Church sponsors young Musa’s spiritual mission
A civic-minded Ilovu Township man is doing his part to single-handedly uplift his community.
Musa Mvula was born in uMlazi Township, but moved to Ilovu Township in 1998. He is a member of Sweetwaters Full Gospel Church. “The church did a spiritual gifting test for me when I was a new member and this revealed my spiritual gifts are administration and teaching,” said Musa. “I realised I must use my initiative and gifts to uplift the community.”
The church suggested Musa select either Amanzimtoti Community Upliftment Project (AMCUP) or Seed of Hope (SOH) to work with. “I visited both of them. God led me to Seed of Hope as they were dealing with the youth and children, which is my area of interest.”
In April 2005 Musa started working as a volunteer at SOH doing administrative work, but didn’t feel fulfilled. “The late Seed of Hope founder, Derek Liebenberg asked me to take on the children ministry After School. The children were aged between 11 and 15-years-old.” There were eight children in the class when Musa took over. After a few weeks the number had increased to 40. “I realised God wanted me to serve people, but not by doing administration. Terry Keegan of Sweetwaters then invited me join the junior church department as a teacher.”
In June 2011 Musa started his own sports ministry called the New Direction Youth Development Club. “The aim was to share the Gospel, develop leadership qualities within the youth, help them to discover and fulfill their dreams, as well as equip them to play sport and to fight poverty.” New Direction started with 12 players. It now boasts 65 boys and girls who make up three soccer and two netball teams. They train at Ketangeni and Sweetwaters has sponsored their kit.
Last year SOH extended Musa’s service to school outreach. “I visit local schools and teach lifeskills. I have received positive feedback from principals and teachers. They are so amazed by the transformation God has brought to the students in their schools through the message I bring. I believe action speaks louder than words and so I practise what I preach. This is my secret and nothing is impossible with God.”
Musa also teaches a leadership programme at SOH called Live Out Loud. “I was touched by some of the testimonies I heard during their graduation. Most of them moved from being youth who struggled with addictions to leaders in their circle of influence. They started their own youth organisation, which transformed the lives of others.”
This year Sweetwaters’ pastor, Adam Cruickshank asked Musa to join his youth core committee. “This committee equipped me to do my ministries effectively. We plan on making a big difference in the townships.”
The church is sponsoring a Christmas lunch for the club on Saturday, 16 November, where Musa will be presented with a R5,000 cheque towards New Direction.
Musa would like to study psychological counselling next year through the University of South Africa. He was granted admission and registration begins on Monday, 25 November. This degree will help him assist the youth and children who are experiencing trauma. As funds are limited, Musa needs a bursary for this course. If you can help, contact Musa on 082-457-8568 or email mvulamusa@yahoo.com
