Seasoned minister launches his book
SR Paul launched his book, 'My Steps in the Desert to the Oasis' during his 93rd birthday celebration
VETERAN Brackenham minister, SR Paul launched his book, ‘My Steps in the Desert to the Oasis’ during his 93rd birthday celebration in Richards Bay on Sunday.
It was hosted at SR Paul Ministries Church where family, friends and members of the community paid tribute to Pastor Paul’s life and his pioneering church ministry and missionary work spanning over seven decades, which is also documented in his book.
Ps Paul shares his journey of being born in Kearsney, growing up in poverty-stricken conditions on a farm in Nonoti, herding goats and mules at five years old, losing his parents at a young age age and toiling as a labourer on the Hullett Tea Plantation.
He journals how his new life unfolded when he became a Christian on 17 April 1940, the highs and lows of life, the overwhelming love of God and simply living by faith and being carried by Jesus.
Excited to be launching his autobiography, Ps Paul said he was happy to be in good health, full of energy and despite his ripe age of 93 he felt more youthful than ever.
Messages of love, support and congratulations streamed from prominent community leaders, one of whom was Zululand political legend, SV Naicker who was unable to attend due to ill health but, in a statement, congratulated Ps Paul on his book release.
‘The scars on your shoulders reflect the sugar cane bundles carried, a symbol of our forebears who set foot on the shores of this country and your unshakable commitment to serving your masters at the same time caring for the family.
‘In a much wider field and a visionary in an emerging region throughout the darkest hours, you too led your people with steadfastness and indomitable courage and upheld the principles of Christ very much against the injustices of the past,’ said Naicker.
‘Your greatness is not because of the adoration and masses of Zululand, it is because of the exalted personal qualities of leadership and passionate adherence to truth.
‘On 29 July 1990 the first religious sites were allocated, one to Hindu, one to Muslim and the first church site was handed over to you for The Good Tidings Fellowship,’ said Naicker.
