139 JUNIORS West Pleasure Preaching Junior international student Thando Mahlangu gets involved in a church community. Before he left his home country of South Africa, junior Thando Mahlangu decided to do something new while he was at Harding. During his freshman year, Mahlangu wanted to meet new people, so he started a devotional group that met every Wednesday night. “I just invited everyone I met along the way … to make friends and friends in Christ,” Mahlangu said. Instructor of Bible and ministry Jason Darden decided to invite Mahlangu to preach at West Pleasure Church of Christ after having him in his freshman Bible class. “He would always ask great questions and speak up often with very deep theological reflection,” Darden said. For a while, Mahlangu was apprehensive about preaching. It was not until after a trip back home to Johannesburg, South Africa, that Mahlangu accepted Darden’s invitation. Once he returned to campus in fall 2022, he decided it was time to get involved. “He asked me to be his Timothy, and Paul had his Timothy, and that’s what I’ve been doing every Sunday,” Mahlangu said. Speaking to an American audience was a learning experience for Mahlangu. Not only did he have to start preaching regularly, he had to learn how to preach for the cultural context as well. “I’ve got to be audible, I’ve got to be reciprocal,” Mahlangu said. “I also need to know what people want to hear in this state because I can’t bring lessons that are centered in the struggles of Africa.” The new lifestyle did not stop at the pulpit for him. According to Mahlangu, it was important to surround himself with mentors who talked about God outside of the church building. Blake Stout was the person Mahlangu recognized as his mentor. “Thando is a very gracious person and, to me, truly an example of what it looks like to carry live with the joy of Christ,” Stout said. “I have always admired how central a role faith plays in his life.” Mahlangu and Stout met frequently outside of Bible classes to discuss ways to put their faith into action. At each meeting, the two would encourage each other to continue the paths they were led on. “I think his working with West Pleasure is an excellent opportunity for him to use and grow the talents God has gifted him with, and also to gain meaningful guidance as he does so,” Stout said. Mahlangu recognized the value his studies in Integrated Marketing Communication had with his calling. “It’s almost like I’m doing the same job, except in one I’m working for the people, and the other for God,” Mahlangu said. Written by: Anna Yingling
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