So there is this conference going on at the campus today called the 'International Peace in Africa Conference." And delegates from all over the country came to talk about peace and being Christian and involved in politics. So the prince of the Zulu people arrived to come and talk!! Everyone on campus was freaking out all day because we were all so excited about seeing this guy and hearing him talk.
And from what Michael Cassidy had told us in his life story and the real story of the ending of apartheid, this guy was a major player. Anyway, he is a solid Christian man and the most humble, incredible person I have ever heard. He talked about his life and struggles as a Christian in politics during the time of apartheid. What a huge blessing it was tonight to be able to hear him speak.
At the end, he had made a bunch of copies of his speech so we got some. And he took pictures with us and answered questions in front of the whole congregation. Absolutely incredible man.
A few excerpts from his speech:
"Does it make me any less of a Christian that I befriend those outside the Christian faith? I think not; for Christ sat down to meals in the house of Gentiles and sinners, and we know that when the Pharisees questioned Him, He explained that those who are well have no need of a physician. Wherever we go as Christians, we are ambassadors of Christ, and where else can our lights shine brightly, but in the very midst of the darkness? This has been my reference point all my life, as I have sought to lead and serve my nation."
"Indeed, loneliness has characterized my Christian walk. I was branded a traitor and a sell our because I would not lead my people into war. It was a very painful time. I thank God for a lady by the name of Dr. Anthea Jeffrey, an academic who has engaged in comprehensive research of that period in our history and has written a seminal work called "People's War." I would encourage anyone to read it, but particularly those who seek to understand the true dynamics that shaped the violent struggle and internecine low intensity civil war that raged in South Africa during the eighties and early nineties."
"It was also difficult for me being poles apart with the head of my church, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. We were of directly opposing views. At the funeral service of Robert Sobukwe in Graaf Reinet...an attempt was made on my life during the funeral service by a group of youths. In the aftermath, Archbishop Tutu publicly praised these young men, saying they were a new breed of young people with iron in their souls. This from the head of my own Church. Where then could I turn for comfort?
"When President Nelson Mandela in his Cabinet, of which I was a member, proposed Archbishop Tutu as Chairsperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, I went on record with my objection, saying that the Archbishop had been a patron of the UDF in the time of conflict. The TRC required a nonpartisan leadership. Nevertheless, Archbishop Tutu chaired the TRC. When I appeared before it, I boldly addressed the Chair and said, "Your Grace, I shall not be judged by you. God is my sole judge and I shall be judged by Him alone."
"Nevertheless, being a Christian is a remarkable thing, because Archbishop Tutu and I still exchange birthday wishes every year. When Mrs. Tutu turned 70, I was invited to the celebrations, and I went with nothing but goodwill in my heart. That is the glory of Christ; that no matter what humiliations and trials are heaped upon his children, they are able to forgive. People have often asked me how I have managed to forgive the atrocities committed by the apartheid regime in my country, or the slaughter of my people by members of the ANC. I have even been asked how I could forgive God for taking from me four of my children, two to car accidents and two to HIV/AIDS."
"But when I consider the life I have lived, the doors that God has opened for me and the dangers from which He has preserved me, I cannot help but wonder as King David did, "What is man that you are mindful of Him, the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:4) I know that I am nothing more than a redeemed sinner, justified by the blood of Christ. My own sins have not disqualified me, and neither have the sins of others which have been committed against me. I am not disqualified from the race to which the apostle Paul refers in Hebrews 12, because the work of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was finished on the cross."
"Yes, it has been an incredible challenge being a Christian and a politician, as I have sought to promote peace in the last 62 years. I also know that I could never have promoted peace of fulfilled my calling in politics had not been grounded in Christ. When a sage from India conferred on me the title of 'RASTIA PITA'-apostle of peace, I was humbled."
This man is so incredibly humble and is firm in the Lord Jesus Christ. I count myself so blessed to be able to be a part of tonight's conference. WOW, when the leadership finds it's foundation in the Lord, countries and people groups are changed.
Praise the Lord God Almighty
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