Pretoria young man writes a book of hope
If you've lost, prepare to have your mind transformed.
A well-mannered young man from humble beginnings who is not only an entrepreneur but an author, motivational speaker and youth pastor recently wrote a book of hope.
Bongani Putsoane’s first book, Knocked down but not out, focuses on his life growing up to today.
Putsoane (26) of Pretoria said the book is about a true story of a young man who, like most children, was a wayward kid.
“I was addicted to drugs, a drunkard and stole money from home as well as disruptive.
“I got suspended from school, failed my grade, had multiple girlfriends, was disrespectful and a disgrace to my family and the community,” he said.
Putsoane said the amazing thing is how God suddenly changed his life from the day he attended a church service.
“It was the day I received Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
Putsoane was born into a Muslim family.
“Going to madrasa – the Islam classes, mosque and reading the Quran became a daily routine that I later realised didn’t instil any values in me.
“More especially at the critical age of building the foundation of a child.
“I was frustrated because as a child I never had an opportunity to play with other kids,” he said.
He said he then developed hatred towards the religion and decided to call it quits.
“My parents let me be since I had already stopped the routine, and both the madrasa teacher and the parents had failed to discipline me.
“This resulted in me being exposed to the world, as I had more time in my hands, and that’s when things spun out of control,” he said.
It got worse to the point that his father said, “from now on, you’re no longer my son … I disown you.”
“I was ordered to pack my clothes and leave.
“That was a critical moment. I cried because I didn’t know what to do or where to go until God came to the rescue,” he said.
Putsoane said God sent a friend who told him to give his life to God.
“Since I didn’t come from a financially stable family, I wore torn trousers, but that didn’t stop me from attending church the following day.
“After the sinner’s prayer after the church sermon, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
“That was the beginning of my new nature, new life.
He said his substance addiction stopped completely.
“I started behaving and being respectful at home and God led me to his purpose which I am currently living out.
“Preaching the gospel to the youth as a youth pastor all over the world, being a motivational speaker and an entrepreneur,” he said.
He said the book by far was the best book he would recommend to the youth and their parents.
“If you lose hope in yourself or your children, prepare to have your mind transformed.
Putsoane said if God could change his story, he certainly can change anybody else’s.
“We serve a God of mercy, a God of second chances, a loving God, the God that brings glory unto Himself through us.
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