No Longer Lost: 2024 Graduate Zuze Mphepo

As a graduating student at African Christian College, this verse drives me: “We make our plans, but the Lord decides where we will go” (Proverbs 16:9). Coming to this college was a calling from God.

My favorite memory is when I participated in my first class, Spiritual Formation. I had been a born-again Christian for many years before coming to Eswatini. Still, I was not aware of spiritual formation — I was a blind Christian with little focus or knowledge of my relationship with God and my transformational journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ. At African Christian College, I learned various ways that helped deepen my relationship with God and I become more Christlike. Spiritual Formation opened my eyes and was a turning point in my life; it gave me the courage to be a better follower of Christ.

The biggest challenge I overcame as a student was managing time properly. Being a student and working for my fees was difficult, but it was worth it. Even though I felt overwhelmed, I learned to set realistic goals, prioritize my tasks, and seek help from my fellow students and lecturers when needed. Because of my determination and perseverance, I was able to overcome all these trials. Along the way, I became a more organized and disciplined person in time management.

At African Christian College, I discovered my potential, gained knowledge and skills, and set my life on a path of continued spiritual, personal, and academic growth.

Zuze Mphepo, 2024 Graduate

African Christian College also taught me the power of love, unity, and collaboration. Love is demonstrated through the staff members and among students in many ways. We learned about one another’s culture and helped each other accordingly. The power of collaboration is one aspect that I see in both student and community gatherings. I couldn’t have reached and achieved this far without my fellow students. Besides that, I am now equipped with leadership skills because of the love and gifts of a donor I’ve never met! My growth happened because of love, unity, and teamwork.

The most significant change in my attitude since becoming a student is my understanding of Scripture, the church, and being disciples of Christ. Through Hermeneutics, I learned the Bible was not written to us but for us, and as servants of Christ, we must know how to read and interpret the Bible in our cultural contexts. This helps to avoid the misinterpretation of the Scripture. I also learned the importance of understanding the attitude of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Since we were all created in God’s image, we are all disciples of Christ. Even if we can differ in our denominations and cultural backgrounds, even skin color, we are all one in Christ.

Before becoming a student, I felt like a sheep without a shepherd. I struggled to find a guide to lead me on the right path and to serve others through Scripture. I often got lost on my own. At African Christian College, I discovered my potential, gained knowledge and skills, and set my life on a path of continued spiritual, personal, and academic growth.