Wendywood pastor works to inspire community men
Pastor Justin Naidoo opened the men’s dialogue with an empowering motivational speech.
As much as a solid roof blocks out the rain, a strong foundation keeps the whole building from collapsing.
On March 15, Zoe Community Church in Wendywood hosted the community’s men to a men’s dialogue – through which Paster Justin Naidoo hoped to breathe hope and inspiration into the men’s lives.
“We decided as a community church to do something that will empower men; to help them find their purpose, to understand their position and their assignment on the earth,” Naidoo said. “The dialogue is a platform where from they can begin to understand that there is hope for them, as well as to relate with people who are going through similar struggles.”
Naidoo explained how things had changed in modern years. Men are no longer sole breadwinners in their households, and Naidoo sympathises with the socio-economic situation facing many males across South Africa.
“With a man not working in the house, it can be a very belittling thing for him – so we are trying to see how we can empower them to speak to that,” Naidoo said. “Men, within this century, have been under tremendous pressure and strain. We find that more and more men are committing suicide, and the pressures of life seem to be getting to them.”
The dialogue sought to cultivate a renewed perspective in men, bringing together males from varying age groups to discourse as a community. Naidoo counselled the group of men to set goals, work hard, and not shy away from menial labour if it sustains the family.
Resonantly, Naidoo’s message that sovereignty goes hand-in-hand with responsibility enlightened attendees old and young alike. Rajen Moodley, hailed as the eldest participant, reflected on who he had been before making better decisions for himself.
“At one stage, all I cared about were my friends and having a good time,” Moodley shared with the group. “My children, actually, opened my eyes and asked me to give up drinking. It opened my eyes, and I completely stopped drinking at that time.”
Business administration student Delwyn Madhanlal praised the event for inspiring an evening of introspection for him.
“I was asked to attend by the community for my benefit,” Madhanlal said. “The whole experience I had made me look into myself; it inspired me to feel accountable for the things I’m doing, and it made me want to better myself.”
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