Pastor plants hope in hospital’s HIV patients
We can pray as much as we want but we also have to be active and do something to change a life
A RANDOM act of kindness is a non-premeditated, inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world – a description which aptly fits 63-year-old pastor and gardener, John Mkhize who has spent 10 years tending to the sick through healing of the soul and body.
The kind and simple man dedicates his life to not only visit and pray for the sick at Wentworth Hospital but to also provide them with nourishment with his vegetable and flower garden which he has tended for the past decade.
Since 2006, the pastor has come to the hospital to visit HIV patients. He noticed that many of them had no idea about how to nourish their bodies or how to live healthy. Through watching the deterioration of some of the patients, the 63-year-old decided something had to be done, someone has to look after the people who have been ostracised through ignorance and fear. “I saw a need as not many of these sick people knew how to look after themselves or were too poor to do so. They had no sense of self worth so why live? I wanted to give them a reason. We can pray as much as we want but we also have to be active and do something to change a life,” he said.
I saw a need as not many of these sick people knew how to look after themselves or were too poor to do so
After being allowed to use a piece of land by the hospital, Mkhize began planting seeds, creating a space of peace and serenity. “I asked the hospital for a space and they gladly came through for me. I allowed patients who have come to collect their medication to wait in the garden. I watched how bringing them closer to nature calmed them, it gave them peace of mind for that moment,” he added. The garden had more to offer than just peace and quiet but also an abundance of freshly grown vegetables and herbs. Mkhize grew the produce with the sole purpose of giving them to the patients for free. “I also give them seeds and compost so they can start their own garden. Even if there is no space at their homes, I advise them to use old tyres or tins to house the plant,” he added.
The pastor from Cato Manor Mission Church gains nothing from the garden financially as he sustains it through his own pocket. “It is hard, I used to get compost from a man but sadly he died. Right now that’s my biggest concern. But even through the hardships, I’m happy to help the people and I hope to get more visitors from schools or fellow gardeners to come see what I do. I’m eager to teach those who are willing to learn about organics and sustainable living,” said the pastor.
I’m happy to help the people and I hope to get more visitors from schools or fellow gardeners to come see what I do
His biggest dream is to see HIV patients be independent. “I want to see them sustain themselves, to educate each other and to be free. They must find a sense of value,” he said.
Tending to the garden himself is hard work, although he never complains. Always wearing a smile on his face, Mkhize only counts his blessings. “Sure it’s a tiring job but I have found myself here and I would never trade it for anything. I don’t do it for money, I do it to see lives change and to see nature become part of human life again.”
His advice is to enjoy life. “As a gardener it’s great advice, Did you know that plants feed off your energy? If you give off positive energy, they will thrive and grow but if you carry a heavy heart, your plants will wilt and die. Such is life,” said the wise man.
To learn more about gardening or for advice, contact Pastor John Mkhize on 074-828-0150.
