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= Masilo Calvin Maenetja =

Masilo Calvin Maenetja (Rev M.C Maenetja, born 4 September 1953) is a Bi-vocational Pastor, whose determination to serve God led him to accept one of the most challenging positions in the Church of the Nazarene: to serve as the District Superintendent of a vast District with three zones, which each one of the zones equals to some of the small Districts in the Church of the Nazarene.

It is worth noting that this spiritual giant, who is a qualified teacher and in full service in one of the schools in Department of Education in Limpopo Province in South Africa, to empower the African children with the valuable future, was also serving as full time Pastor of Thabeng Church of the Nazarene.

North East District was faced with the retirement of the longest serving District Superintendent, and all fingers pointed at Rev Maenetja to take the District forward. He was faced with rare and gigantic responsibilities: Full time teacher, Full time family man, as well as FULL TIME DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, which is why the main theme of this book is: IT IS POSSIBLE!

This Pastor has proved that IT IS POSSIBLE for anyone to serve God in the midst of various challenges and responsibilities, only when one avail oneself to Him. He led this District for seven years, during which he displayed faithfulness, courage, determination, creativity, energetic and unwavering faith. He was elected and re-elected by District members, and calmly and willingly stepped out of the office of the District Superintendent position with dignity, giving the younger generation to take up the reigns.

Early Life
I, Masilo Calvin Maenetja was born 4 September 1953 of Christian parents: Wilton Chenchi Maenetja, my father, who was a Pastor and later became District superintendent, and my mother Sophy Mankwana Maenetja who was a devoted Christian. I cherish Thabeng Church of the Nazarene Mission Station, for being the place where I was born in the clinic and welcomed to earth by Christian nurses.

I had rough childhood experiences which I believe were to shape my future adult life, especially in serving God. When my Dad received a call to full time ministry in the early sixties, and had to move to LSM Bible College, I and my siblings remained home to be cared for by our grandmother. Grandmother recalls how she miraculously saved me from falling from her back into a blazing hole which she was using to burn in order to strengthen her clay pots. During the same period, God saved my life from typhoid that claimed many young lives. God also kept us safe during the severe famine which killed so many children from pellagra and malnutrition. Although I was still very young, I recall how God provided “quails” which older boys would catch for meals, and how my grandmother’s cat came to our rescue by killing these “quails” and brought them so we could also have food. Yes, indeed God is our Provider!

As I was growing up, I was sent to Alexandra Township to stay with my Aunt and Uncle who did not have children of their own. Township life was so hard and rough, dominated by Msomi and Spoilers gangsters, a complete different life from the peaceful Mission life I was so used to at Thabeng Mission. The family life was also contrary to that of my parents. This was because my uncle was a heavy drinker that led to quarrels and resulted in the marriage falling apart and I had to return home. That experience made me to realize how fortunate I was to be born in a Christian family.

Education
I started school at Thabeng and Moime Nazarene Primary Schools. At Bokgaga High School ( 1969 - 1973), life was very challenging with bad influence and ideologies against Christianity. I had to be strong in faith and constantly reminded myself of the Christian values I learnt and lived by since my childhood. Such criticisms did not lead to despair, but strengthened my Christian conviction and the unconditional love and the amazing grace of our Creator.

After completion of my high school studies, I proceeded to Sekhukhune College of Education where I qualified as a teacher in 1976. I was then appointed as a teacher at Rathane Primary School (Zoeknog) from 1977. I continued to further my studies on part time basis with Vista University where I obtained Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) in 1998, and Secondary Education Diploma (SED) in 1986. I then obtained Advanced Certificate in Education, specializing with Education Management on 04 05 2011 at University of South Africa.

Divine Call Into Ministry
My call into the ministry was not as dramatic as we read of several Bible characters, such as Moses, Samuel, or even the Disciples in the New Testament. What is clear is that God prepared me over a period of time to become a Pastor and to serve him in various ways. Mission station exposed me to Bible College students of the sixties, who spent their holidays working at Thabeng. My interaction with them made me realize that God calls people to His work in different ways.

During the late eighties, I noticed that young people were no longer interested in heeding for the call to the Bible College, some of those who went there could not finish their studies due to misconduct, and to crown it all, our Pastors were of the same age; that meant that they will retire at the same time and our District will have no pastors in the long run. Surprisingly, I started to see myself addressing many people. That happened very often when I was alone. Little did I know that God was calling me to be a Pastor.

When the burden in my heart was too heavy to keep to myself, I shared with my dear wife and my parents. I received a wonderful support from all of them. When my study leave was denied, I resigned from work and was miraculously re-instated and study leave granted without pay for the period of my studies at Nazarene Theological College at Muldersdrift during the years 1990 to 1993. As I was to depart to the Bible College, I was attacked by a strange illness all doctors I consulted with could neither diagnose nor cure. A severe pain that attacked the back of my head down to my neck made my throat dry and affected my voice to be low. Despite my afflictions, I accepted the advice of my precious wife to trust God and went to the Bible College in 1990 where I obtained Bachelor in Theology in 1993. I am currently registered with UNISA for an Honours Degree in Bachelor of Theology on the New Testament.

Bible College
The first semester at the Bible College was full of confusion which was twofold: firstly, instead of studying the Bible, we were taught Humanities; secondly, the College was an encounter of various cultures and ethnic groups. Each one had to learn and understand the other College students’ culture while maintaining own identity. It was a challenging experience to embrace culture and use it as a vehicle to reach out to one another in the one Christian faith that we all professed.

God led and guided me all my College years. I recall a horrifying incident one afternoon after I finished my examination. There was a severe thunderstorm and heavy rain. I took a book about Paul’s Life on my bedside and started to read. Within seconds, I found myself surrounded all over with fire, my wardrobe torn apart, white pillow case black with smoke! The lightning got inside the thatched chalet through a broken telephone line. God miraculously saved me, not one of my hairs was burnt. This confirmed to me that indeed God has called me to serve Him in the Church of the Nazarene.

Again, one day when all students went to a certain function at the nearby Lodge, I remained alone, deep in my studies the whole day. My mind was in the books and as well as the field of work I was about to embark on. At about three o’clock in the morning, a voice woke me up from sleep asking “who are you?” I woke up, shivering with fright, I pulled the blanket to cover my head. It was silent. Up to date I still grapple with the answer to the voice which vividly asked me the question. I believe that I am God’s co-worker. I am constantly reminded of John 15 that the Lord Jesus is the true vine and I am the branch; and so I am prepared to take my role as a branch and allow Him to bless His nation through me.

Family
I married Motsatsi Joyce Maenetja in 1981. She is the precious gift from God, my companion, advisor and more than anything, the love of my life. Without her understanding, love, support and willingness to sacrifice, it would have been very difficult to realize my goal to serve God. God blessed us with a son Mafunyane and two daughters: Mammola and Morokapula. The full support of my family enabled me to succeed in doing the work of God. They are all hospitable, caring, loving to all people they met and those who visited our home. It blesses my heart to recall how they welcomed guests, cooked and serve food and in several occasions washed their clothes.

This is what they have to say:

M.J. Maenetja
"I was terrified when my husband was elected to be District Superintendent, realizing that it was a huge task on top of our circumstances. Together we agreed that if it is the will of God, who are we to refuse? God is faithful and just, because going with him to various churches, I found myself gaining a lot from Sunday School lessons. The road was not easy, for there was a lot to be done, and at one stage he collapsed from stress that resulted from fatigue. In certain occasions, I could notice that he was depressed, but refused to talk about the cause of his pain, saying that he does not want to inflict the same pain to me. However, I am a lucky woman to be married to him because he went with me to the General Assembly in America, the place I never dreamt I will ever go in my life."

Mafunyane
"Thank you, Dad for bringing me up, and teaching me the Word of God from day one to now. You have been there for me during good and bad times. Thank you for your moral and financial support as well as not giving up on me regardless of the wrong choices I may have made in the past. You taught me to put God first in all I do in order to succeed. Above all, you played your part to me and my siblings by teaching us and sharing everything with us, including the realities of life. In so saying, if we do not make it to heaven, you are not to be blamed, because we know the truth. Thank you for the words you planted in my life: “What a man thinketh, so is he”, for this is my secret of how I approach life and they have been working for me to this day. Lastly, may God bless you with many more years."

Mammola
Mom, I have learnt a lot from the way you played your role as a Pastor’s wife. I have learnt to welcome and accept people in our home. I have seen in you a woman of God, who trusts God in all situations, who set an example for me that prayer move mountains. I say this because I came to be saved through your prayers. I know that you pray for all of us by names, and pray for other Christian leaders by name. You taught me to put God first, for I have seen how you supported Dad, going everywhere with him to do God’s work even when you were tired after knocking off from work. You are my role model.

Dad, you taught me so much in the manner in which you worked for God. You left home very early due to work, and came home late due to God’s work. We missed you a lot at home because of all the responsibilities you were shouldering. We observed that most of the time you were exhausted, and sometimes in pain you could not hide from us. You have taught us that there are rewards for hard work in the manner in which we celebrated one another’s successes at home.

When you confided to us that you intend stepping down as District Superintendent, I have learnt that you are unselfish, for you do not want to occupy a position while unfruitful, but gave way so that those that are able can go on. You are my role model, because you are a father not only to us, but to so many young people in whom you have impacted their lives, and so wish they could have been born in this family.

Morokapula
Dad, you are a caring, loving and hard worker. You have always encouraged us to work hard for a bright future. You have been very supportive and it is always fun to be with you. I know you don’t talk much when I made you angry, but you will speak once, the truth that hurts. I know you are dedicated in what you do in the ministry and that you enjoy helping people. Too often I thought my Daddy loves the Church more than his family. There were times of my birthdays when you could not be there because you were at NTC for Pastors’ graduations. At times when we were to go out and someone from the church arrive and tell you that there is a sick person, you would let us alone and attend to them. Mom had to console me all the time that it was your job. As I grow up, I now understand that teaching and helping people is your passion. Oh! I nearly forgot, mom and dad, you are a blessing, and together you make a full package. If I were to choose parents, I would not choose any other except both of you.

Family Tragedies
I had experiences that tore my heart but at the same time strengthened my faith as Paul says “For when I am weak then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12: 10b). The first experience was when my mother was struck by severe stroke which led to her passing on after some days. This was followed by devastation that led to the passing on of my father a few days later. I found myself walking in the valley of the shadow of death. I was helped by Christians and Pastors who constantly comforted us with the Nazarene Hymns, sermons and encouraging words as we face the burial of both of our parents on the same day. The second incident was when my brother committed suicide by hanging himself inside the garage in his home. It is surprising how God prepares His children to face the future, because as I was reading the book of Joshua 1: 6-7: “Be strong and courageous …….”, I received a call from my brother’s wife to rush to their home. I was shocked, frightened and devastated by what I saw that day. I battled with unanswered questions, until God comforted me to accept situations that I do not have control. I came to understand and deal with family deaths in a meaningful way. God prepared me to reach out to grieving families, approaching death as inevitable, regardless of how it happened and those directly affected by bereavement.

Pastoral Work
Upon completion of my studies at NTC, I returned home at Thabeng. I was assigned Thabeng Church of the Nazarene as a full time Bi-vocational Pastor from June 1993 to 2006 when I was elected District Superintendent. On 08.01.1998 I was ordained as Church Elder by General Superintendent Paul Cunningham in Swaziland Pigs Peak. Being in the Pastorate, I cultivated the habit of reading and studying the Word of God: meditating upon it day and night. I had already accepted that the grace of God is sufficient for me, and that I will live with the thorn of affliction in my body. This was not to be, for God taught me a lesson that He acts at His own time to meet our needs. One day as I was reading and meditating upon the Word of God, I suddenly felt my body renewed and completely healed. At once I stood up and conveyed the good news to my wife, together we praised God. Indeed, the Word of God is alive and gives life. I have good memories of church members of all ages who love the Lord with all their hearts. Through Pastoral work, I came to share in the joys of members as they accept the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour, as they get baptised. I learnt a lot from the way in which these members taught Sunday School lessons and NMI. It blessed my heart to witness the growth of our youth and entering into Holy Matrimony. What a wonderful experience when brethren dwell together in unity!

Superintendent: North East District
During the District Assembly in January 2006, the longest serving District Superintendent, Rev M.W Makhubele retired from this office and there was a need to fill the gap. Through the voting process, I was elected to be District Superintendent. I actually refused to accept the position in view of the responsibilities that were ahead of me: District Superintendent, family man and my work. I was given chance to discuss with my wife. Together we concluded that if God directs His people to elect us, we should accept, for it will not be by might nor by power of our own effort, but it will be God working through us. The experience of serving in the Regional Advisory Council, as well as the General Board proved to be valuable tools that I needed in my position as District Superintendent. I came to understand that the main goal of the existence of the church is to grow in quantity and in knowledge of God. That is why I pursued church growth throughout the District during my term of office. The following are activities that the District managed to do during my term of office:

District Superintendent Farewell
We managed to have special dinner with District Superintendent Emeritus, Rev M.W. Makhubele as District Advisory Board and their spouses at Magoebaskloof Hotel, following the District Assembly at the beginning of 2006. In March 2006, we conducted his farewell function which was well attended by Pastors and members from our District and neighbouring Districts as well as regional and NTC staff. It was indeed a blessed service crowned by Dr E Letswele who was the guest speaker.

Support Visits to Local Churches
Together with representatives from Evangelism, church property and finance, we drew a program that engaged us in visits to most of the local churches to meet with the church boards and pastors. We encouraged them to work towards church growth, ensure their churches have title deeds and have a proper way of managing their finances. We further encouraged good working relationship between the pastors and the church as this is the driving force towards accomplishment of the set goals

Church Planting
It was in 2008 when our District sent two delegates to attend the church planting seminary in Durban. This was just the beginning, because in the Church Planting Movement, held at Emmarentia Geldehuis near Bela-bela (Warmbath), our District managed to send 19 members. The team from the Horn of Africa challenged us to respond to the Great Commission. Such an ernomous motivation resulted in the following rallies:

District Rally
In January 2009, a District Rally, which coincided with the District Assembly was held at Lenyenye Stadium to celebrate the 100 years of the existence of the Church of the Nazarene. This occasion was graced by the visit of Dr Jerry Potter, The then General Superintendent for Africa. Members of the Church in the District were determined for the success of this rally by offering what they had: Tents, stage, musical instruments, videos, decoration and our Sunday School children ushered the General Superintendent into the stadium in style. It was indeed a blessed day.

Church Planting Rally
On 15.03.2009, God blessed us with yet another rally, held at Lenyenye Community Hall, which was honoured by the presence of our church leaders in Africa: church planters from Namibia, Lesotho, East London and Free State. Reports of how God’s Church is growing in various areas and how men and women dedicated themselves towards this endeavour inspired us a lot. Our people at the ground joined us in prayer and we all vowed to take part in making sure that worship places are started at our homes, work places and any place where a small group of people could be able to meet regularly. A slogan was born: CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE IN MY HOME, CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE AT MY WORK, CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE WHEREVER I AM! On 27.04.2009, we thought it wise to train House Church Leaders in order to intensify our Church Planting Movement, hence we assembled at Lorraine Church of the Nazarene for this purpose. Good reports from members that House Churches indeed brought the church nearer to the people were very encouraging.

Meetings With Pastors: Emergence of Church Branches
Monthly meetings were then conducted with each Zone Pastors to strategies the vision of a big fast growing and viable District of the Church of the Nazarene that consist of Christian, Holiness and Missional people. Series of meetings were conducted which later proved to be fruitful. Each Local Church committed to start preaching points. By the years 2009 and 2010 the following preaching points were established: These Branches hold Sunday school and Church services every Sunday and have brought a relief of travel distance for the members who want to attend the Church of the Nazarene but could not manage because of the distance. The efforts of the Pastors to empower members to run these branches were not in vain. There are branches that secured shacks for worship, Christians who offered their houses for worship and the District bought 10 chairs for each branch have made such a tremendous difference in the lives of the members who attend in those branches. This endeavour led to the growth of the Church.

Infrastructure Projects
Upon observing that most of the building infrastructures in our District are dilapidated, and that new infrastructure was needed where they did not exist, together with church growth, it was crucial to engage in projects along these lines. I must emphasize that, I have seen Christians in the churches going all out to offer what they have: money, building materials, transport, and going an extra mile to work with their hands in building of churches and parsonages throughout the District. Women also offered their food and cooked for the builders. What a team!

Before I highlight District and Local churches infrastructure, I must thank God for the miracles of financial, material and physical aids we received as a District. Our Thabeng Church of the Nazarene member Uncle Bob Stutervant, has dual membership: in Africa and in America. He has taken upon himself to give $200 (equivalent to R2000.00), each month from his pension fund, for more than 10 years now, towards re-building of Thabeng Mission. He does this for his love for God and in gratitude for the missionary work done by his parents in Thabeng, when he was a very young boy. As we speak, Thabeng mission, with the joint effort of the Church, Uncle Bob, the Nehemia Department, as well as members and pastors, have extended the church building, drilled water, built a Dining Hall and Toilets.

The Africa South Field assisted the District in 2007 by erecting four steel structures at Bismark, Dzingidzingi, Muyexe and Mhinga Churches. At the same time, the field donated five bicycles to enable pastors to reach out to members of their local churches

Through the help of the Africa South Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev C. Elliot, WORK AND WITNESS TEAM and the Flint Central Church of the Nazarene, brought The KUNS family from USA to come and build Muyexe Church of the Nazarene. The Kuns family spent their money for building materials and laboured from Friday 3rd August 2007 to 10th August to make sure that people who used to worship in a cattle kraal-like structure, have a decent worshipping place. An altar, table and six chairs were brought in memory of their departed member who longed to be part of the team.

Alabaster offerings enabled us to finish the building of Mhinga Church. Alabaster also gave us R20 000.00 towards finishing the Giyani West church building. London Lober, a student at North West Nazarene University in the USA, donated R3051.16 towards assisting in the building of Dzingidzingi church. Africa South Field continued to donate R43 000.00 each for the completion of Bismark and Dzingidzingi churches. What a great time it was in November 2011, to see fellow Nazarenes receiving places of worship in dedication ceremonies of these two churches, built in partnership with Alabaster, in memory of Marvene (Gene) Hancock: June 1940 – March 2010

The following is a summary of the projects during my term of office as District Superintendent:

Dedication of Churches
When the work is done, it is time to glorify the work of the Almighty! We could not have done it ourselves, hence we came before Him to say: Thank You Lord!

The District, together with the following Churches managed to organize dedication parties of their churches as follows: