Local Ministry featuring Self-Supporting Ministries

by Zukisani Zamela & Babalo Vala

When I started my career journey and later obtained knowledge of economics and financial markets, I made terrible financial decisions. Despite my theoretical understanding of inflation and calculating interest rates and return on investment, I failed to grasp the complexities of personal financial management. This realisation dawned on me during my second year of marriage, a situation where many young couples worldwide find themselves. At that time, we had debts, including vehicle finance, personal loans, credit card debt, and student loans. While we met our monthly payments, I knew deep down that this was not the life I desired.

The turning point arrived when I left my job, leaving my wife as the sole breadwinner. Together, we embarked on a journey of financial education, delving into Christian financial management resources. A pivotal moment came with Howard Dayton's book my wife bought, “Your Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt” which taught us that the Bible extensively discussed the subject of money and material possessions, emphasising the importance of giving as part of family financial planning. Ellen G White's writings further enlightened us, highlighting that money holds no value if it fails to serve the needs of those less fortunate (Christ’s Object Lesson, page 351.3).

My mission is to teach that financial management is intertwined with our spiritual lives. As believers, we are called to be stewards of God's resources, guided by the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy in managing our finances. Following God's methods not only benefits us but also extends a helping hand to the less privileged. I encourage everyone to seek divine counsel to improve their financial situation and witness the blessings that follow. In the book of Malachi 3:10, God urges us to test Him, and I can attest that He remains faithful to His Word. Through this journey, I've discovered the profound truth that aligning our financial decisions with God's teachings leads to enduring prosperity and spiritual fulfillment. I can testify.