Lazarus Libongo is in the first few months of college in Swaziland and is able to attend because of the UKWAZI Scholarship that sales of macadamia nuts and oil make possible. This is his story, in his words.
My life was not as easy as walking through golden roses, but it was a life full of challenges; it was survival of the fittest. I passed through mud trains, deep valleys, and also through thick bushes. My motto was, “Life is what you make it.”
I grew up in a family of four, and I am the youngest. I was born in the year 1990 on 12 January and I am proudly Zimbabwean. I grew up in a village where we used to gather as young boys, playing soccer, hunting animals such as rabbits, and also fishing. However, I was rude and disrespectful to all age groups. But today I thank God, for I am transformed. I am also especially thankful for the opportunity to study at African Christian College.
I would begin my life journey when I completed my ordinary academics. It seems as if I was thrown into the blast furnace of life. I applied to many universities such as University of Zimbabwe but I failed to enroll due to financial challenges.
After I failed all my ways to proceed with education, I lost all hope, and I became a drug dealer. Worse still, I didn’t know anything about being a drug dealer. So I threw myself in that deep dark pit of the drug world and ended up in a prison cell.
It was in the prison that a pastor delivered a sermon about repentance. The message struck me at the depth of my heart and I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior within the prison walls.
After that, a friend of mine, introduced me to his church. Being part of the community of believers helped me grow in the new faith. I started spending much time praying and fasting. Surprisingly, God’s mercy and favor penetrated my life like the drugs I was dealing.
God was suddenly in control of my life with new likes, new passions, and new dreams. Last year I was encouraged to apply to study with African Christian College and, incredibly, I was accepted. I am grateful to be here and looking forward with eagerness and great hope for a fruitful three years of study and growth.
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