stanley's life story

Ten Thousand Homes founders first met Stanley when he was 19. The youngest of three brothers, Stanley is an orphan. Raised in a child headed household, I think you will find his story quite heartbreaking with a bright glimmer of HOPE.  In his own words...


"I lost my mother when I was 6 months old. I never knew her, but I wish I had. I was raised by my aunt in a village called Marite. I stayed with her for 5 years. My father would come and visit me there. I didn't even know that I had brothers.

 

Then, in 1990 I moved to another village called Masoyi where I met my brothers for the first time. We spoke different languages so that was difficult at first. My father took another wife but my stepmom did not like me. I was getting one meal a day. My father didn't support me, with clothes, food, school fees, etc. He didn't do anything for my brothers, but my grandmother was the mercy one who cared for us. She paid our school fees, and bought us food and clothes with the hope that my brothers and I would get a good education and have a good life.

My father would spend more than 3 months at a time in Johannesburg without coming home. He would send money, but we never saw the use of the money at home, because we weren't getting food. Our stepmom was buying food and hiding it in her bedroom. So when she wasn't around, we would go in and take the food and whatever we found useful. She would tell my father and he would beat us when he came home. We would sleep on the floor with one blanket. Life wasn't easy, but we got used to it and faced what we had.

In 2002, my father died and our stepmom ran away. We tried to call her, but she never answered her phone. We never saw her again. So we became a child headed household. Life became even harder. My grandmother could only support us R100 a month (equivalent of $10) to pay for food, clothes, and electricity."

 

I love that Stanley's story doesn't end there. His is a story that keeps growing with HOPE. Now 26 years old, Stanley is a Ten Thousand Homes staff member who pours his heart and energy into the kids who are now in the same situation he was when he was a kid. Anyone who comes to volunteer with Ten Thousand Homes would agree that Stanley's passion for the kids is a beautiful sight to behold. 

"I had a tough life growing up as a young boy with no one to care and to love me. I was looking for that as a kid. That keeps me alive now. When I am with the kids, I want to share what I now have, to fill in the holes that they have, to care and to love."

After Stanley's father passed away, he was told that he was nothing and that he wouldn't go far. Knowing that was a lie, he rose above it and wants all the kids to know the truth, that they are special and that God has a plan for their lives. Being an orphan himself, Stanley says it's still not that easy to connect with the kids, but that there's a deeper connection of pain and emotion. Knowing the story makes it easier to share life together. His goal is to always share his story with joy and HOPE.

There's a vicious cycle the runs its course in Africa, a cycle that involves trying to keep a fatherless generation from rising above their physical circumstances to pursue a path of HOPE. That's why guys like Stanley, those that have been in their shoes but who are living out the joy and HOPE that is there for them, are a powerful voice.

"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." David Brinkley

How might you rise above today to bless others out of your own hurt, pain, or devastating circumstances?

soccer ministry

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the father and the son and of the holy spirit,"'

This year we had our first game for soccer ministry which went very well according we have planed it. we where playing against the boys from Garden of Hope in Kabokweni. we won with 7 goals to 3. I just see growth in this ministry few boys from the feeding came and they had a great time playing. our relationship is growing with the boys. i was the first one to score the goal and I couldn't play longer because i am struggling with breathing. If i run too much. 

 Also Mzwadile and I we have been given two day at a primary school in Dwaleni to teach the boys soccer, and we have been using Gods principles in playing soccer so excited about the new door God opened for us.

After the game we had, many people wanted to play more games with us. so far on the 12th of may 2012 we will have a game lined up for the boys. Be praying for Gods provision for R300 for transporting the boys and food. and also pray for more provision for Mzwadile to take a taxi so far i am covering for him so he can do what he is good at.

 Started a beads ring businesses if you want some or tell you friend, u tell me how you want it and i will do.

Also be praying for me, lots of things are happening, family wise and spiritual wise.

Thank you love you all

it is good to know

I raise you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth” this is what God spoke to me
I lost my mother when I was a young boy, grow up in tough situations, lived a hard life. Struggling as a young boy to find life and purpose for my life. There was no one who was telling how special I am, and encouraging me to move forward. As time goes by I became an orphan in the community of Masoyi. Years pass by met people who told me how special I am and that I can do many things in life. Along the way I found Jesus who changed my life, who brought me out of the darkness.

Now God has called me back to the same kid who doesn’t have the things I needed in life. Through all this many people spoke words full of life into my life which I appreciate so much. But I am not perfect I do make mistakes and I do have weakness in me. Wont always do what is right, but that’s what I am longing to do. Wanting to do the right things always…I always rejoice when I look back where I come from because those difficult time made me to be strong now. What I do now is working with 29 kids.
Now I am pouring what I have and what I have learned to a group of 29 kids in Mbonisweni at the feeding program. I don’t have it all, but I do have what to give. I have been doing some excise with the kids; sing songs, and teaching them how to pray. Now is time to tell stories which I am looking forward to do that. Further more I have been learning more about the gifts in me.

 In the past fewmonths there was a team from New Hope Texas that came and one of the People I look up too. Was teaching me more about the gifs in me; which is good to know how I am wired. I have three gifts the highest ones where Encouraging, which that’s part of my mission statement. Two prophesy which is new in me never thought I am that way. But I saw the Lord working through me that way. Last one is showing Mercy.
There is a lady that I got the privilege to led her to Christ went to visit her with friend and brought a bible for her. The moment I gave her the bible she was so happy. I saw Joy, happiness in her, went back again next week. She was telling me scriptures. God is doing something good in her and for her.

 In many occasions I saw that people are drawn to me, one of a friend of mine. I will name this friend of mine 24. 24 asked to talk to me, said yes he/she then began to tell me how he/she hates his/her life. I just let her talk and I was just listening all the time. But what I was sensing was that he/she didn’t have any HOPE. So I began speaking words of life. Told 24 to if he/she want help…must come to us. Then 24 was so confused when I said us. Told 24 I meant the youth and pastor including me also. 24 said to me “the youth? They are just like me” said no way you don’t know how God has changed the youth’s life. I didn’t end there I prayed for 24 that God will change 24’s life. Few days pass and I went to the youth service. 24 was there yeah, at the end while I was speaking 24 said “at school I was told to go and find a youth group that knows Jesus and I see that in you guys and I am proud of you. I want to be part of this group” what in few days God already did something I know I didn’t do anything. God changed 24’s life now 24 is seeking God and connecting with people. Now when i talk to 24 always hear good new how 24 said no to many bad things and now she is sharing Gods word with others.

 A good friend of mine once told me that one word can change someone life and it was Nancy I saw that, one of the youth said this; in her own word “thank you for everything you have done for me…whenever you call me “SISTER” I always have the strength to reply back saying “BROTHER” because you are a brother to me”

Have many stories to tell, just is too much to write everything down,

Prayers. 1. Still looking for financial support.
2 That I will continue to do what God has called me for, with no pride.

Thanks for taking the time and read this and also for praying for me. Mean a lot; you can also drop me an email at stansome85@gmail.com

I have a calling

Most people know me, but they don’t know what God has in store for me.

First want thank all who have been praying for and those who prayed and supported me to be where I am today and to do what God has called me to do. 

There is no picture of the people I meet because I don’t do any show off and what I do; I am doing to please my father not people.

 A year ago I was got a word that healing will come through my hands and I didn’t believe it. This month I got the same word again. Also that I will prophesy, wait a minutes me? Still didn’t believe it. The Jesus I serve and follow has been speaking to me through his words a lot. 

 As I love talking to people I don’t know and going around the community sharing the Gospel of Christ. I saw things I haven’t seen before. Woke up one day with these words “today is a day of wonders and miracles” went out with two guys and one girl. As we where walking I saw our shades as little kids.

 I was walking down, the main way in Mbonisweni then I saw this kid that was holding a paper over her head. I stopped her and asked if she was ok. She was on her way to the clinic because her chest was in pain. The spirit of God took control and prayed for her she got healed. She said “I fell much well than before” Praise God

After finishing praying for her, a mum with a baby on her back asked me. “Why we don’t pray me”. I asked her what’s wrong. She told me that her baby boy is sick have sores in the neck. I touched the baby and Gods spirit came through me and he got healed. And God spoke through me to the mother and she then gave her life to Christ. 

 After that I saw another lady on the road, walking but I saw that there was something wrong, I asked her if she was ok. She then told me that there is a pain in her. So I knelt down and asked the father. She screamed out loud and the pain was gone praise God. 

Continued walking and met a woman she took us to her house. We spend time talking end up praying for her. Saw a gogo working in her house, asked if I can help, we spend lots of time talking about God and many things while I helped her doing what she was doing. 

Meet a family with two kids and the father his parents left him when he was young. He asked prayer for reunion, as I was praying began to prophesy. God was speaking through me that he will get a new house. 

 Went to Dwaleni community and before I went there with those I was, we began by worshiping and asking God to walk before us also to show us what we needed to do. God told us to walk bare foot and carry oil. It was a hot day the ground was so hot. But through that our feet where ok, even though we didn’t walk on sharps stones, broken bottles and thorns. 

 On that day we prayed for many and anointed one woman who’s taking care of kids. But my take away from that was, I met this young little girl at age of 5 or 6. Set down with her at her grand mom’s place and asked her few question. The she told me she hate her grandma, because she got abused. God was speaking to that I need to pray for her so that she won’t develop any hatred towards her grandma and people. 

  God has been speaking to me in many ways also a lot in his words. What I learn is that when God speaks to me I just do it even though it doesn’t make any sense. 

There was a time where God asked me to lead worship for the team that is here with us at TTH. Me leading worship, I don’t know how to sing. But when Jesus speaks I do it. Led worships and at the end God spoke to me that I need to pray for one of the student, also God led me to one of the girl who ran away during worship. But I felt wasn’t the right person to talk to her got someone to speak to her. On the following day I got a card that said “Stanley you have no idea what God did for last night and you coming to find me was a perfect timing, thank you”  

 My stories doesn’t end there, woke up one Sunday felt like not to go to church. But I end up going anyway. There was a time to share testimonies and I didn’t want to. The God started to burn my hands and He spoke to me “If you don’t share they won’t know” went up and share what God has been doing. Went to set down, few minutes later a lady began crying and I was asked to get water. I asked myself out of all the guys be hide me why they chose me? I went and get the water. I was asked to pray for her, I call one of my friends to pray with. Prayed for these lady and God spoke to me that I need to go a pray for her house because she always scared and crying in the night because of fear. Then I took the guys from the bible study and we went to her house. We worshiped and prayed and the spirit was in us. The guys worship and pray in a way I haven’t seen before. The God that sends me there gave me words to say to the family. Psalms 27 God 

Have many stories to tell, but I will end with this ones. Went back to Dwaleni community and I asked God that I don’t want to see any miracles or wonders; I just want to see his name being glorified. Woke up in the middle on the night and God gave a word in John 14 vs 10-14. When I was in the community had a sense that it will be a children’s ministry, saw a kid fell in a hole went to the house and got this boy out and the family looked at me. Didn’t care continue holding the boy for many minutes. Then the boy started showing me things. 

 Went and meet 3 kids one of them the mom was telling me that the kid doesn’t talk to touch people she doesn’t know. I open my arms and said come. She came immediately, the mom was surprise. 

Went to a house and find a mom with a boy played with the boy for few minutes. Then I went and spoke with the mom about Jesus she gave her life to Christ. 

Prayers: pleas be praying that pride wont take control in me. and that i will continue to listen to God's voice

            : still seeking someone people who want to patner with God in what he is doing for me and through   in $50 per month or $100 per month

Thank you all for taking your time reading this

It is a happy new year indeed

 What a year

My year of ministry began when I went to Swaziland for few days, visiting the family I always love to visit. But this time things where ant the same, Petros organized an event for more 200 youth and they didn’t have food. As Stanley loves to organized things I remembered what I use to do at Masoyi, go around and ask for help. So I took Petros to town. We first went to Pick ‘n Pay, asked if I could speak to the manager and I just told my story and why I was in Swazi, then I asked if they donate food. They said come on Friday we will have something for you. One down one more to go, went also to Shoprite did the same things; they said we need a letter, in few minutes a letter was submitted. They told us “we will call you” Left went back to SA got an SMS from Petros saying they got a van full of food, ah what? A van full of food, Praise God, they feed more than 200 kids.

I am love to talk to people I don’t know it makes things easy for me to tell people about Jesus. Went to the community and did home visit, meet many people and prayed for many too. As I was walking through the community I saw two young ladies seating under a tree I was with two of my friends from LA team. I asked if we can join them, they said yes. I began being funny and crazy, which opened doors to share about Jesus, to cut the story short they gave their life to Christ, it was funny because before I left I felt to take two bibles and I gave them to the young ladies.

Also went to the mall and did  the same things meet many Christian who need some encouragement and meet one guy who loves the lord but the things of the word got hold of him so he wanted to repent prayed with him to return home.

Still involved in the feeding programs loving the kids and cooking for them

In the past months I saw God working through me a lot, I was given the opportunity to lead the youth service twice and the bible studies.

Took a week of traveling to the Free State to learn about Farming in God’s ways, it was a week of revelations, won’t able to write all what I learned and what God spoke to me. But we learn, about God’s creation, how to make a garden, religion vs. true worship etc. In the place I was surrounded by God’s beauty.  

Last amazing story I felt not to go to church this past Sunday, went to visit a someone who was sick, went there with two of my friends again, and we seat there and they family was asking many questions about God for almost two hours speaking about Jesus at the end we prayed for the lady who was sick. As I was praying felt the power of the Lord moving through my hand going through her, after I finished praying she said “I am healed” what? “I am healed” Praise God.

God has been teaching me many things; also want to thank all who have been praying for my grandparent they are supper well. To bad I just lost my fathers older brother passed a way on weekend.

Things to be praying for

1. I am organizing a gathering for the youth with another church that we want to minister to the youth as they are not doing anything
2. More wisdom
3. To continued to listen to Gods voice

Tough Times

I am going through tough times in life. Few weeks back my granmom called me and she wanted me to take her to the hospital. I couldn't that time because didnt have enough cash with me. So i got a job for 9 days to make cash. Last week I went down to take her to the Hospital, but she didnt want to, she wanted to see a Docter not in the Hospital, Didnt fight with her i did as she wishes. But it cost me a lot of money, and also she didn't have food. I had to hire a car on top of that. at this point I am so broke. Also there was my nephew who was taking care of them. She ran away to her boyfriends house and left a 4years baby with them. So i stayed for few days and looked after them. I just found out that I need to go back again on Wednesday beacuse no one will be there for them. My brother will be at work. But through all this God is still faithful I see his promise every day that I will never go hungry. I saw people share their meal with me, give me a ride to town. Please be praying for me, not sure if I will enjoy this holiday that much. Leaving soon to stay with them not sure when i will come back.

Thank you for consedering praying for me lots of love from Stanley Mbowane

Temptations leads to growth

few weeks back on Sunday I and two of the youth that I worked with in the communities Lorraine and Witnes we where invited to a children’s Christmas party at Manna church. Early in the morning we load up at the back of a truck headed to the church. We arrived on time and safely, kids where not there yet, we then began making food for the kids. Few minutes latter kids showed up from Masoyi community where I come from. Some of then I knew them.

Me and kids we connect very well and so quick, I was at the back of the kids preparing food. And suddenly a lady approached me and said I need you on the stage to say something to the kids. And I am like there is people on stage who know how to speak Siswati. She kept saying I need you, I don’t know this lady and she doesn’t know me either. Then I said ok, I went upfront took the macro phone began doing my things kids went crazy. While I was doing that another lady came to me and said I need you. I was like I am busy here amusing the kids here, she kept saying I need you. I left the stage and followed this lady and went help a gogo that someone builds her a house. It was an interview on come TV channel. I had to interpret for her. After doing that I was stopped by a lady telling I am good at what I am doing. Asking me how long been doing it. The youth then took over the program we where running it now. They just told us what they want and we did it, faithful and successfully. While I was busy playing with the kids someone was translating on the stage and they say no we want Stanley upfront to bad the woman was kicked out of the stage.

The coolest thing was just to see the youth that many people have invested in them and also using their talents and gifting in serving the kids with no expectation of getting paid. There is so much growth in the youth then beginning of this year. Many people asked where we come from and why are we so good with kids.

Another things that was cool was that many kids wanted to go home with us, and we said no. The program went very well kids where so happy and the volunteers where amazed of the work we did for their kids.

At the end one bussines man took us for some drinks and he asked me lot of question I shared my heart and he said “ I want you on my staff, I can see that you can offer more into my staff and I will pay you” ha me getting paid? I thought; I don’t work for money I don’t chase money. I love what I am doing and with no money or money I am still enjoying my work. With no financial support or financial support I will continues serving the kids and empowering young people in helping one another in the communities. It was a big temptation though, looking at now going to Christmas I want to see my family and with no money in the bank. I am so proud of myself how I want to live my life and following God. God will provide at when He wants.

One of the passions that I have is organizing events, meeting etc. For four months at church I have been working on a prayer book for the ladies that we worked with. At the feeding, bible study, youth service and community outreach. I got some books and I went out to talk to friends and family to be part of it. They wrote God’s promises inside and words of encouragement for the girls. The purpose was to show ladies how much they are love and to be reminded that they are special to many. On the other hand I was teaching the boys on how to value woman and serving them. On Sunday we had an event for the ladies; it was a surprise they all came dressed nicely. Without knowing what would be happening. All along I have given the boys some homework to do, one to go home and pray for one of the ladies for one word from God, two to stand in a gap of all the boys who treat woman badly to say “I am sorry” even though we didn’t do it. Saying it out loud. 

Also I invited all the parents of the ladies to witness the growth from their own children. We also invited the leadership of the church to see the beauty and fruits of the youth.

Soccer ministry

Worshiping God through soccer is fun, and tiring also, on the weekend I invited a local church to play soccer with the youth from our church. They came and we brought along the young boys that came to the feeding program. They played very well, and we then saw is the time for us to invest in the young boy’s life. That what we will be doing in the next coming year.  We played 5-5 score it was a tough game, but us we where not playing to win but to share the love of Christ with them. After that we had a meal together we eat a pigs head it was delicious.

I will be taking the month of December to rest no ministry work, I do need some time to rest visit family and friends also getting some time to be refreshed by God. Be praying little scared going home because there is too much temptation and won’t have all my Godly community with me.

Please be praying for me as i am about to go home to be strong