Get to know the Champions of the Mission

I am Cadet Nombulelo Khumalo from Khambi Corps in the Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal Division. I am quite excited and also nervous to be here, but what comforts me about being at the CFOT is that I’m here to get pruned and shaped by God Himself as the Gardener takes care of His garden. May the Lord help me as I submit to His mighty leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit at all times. The verse that keeps me going is Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

I am Cadet Andile Matukane, from Naas Corps in Mpumalanga and eSwatini Division. I was called to work for the Lord at the age of 12. It is so interesting to choose the right direction. The Scripture that keeps me going to where I am now is Psalm 1:1-3 “Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night. They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.”

I am Cadet Mbevhana Imisani from Khubvi Corps in Limpopo Division. After I accepted my calling, my life didn’t get easier, but I just grew stronger. I am grateful for my time on the Mission Team which God used to prune and help me grow spiritually. Since I have been in college, I have seen God showing me that ‘I didn’t choose Him, but He is the one who had chosen me.’ Every time moments of self-doubt and criticisms come, I always encourage myself with this Scripture verse: 1 Timothy 4 vs 12, which says, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example in speech, behaviour, in love, in spirit, faith, and in purity.”

I am Cadet Lindani Collen Dlamini, even though I grew up around Central Division, I am actually from Nongoma Corps, in the Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal Division. For me, coming to the College for Officer Training marked the beginning of a season where God would prune me and put me through the fire so that I could come out at the end of it all stronger than I was when I entered. And so far, it was just as I expected; we arrived and straight away God began to allow His Holy Spirit to move within me, and us as a Session. God has us on a journey of transformation already, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us as the year progresses. One verse that keeps me going is found in Philippians 1 verse 6, which says: “being confident of this very thing, that He who started a good work in you will see it to completion, until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I am Cadet Lungile Carol Mkhonto from Naas Corps, Mpumalanga and Eswatini Division. I discovered my calling when I was 18 years old. Now that I am a first-year Cadet, I am grateful and looking forward to seeing God transform my life throughout my officership journey. John 15:16 says, “You didn’t choose me, but I chose you. Appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain.”

I am Cadet Malcolm Moumakwe from Benoni Corps in the Central Division. I am thrilled to be at the CFOT as I am given the opportunity to get trained to be able to preach and spread the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus, and be a blood and fire, Spirit-filled, and Spirit-led Shepherd to the flock of Jesus. I am sitting here at the brink of my chair, waiting and expectant on God’s move upon my training. I know that the evil one isn’t happy about my being here, but I know the Lord is my refuge and my fortress, as stated in Psalms 91:2-6.

I am Cadet Ntandoyenkosi Masango from Witbank Corps, Central Division. Since entering college, my biggest challenge has been the transition from worker (being in the working environment and used to doing hard labour) to being a learner; absorbing new information can be overwhelming. Another thing is the change of lifestyle. Now I’m living a purposeful and fulfilling life. The following Scripture keeps me going; Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

I am Cadet Nomakhwezi Hadebe. I have felt a calling deep within my heart to serve God and His people from a very young age, and I trust in His guidance and grace as I prepare for the important role of becoming a Shepherd. I am excited to grow in faith, knowledge and leadership skills so that I may better fulfil God’s purpose for my life and minister effectively to those in need. The Scripture verses I hold onto firmly are Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid nor discouraged, for your Lord will be with you wherever you go.” and “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” from Philippians 4:13.

I am Cadet Precious Fakude from Imbali Corps in Mid-KwaZulu Natal. Coming to the CFOT has been a journey of pruning. Firstly, God’s grace located me from my sinful nature and saved me. He broke, molded, shaped and called me to be His servant. I allowed Him to do so, and I’m still a work in progress. What a Saviour! I’m honoured and joyful to be at the CFOT to be equipped for sharing the good news about Jesus, loving all and reaching out to the suffering community. One of the verses that keeps me strong is; Proverbs 18:10 (NIV) “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

I am Cadet Tebogo Nkotane from Mabopane Corps in the Central Division. My journey as a Cadet in training has been transformative and challenging. I have deepened my faith, honed my leadership skills and learned the importance of compassion and empathy. Through studying Scripture, theology and pastoral care, I have gained a deeper understanding of the ministry and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow in my calling.

I am Cadet Fikile Radebe from eZakheni Corps in the Northern Kwa Zulu Natal Division. I consider myself to be the workmanship of God’s hands (Ephesians 2:10). While I was very far from God’s will, when God touched my heart, His grace became sufficient for me to be saved. His grace changed my life completely. The CFOT will train me to become an officer and I will allow God to use me to bring and lead more souls to His kingdom, just as He drew me to His will. I still believe it can happen to anyone out there. Many people are marginalized and they need His grace which saved my life.

I am Cadet Sidney Shabangu from Themba Memorial Corps in the Mpumalanga and Eswatini Division. I knew that I was called when I was still a member of a local church in my community, also receiving confirmation from various people. At that time, I didn’t understand what God had planned for me. I joined The Salvation Army, where I got exposure to explore my calling. Now being at the CFOT for the past few weeks has been a life-changing journey, whereby I started to see growth in my spiritual life and in understanding of the Word of God. I thank God for placing His call upon my life to work for Him.