City youth offered spiritual support
OPENING a gateway for youngsters to receive counselling and support, Campus Crusade will be operating from The Abundant Life Centre (TALC) in Richards Bay every Tuesday morning from 10am to 2pm.
The movement aimed at bringing hope and restoration to community members will also serve as a youth desk and is headed up by Pastor Derrick Manqele, a multi-talented teacher and lecturer with a long history of working with youths.
Community members who are in need of any support, lifelong learning programmes, coaching, spiritual development or personal growth can visit the centre.
Practitioners in the community are also welcome to conduct voluntary services at the centre.
Manqele, who was a high school teacher by profession, had a life changing experience several years ago when one of his students explained that she was sleeping in class because she was always hungry which in turn, was brought on by her antiretroviral treatment.
‘That encounter changed my perception and touched my heart and I felt the urge to help.
‘After leaving the teaching profession I joined Campus Crusade, the para-church organisation which assists local churches with resources, tools and materials for training and making good lifestyle choices.
‘We teach people how to pray, focus on sharing the information and going into churches, universities, businesses and the digital sphere to make an impact.’
Heading up the movement in the region, Manqele has partnered with TALC and will be sharing these life-changing tools through individual interactions and visits to schools, community groups and higher learning institutions.
‘Jesus brought peace and freedom and we strive to build relationships, capacitate and share the message of love.
‘People need constant prayer, care and training and we want community members to come and receive and then go out into their communities and share the information.
‘We have a responsibility to close the generational gap and to embrace the youth regardless of their imperfections, offer them support and the resources to make good life choices.
‘Cross cultural relations is another important factor and for different race groups to understand each other’s identity and to respect each other.
‘We also highlight and educate on the true benefits of forgiveness so people can be set free.’
Manqele achieved the distinction of being the first black South African to be appointed as an area director for Campus Crusade.
He is married to Constance Manqele and is also the chairman of the steering committee that is managing the AIDS education programme in the tri-city area of Richards Bay, Empangeni and eSikhaleni.