May we know you! | Caroline Phiri

INTERVIEW By Caroline Phiri

Dr Takondwa Namalima

May we know you? Give us a brief introduction about yourself.

“I am Takondwa Rex Namalima, from Ntcheu. I was born in a family of three. I have a twin sister and a younger brother. My father comes from Thyolo, and my mother comes from Ntcheu. I was born in Thyolo, did my primary school at Luchenza primary school, Luchenza, Thyolo, then Nsanjama PVT primary school, Mulanje. Then I went to Mulanje secondary school from 2009 to 2012. I proceeded to study Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Kamuzu University of Heath Science (KUHeS), previously known as University of Malawi College of Medicine. Apart from that, I have also done a lot of short courses relevant to my field.”

What is your marital status?

“Currently I am single, but by God’s grace I have a wedding next months on 4th September 2022.”

What was your experience like as a KUMSDAC (formerly COMSDAC) member?

“ I had been a COMSDAC member since the first week I joined college, and I never regretted throughout my journey. I learnt many things, which I may not share all at once, but will share lessons in the following themes: a. Leadership COMSDAC has been a place I learnt a lot about leadership. Of course, it was not my first experience to be a leader, for I served different leadership position from childhood (ranging from Captain in pathfinder club as a teenager, to a Chairperson of Mulanje Secondary School SDA club). All those experiences were relevant, but I saw some level of maturity and improvement in leadership styles as I serve people who are ´the Cream of Malawi´. I served as a premedical representa tive, music director,

social welfare chairperson as well as other roles, and served as president for University of Malawi Adventist Youth congress (UMAYC) and COMSDAC Community service (CCS). Apart from working with fellow students, I also interacted with university staff members, church leaders, and other people. I learnt how to approach people at different levels, humility, and had more than book knowledge about leadership. Above all, I learnt to trust God more. The more we stumble and fall, I was encouraged to kneel down and pray. I have seen God opening doors and answering prayers even at the times that all seemed to nothing will work out. It is true that God has a thousand ways to provide for his people and we know not one. b. Friendship COMSDAC linked me up to a lot of people that are now friends and family. We made many strong bonds that still exist until today. Throughout my medical school, there were people that supported and counselled me. Not only were we discussing the word of God, but also appreciated nature, and had luncheons. c. Spiritual It was through COMSDAC bible study sessions that I learnt and understood more about prophecy and scripture interpretation. I learnt how to share

the word of God on one to one basis as well as preparing a bible study. Now that I am out of college, I really miss those gathering that share present truth.

What is the one thing you would have done different when you were a COMSDAC member?

“Mentoring young people. Valuing and utilizing every moment that comes as much as possible. After completing my undergraduate studies, I realised that I could have done more about mentoring young people. KUMSDAC needs many mentorship programs for both academic, spiritual and social life. It does not have a very good platform for mentorship and it does not utilize its alumni.”

What kept you going to remain an SDA member throughout your school life?

“The truth. Understanding our mission and “ I believe we are living in the seeking to understand God’s will each and every day.” last days of earth’s history. What is your As we see the signs of the favourite food? times quickly unfolding in “It is hard to say our eyes, it is high time we truly seeked God. exactly what my favourite food is, because it changes. I like a lot of delicious vegetarian food.”

What do you like to do when you are not working?

“I like appreciating nature, studying and chatting.”

What is the one thing you would wish people to know about you, which most people might not know?

“Many people think that leadership, singing, or public speaking are my top most hobbies. I enjoy the time I spent with nature.”

What songs do you like listening to and who is or are your favourite artist(s) or group(s)?

“Most of the times I like listening to classical music. However, one of my favourite artists is Neville Peter.”

What do you think about revival and reformation?

“I believe we are living in the last days of earth’s history. As we see the signs of the times quickly unfolding in our eye, it is a high time we should truly seek God. True revival and reformation is needed among Christians. We should allow the love of God to compel us to follow him always. Take note I said true revival and reformation. The sad truth is that sometimes people reform to conform to the norm (the fact that everyone is saying about it) not allowing God to work within. In addition, sometimes we resist the Holy Spirit for the sake of the thing we hold so dearly. “We are not God’s children until we are such entirely”, the Spirit of Prophesy warns. The bible also declares that many people who believe they are saved will be lost (Matthew 7:12-14, 2123). The Spirit of Prophesy says many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God (Steps to Christ 47-48). True revival and reformation is needed among us. Let everyone seek God’s will for his/ her life.”

What advice can you give to current KUMSDAC members?

“Avoid mediocrity in all aspects of life. Be true to God, to yourself, and the society. Learn from the people who have gone before you. Sometimes we fail at the very point that other people have failed because we did not want to learn from them. Lastly, the safest place to be is in the middle of God’s will for your life. Seek the will of God always with an earnest heart.”