Solomon's incredible journey to St Mark's

                        By Emmanuel Solomon Surwumwe

I was born in the Western Province of Rwanda, to an uncommitted Christian family, which went to church only once or twice a year. I attended Presbyterian Primary School at Bushaka and moved on to an Anglican High School at Gahini in the Eastern Province.

In 1993 some learners and I formed a “rebellious” charismatic group and it was at this time that I received Jesus as my Saviour .

In 1994 I left my Rwanda to literally “save my head” for the civil war was in full swing. . I traveled through Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, on my way to South Africa and in July of 1997 I found myself in KwaZulu Natal.

It was a miracle. I had no passport, but people still helped me along the way down south.

Money has been a problem. When I received “a call” to the ministry in 1999, I had no funds for attend Bible College

So I studied by correspondence for a year. Then I got a loan, which I am still paying off. But this enabled me to study theology to the level of Masters. But now there was a delay in placing me in a congregation I therefore did another Degree in another field completely … that of Library Sciences.

I worked for the University of KwaZulu Natal from 2006 to 2009 in the Library to enable me to pay back the money I owed and then came the chance to achieve my dream – a placement as a probationer at St Marks Uniting Presbyterian Church Yeoville under Moshe’s watchful eye.

On a personal level I grew up with my beloved wife Perpetue in Rwanda. My elder brother married into her family and I followed in his footsteps. Perpetue, my wife, is therefore now his sister-in-law.

When it was time to marry, I followed the example of Isaac who went to get a wife from his country and his own family (Genesis 24). . We married on the 20th December 2008. She is my helper in the ministry and in my life.