Standerton’s Reverend James uses his energy to serve the community
He joined the Replika Church in 2004 and a year later, was sent to the International Bible College in Polokwane (Pietersburg).
An evangelist from Standerton, Reverend James Hadebe, has established a congregation in Ext 8 under the auspices of the Replika Church in town.
Not one to miss an appointment, the reverend was ready to talk about his life 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
He grew up in a farming community, Brakland, and underwent schooling at several schools including Makakoba and iGugulabasha primary schools before leaving for Soshanguve in Pretoria.
He stayed with an aunt, a committed Christian, who passed on the religious message to the teenager.
“I must have been 15/16 years old when I accepted the Lord,” he said.
James concentrated on tent crusades in the capital and returned to Standerton in 2000. He joined the Replika Church in 2004 and a year later, was sent to the International Bible College in Polokwane (Pietersburg).
His fellow students hailed from countries such as Malawi, Angola, Zambia and the US. His class of 32 students was down to 22 at the end of his studies.
“To study theology one needs a calling for the ministry. It takes dedication and sacrifice.”
James is no stranger to the languages in South Africa, fluent in Zulu, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Ndebele, and English and has a rudimentary knowledge of Xhosa and Afrikaans.
On the home front, his wife Mamelo Constance waits, keeping the home fires burning and caring for the two boys and one girl.
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He got a soccer team together in Ext 8 and coaches the young boys the skills needed to master this fast game. This former middle-fielder works on keeping fit to keep up with all the energy of the young players.
“For the soccer game, one has to have a big heart and plenty of patience,” he commented.
Oh yes, Orlando Pirates has won his heart. James undoubtedly is a realist and takes disappointments, especially with people, in his stride.
The reverend previously spent three weeks in Zambia at 13 different places and the law and order, prevalent in this African country, left a lasting impression.
He thanked Ds Ettienne Rossouw and the whole team at Replika for sending him to the bible college and it was no afterthought, also thanked his wife of 12 years, for her unwavering support.
