I am Michael J. Masumba, born on 17th January 1987. I come from the warm heart of Africa, Malawi. I have three siblings, one elder sister and two young brothers. Being the first born son my parents expect me to be exemplary to my siblings.
Coming to African Christian College has helped me a lot in my spiritual life. It was my first time to be in Christian community whereby all the daily activities are done to glorify God, that is whether in class room, soccer field and other places. It was really a transforming moment for me.
The way I was before I came to African Christian College is not the same way I am now. There are several changes and improvements in my behaviour, intellectual and spiritual life. I know that God is not yet done with me, He is still working on to be the person that he wants me to be. Even though I am not perfect, I can see myself as an exemplary person to my siblings, family, church and community.
I have learnt a lot through the class projects, like counselling case studies, and the college projects, such as, evangelism and the Masudvwini Orphan Meals (MOM) project. In all these projects I had a chance to interact with people from different parts of Swaziland. What I have seen is that people are really desperate for help more especially children and women are more vulnerable to circumstances. Social problems have escalated rapidly and families have lost their essence. HIV/AIDS continues to leave children orphans, young children providing for home needs, grandparents with nothing take care of orphans, fathers neglect their duties, promiscuity in communities. These are some of the problems that really needs serious attention in most of African countries, including my own country Malawi.
African Christian College has equipped me with skills and knowledge to serve others in the Kingdom of God. I really thank African Christian College for laying good a foundation in my life not to be part of the problem but part of the solution to families, church and communities. The degree that I have obtained at African Christian College has opened a way for me to further my studies.
My plan for the next three to five years is that I should be done working on my Master’s degree. My passion is to honour God by serving the poor, vulnerable and families. I would like to pursue a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW), which prepare to be a more competent practitioner in serving others.
I thank God for the good job African Christian College has done in my life, and I also thank my lectures for their effort.
Here is an encouragement to all of you:
The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Therefore, you can do everything through him who gives you strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Just be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
May the good God bless you all.
Michael Masumba is graduating with a Bachelor of Theology degree with a major in Counselling. He is from near the lake in Malawi.
His essay above is part of a series of posts from African Christian College’s 2013 graduates.