Nelson Mandela's warm heart

Nelson Mandela's warm heart

Odilon Massolar Chaves

It is allowed to read, copy and share for free

Article 184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of February 19, 1998.

Books published in the Wesleyan Library: 236

Books published by the author: 356

Booklets: 3

Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com

Translator: Google

www.onlinedoctranslator.com

All glory to God!

-----------------

Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.

His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our days.

He was editor of the official Methodist newspaper and coordinator of the Theology Course

"If it wasn't for The United Methodist Church, I would still be in my village."^{^[1]}

(Nelson Mandela)

Index

· Introduction

· His Methodist training

· At the university and African National Congress

· Methodist participation in the struggle against apartheid

· Mandela the Methodist

· Gratitude to the Methodist Church

· World Methodist Peace Prize

· Mandela's Quotes

· Symbol of freedom, justice and peace

Introduction

"The Warm Heart of Nelson Mandela" is a book that deals almost exclusively with Mandela and his relationship with the Methodist Church.

From an early age, Mandela was taken by his mother, who was a Methodist, to the Sunday School of the Methodist Church. His studies were largely in schools and at the Methodist University in South Africa.

The funeral service was also in a Methodist Church officiated by Methodist leaders.

On several occasions this book shows Mandela declaring his gratitude to the Methodist Church and speaking of "our Church."

His last wife, Grace Machel, was a Methodist daughter of a Methodist minister.

There are many lessons learned in this book about his life, which had a Mission given by God: to sow justice, freedom, forgiveness, peace and equality among all. Mandela contributed a lot to having a better world, especially in South Africa.

The Author

His Methodist training

Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape, and graduated from Healdtown, a boarding school started by Methodist missionaries in 1845.

Mandela stated that his parents were "religious, but while his father believed in Qamata, the great spirit of the Xhosa people, his mother was a Christian and baptized him into the Methodist Church. He was the first person in his family to have a formal education and went to the local Wesleyan Missionary School near Qunu."[2]

The Rev. Seth Mokitimi was the school's chaplain. A renowned Methodist preacher and educator who had a powerful influence on Mandela.

Mandela liked to say that in his time the child was educated by the method of sitting, quieting down and just listening to the conversations of the elders.

Nelson Mandela's father, Henry Gadla, had four wives and thirteen children. He was a descendant of Thembu, head of a clan of the Xhosa (pronounced Kôza), one of the many local peoples of South Africa. Mandela's upbringing, within the values of respect for traditions and authorities, made him acquire the habits of nobility, formal education and, above all, a deep understanding of the South African "soul".^{^[3]}

Nelson Mandela was the son of his third wife, Noqaphi Nosekeni. She was one of thirteen children and had three older brothers. Mandela's mother was a Methodist, and Nelson, following in her footsteps, attended a Methodist missionary school^{^[4]}.

Mandela's education was permeated with Christian formation under the influence of his mother^{^[5]}.

He was baptized into the Methodist Church^{^[6]}.

When he was nine years old, his father died and the ruler of the Thembu tribe, Jongintaba Dalindyebo, volunteered to be his guardian. Jongintaba and his wife were devout Christians and arranged for Nelson to attend Clarkesbury School, the oldest Wesleyan mission in Thembuland. He later went to Healdstown, a Methodist college at Fort Beaufort.[7]

At the age of 21, Nelson went to Fort Hare University where he became a member of the Bible Society and taught Bible classes to local residents on Sundays, along with another Methodist Oliver Tambo. He lived in the dormitory of Wesley House.[8]

Years later, Mandela confirmed his membership in the Methodist Church when he spoke at a Methodist Conference. He asked Bishop Dandala how to join the Church. Dr. Dandala reminded him of the requirement that an MCSA member must attend the sacrament of Holy Communion at least once every three months to maintain formal membership. Understanding how difficult it would be for someone with his popularity and stature to fulfill this particular requirement, Dr. Dandala brushed him aside and asked Mr. Mandela where he would like his membership to be held, to which Mr. Mandela replied Mqhekezweni circuit (which was the circuit in which he was baptized). He was duly registered as a member of this circuit by the District Bishop and Dr. Dandala. As such, Dr. Dandala recalls that Mr. Mandela and Mrs. Machelwere married as full members, in good standing, of the Methodist Church on their 80th birthday."[9]

Mandela maintained a connection to the Methodist Church throughout his life.

At the university and African National Congress

In 1939, Mandela was one of 50 blacks who entered the University of Fort Hare, a Methodist missionary institution.

His involvement with student politics was always trying to disentangle himself from his radical colleagues, such as some, who, in the middle of World War II, found England as oppressive as Germany (...).[10]

He completed his studies by mail in 1942, assisted by his friend, Sisulu, who also helped him to get a job in an office.

Mandela married nurse Evelyn in 1944.[11]

In 1943, he joined the ANC (African National Congress), the nationalist party that was created in 1912.

In the ANC, Nelson Mandela, Madiba to his intimates, helped found the youth league. He was elected in 1947 to the executive committee of the party's Transvaal province. In May 1948, the National Party (of whites) came to power by vote (only for whites) and remained there for 46 years!

In 1950, already in the National Executive of the ANC, Mandela began to organize, and sometimes lead, protests, strikes and civil disobedience against the racist laws of Apartheid.

The 1950s saw several arrests of Mandela, in addition to his confinement in Johannesburg for a period. As nothing had any effect on the government, Mandela and the ANC got involved in terrorist acts, and some sabotage began to happen. In 1960, the ANC goes underground, Mandela burns his pass, with the presence of the press and is again arrested. He was imprisoned for 27 years and six months. ^{^[12]}

"As a leader in a campaign against the apartheid system, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island in 1963. The Rev. Peter Storey, a Methodist minister, served as chaplain to Mandela and other prisoners."[13]

Methodist participation in the struggle against apartheid

The African National Congress (ANC) in 1952 articulated resistance to Apartheid with the Defiance Campaign. During this period, the ANC was chaired by the Methodist pastor, the Zulu Albert John Luthuli, who would later win the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 1964, Mandela and the entire ANC board were arrested. In 1989, Frederik de Klerk took power, who began a process of ending Apartheid and freed Nelson Mandela in 1991. In 1993, he won, along with Mandela, the Nobel Peace Prize.^{^[14]}

In 1986, Methodist Bishop Lawi Imathiu of Kenya became the first African to be at the head of the World Methodist Movement. At the World Methodist Conference in Nairobi, the World Methodist Council called for an end to Apartheid and the shackles that enslaved the people of South Africa.

Authorized by the World Council, Lawi Imathiu led the delegation to visit President Botha in South Africa. Imathiu openly called on President Botha to release Nelson Mandela from prison and remove the handcuffs from the people.

A second delegation from the World Methodist Council met with President de Klerk again offering the consistent challenge and request to release Mandela, a Methodist, and the Republic of South Africa, to extinguish the oppressive system of Apartheid.

Led by the courageous Methodist Bishop Imathiu, the change eventually took place in South Africa and in February 1990 Mandela was released.^{^[15]}

On April 27, 1994, the first multiracial general elections were held in South Africa. The ANC won 58% of the vote, electing Mandela, the first black president of the South African Republic.^{^[16]}

Mandela the Methodist

"Before being an activist or a fighter

for freedom,

Prisoner of hope and president,

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a Methodist"

"Mandela the Methodist" is an expression of the Rev. Kelvin Sauls, senior pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, CA. He was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa.

For him, Mandela had a mission to fulfill: "His mission was informed and shaped by his cultural and religious roots. Before he was an activist or freedom fighter, a prisoner of hope and a president, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a Methodist."[17]

First, he was a Methodist. His mother was a Methodist, and Mandela followed in her footsteps.

He attended a Methodist missionary school" where he was known by the name Nelson on his first day at school. This mission — informed by a movement to restore dignity and equality for all, and nationwide Ubuntu — has infected and affected my life in unexpected and inexplicable ways." [18]

Imprisoned from 1964 to 1990, he said when he got out of prison: "I fought against white domination and I fought against black domination. I calmed the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all people will live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal for which I hope to live and see realized. But, my Lord, if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."[19]

"Mandela the Methodist," said the Rev. Kelvin Sauls, "... it vindicated its God-given mission by resisting the barbaric and evil manifestation of supremacy in all its institutionalized and internalized forms—manifestations that provide roots and sustenance for inequality. Equality for all was an integral aspect of Nelson Mandela's mission in life."^{^[20]}

Within his mission, with responsibility with dignity, reconciliation with the truth, "Mandela promoted forgiveness and kindness as paths that lead to the restoration of inner and outer beauty".^{^[21]}

Address at the Annual Conference of the Methodist Church

"The role that the Methodist Church

played in my own life"

Mandela reveals himself to be "the Methodist" in the speech he gave at the Annual Conference of the Methodist Church, on September 18, 1994. At various times in the speech, he made a point of talking about his roots, exalting the action of the Methodist Church and expressing his gratitude.

In the speech, he speaks of "personal homecoming, both physical and spiritual," and states that "I cannot overemphasize the role that the Methodist Church has played in my own life."

He began his speech by saying, "Allow me to express my deep gratitude for the invitation to be with you tonight. It is truly a great honor for me to bring my personal greetings to one of the most significant Christian communities in our country.

My joy at being at this conference is multiplied many times over by the fact that it is also for me a personal homecoming, both physically and spiritually. The surroundings of Umtata are not just my humble beginnings. It was here that my spiritual association with this great Church began. And I cannot overemphasize the role that the Methodist Church has played in my own life."[22]

Mandela acknowledges that the Methodist Church has made a great contribution to the country in shaping people's character: "Your Church has a proud record of commitment to the development of the sons and daughters of Africa in more than one area. The great institutions of learning that have spread out from the Reverend William Shaw's "Chain of Mission Stations" in this region have shaped the minds and character of generations of our people, as well as many of our present leaders."[23]

Although apartheid sought to wipe out many of these institutions, Mandela said that "the impact of his academic and moral teachings could not be trampled on. We, who pass through them, will not forget the excellent standards of teaching and spiritual values that have been transmitted to us."[24]

For him, it is encouraging to know that "Methodism is returning to this great tradition with the rehabilitation of Healdtown, your new John Wesley School in Pinetown, the use of Indaleni for community development, the return to Kilnerton, and the hundreds of preschools you have established."[25]

"The Methodist leaders were prominent

among the prophets who refused

to bow to the false god of apartheid"

In the face of apartheid, Mandela said that the Methodists were the most prominent prophets: "The Methodist leaders were prominent among the prophets who refused to bow to the false god of apartheid. His ministers also visited us in prison and cared for our families. Some of you have been banned. Your Presiding Bishop himself shared imprisonment with us for a few years on Robben Island. You did this, not as strangers to the cause of democracy, but as part of society and eminent prophets of the teachings of your faith."[26]

"The Methodist Church was the only Church

to be declared an illegal organization under apartheid"

And he praised the Methodist Church in the face of apartheid: "The Methodist Church was the only Church to be declared an illegal organization under apartheid, and for ten long years you were forbidden to operate in the Bantustan of Transkei. It is in this very Chamber that this prohibition order was enacted".[27]

And in concluding his speech, Mandela said: "I am confident that with the support of the Methodist Church and the religious fraternity as a whole, our nation will reach the mountaintop of its collective desires.

"Our National Anthem was

sung for the first time ago

Very long in the Ordination of a

Methodist minister"

I am aware that the great hymn which is now part of our National Anthem was first sung long ago at the Ordination of a Methodist minister. I join you in this humble prayer: Nkosi Sikelela i'Afrika!"[28]

Mandela here recalls the hymn "God Bless Africa" composed by Methodist professor Enoch Sontonga that was first sung at the ordination of a Methodist pastor and which became the National Anthem of South Africa.

Gratitude to the Methodist Church

After he was released from prison, Mandela divorced and married Graça Machel, a member of The United Methodist Church and widow of former Mozambican President Samora Machel. The wedding was performed by Mvuve Dandala, Methodist bishop of South Africa.

According to Machel, an American missionary named Mabel gave him all the support. Seeing something good in her, she had confidence and did everything so that she could find and have a good education. Machel said his education is something "I owe to the Methodist church and especially to Mabel."^{^[29]}

In 1975, Machel was appointed as Minister of Education for Mozambique, the first woman to hold that position.

Mandela, former president of South Africa and an international symbol of human rights, and his wife, former Mozambican minister of education Machel, surprised the bishops with their presence at a dinner on Sunday, November 5, 2006. Machel is also the widow of President Samora Machel of Mozambique.

Mandela and Machel have deep Methodist roots. Mandela was educated at a Methodist school in South Africa. Machel is from United Methodist and teaches at a Methodist school in Mozambique^{^[30]}.

While still President of South Africa, Mandela visited the Methodist congregation in Langa on February 14, 1999, and recognized the importance of the Methodist Church, which he calls "my Church" and declared:

"Rev.NkomondeMembers of the Congregation

Friends

As president, I have had the privilege of attending several conferences of religious groups, including last year's conference of the Methodist Church. That is always an inspiring and encouraging experience. But it is more so when you can share a moment like this with a congregation. It is a special honor and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for once again being invited to be with you.

Being here, in the community, where men and women live their faith in their daily lives, we can understand how a powerful religion gives strength to our society, and sustains the spiritual and moral values that unite us in all our diversity.

Throughout the generations of oppression and discrimination, religion has given people countless determination and commitment to resist inhumanity. Many have drawn from religion the courage to survive the pain (...).

We remember how religious bodies were responsible for the education of millions of South Africans when the government denied us. We remember how during our years in prison our church and other religious communities attended to us, bringing spiritual care and encouragement through the chaplains who visited us; and caring about our families when we couldn't do it that way (...)."^{^[31]}

World Methodist Peace Prize

In 1993, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize. He was "responsible for changes against racial and social discrimination laws, which kept blacks and other social groups on social margins."^{^[32]}

The entire leadership of the World Methodist Council was present at the ceremony. "On September 21, in the Methodist Cathedral of Cape Town, in a significant ceremony of international evangelical and political impact, mobilizing South Africa and the Methodist Church, the former president of South Africa, Dr. Nelson Mandela, was awarded the Methodist World Peace Prize, year 2000."

After the award ceremony, Mandela said: "I have received many awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, but this is very special to me, it is the award given by my Methodist Church."^{^[33]}

"Mandela retired as president of South Africa in 1999 after serving one term, but continued to have an influence globally and on the African continent. On July 18, 2009, his birthday was declared International Mandela Day and became an annual event of service."[34]

"The couple Nelson Mandela and his wife Graça Machel "made a surprise appearance before the United Methodist Council of Bishops during a November 2006 meeting in Maputo, Mozambique, Bishop Janice Huie, then president of the council, a person the group was "blessed" to have in their presence "We have been in the company of the saints and we know it and we are grateful," she said."[35]

Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013.

“(...) clergy of the Methodist Church of South Africa (MCSA) presided over the public memorial service at FNB Stadium on December 10, 2013,3the official state funeral service in Qunu on December 15, 2013,4and also offered pastoral care in particular to members of the Mandela family and to members and leaders of the African National Congress.5 ThePresident Jacob Zuma chose to deliver his first formal public address on Mr. Mandela's passing at Bryanston Methodist Church on Sunday, December 8, 2013."[36]

Mandela's Quotes

"If it wasn't for The United Methodist Church, I would still be in my village."^{^[37]}

"After climbing a very high mountain, we found that there are many more mountains to climb."

"I dream of the day when everyone will stand up and understand that they were made to live as brothers."

"I do all this in the name of moral principles, according to which we cannot abandon those who helped us in the darkest moments of our country's history."

"If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to this goal. Two of these roads may be called Kindness and Mercy. "

"I cultivate my own freedom affectionately, but I take care of our freedom even more. So many have died since I left prison. So many have suffered for the love of freedom. I owe it to their widows, their orphans, their mothers and fathers, who mourned and suffered for them."

"That was one of the things that worried me – having risen to the position of demigod – because from then on you are no longer a human being. I wanted to be known as Mandela, a man with weaknesses, some of which are fundamental, and a man who is engaged."

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination." "As I've been saying, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... The great peacemakers are all people of integrity, honesty, except humble."^{^[38]}

"We remember how during our years in prison our (Methodist) church and other religious communities attended to us, bringing spiritual care and encouragement through the chaplains who visited us; and caring about our families when we couldn't do it that way (...)."^{^[39]}

Symbol of freedom, justice and peace

"Many people respond with understanding to the good news of The United Methodist Church. Some who respond have an impact on a family... a village... a nation. Some, like Nelson Mandela, have an impact on the world"^{^[40]}

The World Methodist Council referred to Mandela as follows:

"Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela had many connections with Methodism. A graduate of a Methodist boarding school, the anti-apartheid champion was mentored by Methodist preachers and educators and formed a bond with a Methodist chaplain while in prison. As president of South Africa, he worked with church leaders in the formation of a new nation and eventually married Graça Machel, a United Methodist."[41]

The World Methodist Council recognized Mandela as a "symbol of freedom, justice and peace" by presenting him with its 2000 peace prize.[42]

Mandela was a citizen of the world loved by all who fight for freedom, justice and peace.

But what gave Mandela an admirable character was his religious background. And this is due to the teaching and support of the Methodist Church.

It is good to remember that "before being an activist or fighter for freedom, a prisoner of hope and president, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a Methodist".^{^[43]}

[1] http://umcgiving.org/content/confbenevolences.asp

[2] https://www.mymethodisthistory.org.uk/people-2/lay-people/nelson-mandela-1918-2013

[3] http://bafanaciencia.blogspot.com/2007/06/nelson-mandela-os-anos-de-formao-e.html

[4] www.africanhistory.about.com/od/mandelanelson/a/bio_mandela.htm

[5] http://bafanaciencia.blogspot.com/2007/06/nelson-mandela-os-anos-de-formao-e.html

[6] www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n10_v49/ai_15687222

[7] https://www.mymethodisthistory.org.uk/people-2/lay-people/nelson-mandela-1918-2013

[8] Ditto.

[9] http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1017-04992014000200007

[10] https://www.estudarfora.org.br/mandela-day-universidades/

[11] https://www.terra.com.br/noticias/mundo/africa/nelson-mandela/exclusivo-bairro-onde-mandela-morou-vive-descaso-do-governo-ha-70-anos,1f0126d88b8e2410VgnVCM10000098cceb0aRCRD.html

[12] http://bafanaciencia.blogspot.com/2007/06/nelson-mandela-os-anos-de-formao-e.html

[13] https://www.umnews.org/en/news/mandelas-methodist-ties

[14] http://danissincrasia.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_archive.html

[15] http://www.metodistavilaisabel.org.br/artigosepublicacoes/descricaobiografias.asp?Numero=575

[16] Ditto.

[17] http://www.dirco.gov.za/losangeles/rev-nelson-madela-methodist-reverend-sauls.pdf

[18] Ditto.

[19] Ditto.

[20] Ditto.

[21] Ditto

[22] http://www.mandela.gov.za/mandela_speeches/1994/940918_methodist.htm

[23] Ditto.