Sunday last week will be written in the history books of the AME Church at Makhuvha outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo as one of the most important days in the church.
Army general Abel Nelwamondo, who is a member of the church, is soon to leave for the People’s Republic of China where he is to take up the post of military attaché in Beijing.
Asked why he decided to have the function at the church and not at the royal palace, Thovhele Kennedy Tshivase he said he wanted to demonstrate that even rulers and leaders of this world have somebody who is above them whom they should revere and obey, namely Almighty God. He said all successful people should know that their successes could not have come if it were not the will of God and they should always thank Him and not praise themselves.
Tshivhase said the whole community had reason to celebrate the achievements of Nelwamondo as he is from amongst them. “Be elated about his achievements. He worked very hard in his study and military career and we have to praise God for protecting him and his longevity,” said Tshivhase.
He urged Nelwamondo to trust in the Lord and to put Him first in everything he does while abroad. He also urged the congregation to keep on praying for Nelwamondo and his family, who would be in foreign land for a long time. He said Nelwamondo’s achievements would encourage other young people to work hard and emulate what Nelwamondo has done.
Nelwamondo promised to be a good ambassador for Christ in China, which is said to be 90% Buddhist.
He joined the former Venda National Defence Force in 1983 and rose through the ranks until he was integrated into the SANDAF in post-1990 South Africa. He has done duty in several African countries and abroad. He is married with four children, two of whom will be leaving with him.