Religious Encounter
In Nelson Mandela's autobiography he tells the story of his early encounter with Christianity. "The Church was as concerned with this world as the next: I saw that virtually all of the achievements of Africans seemed to have come about through the missionary work of the Church." Mandela became a member of the Students Christian Association and taught Bible classes on Sundays in nearby villages.
A few weeks before he was elected South Africa's president, he gave a religious speech at a Catholic church's Easter conference. He read the Beatitudes and then praised God for "The Good News borne by our risen Messiah who chose not one race, who chose not one country, who chose not one language, who chose not one tribe, who chose all of humankind!" Mandela established his commitment to Christ as his Lord throughout his life.
The concept of completing missionary work for the church, helping others and preaching the Good Word called Mandela to a religious successful life.
A few weeks before he was elected South Africa's president, he gave a religious speech at a Catholic church's Easter conference. He read the Beatitudes and then praised God for "The Good News borne by our risen Messiah who chose not one race, who chose not one country, who chose not one language, who chose not one tribe, who chose all of humankind!" Mandela established his commitment to Christ as his Lord throughout his life.
The concept of completing missionary work for the church, helping others and preaching the Good Word called Mandela to a religious successful life.