I just wanted to work with people and for God

Growing up in a small neighbour-hood in Harare, Zimbabwe, I had a feeling this was how big my world was going to be.

Little did I know that God was setting me up for a worldwide journey for his Kingdom.

I am the first-born in a family of six and was dedicated to the Lord as a baby. My siblings and I were so loved by our parents. The Salvation Army was my church and I was very involved, but during my high school years, church wasn’t one of my priorities and I had no time for God. Thankfully, that didn’t last long. I rededicated my life to God and started to again actively participate in the life of my church.

In 1993, I was in the second year of a diesel mechanic course. I knew I could have made a lot of money but suddenly lost joy for this work, even though I was getting very good at it. I quit halfway through the course. I just wanted to work with people! I wanted to do more for God, to be part of people’s growth and help them through tough times. There was also nothing as satisfying to me as telling children about Jesus.

Then, in mid-1997 while working for Scripture Union as a youth and schools worker, my life experienced a big turn. I received an all-expenses-paid opportunity to study for Salvation Army youth ministries at Lake Munmorah, Australia. During this time, God opened my eyes to the greater work the Army was doing around the globe—whether it was in the remote villages of Nigeria or the glitz of Zurich, Switzerland.

From 1999 through to 2007, my base was The Salvation Army Masiye camp for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS. During a sojourn in 2003, my wife and I hit the shores of New Zealand where we found ourselves working with homeless youths in Wellington. This greatly enhanced our skills and passion for Christ, so we went back home and helped build a highly competent team of young people who are still active in Africa and other parts of the world.

We returned to New Zealand in 2010 and are now stationed in Motueka as ministry leaders. We will be walking the journey with people of this region for Christ and with Christ so our daily living unashamedly points to him. Jesus is the one with the redeeming force that turns people’s world upside down—the man Jesus Christ!

God strategically helps people in their spiritual journeys and then puts them where they need to be at the right time. That is why we are here. God also perceives us differently than the world—we are agents for his Kingdom. It is only logical that we roll up our sleeves and answer that call.

By Ezekiel Mafusire (abridged from War Cry, 22 September 2012, p9)