This month, Cadet Sidney Shabangu shares his powerful testimony with The War Cry, reflecting on his journey from living a life driven by worldly desires to fully surrendering to God’s call. In his story, Cadet Shabangu opens up about the emptiness he once felt, the transformation that took place when he gave his heart entirely to God, and how he is now being trained as a champion for Christ’s mission in the College for Officer Training.
I am Cadet Sidney Shabangu from the Mpumalanga and Eswatini Division, Themba Memorial Corps. I thank God for the opportunity to witness and testify to the goodness of the Lord in my life. I used to live a life controlled by my desires and the world around me. In my day-to-day living, I thought that having fun, being popular, and getting what I wanted would make me happy. So, I lived recklessly, always partying, trying to fill the emptiness inside me. Although I had some so-called “good times” during those reckless days, I still felt empty and unsatisfied, with a persistent void within me.
The feelings of guilt, unworthiness, and despair disappeared
I engaged in these reckless behaviours even while attending church, thinking that playing it safe and holding back parts of my heart from God was enough. I believed my life with God was in a good place simply because I regularly attended church. One day, after reflecting deeply on my life, I realized I wasn’t living ‘all in’ for God. I surrendered everything to Him—my bad behaviour, fears, dreams, unworthy desires, and doubts. After doing this, I felt a deep relief and the release of a heavy burden. The feelings of guilt, unworthiness, and despair disappeared, and I began to experience a true sense of belonging to God, sparking real transformation in my life.
As I started this journey, I made a daily commitment to surrender my life to Him. In doing so, the Lord ignited a flame within me, convicting my soul and drawing me closer to His love, grace, and mercy. My love for God led me to a clear understanding that His mercy and grace were calling me to a sacred mission of serving Him in a new way. This conviction pointed me toward a higher calling, and today, I am a cadet at the training college, being prepared as a champion for His mission. Since my arrival at college, through the new ministry knowledge imparted to me daily, I have begun to see the world through God’s eyes—a world in need of hope, love, and redemption. Through this perspective, I’ve developed a deep conviction that I have a role to play in proclaiming the good news of the Lord in a world full of despair and social ills.
something far greater and bigger than myself
I now live a life of serving others, giving my all, and sharing the Gospel without holding back. I have discovered great joy in being part of the body of Christ, something far greater and bigger than myself. I have found purpose in being a vessel and instrument for proclaiming God’s love and grace in the spheres of influence where He has placed me. Through these daily ministry activities, the Lord continues to reveal and strengthen His calling upon my life, and I am convinced that He has called me to full-time ministry. I am not walking this journey alone—the Lord is with me, and I am part of the greater movement called The Salvation Army, a family of believers passionate about seeing God’s kingdom come on earth. Every day, I wake up with the assurance of the truth proclaimed in Philippians 1:6: “That He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Together on this journey, we can all make a difference. Together, we will change the world for the glory of God and for the sake of His mission. I know that God has called me to be a champion of His mission, His will, and His purpose.
Finally, as I share my testimony today, ready to embark on this journey of full-time ministry, I am reminded of God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” I know that I am not alone in this journey, for God is with me, strengthening and helping me to fulfill His mission. I am excited to see what God has in store for me, and I am confident that with Him by my side, we will continue to make a difference. Together, we will make the world a better place for all, living for His glory and for the sake of His mission.
God bless you all.