Written by: Global Challenge
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In 2010 Cornelius Chapewa Ngosa went on the journey of a lifetime. For 11 months he travelled with four other team members to 12 African countries. Together the team, known as Explore Africa and part of Global Challenge Expeditions, visited countries in East, North, and West Africa. They traversed the continent’s dusty streets in buses, matatu’s (East Africa taxis), aeroplanes, in the backs of bakkies, and any form of transport they could find.
They witnessed the beauty of Africa, the sprawling savannah, the deserts, and the people — but they were also deeply struck by the challenges. The poverty, illiteracy, and harsh conditions, to name but a few. The vague stories of Africa’s challenges came into sharp focus. They formed into faces and names, they became friends.
It was only while visiting the Watoto Children’s Home in Kampala, Uganda, that Cornelius felt a surge of hope. “Success stories are possible!” he thought to himself. This and other similar experiences throughout the year sparked ideas of change that he dreamed of for the continent. He saw a part of the solution to the many challenges of Africa.
For Cornelius, music is a symbol and a tool of reconciliation.
Back in South Africa
Once back in South Africa, Cornelius faced a personal challenge. He longed to be back in his home country of Zambia, but he couldn’t deny the Lord’s call to South Africa. “If you stay, I will establish you,” was the Lord’s promise to Cornelius as he wrestled with his decision.
One day, eight young girls from a township in Jeffreys Bay showed up at the Leadership Experience’s premises, the ministry where Cornelius was serving at the time. Their pleas for discipleship opened Cornelius’ eyes for the need of Africa; not far away but right there all around him in a small coastal town in the Eastern Cape.
As he and others journeyed with them, sharing the love of Jesus and discipling them, a children’s ministry was born. Soon after, in 2012, the Lord crossed their paths with a “lady of peace”, Gogo Hester Ntombana. She selflessly made one of her shacks in her backyard available to them. They promptly moved in and started helping the children with homework in the afternoons. Cornelius, with his great passion for music, quickly recognised the children’s musical ability and invited a few friends to help with vocal training.
The Lord crossed their paths with a “lady of peace”, Gogo Hester Ntombana.
The birth of Beats and Books
Slowly, over time, the vision started to take shape and find definition. “I’ve always had a great appreciation for the musical talent of South Africans,” Cornelius said. “I remember growing up in Zambia, music formed my reference of South Africa. We used to watch music performances organised to call for the release of Nelson Mandela.” For him, music is a symbol and a tool of reconciliation, something that brings people together as well as something that gives children the opportunity to develop holistically.
This passion for music and a love for reading, coupled with the obvious needs of the children in the township, became the two beating hearts of their children’s ministry. Beats and Books, as the ministry was aptly christened, grew and more people started coming on board. Through their partnership with a faith community in the USA they started renting a house in the township. Large donations of books and musical instruments also arrived. One container that had been shipped to them contained 12 000 books for their library project!
The enrolment of the children was also formalised, with a strong focus on keeping children accountable in their attendance, but also involving not only the students, but also their families. Beats and Books aims to increase the skills of the children’s literacy, numeracy, musical skills, and they foster a sense of community and belonging by hosting communal worship sessions. Meals are also provided. Discipleship and a love for Jesus form the backbone of their drive.
Discipleship and a love for Jesus form the backbone of this ministry.
Marriage and family life
As part of Cornelius’ “establishing” in the ministry and in South Africa, the Lord sent a beautiful young lady across his path. A childhood friend from Zambia, Prima soon became the love of his life. They were married in 2014 and she joined Cornelius in growing Beats and Books, travelling with him on their book drives and fundraising initiatives. They now have two beautiful young sons, Liron and Yosefe.
Violins against Violence
One of the key moments where Cornelius knew the Lord was with him in this journey occurred in 2017. Grace Wong – a professional musician from Australia, with piano as her first instrument and violin second – as well as Raytheo Afrika – a renowned and very talented piano player from Jeffreys Bay – came to serve with Beats and Books and launched Violins against Violence. Along with 20 violins acquired through crowdfunding and in-kind donations, they were able to develop the children’s skill with the instrument over the next 10 months in an exceptional way. The project culminated in the very successful Violins against Violence concert.
Global community
Through the years, Cornelius had remained part of Global Challenge and their church community, serving faithfully and building strong relationships. His pastoral heart and gifting continued to grow as he became an influential voice in the community and worked hard at discipling others. In 2017 he became one of the pastors of the Global Challenge community. He continues to serve both Beats and Books and the Global Community – helping others to experience the same life-changing journey that he enjoyed when it all began on Explore Africa in 2010.
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
Date published: 29/10/2020
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
