Reflections on Nelson Mandela

Dear Pali Pres,

February is Black History Month, a time set aside to celebrate black men and women who made significant contributions in American and world history. One man I truly admire is Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader. Though he died nearly 10 years ago, Mandela’s legacy lives on and continues to serve as an example to us all. As a life-long Christian (he was raised and educated within the Methodist Church), Mandela recognized the power of faith to influence the world for good and bring forth justice and hope.

Tomorrow, February 11, marks the 33rd Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison just outside Cape Town, South Africa; he was incarcerated for 27 years for actively opposing the apartheid regime. Some of you may remember that day and the footage from the news—Mandela walked out of the prison gates hand-in-hand with his wife, Winnie, with his other hand raised in a clenched fist of victory (a photo is below). Four years later, apartheid came to an end in South Africa and Mandela became the country’s first democratically elected president. To quote Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Speaking to a Christian audience that same year, Mandela gave an inspired speech about “the Good News borne by our risen Messiah who chose not one race, who chose not one country, who chose not one language, who chose not one tribe, who chose all of humankind!”

I hope you will join me in thanking God for servants and witnesses such as Nelson Mandela. May his vision and message of freedom, justice, and the power of faith continue to inspire and challenge us and our world.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matt