God’s call often comes when we least expect it – even in the middle of a life that feels comfortable, familiar, and settled. It might come in the quiet of the morning, in a dream, or through the gentle prompting of someone close to you. And when it does, it can take your breath away, because God is inviting you to step out of the life you know and into the life He has prepared. This is the story of one such moment – a season when God’s voice broke through the ordinary, calling Captains Mteteleli and Nonkosazana Memani to trust Him in a way that would change their lives forever. May their story inspire all who are experienced in years to know that God’s call is not limited by age, and that it is never too late to respond to His invitation.
In the early hours of one morning in July 2012, I had what I believe to be a holy encounter with the Lord. God’s message was clear: leave your life as you know it and go and preach the Gospel. It was a frightening experience, and it still is. I got out of bed, knelt down, and prayed for clarity. Was it just a dream? I woke up my wife, and before I had said much, she replied, “I have been waiting and praying for this moment for 20 years. God confirmed His calling on my life just after we got married, and I have been asking Him to speak to you.” We had never spoken about God’s calling to each other before that day. Until then, we had both been wrestling and questioning why we had delayed obedience.
That morning, we made an appointment for that evening with our neighbour, Commissioner Roy Olckers (R). Even before letting us inside, while greeting us at the door, he asked, “Are you familiar with the spirit of discernment?” That question was all the confirmation we needed. How could he have known what we wanted to talk about? From that moment, we experienced a peace unlike anything we had known before.
We were in our late forties and had many practical questions. What would we say to our children? What would become of my mother-in-law, who had been unwell and living with us? In worldly terms, we were very comfortable. I was an executive manager at a large logistics company, and Nonkosazana worked as a supervisor at a retail shop. With adult children, we entrusted our lives fully to the faithful God who calls and equips. We entered the College for Officers Training in January 2013 as members of the Disciples of the Cross Session.
Looking back, we would do it again and again!
God’s call comes according to His perfect timing, not ours, and often when life feels settled or predictable. It reaches both the young and those experienced in years. Sometimes it comes as a quiet prompting in your heart, sometimes through a sermon, or even when it’s just you and Jesus while you are reading His Word. As you read this testimony, ask yourself: is God stirring your heart today? Is He inviting you to step into something new, to serve Him in a way you never imagined? Whatever your season, He is faithful, He is able, and He will equip you. Will you listen and say yes?