HOM: Leo Maposa

Hi Friends! I hope October is treating everyone well so far. While my home state is getting close to enjoyable fall temperatures, Matebeleland is getting into the thick of the heat!

I’d like you to meet Leo Maposa, our next guest on Humans of Matebeleland. He’s a colleague of ours at Ebenezer, and goes deep with his responses. Enjoy!

Leo Maposa, age 28

What is something about you that surprises people?

That I’m a twin. Paternal. Yeah, people can’t guess that. Like if we are playing Truths and Lies, and I say I’m a twin, they always think it’s a lie.

Who has been an influential person in your life?

There was a gentleman, his name was Chuck Day, he was an American, one of my lecturers in college. He was so hospitable. He played a big role when it comes to my faith, we had so many raw conversations and he didn’t shy away from the truth. For three years he played a very big role in my life, when I was still a baby in the Lord.

What is something you’re working hard towards?

For me, marriage. It’s something that I’m saving towards.

What’s the most joyful part of your days?

Teaching- teaching Bible and business. I enjoy doing that. I just enjoy talking in front of kids.

Leo ties in the Alpha Course module to his Bible class.

What’s the most challenging part of your days?

When I have to sit and have a long conversation with someone. I can have a short conversation, but I can’t last long. Long conversations, they just don’t go well with me.

Note taken, Leo! haha

What is something that you’d like people to know about Zimbabwe?

I would say, it would be about the people. Zimbabwean people are welcoming, they’re very hospitable. I would say they are one of the strongest people in the world, with the economy … They are also very spiritual, very religious.

Leo co-leads the Demo Garden with us.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve done?

For me, I think choosing a different career path. This is something that happened when I was 17. I originally wanted to be a pilot, and I studied the sciences. But when I was 17, I felt the Lord calling me into ministry, so I went to bible school instead. None of my family agreed with it, so I had to go off to school by myself. For the first few months, I wasn’t sure. But I was pushed into it, and I felt confirmation from 2 different Christians in my life, so I knew it was the right thing to do.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the last year?

Sure, for me it’s patience. That’s something God has been teaching me through the year. I would say patience because I’ve never worked in a rural set up, I’ve never lived in a rural setup [like Ebenezer]. So when I came here it looked like it would be all fancy. But I’ve learned that God rewards patience. Even with the church that we planted, we thought by this time we would have exploded and had many plants by now, but it’s just small, and we are learning patience.

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Thank you Leo for sitting down with me, for what I hope was not too long of a conversation, knowing what I now know!

To me, Leo shows a lot of courage in not only being willing to pivot from pursuing a pilot's career to a Bible teaching and church planting ministry, but being willing to do it in a rural setting. It's hard to get more rural than we are!

Is there a change you're afraid to make? Perhaps seeking confirmation from other believers like Leo did will help you!

Growing in Courage,

Mackenzie