Initially reluctant to embrace a life of devotion, Phetsile Mbetse, a young woman of Siphocosini, shares her personal journey of faith and how it began, However, she explained that witnessing her mother and family’s unwavering faith helped her to realise God’s power and goodness.
Mbetse said she couldn’t recall the exact date when her journey with God began, but she noted that church had always been the centre of her family’s life, a place where they would ‘offload and cast all their burdens’. She recalled her mother used to encourage her and her sister to attend church even when they didn’t want to and they would complain about wearing the same clothes and school shoes. Mbetse also remembered the long distances they sometimes walked-12 kilometres from Mantabeni to Embo Methodist Church. She explained that as she grew older, she began to understand why her mother, aunts and grandmother had made God and the church the centre of their lives.
Mbetse shared that over time, she started to feel her nervous system cringe whenever she missed church.
She said she had come to truly understand how much God loved her and that His help was always present.
In 2021, Mbetse made a conscious decision to join the Wesley Guild, a youth organisation within the Methodist Church, to further her spiritual growth. She stated that she had grown since then.
She recently had the opportunity to travel overseas, which she described as an eye-opening experience. She said witnessing people of other races and backgrounds worshipping God as their only hope helped deepen her connection with God and strengthen her faith journey.
Mbetse affirmed that she always holds firm to the belief that ‘Oh, what a loving God our God is.
A love the Greek call ‘Agape Love’. She also quoted her favourite Bible verse, Romans 8:38-39, which she said comforted her during challenges by reminding her that nothing can separate her from God’s love. She added that her belief that God is able to do ‘exceedingly more than I can ask for’ keeps her going.
Mbetse expressed that she would never forget all the good that God had done and how safe she felt in the knowledge that she was loved by Him.
She said she would, therefore, dwell in the house of the Lord for all the days of her life. One of her dreams for herself and other Christians is that they will always strive to seek God’s presence, as the Bible says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.” She asked: “Who doesn’t want to be wise, and ultimately bear all the fruits of His Spirit so that when others see us, they see His goodness?” She said this statement aligns with her favourite hymn, which she always sings with her grandmother:’Mandithwale Iziqhamo EzoMoya OviNgcwele’.
To fellow brethren, Mbetse offers encouragement to constantly seek God’s presence, reminding them that their reward is in Heaven. She shared that she believes all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
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