Is There a Positive Revolution in the Making in Mthatha, South Africa?
July 19, 2024
By Prof. Lois Semenye, Ph.d
About 300 participants gathered in Mthatha, East Coast at RUCC Ministries from 16th to 19th June 1924 to attend a conference organized by International Council for Higher Education (ICHE) under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Mannoia. The theme of the conference was Integration, there were five tracks that addressed these areas: - Integration of Faith - Learning; Business; Politics; Health Care; Science.
This theme was a timely discussion in our contemporary world where majority of Christians live a dual life, daily actions do not necessarily measure up with what the Scripture directs us. Christian life style is not only lived out on Sunday only but everyday of our lives and in all our vocations.
An excellent illustration was shared by Dr. K Mannoia how we can eat blueberries and yogurt; one can take a bite of yogurt followed by a spoonful of blueberries, this he referred as INTERFACE or one can mix the blueberries and yogurt in the same bowl, while scooping one can get the mixture or blueberries and yogurt or scoop only the yogurt, this he called INTERACTION. Lastly one can mash the blueberries and yogurt in the same bowl and have a smooth mixture of the two as one, he called this INTEGRATION. Integration is thus calling us believers to put our faith in Christ and hence express Christ in whatever we do. We become a true Aroma of Christ.
One of my highlights at the conference is meeting people who are trying to integrate whatever they do with Christian faith. A good example was Mrs. Zintle Mokgapa who facilitated the track on Business. She believes her call by God is to make disciples of all people. Her ministry expresses the love of God through work and serving people. She is a part of a team in Cape Town that includes other parts of Africa. She is responsible to create content; create business networks where they exchange ideas and more importantly integrate Christian faith and foster spiritual growth in their clients.
Zintle enjoys what she is doing despite some challenges of client’s availability, position in their business. Her drive is to restore the business world to what God meant it to be!
The participants at the conference were challenged; are they aroma of Christ in whatever they do?
My prayer is Col. 3:17 be our lifestyle and hence have a positive revolution in where we are!
