THE STORY OF MAKHAYA KHAGODO (NOW GEORGE KHAGODO) CONTNIUES:
The Life of Khagodo before:
Before Bethel met Makhaya Khagodo, he had lost all hope in life. He was destitute, had no family support and having suffered from various illnesses including HIV/AIDS, living had simply become a matter of waiting for death. Too weak to build a good home for himself, Khagodo was living in a self-assembled grass and rubbish ‘nest’.
With no close relatives to care for him and a local community that showed no concern, Khagodo lived an isolated and lonely life. Treated as an outcast, rejected and labelled as ‘dirty’; people kept a wide distance as many believed he would infect them with his illness. (Sadly this is common conduct in the Mooni community when people discover that someone is living with HIV/AIDS).
By his own confession, Khagodo was happier to die than to live.
Meeting Khagodo
In February 2010 some Bethel members were on an outreach mission to start the new church plant in Bubetsye. It was on this mission that we came across Khagodo. Withdrawn and hiding in the shadows; he did not want people to see him. The group were moved to reach out to him in love, compassion and practical support. Acknowledging the immediate need that confronted us, we knew we needed to build Khagodo a proper home - somewhere that would help to restore his life and dignity; and so work begun.
We shared with Khagodo about the Love of God, how he was valued by Christ and that there was steadfast hope to be found. After continued conversations, Khagodo received Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
In building the house many locals gathered to see what we were doing and so came the opportunity for us to minister to the wider community.
Life for Khagodo Now:
Changing his name as a mark of his new beginning, life for George completely restarted. No longer wanting to die, he began to find hope and improvement in all areas of life. Support for medical treatment became available which meant that many of his ongoing health issues were looked after and treated.
Having lost his wife over 20 years ago, Khagodo never had hope of ever having a woman in his life again. He is now dating Senga, a lady about 15 years his junior. There is also another lady interested but he has chosen Senga; they hope to wed soon is any support was available.
He now has a good home and a community that treats him with more of the respect he deserves.
He believes that he can begin a business that will sustain his life and the lives of those around him.
Of course the best part of this story is that Khagodo now knows Jesus as his Lord and Saviour- the most wonderful transformation anyone could experience.
When I had a brief conversation with Khagodo last week, he said
“My son, I pray to God that He adds me more 20 years on the normal years He intended for me”. He added, “I wish I knew Jesus during my youthhood. My life would certainly be happier, but nevertheless, it is not too late. I will spend my remaining life as a happy man’’.
It still amazes us to see such a complete turnaround in Khagodo’s life; from a social outcast who for over 2 years never had a visit, to an aspiring businessman and valued member of the community with many friends and more than one woman wanting to marry him!
God is good!
The Future
Bethel is committed to helping Khagodo walk his journey of holistic transformation. We are grateful to God that while there has already been such momentous life change - socially, politically, physically and spiritually; we sincerely believe there is more to come.
Prayers needed
As a church we have identified several people in a similar situation to how Khagodo was before. We are praying that God will enable us to help them recover their hope, voice and dignity. Please join us in this calling. Please pray for:
Khagodo
- That he will continue to grow in his relationship with God and that others shall come to know Christ through his testimony.
- That he will get some capital to help him become sustainable and self reliant.
- For his relationship with Senga. Recently a former boyfriend of Senga came and attacked Khagodo for dating his girlfriend. Senga is only interested in Khagodo and not the other man- please pray for protection and peace in that situation. Please also pray for them as they plan for the wedding and that it shall come to pass.
- For continued and miraculous improvement in his health and the health of Senga (she is also living with HIV/AIDS).
Bethel Church
- Please pray for us as a church. We are committed to bringing holistic transformation to people but at the same time we don’t want to encourage dependency. We want to help people to overcome the dependency syndrome and begin to believe that change is possible.
- That God would lead us to more people like Khagodo. That we would reach out in the Love of God, knowing that he has a purpose and a plan for all people- no matter what their circumstances.
- The youths and other members of Bethel intend to build a shelter for a woman in the community called Florence. (Some of you have heard her story). Our main problem is the funds to help us buy the building material. We have enough human resource that we only lack finances to serve God in this way- please pray with us as we trust for His provision in His perfect timing.
God bless you all as you pray.
Vincent: Pastor of Bethel Church in Mooni.
