MAKING a difference in the lives of the youth is often easier said than done.
But for Empangeni resident Bennie Mthembu, his life’s work has resulted in him playing a pivotal role in the lives of those he met along the way.
Ready to spread his wings, the 24-year-old youth leader is now going to continue his work in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Once a shy and reserved pupil at Empangeni High, Bennie’s dream was to become a teacher.
However, advice from a friend to join the ministry turned his life around.
After matriculating in 2010, he packed his bags and made his way to East London to take part in the RFM Church ‘A year of your life’ programme.
After six months he returned home to continue his work at the Empangeni Methodist Church where he completed his internship.
‘Getting involved in the church was what built me up,’ said Bennie.
Namibia
He was invited to take part in missionary work in the deep rural areas of Namibia.
‘While sitting on a dirty floor, I was asked to stand up and preach,’ said Bennie.
‘That’s when I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.’
The boost in confidence was the driver he needed to start making a significant difference back home.
Crossroads
After volunteering in 2012 to run the Crossroads Centre in Empangeni, he has played a huge role in getting the centre to where it is today.
‘The highlights of my work was the impact we had on children,’ said Bennie
‘As a result of our hard work, we have seen the youngsters develop, with many even ending up in university.’
Working with his trusty sidekick and current Centre Programme Manager Desire Laatz, Bennie has built up a solid relationship with both his colleagues and students.
Ready to fly out on Wednesday, Bennie looks forward to an exciting adventure ahead with his fiancé, Stephanie Edwards, who he met during her visit to Zululand with the US Peace Corps.
The two are set to tie the knot in December.
