Lidia was a problem child with many issues. Her first-hand experience in street fights quickly made her the gang leader, so she took the lead in catfights at school. She caused many problems for her parents and the teachers who crossed paths with her (and sometimes also the proverbial swords).
Her mother sought help to handle Lidia in the then ministry that Reverend Erlo Stegen started among the Zulu community in Mapumulo in KwaZulu-Natal. Lidia’s mother then also became a collaborator in the ministry of the young evangelist, who at the time understood little of the language and culture of the community. But, under his guidance, Lidia’s mother converted and made the gospel the ethical guide for her life. In time, it also pointed the way to the Lord for the young Lidia and later for her husband and other family members.
The young Lidia was initially opposed to the gospel, but in 1968, she felt called to become a collaborator in the Stegen ministry. These were difficult times for the community. It was during the Apartheid years in South Africa, and there were many challenges to make the mission station work and build up amid the many challenges that made the road difficult. The constant challenges made her so physically sick that she almost lost her life. Only after she surrendered to God’s will did the Lord heal her and restore her health.
Her health and the constant attacks on her work sometimes make it difficult.
It didn’t always go well with Lidia. Her childhood was not without challenges, and the constant arguments between her parents initially hurt her outlook on life. She was constantly involved in fist fights, but could stand her ground, as the saying goes.
Lidia with Erlo Stegen
Read the full story of Lidia Dube in the Devoted Magazine, Issue 41
Image credits: All pictures provided by KwaSizabantu
