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Wouter Pienaar
Putting God first in his life has enabled Ndivhuwo Muthathi (12), a grade 7 learner at Saints Christian School, to accomplish an amazing feat that most teenagers wouldn’t even think about accomplishing.
God inspired and instructed Ndivhuwo to undertake an amazing adventure and write and publish his first book entitled “Faith Adventure and Discovering Jesus” to glorify Him and inspire others to pursue a relationship with God.
He spent 5 months writing the book and during that process, his faith and relationship with God also grew page by page. This book includes numerous practical examples and testimonies and has the purpose of deepening one’s understanding of God’s purpose in one's life.
The first seeds of the book were planted the day that Ndivhuwo gave his life to Christ. Those seeds were further watered through a personal Bible reading challenge that he undertook.
“I had a strong desire to read the Bible. I set myself the challenge to finish the chapters in the New Testament. During the Bible reading challenge, God kept giving me messages through each section I was reading, and at some stage, I received a message that I should turn the messages into a book. He was there from the day I started writing my book, until the end, and I dedicate my book to him,” explains Ndivhuwo.
He adds that constant studying of the Bible has had a tremendously satisfying and transformative effect on his life. He enjoys leading prayer meetings at home, worshipping with his six-year-old sister as well as engaging with the Word at home and at school.
“The Bible is like a guidebook to me. It's full of wisdom and principles that help you to succeed in life and glorify God. God gave the Bible to us because he wants us to read it and do what it says. What I like about the Bible is that it is now presented in various formats, electronically, and you can have it anywhere. I also enjoy the stories and how they link up in the New and Old Testament,” he mentions.
The writing process was not always easy as Ndivhuwo had to focus on his regular schoolwork and extra-curricular activities, but he managed to stay focused through God’s guidance.
“The key message I wanted to communicate in the book is that everyone can have a relationship with God and invest their time with Him. I tried to make it accessible for all ages so that everyone can understand what I’m trying to say about discovering Jesus and surrendering your life to Him,” he explains.
“There have been several times God answered my prayers quickly, those times shocked me and has grown my faith in Him.”
He emphasises that the Christian values at Saints have shaped him as a person, highlighting the weekly Chapel services as one of his favourite aspects.
“I enjoy the monthly scriptures they give to the learners to memorise every month. I love the emphasis on Christian character.”
Ndivhuwo will stay at Saints next year where he will continue to spread his love for Jesus as a grade 8 learner in high school.
“I’m excited about starting High School and I’m hoping to achieve in sports and school work. I also want to move to the next level in my UNISA music practicals,” shares Ndivhuwo, who is also a talented pianist.
“I have 9 years experience as a pianist, as I started at 4 years old to learn the piano. Every year I have won several awards. This year the ones that stand out are 2 trophies, 4 double gold certificates for theory and practicals, a distinction in a UNISA practical exam, and a prize at the Gimmies Eisteddfod competition.”
Playing an instrument is just another way that he can glorify God.
“It also allows me to play an active role at church. I would encourage more people to play the piano because it’s good to learn other things that you aren’t good at, and keep discovering your God-given talents,” says Ndivhuwo.
It is no surprise that this young man’s role model is Jesus Christ, having experienced His message through the Word and the Gospels.
“He is very wise. He always put others' interests above His Own and He was a great leader to His disciples. I also look up to Jesus. Jesus was always supported by God and the Holy Spirit.”
Ndivhuwo’s advice for learners is to be yourself, try your best and work hard for what you want. Most important is to trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Reading His Word and writing has now become part and parcel of who Ndivhuwo is. He is currently in the process of writing another book.
“It’s going to have more pages and the message will be about reinvesting in your relationship in God. I want it to reach a lot of people.”
Anyone who is interested in Ndivhuwo's book can contact him by e-mail on ndivhuwomuthathi@gmail.com or via cellphone on 071 026 7381.
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