through them. From it many churches were born. Glory be to the all mighty God. His humbleness mixed with boldness made him to be revered by those within the Christian cycles and the community at larger. As a leader in various committees he served, he was good in making sure that his followers are always with him and where he was a follower he always pushed hard to make sure that his leaders vision is realised. A man of well balanced character, who always took decisions with good motives. He was an evangelist. That is the reason he started so many churches in Trichardsdal Area. Every year he used to avail himself to hold revivals in churches which cannot afford to pay for services of the evangelists. To him money or no money people had to receive the word of God, unlike those who use their God given gift of evangelist for commercial purposes. Money wasn’t an idol to him but something that he used for the welfare of his family and the advancement of Gods kingdom. Among many services that he rendered in the North East District, is handling the finances. The most difficult task, he executed successfully to an extent that during his time of service, the district experienced growth and successfully built many churches. His experience in this regard was also extended to other districts where they needed to put their finance books in order. Community organizations also consulted him to assist them to organize their finances. His love for the Lord and the Church of The Nazarene prompted him to prepare for his retirement by building a beautiful house for his family when his time was due. At the same time he extended the personage and made it to have enough space for his successor to be accommodated comfortably. He there for passed the church to new leadership while it was still at its best spiritually, numerically and financially. Above all these, he pledged his hundred percent support, to enable the church to grow further. May this spirit of unselfishness and true servant hood continue to be seen. Rev M F Mangena and his wife will continue to be good examples of heeding the call of our Lord when He says - “the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’’ John 10:11b - Rev M.C Maenetja, Thabeng Church

He is a committed servant of God. He does not hesitate when it comes to God’s works - Rev M.J Mankgele, London Church

He is a humble, generous selfless, prayerful and anointed servant of God, called as a pastor, preacher, evangelist and church planter. He has displayed his servant hood with dignity, integrity and distinction. His love and passion to fulfil the Great commission remained in his heart throughout his ministerial time. He was always there to close the gap. He has ability to select scriptures relevant to the specific occasions and to preach the Word of God boldly without deviating from the truth. He was always concerned about those who are lost and as such he tried to reach them out. Soul winning was in his heart. He was always willing to hold revivals in churches that could not afford to hold revivals due to financial constraints. Through his visionary leadership, commitment and dedication seven churches were planted. His love, care and respect for others led to a situation where he was also loved and respected by those whom he came into contact with. He supported and respected the district superintendents he worked with. In reality he was their advisor. He was always voted in to serve in many district committees in a year. All of which he served with honesty, diligence and dignity. It is worth mentioning that he served as District Advisory Board member and district treasurer for more than three decades. He supported all district events and activities throughout his ministerial times. He was always there to share, guide and answer questions posed by participants. - Pastor S.S mpholoane, Moime Church.

He was one of the church members of Nazarene Primary School in Calais. He was excellent in memory verses. - Rev L.J Mashitoa, Mabins Church

He is a prayer warrior, an advisor and supportive. He does not segregate people. - Pastor L Mathebula, Mhlaba cross church

Thanks to your teachings am what I am today because of you. You did not neglect us. Am proud of you. - Katlego Mahlo, Lorraine Church.

Rev Mangena, he is my role model who has shown me what it means and what it takes to dedicate one’s life fully to serve God. I have grown in faith through his anointed sermons. I observed that he is a very humble, faithful, determined child of the living God. I have seen the passion with which he served God and never changed his character. I have seen that the old and youth have trusted in him because of his genuine love and dedication to serve God by serving his people. The communities of Ga-Sekororo and North East District have been transformed by his unwavering faith. I wish him a peaceful retirement after a long journey of leadership in the Church of the Nazarene. I am keeping my eye on Mahlogonolo, whom I have seen the potential to take from where he has left, to take the baton and run the race. - A.S Mhlongo, Mulati Church

A life lived in its fullest is a life lived in the fear of God. I am so humbled to be given an opportunity to have a say as the District Superintendent of the Northeast District about the life of this great man (Rev F Mangena). During my college time at the Nazarene Theological College, I happened to study with Rev S.J. Mokoena, Mrs Leah Mashele and Pastor George Mkansi who were coming from this district. The first time for me to know Rev F Mangena was when I admired him as a loving and supporting pastor to the Northeast District Students. I use to wish I were one of the Northeast District Students because of his love to the above mentioned Students. It is true that God gives us the desires of our hearts. It might not be today but surely, one way or other. He gives us the desires of our hearts. I finally came to the Northeast District to serve as a pastor of Nkowankowa Church of the Nazarene. When I came to this district in 2007, he was the one who welcomed me during the welcome service at Nkowankowa. I worked five years with him as pastors and only one and half years as his leader. When we were pastors I have learn that he does not look down on any pastor because he/she is young. The respect that he showed us was so humbling to one. Again as the District Superintendent, it was always a joy to work with him. Rev Mangena well represented the church. He made it easy for us to preach holiness messages because he demonstrated what holy living is. On behalf of the church, I thank him. We shall always have a reference of a man who lived for God in our district. A church planter, Evangelist and Administrator. A man who decide to hand over whilst things a still good. A man who prepares the ground for the coming pastor before he leaves. We thank him for his best leadership. We shall always cherish his good works. - Rev E.F. Mnisi, District Superintendent.

11. FAREWELL SPEECH OF REV MANGENA

Thank God for saving my soul and called me to serve him in full time ministry. I thank God for the journey of life that he travelled faithfully with me. He took care of me and my family till to date as I retire due to old age. As I move out of the office I give my gratitude to:

• My dear wife Thamara for the support and sacrifices she made for the sake of my work.
• My children who supported me all the way.
• Lorraine church board, church members for their contributions in the work of the Lord.
• Lorraine ga Sekororo community for accepting me.
• The Sekgoka Tribal authority for accepting me.
• Chief of Banareng ba ga Sekororo for accepting me.
• To all the pastors in the district for working with love and compassionate towards me.
• To all pastors from different denominations in Makhutswe- Lepelle jurisdiction for working together in peace.
• I wish all the best to Reverend S.J Mokoena (my successor) and his family.
• The moment of truth has arrived. I have worked for the Lord. I would like to thank everyone for the love and support you gave me.( II Timothy 4:7).

Humble submitted.
- Rev M. F. Mangena

FROM THE AUTHOR:

I am humbled to be granted an opportunity by the District Superintendent, Rev E.F Mnisi to collect the information of the retiring pastor of Lorraine church of the Nazarene Rev M. F. Mangena, an evangelist and church planter who served the church with passion. Coming closer to him, I was overwhelmed by his love, humility, openness, and integrity. He becomes a father, advisor, mentor and my inspiration. The man who made the difference! - Lerato Mangena
16-04-2014

Rev. Mokhekhelezi Ben Shikwambana (Autobiography)

This book is an autobiography of a Bi-vocational Pastor, who served God in the deep rural communities of North East District Church of the Nazarene in South Africa. His experiences as both the Pastor and government worker are worth sharing with the world to encourage all who have been called by God into the Ministry. Rev Shikwambana is an example of the Pastor who embraced his call as a youth right through to retirement.

1. EARLY LIFE

I was born on 09.01.1948 at Mhlava Cross. My father had two wives, my mother was the second wife. Our family endured extreme poverty because my father was unemployed. My father was born in 1906 while my mother was born in 1918. Sickness was another challenge that led to the death of my two younger brothers passing on in the hands of traditional healers. When my last born brother also became sick, I advised my parents against taking him to the traditional healers and I thank God that he survived. That has built my faith to God even though I had not committed to be a Christian by then. My mother also decided to go with me to the Church of the Nazarene. I attended school at Mhlava Primary School where I passed grade 4.

2. EMPLOYMENT AS A YOUTH

In 1966 poverty forced me out of the classroom and I went to look for a job where Mr Dou near Harmonie employed me for four years as a Foreman. From there I worked for the contractor Mr W. Malungana, I was employed by Skiepper as a painter, worked at Tzaneen Dairy for Mr Ben Jackob, employed by Vitter Frizer in Johannesburg, and then worked at Glenora Fruit juice in Germiston. I then returned home when my mother was sick, to work for a certain white man who disappeared without paying us.

3. CONVERSION AND EARLY CHRISTIAN LIFE

I attended the Church of the Nazarene from 1960 which was pastured by two sisters of Maziti Nkuna family. These two women were the first to have the vision of my calling into the ministry. It was only in 1970 during the preaching of Rev Rosina Boshielo that I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. During the (Vacation Bible School) VBS she told me that God wants me to be a Pastor and that if I refuse my life will not go on well. Rev Jack Ralley called me to help him build Mhlava Cross, Nkowankowa and Giyani Churches. He also told me that God is calling me to be a Pastor, and that if I am willing to go to the Bible School, he will send me there.

4. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

Before He sent me to the Bible College Rev Ralley asked me if I were married. I told him tha
t I paid part of the lobola and was staying with my wife N’wamacelele Emah from 1970. He gave me the balance to finish my lobola and sent us to the Magistrate to sign for the civil marriage. He then sent us both to the Bible College at Arthurseat in the 1973. A miracle happened on the 4 October 1973 when God blessed us with our firstborn child after a series of miscarriages for the previous three years.

3. OUR CHILDREN

God blessed us with four children. Emmanuel was born in 1973, he is married, employed as supervisor in Rustenburg. Paniel was born in 1976. He is married and is a manager at Two Mountains in Tzaneen. Patricia was born in 1979 but has met her untimely death in road accident leaving her only son. Mrs Irene Shikwambana is married.

5. TRAGEDY!!!

Our daughter who was so intelligent and highly motivated was involved in an accident and suddenly passed on. Her death shook my whole being. I never thought something like that would happen. I had just paid R10 000.00 for her to further her nursing studies in Johannesburg. It took me a long time to deal with her death. I did not know how her only son Tlangelani Nsuku Mathye would grow without her, but I praise God because he is now in grade 10 this year.

6. BIBLE COLLEGE YEARS

I will forever be grateful to the late Rev I Ntimane who paid up my bed account at Tzaneen furniture shop when I went to the Bible College. Although Bible college students were given an opportunity to preach in the church after the second year of study, I was honoured to preach from my 4 th month in the college and sent to Zimmerman Church of the Nazarene with the District Superintendent Rev A. Maenetja where I preached with him for two months.

6.1 ZIMMERMAN CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

At this Church I used to wake up early to conduct home visitation and then went to preach in the Church every Sunday. I pastured that Church for two years while I was a student. One day I entered the house of Nziyane family and to my surprise both husband and wife were already dressed up but told me that they are on a journey somewhere because of the sickness of their child. I requested to pray for them and they agreed. During the Sunday School lesson, I saw the Nziyane family entering the Church. After preaching during the worship service I conducted an altar call, my heart was filled with joy to see the Nziyana couple to be the first to respond and came to the altar. Sometime after I finished my studies at the Bible College, I received a call informing me that Mr Nziyana has gone to the Bible College!

6.2 DIEKSIE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

During my third year in the Bible college in 1975 I was sent to pasture Dicksie Church of the Nazarene at Manyeleti. The Missionary used to transport me there. I found only few members there. As I conducted home visitation I was shocked that our church members were participating in traditional healers’ activities. When they saw that I have seen them, they disappeared from the Church. When I left the church at the end of the year there were only two members: Mr Ngobeni who was a Ranger at Manyeleti Game Reserve and his wife who was a second year student at Tivumbeni College of Education.

7. PASTORAL WORK AND ORDINATION

Upon finishing my studies at Arthurseat Bible College, I returned to North East District and was assigned Dan Church of the Nazarene for one year in 1976. The following year the District sent me to Letaba Estate Church of the Nazarene in 1977.

LETABA ESTATE 1980

LETABA ESTATE: 1990

7.1 LETABA ESTATE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: 1977-1991

During my stay I was requested by Rev Van der Linde and Mrs Wolmarans to assist in preaching in their Pentecost Church. That is where I won the Sanderson and Sebola families to the Church of the Nazarene. Other members also joined the Church. The Full Gospel and Roman Catholic Churches started to accuse me of sheep stealing, but members insisted that they wanted to be Nazarenes. The Church was built in an orange farm comprising of farm workers who stayed there and work during orange farming seasons. When the farm was out of the season, the people would go home. As a result, I would remain with my wife and children as the only members in the Church. We endured extreme poverty because farm workers did not tithe from their little income. Since I got R50 subsidy from the missionaries, I depended on my relatives to finance my travel to attend District events. I praise the Lord for the families that came to Know Jesus during my ministerial work at Letaba Estate Church of the Nazarene. The members were Mr and Mrs Sanderson who are now Nkowankowa Church of the Nazarene members, Mr B.Sebola in Mhlava Cross Church of the Nazarene, Mr and Mrs Mathye now full members at Dan Church of the Nazarene, Pastors D. Marima and the late Mr F. Rikhotso who joined the I.P.C Church, Mrs Eunice Sanderson, Mr Jack Nghonyama, Mr Thomas Banda, Mr Thomas Matona, as well as Mr Thomas Manganyi and his wife Asnath. We suffered a great loss when Mr Banda met his untimely death in the road accident in 1977. When I look back and remember these families I realise that God has helped me and that my stay at Letaba Estate has yielded much fruit in the kingdom of God.

7.2 DAN CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: 1991 -2016

On my arrival in 1991 there was no church building. The permission to occupy (PTO) the site was also lost. The Africa Region sent people to start building the foundation. I then took it upon myself to re-apply for the site which through the help of the then District Superintendent, Re
v Makhubele, the tribal authority recommended the application and the demarcation board approvedit. It was then that the Africa Region continued to build the Church and it was completed in 1992. Dan Church of the Nazarene became close to my heart as I served God in it. Many members were received and their faith in God grew in the church. The church was like my second family and members did their best to sustain the church through attendance and offerings. My memories go back to several faithful members who were called to be with the Lord. We lost elderly grannies, Mrs Munene and Mrs Malavila. When Mr Shingange passed on, his wife Sharlotte (who is a faithful member of the church to this day) endured hardship from the relatives as well as to bring up her two children on her own. Ms Queeneth Shingange also passed on leaving her children who are now adults. It worries me that her children are not in the church today. Ms Mabedlhe and Mrs Khosa also lost their spouses during my work at Dan. We had hoped that Mrs Khosa’s first born son will continue to support the family, but that was not to be. He met his untimely death in a road accident this year, leaving the family devastated. Praise God for the members that are still active at the church today: Ms Mavis Nhlangwini, Ms Grace Mantshana (at Nkowankowa Church), Ms S. Mathye, Mrs L. Nkhwashu, Mrs Virginia and Florence, Ms O. Mapimele, Ms N. Nomvele, Ms Sharlotte Shingange, Ms Machimana, Granny Malabela, Ms Mabedlhe, Jack Sono, Ms Khosa, Ms Kubayi, Kokwana Masavana, Ms M. Shingange, as well as their children.

7.3 NORTH EAST DISTRICT

In 1978 I was elected to be NYI treasurer and then president in 1982. During 1983 – 1989 I was the vice president. The District awarded me a certificate for the service I rendered in the District. I was ordained in 1983 in Swaziland. In 1989 when I got government job, the R50 subsidy was withdrawn because the church did not allow me to earn 2 salaries. I then requested to be allowed to continue to preach and that was granted. I was then a Bi-vocational Pastor of Dan Church until 2016 when I retired. I thank God who helped me to do his work well. I also thank my dear wife who loves me and supported me in pastoral work. She was never like a mosquito in my life. She did not abandon me even during extreme poverty. My children too, have been my strong support structure even though as parents we never had a salary from the churches that we pastured.

8. FED BY RAVENS! (IIKings17:5-6)

During my Pastoral work I earned R50 Subsidy from the missionaries and jumble sale clothing they gave to us. Besides my family, I was also responsible for caring for my parents and my siblings with food and school fees. My children shared half loaf of bread for lunch and the other half for dinner. Letaba Estate is an orange farm, and we used to pick up low quality oranges thrown away for food. When I failed to pay my R70 account for mealie meal from one farmer he asked if I was employed and I replied that I am the Pastor for the Church of the Nazarene and that I get R50 for subsidy. He felt pity for me and gave me a bag of mealie meal. The Maluvana and Maphosa families, who were not members of our church also felt sympathy and provided food to us. Dr Mahalakwena gave me a car that enabled me to travel to church and to conduct funerals. I worked during the weekends at Mr van der Linde’s shop and my wife worked at Mrs Lombard’s kitchen. One day Mr Thomas, secretary at Minute Maid Juice factory of Letaba Estate orange farm, invited us for dinner, there we had nice meal. As we were going home, he gave us more food, diamond mash for fence, 12 corrugated iron, 4 drums and plastic drum. Then he offered to buy a bag of mealie meal every month- which he did for two years! When my wife got so sick that she became unconscious, Mrs Wolmarans helped me to take her to the hospital. In our disappointment when the hospital refused to admit her, that was the time I had to fully depend on God for her healing. Indeed God replied to my prayer and she was healed. During my ministerial work at Dan Church I was also given a car by Mr B. Sebola. May all these members be blessed by God because they encouraged me to work with all my heart for the Lord.

9. EMPLOYMENT

It was in November 1989 that the late Rev Reckson Mathebula helped me to get employed by the Department of Interior as a builder, the job that I did as
bi-vocational pastor until 2009. After that I was employed by the Department of Health to work at Mhlava clinic as a gardener. That very same year I was awarded a platinum certificate for making the clinic the best in Limpopo province in cleanliness. I worked in the clinic until my retirement in 2016.

10. COMMUNITY WORK

Besides pastoral and government works, I served in various structures as follows:

• I was elected as site steward at work from 1994 up to 2016.
• I was member of School Governing Body (SGB) for Nkakasana primary school.
• I was the SGB chairperson of Tinghitsi primary school, treasurer for Sasekani crèche, then vice chairperson of Margaret Shiluvana primary school for three years and honoured with a letter of appreciation.
• I then served as SGB member for Matlhari High School for six years where I received a certificate of appreciation.
• This is the third year that I am serving as the chairperson of the Pastors’ fraternal for Mhlava, Sasekani, Mhlava cross and Mageza villages.
• From 2009 to date I serve as chairperson of Mhlava clinic and Wisani C.B.O. and was awarded a certificate for that.
• Sasekani village also elected me to be the chairperson of the village council.
• From 2011 to date the Mhlava Royal Council appointed me to be the Headman for Sasekani village.

11. RETIREMENT AS ASSIGNED PASTOR

I retired from Dan Church of the Nazarene in December 2015 but the church requested me to continue for one more year. I therefore stayed on until December 2016 so that the Church should find my successor. During 2016 I worked so hard with the Church to get the Permission to Occupy (PTO) and I’m glad that soon we shall have a breakthrough. I thank the Lord who have been with me in the ministry. It was not easy but it was worth it. As I step down as the Pastor of Dan Church of the Nazarene, my prayer is that the church should grow. That is the church that I spent most of my life as the pastor and if it is sustained after my retirement, one of my prayers would have been answered!

12. MESSAGE FROM MRS N’WAMACELELE EMAH SHIKWAMBANA

I was born on 08.08.1957 at Gobye village under chief Mhlava. I passed grade 4 at Mhlava primary school. Seasonal jobs in the farms enticed me to leave school together with my friends. I thank God that made me to acquaint with Rev Shikwambana when he was a church goer. We accepted the Lord together in 1970 and proceeded to the Bible College together. I thank God for the love he poured in our hearts. There is peace and support in our family and nothing worries me in our relationship. How I wish that all pastors should also live in harmony, love and peace so that the world will believe in the God that we all serve. God has enabled us to conquer all the difficulties we encountered in our lives. He used Christians from various churches to help us, he used non-Christians to help us. Foreigners who were bereaved would ask Rev Shikwambana to bury their loved ones. It was a miracle for us to be given free permit to walk all over the Letaba Estate Farm as we wish. During the oranges season, we would see many people coming to the Church of the Nazarene, telling us that when they ask where is a church they can go to, they were directed to our church. We endured extreme poverty and were even mocked by a certain pastor who said he does not preach the poor gospel, that is why he change suits everyday and also drive a car. I also experienced sickness that incapacitated me to care for my one week old baby. For six months, my husband would bath and feed the baby, wash our clothes, fetch water and cook our meals. I therefore learnt from my husband what it means to love someone. I thank the late Rev Ida Ntimane and Mrs Matlebjana who encouraged us to go to the Church of the Nazarene, to work with my hands sewing clothes and sell, to travel to Johannesburg to buy articles and sell as well as to plough and plant mielies and vegetables so that we would not starve. I have told myself that the God of my husband is my God. Even though we are both afflicted with diseases, we are not afraid. We shall continue to praise our God without any doubt. When we live, we live for God, when we die we die for God!

13. CHILDREN

13.1 EMMANUEL WILLIE SHIKWAMBANA

I am the firstborn son born on 04 October 1973 and am married to Gledina Shalati Shikwambana, blessed with two sons, Glenuel and Benuel. I passed matric in 1995 at Mpumulana High School, then passed Diploma in Business Administration at Northern Training Trust in 1996. I did several other short courses and am very much involved in community work. I was brought up in the Church, as such, the responsibilities that I was engaged to do: NYI president, NMI president, Secretary of the Church Board and treasurer have developed leadership skills that have made me successful in my job today. I was raised in a very poor family where we often went to bed without food and had no pocket money when going to school. The Africa Region for the Church of the Nazarene used to send me R20 per month and Christmas toys, as son of the Pastor. My father’s Local Church could not pay him monthly salary, as a result, we were helped by non-Nazarenes like Mr and Mrs Thomas. I have seen my father helping families who had marriage problems and assisting the local Induna with village challenges. I am grateful to the departed Pastors: Rev Monyela for offering me job as a brick layer and Rev Mathebula for assisting my father to get government work. They made a very great impact in the plight of our family. To the Dan Church of the Nazarene, I am grateful for your support, because you gave my father something monthly to help support his family during his work as a pastor and always apologised to him during the months you could not pay him. Thanks for the Christmas gifts that you used to give him and also for often paying his hospital expenses. I believe this Church will grow into one of the largest Churches in the District according to my father’s dream as you work with the new pastor. Thank you for the various roles you gave me to do in the church for they built me into responsible leader in my work situation. My father, thank you for the quality time you’ve always spent with me, guiding me on how to live a holy life and supported me when I experience difficulties in life. You are a friend, coach, spiritual counsellor and motivator to me. I have learnt that when I see others receive answers to their prayers, I must be encouraged that my day is also coming. I am successful at work because I followed on your footsteps of leadership, love, commitment and dedication to all that you did.

13.2 MUDERI PANIEL SHIKWAMBANA

I was born on the 28 April 1976 at Shikwambana village, Second born of Rev and Mrs Shikwambana. I started schooling at Letaba Estate up to standard one, proceeded to Nkakasana and Mohlaba higher Primary up to Standard Five. I then went to Mpumulana high school where I passed my grade 12 in 1994. Due to poverty I didn’t go to the university but managed to equip myself with Computer literacy at Remote Computer College in Tzaneen. Then in 1998 I went to Marinkuna College of Agriculture where I received the Diploma in Agriculture. In 1999 I got a job at Ofcolaco at Mohlaba Fresh Produce under Chief Mohlaba 2. Before I work I was relying on my Father to get everything as well as money of between R60 and R110 from Church of the Nazarene at Florida, given to Pastors’ children under 21 years. That money was like nothing to my family because we were starving. I remember one day my brother and I planned a strike demanding enough food because we thought our Father was hiding some money to make us suffer. End of the month he gave us all his salary then we pay all his credits and only left with R300. It was a shock that a pastor and a government worker earned so little amount. We started to stand up by ourselves to survive and to improve the bad situation, I also joined Jesus Film Under Rev.Supe and the departed Rev. Moyo. They advised me to go to the Bible School. What came to my mind first it was the poverty from Church of the Nazarene coupled with the required District Budget. I could not understand why the Church was required to pay the District Budget and failed to pay the Pastor’s monthly salary. I therefore refused to go to Bible School but offered myself to head the branch of Mokgoloboto in 2003 just to satisfy my vision because the Church of the Nazarene is good on teaching and life lessons that will guide children, youth, adults and the aged. As I was preparing to get married in 2004, and there was no income in the church, I joined Two Mountains Company, working part-time to earn a salary. The company later employed me permanently. Working during the weekends made it very difficult to continue heading a church. I worked until they offered me a branch to manage and I managed to get Married to my Beautiful Wife Miyelani Precious Shikwambana and we are blessed with 3 kids, one girl and two boys. Now I’m a regional Manager of Two Mountians Funeral & Financial services. All the challenges I came across were very painful and disturbing but through the prayers of the members of Church of the Nazarene including my parents and God’s eyes upon me I survived till today, allow me to thank the Church of the Nazarene for showing us a living way, and I therefore declare: “ AS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.”
Thank you, my parents for your unconditional love for me, protecting us from harm and guiding us to live a holy life. I appreciate your love, care and the way you raised us out of nothing. Today I am who I am because of your tender care, I don’t have enough words to say thank you, but I believe you understand what I’m saying; my actions speak louder than what I am saying now. Thank you, Papa for teaching us to stand for ourselves and to show us the way of Christ, for taking us to the Christian life and keeping us warm and healthy. Allow me to say many thanks to my Mother who kept me for 9 Months and making sure that I grew up to be the real man today, and now I am proud to say that you have a body guard that will not allow you to be harmed. Thank you! thank you and God bless both of you. Love youuuuuuuu!

13.3 IRENE SHIKWAMBANA

I am the last born raised in the Christian family under the Church of the Nazarene, I started as Sunday school child and we used to walk from Sasekani to Dan church of the Nazarene and going back without transport. I used to tell my mother that I was sick because I was so tired to walk. Then my Dad would say: It is fine my girl, but there is no child that will be left behind, all of us must go to church because immediately I start I want to see all of my kids first. I remember I was wearing school shoes to church with a hand sewn dress by my mother. During Christmas times I had to choose between school shoes or dress and when I chose a dress my Father would say: on January will you wear the dress to school? That means you must take school shoes and get a dress from my mother. Those were some challenges that I came across as a child. But I learned to be neat, honest and to be strict in my life. I also learnt to differentiate church from parties and that God is our Saviour even though we experienced poverty in life. The Book of Mathew 6 v25-34 made me strong and who I am today. Now I follow the truth, teachings and love Jesus as my personal Saviour. My Dad is a fighter even if things do not go well but he can stick to the promises of God and continue to serve the Lord in a bad situation. He ran his race well as a Pastor, and I am proud to my parents million times. I am happily Married with two beautiful girls. Thanks to everyone who contributed to my life and family as a whole.

14. FROM THE AUTHOR: Audrey Mhlongo

Having known Rev Shikwambana in the early eighties when I became the member of the Church of the Nazarene he was like all other Nazarene Pastors. On the first of January 2017 when I was assigned the Church that Rev Shikwambana pastured for 21 years, him as a retired pastor, I got to know him better. He and his wife are humble servants of the Lord with big hearts. Their actions speak louder than their words. The qualities that best describe them are: love, patience, humility, trust, industrious, perseverance, goal-oriented, determination and peace-makers (Galatians5:22). I found the Church with no quarrels, a Church where members share responsibility and care for one another. Rev Shikwambana does not complain doing the work of God. He preached the Gospel and also worked with his hands. I’m honoured by God to succeed him at Dan Church of the Nazarene. I decided to gather his life history and wrote it for the world to know him. I believe that he who began the good work in Dan Church will bring it to completion on the day of the Lord (Philippians 1:6). As he retires, I wish him well and pray that he witnesses the Church he laid a firm and solid foundation grows from strength to strength and give birth to several branches.

15. CONCLUSION

Dan Church of the Nazarene in North East District salute Rev and Mrs Shikwambana for having been good and faithful servants in the Church of the Nazarene. They counted the cost of being disciples of the Lord Jesus (Luke 14:28). They endured extreme circumstances with their children in order to be true to their calling. All the young Pastors that God is calling into the ministry should emulate their steadfastness to the end. You have fought a good fight, finished the race and kept the faith (2Tim4:7).

Rev Shikwambana’s autobiography was compiled by Audrey Mhlongo on
11.11.2017.

Masilo Calvin Maenetja

  DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

FOREWORD

This book is an autobiography about the life of a Bi-vocational Pastor, whose determination to serve God led him to accept one of the most challenging positions in the Church of the Nazarene: to serve as the District Superintendent of a vast District with three zones, which each one of the zones equals to some of the small Districts in the Church of the Nazarene.
It is worth noting that this spiritual giant, who is a qualified teacher and in full service in one of the schools in Department of Education in Limpopo Province in South Africa, to empower the African children with the valuable future, was also serving as full time Pastor of Thabeng Church of the Nazarene.
North East District was faced with the retirement of the longest serving District Superintendent, and all fingers pointed at Rev Maenetja to take the District forward. He was faced with  rare and gigantic responsibilities: Full time teacher, Full time family man, as well as FULL TIME DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, which is why the main theme of this book is: IT IS POSSIBLE!
This Pastor has proved that IT IS POSSIBLE for anyone to serve God in the midst of various challenges and responsibilities, only when one avail oneself to Him. He led this District for seven years, during which he displayed faithfulness, courage, determination, creativity, energetic and unwavering faith. He was elected and re-elected by District members, and calmly and willingly stepped out of the office of the District Superintendent position with dignity, giving the younger generation to take up the reigns.

EARLY LIFE

I, Masilo Calvin Maenetja was born  04.09.1953 of Christian parents: Wilton Chenchi Maenetja, my father, who was a Pastor and later became District superintendent, and my mother Sophy Mankwana Maenetja who was a devoted Christian. I cherish Thabeng Church of the Nazarene Mission Station, for being the place where I was born in the clinic and welcomed to earth by Christian nurses.
I had rough childhood experiences which I believe were to shape my future adult life, especially in serving God. When my Dad received a call to full time ministry in the early sixties, and had to move to LSM Bible College, I and my siblings remained home to be cared for by our grandmother. Grandmother recalls how she miraculously saved me from falling from her back into a blazing hole which she was using to burn in order to strengthen her clay pots. During the same period, God saved my life from typhoid that claimed many young lives. God also kept us safe during the severe famine which killed so many children from pellagra and malnutrition. Although I was still very young, I recall how God provided “quails” which older boys would catch for meals, and how my grandmother’s cat came to our rescue by killing these “quails” and brought them so we could also have food. Yes, indeed God is our Provider!
As I was growing up, I was sent to Alexandra Township to stay with my Aunt and Uncle who did not have children of their own. Township life was so hard and rough, dominated by Msomi and Spoilers gangsters, a complete different life from the peaceful Mission life I was so used to at Thabeng Mission. The family life was also contrary to that of my parents. This was because my uncle was a heavy drinker that led to quarrels and resulted in the marriage falling apart and I had to return home. That experience made me to realize how fortunate I was to be born in a Christian family.

SCHOOL YEARS

I started school at Thabeng and Moime Nazarene Primary Schools. At Bokgaga High School ( 1969 - 1973), life was very challenging with bad influence and ideologies against Christianity. I had to be strong in faith and constantly reminded myself of the Christian values I learnt and lived by since my childhood. Such criticisms did not lead to despair, but strengthened my Christian conviction and the unconditional love and the amazing grace of our Creator.
After completion of my high school studies, I proceeded to Sekhukhune College of Education where I qualified as a teacher in 1976. I was then appointed as a teacher at Rathane Primary School (Zoeknog) from 1977. I continued to further my studies on part time basis with Vista University where I obtained Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) in 1998, and Secondary Education Diploma (SED) in 1986. I then obtained Advanced Certificate in Education, specializing with Education Management on 04 05 2011at University of South Africa.  

DEVINE CALL INTO MINISTRY

My call into the ministry was not as dramatic as we read of several Bible characters, such as Moses, Samuel, or even the Disciples in the New Testament. What is clear is that God prepared me over a period of time to become a Pastor and to serve him in various ways. Mission station exposed me to Bible College students of the sixties, who spent their holidays working at Thabeng. My interaction with them made me realize that God calls people to His work in different ways.
During the late eighties,  I noticed that young people were no longer interested in heeding for the call to the Bible College, some of those who went there could not finish their studies due to misconduct, and to crown it all, our Pastors were of the same age; that meant that they will retire at the same time and our District will have no pastors in the long run. Surprisingly, I started to see myself addressing many people. That happened very often when I was alone. Little did I know that God was calling me  to be a Pastor.
When the burden in my heart was too heavy to keep to myself, I shared with my dear wife and my parents. I received a wonderful support from all of them. When my study leave was denied, I resigned from work and was miraculously re-instated and study leave granted without pay for the period of my studies at Nazarene Theological College at Muldersdrift during the years 1990 t0 1993. As I was to depart to the Bible College, I was attacked by a strange illness all doctors I consulted with could neither diagnose nor cure. A severe pain that attacked the back of my head down to my neck made my throat dry and affected my voice to be low. Despite my afflictions, I accepted the advice of my precious wife to trust God and went to the Bible College in 1990 where I obtained Bachelor in Theology  in 1993. I am currently registered with UNISA for an Honours  Degree in Bachelor of Theology on the New Testament.

BIBLE COLLEGE YEARS

The first semester at the Bible College was  full of confusion which was twofold: firstly, instead of studying the Bible, we were taught Humanities; secondly, the College was an encounter of various cultures and ethnic groups. Each one had to learn and understand the other College students’ culture while maintaining own identity. It was a challenging experience to embrace culture and use it as a vehicle to reach out to one another in the one Christian faith that we all professed.
God led and guided me all my College years. I recall a horrifying incident one afternoon after I finished my examination. There was a severe thunderstorm and heavy rain. I took a book about Paul’s Life on my bedside and started to read. Within seconds, I found myself surrounded all over with fire, my wardrobe torn apart, white pillow case black with smoke! The lightning got inside the thatched chalet through a broken telephone line. God miraculously saved me, not one of my hairs was burnt. This confirmed to me that indeed God has called me to serve Him in the Church of the Nazarene.
Again, one day when all students went to a certain function at the nearby Lodge, I remained alone, deep in my studies the whole day. My mind was in the books and as well as the field of work I was about to embark on. At about three o’clock in the morning, a voice woke me up from sleep asking “who are you?” I woke up, shivering with fright, I pulled the blanket to cover my head. It was silent. Up to date I still grapple with the answer to the voice which vividly asked me the question. I believe that I am God’s co-worker. I am constantly reminded of John 15 that the Lord Jesus is the true vine and I am the branch; and so I am prepared to take my role as a branch and allow Him to bless His nation through me.

FAMILY

I married Motsatsi Joyce Maenetja in 1981. She is the precious gift from God, my companion, advisor and more than anything, the love of my life. Without her understanding, love, support and willingness to sacrifice, it would have been very difficult to realize my goal to serve God. God blessed us with a son Mafunyane and two daughters: Mammola and Morokapula. The full support of my family enabled me to succeed in doing the work of God. They are all hospitable, caring, loving to all people they met and those who visited our home. It blesses my heart to recall how they welcomed guests, cooked and serve food and in several occasions washed their clothes. This is what they have to say:

MS M.J. MAENETJA

I was terrified when my husband was elected to be District Superintendent, realizing that it was a huge task on top of our circumstances. Together we agreed that if it is the will of God, who are we to refuse? God is faithful and just, because going with him to various churches, I found myself gaining a lot from Sunday School lessons. The road was not easy, for there was a lot to be done, and at one stage he collapsed from stress that resulted from fatigue. In certain occasions, I could notice that he was depressed, but refused to talk about the cause of his pain, saying that he does not want to inflict the same pain to me. However, I am a lucky woman to be married to him because he went with me to the General Assembly in America, the place I never dreamt I will ever go in my life.

MAFUNYANE

Thank you, Dad for bringing me up, and teaching me the Word of God from day one to now. You have been there for me during good and bad times. Thank you for your moral and financial support as well as not giving up on me regardless of the wrong choices I may have made in the past. You taught me to put God first in all I do in order to succeed. Above all, you played your part to me and my siblings by teaching us and sharing everything with us , including the realities of life. In so saying, if we do not make it to heaven, you are not to be blamed, because we know the truth. Thank you for the words you planted in my life: “What a man thinketh, so is he”, for this is my secret of how I approach life and they have been working for me to this day. Lastly, may God bless you with many more years.

MAMMOLA

Mom, I have learnt a lot from the way you played your role as a Pastor’s wife. I have learnt to welcome and accept people in our home. I have seen in you a woman of God, who trusts God in all situations, who set an example for me that prayer move mountains. I say this because I came to be saved through your prayers. I know that you pray for all of us by names, and pray for other Christian leaders by name. You taught me to put God first, for I have seen how you supported Dad, going everywhere with him to do God’s work even when you were tired after knocking off from work. You are my role model.
Dad, you taught me so much in the manner in which you worked for God. You left home very early due to work, and came home late due to God’s work. We missed you a lot at home because of all the responsibilities you were shouldering. We observed that most of the time you were exhausted, and sometimes in pain you could not hide from us. You have taught us that there are rewards for hard work in the manner in which we celebrated one another’s successes at home.
When you confided to us that you intend stepping down as District Superintendent, I have learnt that you are unselfish, for you do not want to occupy a position while unfruitful, but gave way so that those that are able can go on. You are my role model, because you are a father not only to us, but to so many young people in whom you have impacted their lives, and so wish they could have been born in this family.

MOROKAPULA

Dad, you are a caring, loving and hard worker. You have always encouraged us to work hard for a bright future. You have been very supportive and it is always fun to be with you. I know you don’t talk much when I made you angry, but you will speak once, the truth that hurts. I know you are dedicated in what you do in the ministry and that you enjoy helping people. Too often I thought my Daddy loves the Church more than his family. There were times of my birthdays when you could not be there because you were at NTC for Pastors’ graduations. At times when we were to go out and someone from the church arrive and tell you that there is a sick person, you would let us alone and attend to them.  Mom had to console me all the time that it was your job. As I grow up, I now understand that teaching and helping people is your passion.  Oh! I nearly forgot, mom and dad, you are a blessing, and together you make a full package. If I were to choose parents, I would not choose any other except both of you.

FAMILY TRAGEDIES

I had experiences that tore my heart but at the same time strengthened my faith as Paul says  “For when I am weak then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12: 10b).  The first experience was when my mother was struck by severe stroke which led to her passing on after some days. This was followed by devastation that led to the passing on of my father a few days later.  I found myself walking in the valley of the shadow of death. I was helped by Christians and Pastors who constantly comforted us with the Nazarene Hymns, sermons and encouraging words as we face the burial of both of our parents on the same day.
The second incident was when my brother committed suicide by hanging himself inside the garage in his home. It is surprising how God prepares His children to face the future, because as I was reading the book of Joshua 1: 6-7: “Be strong and courageous …….”, I received a call from my brother’s wife to rush to their  home.  I was shocked, frightened and devastated by what I saw that day. I battled with unanswered questions, until God comforted me to accept situations that I do not have control. I came to understand and deal with family deaths in a meaningful way. God prepared me to reach out to grieving families, approaching death as inevitable, regardless of how it happened and those directly affected by bereavement.

PASTORAL WORK

Upon completion of my studies at NTC, I returned home at Thabeng. I was assigned Thabeng Church of the Nazarene as a full time Bi-vocational Pastor from June 1993 to 2006 when I was elected District Superintendent. On 08.01.1998 I was ordained as Church Elder by General Superintendent Paul Cunningham in Swaziland Pigs Peak.  Being in the Pastorate, I cultivated the habit of reading and studying the Word of God: meditating upon it day and night. I had already accepted that the grace of God is sufficient for me, and that I will live with the thorn of affliction in my body. This was not to be, for God taught me a lesson that He acts at His own time to meet our needs. One day as I was reading and meditating upon the Word of God, I suddenly felt my body renewed and completely healed. At once I stood up and conveyed the good news to my wife, together we praised God. Indeed, the Word of God is alive and gives life.
I have good memories of church members of all ages who love the Lord with all their hearts. Through Pastoral work, I came to share in the joys of members as they accept the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour, as they get baptised. I learnt a lot from the way in which these members taught Sunday School lessons and NMI . It blessed my heart to witness the growth of our youth and entering into Holy Matrimony. What a wonderful experience when brethren dwell together in unity!

SUPERINTENDENT:  NORTH EAST DISTRICT

During the District Assembly in January 2006, the longest serving District Superintendent, Rev M.W Makhubele retired from this office and there was a need to fill the gap. Through the voting process, I was elected to be District Superintendent. I actually refused to accept the position in view of the responsibilities that were ahead of me: District Superintendent, family man and my work. I was given chance to discuss with my wife. Together we concluded that if God directs His people to elect us, we should accept, for it will not be by might nor by power of our own effort, but it will be God working through us.
The experience of serving in the Regional Advisory Council, as well as the General Board proved to be valuable tools that I needed in my position as District Superintendent. I came to understand that the main goal of the existence of the church is to grow in quantity and in knowledge of God. That is why I pursued church growth throughout the District during my term of office. The following are activities that the District managed to do during my term of office:

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT FAREWELL

We managed to have special dinner with District Superintendent Emeritus, Rev M.W. Makhubele as District Advisory Board and their spouses at Magoebaskloof Hotel, following the District Assembly at the beginning of 2006. In March 2006, we conducted his farewell function which was well attended by Pastors and members from our District and neighbouring Districts as well as regional and NTC staff. It was indeed a blessed service crowned by Dr E Letswele who was the guest speaker.

SUPPORT VISITS TO LOCAL CHURCHES

Together with representatives from Evangelism, church property and finance, we drew a program that engaged us in visits to most of the local churches to meet with the church boards and pastors. We encouraged them to work towards church growth,  ensure their churches have title deeds and have a proper way of managing their finances. We further encouraged good working relationship between the pastors and the church as this is the driving force towards accomplishment of the set goals

CHURCH PLANTING

It was in 2008 when our District sent two delegates to attend the church planting seminary in Durban. This was just the beginning, because in the Church Planting Movement, held at Emmarentia Geldehuis near Bela-bela  (Warmbath), our District managed to send 19 members. The team from the Horn of Africa challenged us to respond to the Great Commission. Such an ernomous motivation resulted in the following rallies:

DISTRICT RALLY

In January 2009, a District Rally, which coincided with the District Assembly was held at Lenyenye Stadium to celebrate the 100 years of the existence of the Church of the Nazarene. This occasion was graced by the visit of Dr Jerry Potter, The then General Superintendent  for Africa. Members of the Church in the District were determined for the success of this rally by offering what they had: Tents, stage, musical instruments, videos, decoration and our Sunday School children ushered the General Superintendent into the stadium in style. It was indeed a blessed day.

CHURCH PLANTING RALLY

On 15.03.2009, God blessed us with yet another rally, held at Lenyenye Community Hall, which was honoured by the presence of our church leaders in Africa: church planters from Namibia, Lesotho, East London and Free State. Reports of how God’s Church is growing in various areas and how men and women dedicated themselves towards this endeavour inspired us a lot. Our people at the ground joined us in prayer and we all vowed to take part in making sure that worship places are started at our homes, work places and any place where a small group of people could be able to meet regularly. A slogan was born: CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE IN MY HOME, CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE AT MY WORK, CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE WHEREVER I AM!
On 27.04.2009, we thought it wise to train House Church Leaders in order to intensify our Church Planting Movement, hence we assembled at Lorraine Church of the Nazarene for this purpose. Good reports from members that House Churches indeed brought the church nearer to the people were very encouraging.

MEETINGS WITH PASTORS: EMERGENCE OF CHURCH BRANCHES

Monthly meetings were then conducted with each Zone Pastors to strategies the vision of a big fast growing and viable District of the Church of the Nazarene that consist of Christian, Holiness and Missional people. Series of meetings were conducted which later proved to be fruitful. Each Local Church committed to start preaching points.  By the years 2009 and 2010 the following preaching points  were established:

LOCAL CHURCH	BRANCH
Mogoboya	Rasebalane
Mohlaba Cross	Pulaneng
Ramalema	Mineview
Lenyenye	Bridgeway Letsitele Thabine
Mulati	Bonn
Lorraine	Mogapeng Bellvile
Moime	Sekgaula
Kgapane	Maraka
Metz	Taposa
Hlohlokwe	Living Waters		Now declared a Church
Mabins	Botshabelo
Nkowankowa	Mohlaba/ Sasekani
Mogoboya	Rasebalane

These Branches hold Sunday school and Church services every Sunday and have brought a relief of travel distance for the members who want to attend the Church of the Nazarene but could not manage because of the distance. The efforts of the Pastors to empower members to run these branches were not in vain. There are branches that secured shacks for worship, Christians who offered their houses for worship and the District bought 10 chairs for each branch have made such a tremendous difference in the lives of the members who attend in those branches. This endeavour led to the growth of the Church.

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Upon observing that most of the building infrastructures in our District are dilapidated, and that new infrastructure was needed where they did not exist, together with church growth, it was crucial to engage in projects along these lines. I must emphasize that, I have seen Christians in the churches going all out to offer what they have: money, building materials, transport, and going an extra mile to work with their hands in building of churches and parsonages throughout the District. Women also offered their food and cooked for the builders. What a team!

Before I highlight District and Local churches infrastructure, I must thank God for the miracles of financial, material and physical aids we received as a District.  Our Thabeng Church of the Nazarene member Uncle Bob Stutervant, has dual membership: in Africa and in America. He has taken upon himself to give $200 (equivalent to R2000.00), each month from his pension fund, for more than 10 years now, towards re-building of Thabeng Mission. He does this for his love for God and in gratitude for the missionary work done by his parents in Thabeng, when he was a very young boy. As we speak, Thabeng mission, with the joint effort of the Church, Uncle Bob, the Nehemia Department, as well as members and pastors, have extended the church building, drilled water, built a Dining Hall and Toilets.

The Africa South Field assisted the District in 2007 by erecting four steel structures at Bismark, Dzingidzingi, Muyexe and Mhinga Churches. At the same time, the field donated five bicycles to enable pastors to reach out to members of their local churches 

Through the help of the Africa South Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev C. Elliot, WORK AND WITNESS TEAM and the Flint Central Church of the Nazarene, brought The KUNS family from USA to come and build Muyexe Church of the Nazarene.  The Kuns family spent their money for building materials and laboured from Friday 3rd August 2007 to 10th August to make sure that people who used to worship in a cattle kraal-like structure, have a decent worshipping place. An altar, table and six chairs were brought in memory of their departed member who longed to be part of the team.

Alabaster offerings enabled us to finish the building of Mhinga Church. Alabaster also gave us R20 000.00 towards finishing the Giyani West church building. London Lober, a student at North West Nazarene University in the USA, donated R3051.16 towards assisting in the building of Dzingidzingi church. Africa South Field continued to donate R43 000.00 each for the completion of Bismark and Dzingidzingi churches. What a great time it was in November 2011, to see fellow Nazarenes receiving places of worship in dedication ceremonies of these two churches, built in partnership with Alabaster, in memory of Marvene (Gene) Hancock: June 1940 – March 2010

The following is a summary of the projects during my term of office as District Superintendent:

NAME OF PROJECT	PARTAKERS	CURRENT STATUS
1 The Oaks parsonage	Local Church	Half way to completion
2 Lepelle parsonage	Local church	Complete
3 Kgogonwe parsonage	Local church	Complete
4 London parsonage	Local Church	Not Completed
5 Metz extend parsonage and build classroom	Local Church	Complete
6 Hlohlokwe extending of church	Local Church	Complete
7 Bismark Church	ASF	Complete
8 Mhinga steel structure	Alabaster and Local church	Complete
9 Nkowankowa Church building	Local church	Complete
10 Lorraine extend parsonage	Local church	Complete
11 Living waters church	Local church	Complele
12 Xitlhelana church	Local church	Complete
13 Moime extend church	Local church	Not completed
14 Thabeng Extend church, built toilets and diningroom	District, Sturtevant, Local church	Complete
15 Dzingidzingi Church	ASF, Alabaster	Complete
16 Muyexe Church	Alabaster, Kuns family, Local Church	Complete
17 Giyani West: finish the church building	Alabaster, Local Church	Not Completed
18 Mohlaba Church	Nkowankowa church	Complete
19 Nw’amitwa church site	Local church	Site Secured
20 Butswana parsonage	Local church	Not completed
21 Ramalema parsonage	Local church	Not completed
22 Mogoboya parsonage	Localchurch	Not completed

DEDICATION OF CHURCHES

When the work is done, it is time to glorify the work of the Almighty! We could not have done it ourselves, hence we came before Him to say: Thank You Lord!

The District, together with the following Churches managed to organize dedication parties of their churches as follows:

LOCAL CHURCH	DEDICATION	CONDUCTED BY
1 Mulati	Church Building	Rev and Ms Rivisi
2 Muyexe	Church Building	Rev P.C. Elliot
3 Kgogonwe	Parsonage	Rev M.C Maenetja
4 Dzingidzingi	Church building	Rev P.C. Elliot
5 Bismark	Church Building	Rev P.C. Elliot

MINISTERIAL STUDIES

For the District to be sustainable, it needs to have pastors trained on a continual basis. This District experienced a recession for several years without any youth responding to the call into ministry. We prayed a lot about this situation and also devised some means to finance those who will respond to the call with no finances.  The following are the means we employed to have pastors:

LOCAL LEARNING CENTRE

In July 2006, ten students enrolled with Nazarene Theological College (NTC) for distant learning towards Bachelor of Theology degree. These students comprised of local lay pastors and church members who have the quest for imparting Bible knowledge and spiritual enrichment. Due to distance from NTC to Nkowankowa, this endeavour proved very difficult to secure lecturers for these classes. 

Another strategy had to be in place to continue with these classes. With the help of the Ministerial Studies Board, led by Rev R. Chinula, and the newly elected District Superintendent,  Rev E.F. Mnisi, the classes are back on track and I was requested to facilitate the group from 2011 to date.

BIBLE COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Lord blessed our District that we have students starting to respond to the call into ministry. Here are their names:

NAME OF YOUTH	LOCAL CHURCH & FINANCE	PERIOD	ENGAGEMENT
1 Masingita Pinky Machimana	Thabeng	2006 – 2007	Giyani East Church with husband Rev Makamu
2 Daniel Mokgomole	Ramalema, financed by Moime Church	2008 – 2009	Pasture Sekgaule Branch
3 Aubrey Wayne Maswanganyi	Muyexe, financed by Flint Central Church, USA	2008 – 2009	Pasture Muyexe Church
4 Oupa Ramalekane	Mhlaba Cross	2011 -	2nd year student at NTC
5 Ryan Masinge	Mulati	2012 -	1st year student at NTC

NED BURSARY FUND

One of the major challenges in getting students register for Theology is financial constraints due to the fact that most of the youth come from poor families. It was for this reason that during September 2006, as a District, we ventured into establishing North East District (NED) Bursary fund and opened a bank account to that effect. This account is funded by free will offerings during District activities. Members are also constantly requested to pledge into this account.

ORDINATION

Several pastors were ordained as Elders in the Church of the Nazarene, after they fulfilled the requirements for such. This shows that the District is also growing in responsibility. The pastors were ordained as follows:

PASTOR	LOCAL CHURCH	YEAR ORDAINED	GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT/ VENUE
Rev T.S. Moagi	Ramalema		Thulamahashe
Rev H. Mashile	NTC	2010	NTC: Dr David Graves
Rev M.J. Mothomogolo	Kgapane	2010	NTC : Dr David Graves
Rev S.J. Mokoena	Lenyenye	2010	NTC: Dr David Graves
Rev R. Makamu	Giyani East	2011	NTC
Rev A.W. Maswanganyi	Muyexe	2011	NTC
Rev D. Mokgomole	Sekgaule branch	2011	NTC

DISTRICT ACTIVITIES

Throughout my term of office, there are Four main District annual activities which were organized by the District Advisory Board with the help of entertainment and organizing committees. These were: The District Annual Assembly, Easter Service, District Camp and Preachers’ Retreats. In all these activities, we were edified, blessed and grew spiritually

DISTRICT ANNUAL ASSEMBLY

In each year, during January, the District Assembly is conducted by the Africa South Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev C. Elliot, or his nominee, such as Rev M.W. Ngobeni and Dr E. Letswele. All the three Zones of this District: Tritchardsdal, Tzaneen and Giyani delegates attend the Assembly and have the opportunity to hear the word of God, get reports of the progress of the District, as well as vote for the portfolios as need arises. It was during 2012 Annual Assembly, where I delivered my final report and indicated my decision to step down as District Superintendent. Little did I expect the emotional wave that blew over all the members of the Assembly.  All things work together for good to those who love the Lord, for it was in the same Assembly that a young, energetic and experienced District Superintendent, Rev E.F. Mnisi was elected henceforth.

EASTER SERVICE

The very first Easter Service in our District dates back to 2006, when Mulati Church of the Nazarene organized the dedication of their newly built Church. It was a joyous service and members “moved a motion” that Good Friday services must be held annually at District level. In 2007 the two zones: Tzaneen and Trichardsdal met at Lenyenye church which was filled to the brim. We grabbed the opportunity to dedicate the two tents donated for revivals by Bob and Gerrie Sturtevant of Ido in the USA. Indeed The Good Friday services started in full swing and in 2008 it was conducted at Lenyenye stadium while the Giyani zone conducted their service at Malamulele. Members organized a march for Jesus, carrying a large wooden cross from Lenyenye church to the stadium, a distance of about one kilometre. 

Good Friday services became a major conference where babies are dedicated, new converts baptized, new members accepted, and all members sit together at the Lord’s Table for the Holy Communion. Through Good Friday services many souls were saved and all Christians had an opportunity to re-live the Last Supper of our Lord Jesus with his Disciples. Each year the number grow to an extent that no local church in the District can accommodate all members for this service. We glorify God who provide pastors with vision for the future, such as Pastor R. Malebate of Hlohlokwe Church. This church has extended their church building to be the largest in the District and it enabled us to have a blessed Easter service therein in 2013.

DISTRICT CAMPS

District Camps are held annually during the September month and are attended by all members. This District is very vast, as such, Giyani zone organizes its own camp, while Tzaneen and Trichardsdal Zones have one camp. These camps run simultaneously in each year. Programs for the camps are drawn well in advance and distributed to the churches to know what to expect. The program ensures that all churches are involved, thanks to Pastor S.S. Mpholoane’s dedication to do this work annually.

District camps were blessings to District members with men of God such as Rev G. Mthembu, Dr Letswele, Rev S. Ndlovu, Rev Chabalala, Rev P.C. Elliot, taught lessons that inspired us to obey God, live holy life, maintain good relationship among pastors and members, as well as providing us with valuable history of the Church of the Nazarene. District camps were blessed services where members praised God with their testimonies, singing and offerings.

PREACHERS’  RETREATS

In each year during the month of August, we conducted weekend Preachers’ retreat for all District pastors. This is the time where Pastors and their spouses fellowship, pray, learn and sing together. It is the time for a revival and encouragement of co-workers in God’s field. As such Elders from other Districts were invited to teach and preach at these retreats. We learnt a lot from experienced and anointed men of God such as Rev J Mashego, Dr E. Letswele, Rev Mokebe, and Rev Chirwa.  In order for the Pastors to have undivided attention, these retreats were conducted at commercial venues such as previous college of Education and hotels.  Pastors had a wonderful time during retreats, thanks to Dr R. Mhlongo and the organizing team.

DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS

I thank God for all men, women, youth and Children who laboured tirelessly to up-bring  our District to where it is today with their efforts to serve God in all the Departments. Each Department would, at the end of the year bring their “sheaves” in well structured and detailed reports of their activities each year. The departments in our District are: Sunday School and Discipleship Ministry International (SDMI), Nazarene Youth International (NYI), and the Nazarene Missions International (NMI).

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL (SDMI)

This Department has claimed its rightful place as the backbone of the Church of the Nazarene by taking the “Lion’s share” in executing its District activities and responsibilities in the following way:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

The Pastors and leaders of branches have played a crucial role to see to it that members in the Local Churches use the appropriate Sunday School books to teach classes according to their levels: children, junior youth, youth, young adults, adults and the aged. These teachers were constantly trained at District workshops by District SDMI Council, hence their teachings are very fruitful to members. 

ADULT MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL (AMI)

The accomplishments of the Adult Ministries International in our District was pioneered by women, who initiated Nazarene Women Ministry in our District during 1988, led by Pastor N.M. Malebate at a District level. During 2006, this Ministry was continuing to grow and gave rise to the other ministries at District level and motivated local churches to sustain the ministries at the Local churches.

Nazarene Women Ministry

During 2006, this ministry was well established with a strong and functional Council led by Ms A.S. Mhlongo. I encouraged them to draw up a policy of their operation. This policy was very helpful and incidentally laid foundation for the other Ministries that emerged later on. The Women Ministries’ initiatives and achievements are enormous, but I will highlight them as follows.

They organized monthly conferences, during which they conducted teachings to empower women and men in Christian life. During these conferences, they collect money from members, which towards the end of the year, organize Christmas party and give valuable gifts to Pastors, according to the Pastors’ choices. It is remarkable how they have clear record of financial management of this ministry.

When members pass on, or are bereaved, they organize memorial services and offer condolences and exhortations. In order to achieve this, each of the local churches, has an album with photos of their members which are enlarged for the memorial service and District funerals. As a result, members, Pastors and their spouses are given a dignified send off with the sweet melodies of the Nazarene Hymns as well as the North East District flag.

The women ministry also started to interact and conducted District fellowship weekend conferences with the neighbouring Districts which led to the emergence of NAZARENE WOMEN EXTRAVAGANZA in Africa South Field. I am blessed and honoured by God to witness the beginning of this endeavour in 2008, emerging and led by North East District from 2008 to this day. This Women Extravaganza continues to grow mightily to an extent that about 90% of the Districts in Africa South Field attend conference at Good News Convention Centre annually during August. I am thrilled to state that other Districts enjoyed direct encounter with our District. This happened when South Eastern District invited Ms Mhlongo to promote the Extravaganza in their District’s Easter conference, as well as when 70 members of our District travelled to Botswana District’s end of the year conference. We thank Rev Thango and Rev Chikova, District Superintendents of South Eastern and Botswana Districts respectively, for trusting our District members to minister in their Districts. 

Nazarene Men Ministry

It was in 2006, during the dedication party of Mulati Church of the Nazarene, that Mr Ronald Khumalo started to organize the men ministry which is growing fast since then and also has an organized Council. Men conduct Bi-monthly District conferences, and bi-monthly with the women ministry. My heart is filled with joy to see how the two ministries work harmoniously in organizing conferences, memorial service and end of the year parties.

Men ministry have played a huge role by working with the “Nehemia Project”, led by Mr M.P. Mmola to re-build our Thabeng Mission Centre. They worked with their hands, used their skills and offered materials for the building. The youth also joined them and did a wonderful  job.

Mr Khumalo also worked tirelessly to introduce trip of the year for the District members. Men, women and youth, undertake District trip each year to tour and fellowship with Church of the Nazarene members where possible. So far, we managed to go to Lesotho, Durban, Cape Town, Mozambique and ultimately reached Israel! These trips became a blessing when we met with our brethren from other places such as in Lesotho, Durban and Cape Town. In Mozambique, we fellowshipped and also discovered the need to support members materially. In Israel we re-lived the Holy Land by travelling Biblical places, thereby revived our lives. 

Single Adult Ministry and Marriage and Family Life

Our interaction with Drakensburg and Limpopo North West Districts led us to realize the need to start with the Single Adult Ministry. This ministry delayed to have a foothold, when it was launched in January 2010 at Lorraine Church of the Nazarene, by Sister Thandi Ndlovu of Drakensburg District, solely because of the stigma attached to singleness. Another effort to strengthen this ministry was to invite sister Eva from Limpopo North West to our January 2011 Nkowankowa conference and later transported our members to Seshego to attend their weekend conference during May 2011. Now, this ministry, led by Rev J. Mankgele, has a functional committee and is able to conduct its services. Praise God!

In each term, whenever the single adults have their conference, couples also have their teachings in a separate venue. In this way both the single adults and the couples have opportunity to receive lessons directed at their situation. It blesses my heart when local churches such as Nkowankowa, took this ministry seriously and blessed even their neighbouring churches.

Golden Oldies Ministry

 I must again express my gratitude towards men and women ministries, who realized the need to uplift our senior citizens by financing the launch of the very first Golden Oldies Ministry in 2013, just after my term of office. Thanks to Ms E. Komane, director of this ministry and her council, together with the SDMI Superintendent, Rev S.J. Mokoena and Adult  Ministry Director, Ms A. Mhlongo. 

CHILDREN MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL (CMI)

The children are the future of the church and are unfortunately not getting enough attention and teachings that will make them strong believers and ambassadors of Christ as they grow up. It is for this reason that we sought ways to empower our young ones during their tender age in the following way:

Children’s Church

Besides being taught Sunday school lessons, local churches were motivated, taught and encouraged to conduct children’s churches. Some local churches have managed to implement this, and have discovered valuable talents and capabilities of the children to preach, sing, give testimonies as well as give tithe and offerings. Praise the Lord for this!

Children’s Camp

  Ms Mmola, Director of Children Ministry, with her council, managed to unite the three zones of our District in weekend children’s camp for three years now. At the beginning of each year, the council organize workshop with SDMI teachers for the children, give them memory verses, Bible chapters for quiz, and Bible story for a short drama. The under 12 Sunday school children first compete at zone level, then during mid-year schools recess, children from local churches in the District gather at Thabeng mission for a weekend revival.

This is the time where children have an opportunity to exhibit their talents: dramatize, sing, testify, compete in Bible quiz and pray. During breaks, and afternoon, children engage in games and jumping castles while monitored by the teachers. We applaud the parents (most of whom are not members of our Church), for trusting us with their children to participate in this important undertaking.

NAZARENE YOUTH INTERNATIONAL (NYI)

This is the ministry of our members from 12 years to 40 years. Besides Sunday School classes, these members have engaged in various activities in our District.

The 12 to 15 year-olds

For quite some years this category was not well catered for and it was left to individual members either to attend children or youth services. As a result, the Sunday School Superintendent  was organizing a District conference for their age bracket. I must add that most of our local churches have managed to conduct classes for these children, and I appreciate that so much.

District Nazarene Youth International (NYI)

Our District NYI operate on a parallel bases: Tzaneen and Trichardsdal zones together, while Giyani Zone has its own. The District NyI leaders Mr Lucas Bopape, and now Rev Daniel Mokgomole, together with their council members, have worked so hard to teach the District youth through workshops on how to run local NYI’s. They also managed to organize District NYI annual conferences for four to five days each at various places: Tivumbeni, Maake Technical College, Athurseat, Venda and ultimately at our Good News Convention Centre at Honeydew. The greatest achievement is to unite the three zones during the youth camps. Our youth enjoyed every minute of their conferences, while exposing their talents.

Young Men and Young Women Ministries

Young men and women who reach the transition period between youth and adulthood initiated ministries to cater for their teachings. They organized themselves to have sessions for lessons and fellowship respectively. They invited speakers from the District as well as from neighbouring Districts to teach them. This initiative is highly applauded for closing the gap which is so crucial in the lives of our youth and young adults.

NAZARENE MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL  (NMI)

NMI in the Local Churches has always been functional and I praise God for this. At District level our NMI has always been led by dedicated leaders: Pastor L. Mathebula, and later Pastor P.T. Mamiane and their council members. They managed to conduct workshops to teach local leaders on activities of the NMI. They encouraged members to give according to the Church of the Nazarene annual Calendar: Thanksgiving, Alabaster, Easter, Radio, Christmas, etc. They then gave awards at the end of each year. Rev Mnisi, now District Superintendent, through his involvement in the Africa Region NMI, taught valuable information, and we noticed the churches engaging in other NMI offerings such as Missionary Health Care.

During 2010, NMI organized a big rally at Thabeng in conjunction with the Sturtevant family, our partners who reside in the United States of America. The main purpose was to make everybody in the District aware that we have a collective responsibility of re-building and making use of the facilities at Thabeng Mission. Pastor R. Malebate preached an encouraging message. We were reminded to learn from Nehemia who was tasked to re-build Jerusalem. Mr P. Mmola, commonly known as Nehemia, who is spearheading the “Nehemia Project” delivered a wonderful and inspiring message. The climax of the rally was when “Uncle” Bob Sturtevant gave a cheque of $1600 ( an amount of R167 000.00) and the congregation contributed R11 466.70 towards re-building Thabeng. Many people also pledged to give more.

The District trip of the year to Mozambique paved a way for the NMI to collect from District members clothes and other material goods, went to Mozambique for compassionate offerings to our brethren who are less fortunate than ourselves. Actions of compassion at District and Local Churches have borne much fruit and my prayer is that all our church members should have a burden to reach to others not only through preaching, but also meet their needs in love.

CO-WORKERS

The position of the District Superintendent is a huge responsibility which one can only manage when surrounded by fellow co-workers who love the Lord with all their hearts and have the interest of the District at heart. I’m humbled by the support, advises, initiatives of all my brothers and sisters in Christ, be it members or pastors. 

DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD

You have been the brain and the muscles of this District. We’ve been through thick and thin together. We celebrated our achievements together, we toiled through hardships and pains together, and we steered this District as a united front. All the projects, departments and activities I discussed above could not have been possible without your tireless effort and willingness to serve God. I exhort that you continue serving God without getting weary for the sake of this District and the Kingdom of God.

DISTRICT COUNCIL

You are the extension of the District Advisory Board, and through your love for God’s work, our District continues to grow quantitatively and qualitatively. The departments that you lead have grown to such tremendous responsibility towards the work of God. You have shared ideas that encouraged me to realise that I am surrounded by brethren whom we share the same vision about a viable District. Keep up the good work!

DISTRICT PASTORS

I consider myself a blessed District Superintendent to work with all of you, for I found parents, siblings and children in the Lord. I have heard and seen the way you laboured in season and out of season in your assigned local churches and District responsibilities. You led this District to where it is today. You shared the joy of members who received the Lord as their personal Saviour, when they brought their babies to be blessed in the church, when they celebrated the successes of their family members and children, as well as the youth entering into Holy matrimony. On the other hand you had to endure pains when our church members depart from the earth, or deal with the pains of the bereaved members. All these happened to strengthen our faith and not to make us stumble and fall. I also had my share of both the good times and the bad times:

Welcoming Pastors in the District

Shortage of Pastors in the District has always been a thorn in our flesh. We were blessed to receive Pastors who were called to serve in our District. These are Pastor K.L. Maake of Kgogonwe Church, Pastor H. Kgohloane of The Oaks Church, Pastor Mabusela of Callais Church, PastorT.  Mokoena of Tours, Pastor Mahlaku of Bismark Church, Pastor N.M Malebate of Living Waters Church, Pastor Mamiane of N’wamitwa Church, Rev  Manzhi of Giyani West Church, as well as Rev R. Makamu of Giyani East Church. Your arrival and willingness to lead our local churches are blessings to our churches and the District.

Pastors’ Weddings

I was overjoyed when our young Pastors in the District started new families in Holy Matrimony. The members of this District have shown tremendous support for these Pastors in various ways: visible and invisible. May God richly bless members and Pastors in the District for their love and unconditional support for our young Pastors: Rev and Pastor Makamu of Giyani East, Rev and Ms Mokgomole of Sekgaule branch,  as well as Pastor and Ms Mokoena of Tours Church. The Bible says: two are better than one (Ecclesiastes :9-11); so we are looking forward to your doubled effort in the work of God.

Pastors Departed and Bereaved

The Pastors are the pillars of the local church and the District, because members look upon them when they are bereaved or have problems.  For a Pastor to depart or bereaved was always a big blow to the church, the District and to me personally. My heart was wounded in each case, I felt I needed support as my parents, brothers and sisters went through pains of bereavement. At one stage I failed to be at the funeral of the Pastor as I was too ill to wake up. I recall with pain, the departure of our members and their bereavement, and also with hope that one day all of us will be united and sing together the heavenly choir.

LOCAL CHURCH	BEREAVED FAMILY	DEPARTED
Lorraine	Rev & Ms Mangena	Their Son
Nkowankowa	Ntimane	Rev Ida Ntimane
Mogoboya	Rev A.S. Monyela	His wife Pastor Dinah Monyela
Malamulele	Rev Mhlongo	His wife: Johanna Mhlongo
Muyexe	Mashimbye	Pastor P.Mashimbye
Tours / Burgersdorp	Machimana	Pastor Blantina and Mr Machimana
Kgapane	Maeko	Widowed Pastor Maeko
Dan	Rev and Ms Shikwambana	Their daughter
Mabins & Lepelle	Rev Mashitoa	His son
Giyani East	Ngomane	Rev M.B. Ngomane
The Oaks	Pastor Mahlatji	Her husband Rev T.J. Mahlatji
Nkowankowa	Rev E.F & Rev F.E. Mnisi	Their son
Lenyenye	Pastor Maake	Her husband Rev S. C. Maake
Ramalema	Rev T.S. Moagi	His wife Pastor N.J. Moagi

GENERAL ASSEMBLY (Orlando, Florida USA)

We had a wonderful experience during June 2009 to fly to the General Assembly. Our District made history by sending  nine delegates (two members paid for themselves) to America as follows:

NMI: Rev E.F. Mnisi and Pastor L.Mathebula

SDMI: Rev J. Supe, Ms A.S. Mhlongo, Ms M.J. Maenetja.

NYI: Mr M.L. Bopape, Ms A. Letsoalo

General Assembly: Rev M.C. Maenetja, Pastor P.T. Mamiane

Upon return from America, we were empowered with more knowledge of the Church of the Nazarene and we implemented most of the things we learnt there. I strongly encourage members to avail themselves to attend the following General Assembly in 2013.

STEPPING DOWN

There is time for everything, and I am convinced that this is the right time for me to move out of the position of the Superintendent of North East District. I have prayerfully put all my efforts to execute my duties to this day. I believe it is time to hand over leadership of the District to whom members, as directed by God have elected. I pledge my full support to the District Superintendent and the District as a whole. I will always cherish the heavy investment that the Church of the Nazarene incurred for the Maenetja family in general and to me in particular

My prayer is for the unity, working together unselfishly as God Himself declared in Genesis 11:6: These people are united and there is nothing they can fail to achieve. I am praying to see the great revival as the song writer says: the great revival is coming! I wish to see the Word of God permeate all villages; and I believe this will happen when Pastors and members are united, support new churches and help them to grow. I remember the late Evangelist, Rev Charles Maake’s statement: “The Church today has financial muscle. If all departments can come together and understand that we all owe to see the Good News spread, not only through NMI; we can achieve more than all of us who depended on Missionaries.” All these will happen when people go according to the Great Commission, introspect themselves,  and allow God to be listened, and not oppose His will. 

FROM DISTRICT MEMBERS!!!!!!!!!