Sunday 15 October was a special day for the church of Vezubuhle, in South Africa. The congregation finally got its own pastor, as Rev Jacob Mahlangu was confirmed in that congregation. Rev Mahlangu was previously in the congregation of Vaalbank, also one of the congregations from the former KwaNdebele region.
In the Netherlands, a pastor's confirmation is quite an event, but that is nothing compared to what happens in such a service in South Africa. Two elders presented the new minister with what they expect from him from the Bible: a sermon on the talents from Matthew 25: 14-30 and a sermon on the prophecy from Ezekiel 37, where the plain with the dead bones is brought to life. The confirmand, Rev Ntlatleng from Kwaggafontein, also delivered a sermon, which echoed Paul's message to Timothy: proclaim the word, always in all circumstances.
Then all kinds of declarations were signed, by witnesses from the classis and from the synod, that Rev Mahlangu is now really the pastor of Vezubuhle. Finally, he himself also had to sign a declaration promising to do his work faithfully.
Of course, there was a lot of singing and all kinds of welcome gifts were given to the new preacher's family. And according to African custom, the whole thing was concluded with a good meal.
The following Sunday was only the turn of the new pastor of Vezubuhle, to preach. In doing so, he opened the Bible at Matthew 28, the missionary commandment. Church members are invited to live close to Jesus and invite others to also follow Him as disciples.
