East Mountain is always hoping and praying that through development of leaders within our walls God would raise up disciple-making servant-leaders in townships and other communities across South Africa and the world. God has truly been answering this prayer in many ways, one of which is Azola Vetezo's ministry in Khayelitsha.
Last month, Chosen Generation church in Khayelitsha township assigned our very own former 2019 resident Azola (“Stix”) as leader of a life-on-life Discipleship Residence for young men in Khayelitsha. Stix has embarked on this new venture to start a sort of mini residency at his church. He is hoping to be able to provide a safe place for young men to spend time reading and studying God’s word together and keeping each other accountable as they do life together. This is a win-win situation for Chosen Generation church because Pastor Dumisani has been hoping to get someone to live at the church as caretakers of the property and is happy to support his own mentee, Stix, as a caretaker and disciple-maker in this space.
Dumisani has always been passionate about creating a space where all kinds of people coming from difficult backgrounds can come and not be judged, experiencing immeasurable grace and getting to know Jesus and what he means to them. Dumisani says that Stix’ community outreach and discipleship efforts since returning from East Mountain residency in December have caused church attendance and excitement to multiply immensely (until setbacks from lockdown).
Stix was mentored by Dumisani for a long time before finally becoming a believer shortly before coming to residency in 2019. Stix grew astronomically throughout the year to the point that he has begun returning to Chosen Generation church to preach occasionally. At the end of the year after sitting in the congregation and watching Stix deliver an impassioned sermon on unity from Ephesians, Dumisani stood up with a look of amazement on his face and hugged Stix and asked, “Is this the same young man we sent to East Mountain at the beginning of the year?” His growth was a beautiful picture of different mentors doing sowing, watering, and pruning with a willing heart from Stix, and ultimately God doing the cultivation as part of his larger kingdom plan. Stix is now taking that next step by trailblazing this new residency program.
Deep relationships and dynamic spiritual growth are already forming amongst the current men who occupy and manage this property together. Stix and a few others have moved into the house but they are still gathering appliances to furnish it. "Thank you for your concern and working in our lives," Stix says. "Our prayer request is to lead guys to salvation and also through them other people may be saved. We also pray for Love, wisdom in leading and for Unity."
Stix came by the East Mountain house a few weeks ago with some of the young men he is discipling to pick up some appliances and furniture East Mountain donated to his residency and we had the opportunity to encourage and pray with each other. Please continue to pray for perseverance and wisdom for Stix and Siya, a 2018 East Mountain residency alumnus who is helping him with the discipleship sessions. East Mountain South Africa sees it as a privilege to play a small part in the growth of young leaders like Stix.