Here I Am, Send Me: A Call to Equip the Church Through Biblical Training
Isaiah 6:8
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
My name is Masirheni Robert Mahlaule. I am a 71-year-old South African Christian, a member of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) since 1979, and an ordained preacher since 1997. For nearly five decades I have devoted my life to serving God and His people. Today, I write with humility and hope, seeking support to continue preparing myself for greater service through theological education.
I survive on a government old-age grant of ZAR 2 400 (approximately 130 US dollars) per month, which is barely enough to cover my basic living expenses. As a result, I am unable to raise the funds required to pursue an Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity, despite my deep desire to continue learning and serving. I therefore appeal to generous individuals, churches, ministries, and Christian organizations to consider partnering with me in this important mission.
My Journey of Faith
My journey with Christ did not begin in a classroom or a seminary. It began through suffering.
Before I joined the ZCC, I was seriously ill. I spent much of my time in and out of hospitals seeking medical help. Like many Africans in desperate circumstances, I also consulted traditional healers, hoping to find relief from my condition. Yet nothing seemed to work.
When I eventually came to the ZCC, pastors prayed for me and laid hands on me. Within three days I could feel a remarkable difference. Week by week my condition improved, and before long I was back on my feet. God had touched my life.
However, looking back, I realise that being healed was not the same as being converted. When I was baptised, I simply joined the church; I had not yet experienced true conversion.
My genuine conversion came later through the preaching of the Gospel. The turning point was when the late Evangelist Billy Graham visited Johannesburg. Through his ministry I came to understand salvation through Jesus Christ in a deeper and more personal way. My faith became rooted not merely in church membership but in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. From that time onward, my life was transformed.
My Calling to Ministry
As I grew in faith, I developed a strong desire to serve others. More than a decade after joining the church, I was ordained as a preacher. Since 1997 I have faithfully carried out the responsibilities entrusted to me.
I have been authorised to preach the Word of God, pray for the sick, conduct funeral services, and minister to people in times of need. These responsibilities have brought me into contact with people from all walks of life, and they have taught me that the greatest need within the church is not merely growth in numbers but growth in biblical understanding.
Over the years, I have witnessed the power of God's Word to transform lives. I have also witnessed the confusion and spiritual challenges that arise when church leaders lack adequate biblical training. This reality has strengthened my conviction that sound theological education is one of the most urgent needs facing the church today.
The Challenge Facing the ZCC
The Zion Christian Church is one of the largest churches in Africa, with millions of members. Throughout its history it has offered hope, healing, fellowship, and spiritual support to countless people.
However, like many churches, it faces significant challenges. One of the most pressing is the shortage of adequately Bible-trained pastors and teachers.
Where biblical knowledge is limited, misunderstandings and unchristian practices can emerge. Church leadership may work hard to address such issues, but without well-trained pastors who are grounded in Scripture, these challenges can persist from generation to generation.
I firmly believe that the most effective antidote to error is not criticism but education. The church needs pastors who understand the Bible thoroughly and who can teach God's Word with wisdom, clarity, and conviction.
Such training requires resources, commitment, and opportunities that are often beyond the reach of ordinary church members.
Christianity and African Culture
Another issue that often causes misunderstanding concerns the relationship between Christianity and African culture.
Some Christians become concerned when they hear that African cultural practices have a place within African churches. They sometimes assume that all African culture is synonymous with ancestor veneration or other spiritual practices that they believe conflict with Christian teaching.
I believe such assumptions oversimplify a much more complex reality.
African culture is rich, diverse, and multifaceted. It cannot be reduced to a single belief, ritual, or worldview. Culture includes language, music, dress, family relationships, moral values, customs, community life, and many other aspects of human experience.
It is helpful to recognise that culture operates on different levels. There is expressive culture, social culture, ethical culture, and ritual or spiritual culture.
A church may wholeheartedly embrace African languages, music, customs of respect, family values, and community solidarity while still questioning or discouraging certain practices that carry particular religious significance.
The real question is not whether African culture matters. It certainly does. The real question is whether any particular practice is consistent with biblical teaching about God, worship, and salvation.
Christianity has always lived within cultures. Beginning in first-century Judaism, the Gospel spread into Greek, Roman, African, and Middle Eastern societies. The early church adopted local languages and social forms to communicate the Gospel effectively. At the same time, it rejected practices that conflicted with biblical faith.
This challenge remains with us today. We must respect culture while remaining faithful to Scripture. We must distinguish between what is cultural and what is theological. Doing so requires mature leadership and sound biblical training.
Why I Have Chosen to Remain in the ZCC
Throughout my years of ministry, I have had opportunities to leave the ZCC and join churches with greater resources.
On several occasions, leaders from other churches approached me with attractive offers. I was promised better financial support, housing, vehicles, and other incentives that would undoubtedly have improved my standard of living.
Yet I declined those offers.
I remained because I believe that God called me to serve where the need is greatest.
Historically, the ZCC has served many ordinary Africans, including people who had little formal education. Many were drawn to African Initiated Churches because they felt misunderstood or marginalised during earlier periods of missionary activity.
Some Africans were pressured to abandon traditional names in favour of European ones. Others faced difficult demands regarding family arrangements and cultural identity. Whether justified or not, many felt alienated.
The ZCC became a spiritual home where they could worship God while maintaining aspects of their cultural identity.
For this reason, I believe the church deserves leaders who can combine deep biblical faith with an understanding of the people they serve.
My Vision for the Future
My vision is simple but ambitious.
I want to be part of a movement that equips pastors, Sunday School teachers, and church leaders with sound biblical knowledge.
Recently, I completed a Sunday School Manual, which has been submitted to church headquarters for approval. My hope is that this resource will strengthen the teaching ministry of our church and help provide solid biblical foundations for the next generation.
I also actively encourage pastors and church workers who are able to read and write to pursue theological education. Whenever possible, I introduce them to opportunities such as the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and other learning resources.
Yet many faithful pastors face significant barriers. Some have limited educational backgrounds. Others cannot read or write English fluently, although they are capable ministers in their own African languages.
My desire is to help bridge this gap. With further theological education, I hope to mentor, train, and encourage these servants of God, enabling them to minister more effectively within their communities.
My Appeal for Sponsorship
This is why I am seeking sponsorship for my Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity.
At my age, some may wonder why I still wish to study. My answer is simple: because the need remains great, and God has not withdrawn His calling from my life.
I may be seventy-one years old, but I still possess a passion for learning, teaching, and serving. I believe that additional theological training will equip me to contribute even more effectively to the church and to the preparation of future leaders.
Unfortunately, my financial circumstances make it impossible for me to pay the required fees. My old-age grant barely covers daily living expenses, leaving no funds available for further education.
I therefore humbly ask any individual, church, ministry, educational institution, or Christian organisation that shares my vision to consider assisting me financially.
Your contribution would not simply support one elderly student. It would help equip a preacher who is committed to training and encouraging others. The benefits would extend beyond me to pastors, teachers, church members, and communities that may never have access to formal theological training.
Conclusion
For many years, I have attempted to serve faithfully wherever God has placed me. I have prayed for the sick, preached the Gospel, buried the dead, taught believers, and encouraged church leaders. I have sacrificed opportunities for personal gain because I believe my calling is here among the people of the ZCC.
Today I ask for your partnership.
As Isaiah responded to God's call centuries ago, my response remains the same:
"Here I am. Send me."
My willingness to serve is unwavering. My vision is clear. My need is genuine.
With your support, I can obtain the education necessary to strengthen my ministry and help equip others for the work of God's Kingdom.
Thank you for considering my request and for taking the time to hear my story.
Yours faithfully,
Masirheni Robert Mahlaule
ZCC Preacher and Candidate for an Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity
Email: mahlaulemr11@outlook.com
Cellphone: +27 65 8100 498
Here I Am, Send Me: A Call to Equip the Church Through Biblical Training
Isaiah 6:8
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
My name is Masirheni Robert Mahlaule. I am a 71-year-old South African Christian, a member of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) since 1979, and an ordained preacher since 1997. For nearly five decades I have devoted my life to serving God and His people. Today, I write with humility and hope, seeking support to continue preparing myself for greater service through theological education.
I survive on a government old-age grant of ZAR 2 400 (approximately 130 US dollars) per month, which is barely enough to cover my basic living expenses. As a result, I am unable to raise the funds required to pursue an Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity, despite my deep desire to continue learning and serving. I therefore appeal to generous individuals, churches, ministries, and Christian organizations to consider partnering with me in this important mission.
My Journey of Faith
My journey with Christ did not begin in a classroom or a seminary. It began through suffering.
Before I joined the ZCC, I was seriously ill. I spent much of my time in and out of hospitals seeking medical help. Like many Africans in desperate circumstances, I also consulted traditional healers, hoping to find relief from my condition. Yet nothing seemed to work.
When I eventually came to the ZCC, pastors prayed for me and laid hands on me. Within three days I could feel a remarkable difference. Week by week my condition improved, and before long I was back on my feet. God had touched my life.
However, looking back, I realise that being healed was not the same as being converted. When I was baptised, I simply joined the church; I had not yet experienced true conversion.
My genuine conversion came later through the preaching of the Gospel. The turning point was when the late Evangelist Billy Graham visited Johannesburg. Through his ministry I came to understand salvation through Jesus Christ in a deeper and more personal way. My faith became rooted not merely in church membership but in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. From that time onward, my life was transformed.
My Calling to Ministry
As I grew in faith, I developed a strong desire to serve others. More than a decade after joining the church, I was ordained as a preacher. Since 1997 I have faithfully carried out the responsibilities entrusted to me.
I have been authorised to preach the Word of God, pray for the sick, conduct funeral services, and minister to people in times of need. These responsibilities have brought me into contact with people from all walks of life, and they have taught me that the greatest need within the church is not merely growth in numbers but growth in biblical understanding.
Over the years, I have witnessed the power of God's Word to transform lives. I have also witnessed the confusion and spiritual challenges that arise when church leaders lack adequate biblical training. This reality has strengthened my conviction that sound theological education is one of the most urgent needs facing the church today.
The Challenge Facing the ZCC
The Zion Christian Church is one of the largest churches in Africa, with millions of members. Throughout its history it has offered hope, healing, fellowship, and spiritual support to countless people.
However, like many churches, it faces significant challenges. One of the most pressing is the shortage of adequately Bible-trained pastors and teachers.
Where biblical knowledge is limited, misunderstandings and unchristian practices can emerge. Church leadership may work hard to address such issues, but without well-trained pastors who are grounded in Scripture, these challenges can persist from generation to generation.
I firmly believe that the most effective antidote to error is not criticism but education. The church needs pastors who understand the Bible thoroughly and who can teach God's Word with wisdom, clarity, and conviction.
Such training requires resources, commitment, and opportunities that are often beyond the reach of ordinary church members.
Christianity and African Culture
Another issue that often causes misunderstanding concerns the relationship between Christianity and African culture.
Some Christians become concerned when they hear that African cultural practices have a place within African churches. They sometimes assume that all African culture is synonymous with ancestor veneration or other spiritual practices that they believe conflict with Christian teaching.
I believe such assumptions oversimplify a much more complex reality.
African culture is rich, diverse, and multifaceted. It cannot be reduced to a single belief, ritual, or worldview. Culture includes language, music, dress, family relationships, moral values, customs, community life, and many other aspects of human experience.
It is helpful to recognise that culture operates on different levels. There is expressive culture, social culture, ethical culture, and ritual or spiritual culture.
A church may wholeheartedly embrace African languages, music, customs of respect, family values, and community solidarity while still questioning or discouraging certain practices that carry particular religious significance.
The real question is not whether African culture matters. It certainly does. The real question is whether any particular practice is consistent with biblical teaching about God, worship, and salvation.
Christianity has always lived within cultures. Beginning in first-century Judaism, the Gospel spread into Greek, Roman, African, and Middle Eastern societies. The early church adopted local languages and social forms to communicate the Gospel effectively. At the same time, it rejected practices that conflicted with biblical faith.
This challenge remains with us today. We must respect culture while remaining faithful to Scripture. We must distinguish between what is cultural and what is theological. Doing so requires mature leadership and sound biblical training.
Why I Have Chosen to Remain in the ZCC
Throughout my years of ministry, I have had opportunities to leave the ZCC and join churches with greater resources.
On several occasions, leaders from other churches approached me with attractive offers. I was promised better financial support, housing, vehicles, and other incentives that would undoubtedly have improved my standard of living.
Yet I declined those offers.
I remained because I believe that God called me to serve where the need is greatest.
Historically, the ZCC has served many ordinary Africans, including people who had little formal education. Many were drawn to African Initiated Churches because they felt misunderstood or marginalised during earlier periods of missionary activity.
Some Africans were pressured to abandon traditional names in favour of European ones. Others faced difficult demands regarding family arrangements and cultural identity. Whether justified or not, many felt alienated.
The ZCC became a spiritual home where they could worship God while maintaining aspects of their cultural identity.
For this reason, I believe the church deserves leaders who can combine deep biblical faith with an understanding of the people they serve.
My Vision for the Future
My vision is simple but ambitious.
I want to be part of a movement that equips pastors, Sunday School teachers, and church leaders with sound biblical knowledge.
Recently, I completed a Sunday School Manual, which has been submitted to church headquarters for approval. My hope is that this resource will strengthen the teaching ministry of our church and help provide solid biblical foundations for the next generation.
I also actively encourage pastors and church workers who are able to read and write to pursue theological education. Whenever possible, I introduce them to opportunities such as the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and other learning resources.
Yet many faithful pastors face significant barriers. Some have limited educational backgrounds. Others cannot read or write English fluently, although they are capable ministers in their own African languages.
My desire is to help bridge this gap. With further theological education, I hope to mentor, train, and encourage these servants of God, enabling them to minister more effectively within their communities.
My Appeal for Sponsorship
This is why I am seeking sponsorship for my Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity.
At my age, some may wonder why I still wish to study. My answer is simple: because the need remains great, and God has not withdrawn His calling from my life.
I may be seventy-one years old, but I still possess a passion for learning, teaching, and serving. I believe that additional theological training will equip me to contribute even more effectively to the church and to the preparation of future leaders.
Unfortunately, my financial circumstances make it impossible for me to pay the required fees. My old-age grant barely covers daily living expenses, leaving no funds available for further education.
I therefore humbly ask any individual, church, ministry, educational institution, or Christian organisation that shares my vision to consider assisting me financially.
Your contribution would not simply support one elderly student. It would help equip a preacher who is committed to training and encouraging others. The benefits would extend beyond me to pastors, teachers, church members, and communities that may never have access to formal theological training.
Conclusion
For many years, I have attempted to serve faithfully wherever God has placed me. I have prayed for the sick, preached the Gospel, buried the dead, taught believers, and encouraged church leaders. I have sacrificed opportunities for personal gain because I believe my calling is here among the people of the ZCC.
Today I ask for your partnership.
As Isaiah responded to God's call centuries ago, my response remains the same:
"Here I am. Send me."
My willingness to serve is unwavering. My vision is clear. My need is genuine.
With your support, I can obtain the education necessary to strengthen my ministry and help equip others for the work of God's Kingdom.
Thank you for considering my request and for taking the time to hear my story.
Yours faithfully,
Masirheni Robert Mahlaule
ZCC Preacher and Candidate for an Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity
Email: mahlaulemr11@outlook.com
Cellphone: +27 65 8100 498
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