Baptist Church pastor ordained
SPREADING love and hope in a world ‘corrupted with hate and greed’ is what drives Pastor Shadrack Khumalo to pursue his love for ministry.
The Empangeni Baptist Church pastor was last week ordained after completing his studies in theology.
The dedicated man of God spent 19 years in youth ministry, working with various organisations in the country.
His passion drove him to give up a secure government position to take up ministry full time.
Years later, Khumalo said he has no regrets.
‘I worked at the Department of Health where I collected and interpreted statistics which helped management make informed decisions. I gave up the benefits and took a R15 000 drop in my salary to pursue my passion for preaching, because I strongly believed this is my calling.’
The father of two, whose early life was paved with hardship and loss, said it was his pain that drew him closer to God.
‘I grew up struggling in life and I came from a broken family. It was a tough life. God placed me under my aunt’s parenthood. They were people who led Christian lives. It was under their mentorship that I was exposed to the church.’
Soon after Khumalo discovered his calling, he spent his days preaching to whoever would listen with the hope that more people would find peace in God.
‘Many times people who need God are not always the ones who are at church. I love talking about Christ and the difference He made in my life.
‘I loved standing up, even if it was at a taxi rank, and sharing the word of God. It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit would touch people. Knowing that I could bring one person closer to God, helped me sleep better.’
Despite being content with his chosen path, Khumalo said he faced challenges that tested his faith and commitment.
‘Pastors are not immune to bitterness, to hurt and rejection. Corruption has become an accepted lifestyle.
‘When you lead a life that contradicts this, you face rejection. But ultimately, I am trying to be a good example to people by trying every day to follow Christ’s example. I am not perfect and to do this job means that I love people who reject my love.’
Khumalo believes that love is the cure to all worldly problems.
‘One of the things that can change the world is not another good constitution or military force, but love in the purest form. Nothing more can motivate someone other than to be loved.
‘Knowing that I am deeply loved by Jesus makes all the difference when I am confronted by my own challenges.’
One of the things that can change the world is not another good constitution or military force, but love in the purest form