BYU–Hawaii Alumnus Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe, along with his wife, Futhi Mdletshe, have been called to preside over the Kenya Nairobi Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe shared his time at BYU–Hawaii will serve him well as he takes on this new capacity.
Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe said, “As a boy growing up in the dusty township of KwaMashu, Durban, South Africa, I never thought I could have an opportunity to serve as a mission president. The Lord is wonderful because through His servants he could take a chance on us.”
“I grew under apartheid which means I grew up under extreme poverty,” said Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe. “The future was bleak until I was given an opportunity to come to BYUH. I worked hard in my studies because I knew I had been given a chance of a lifetime. The lessons learned [have] prepared me for this assignment, and most of them were learned at BYUH.”
Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe said the experience with diversity at BYUH will help him in the mission field. “When I first arrived at BYUH I was a brand new return missionary. I had to adjust to a new way of life. Never before I had met people from Pacific nations.”
According to Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe, everything was new to him at BYUH but he adjusted quickly. He said he thinks his call to Kenya will be similar.
Along with adjusting to a new life, Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe said BYUH provided him with leadership opportunities when he worked for BYUH student government and expanded his knowledge with the English language.
“I came to BYUH with limited English language abilities. By the time I left BYUH I could write an essay. I will always be grateful with how my EIL teachers showed patience to me and my fellow students. I hope I [can] practice that with those missionaries who would try to push boundaries.”
Strong testimony
Keenan Adcock, a BYUH alumnus, said he worked with Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe in 1988 on the BYUH student government and also attended BYU in Provo with him.
Adcock said he was proud of Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe. He said, “BYUH is a smaller school, students knew each other more so than a campus with thousands of students. Having him called is like a family member finding additional success in life. Desmond’s success is really our success. We all have played a small part in each other’s lives.”
Adcock said Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe is well qualified to serve the African saints and his testimony of the church is unwavering. “There aren’t many individuals I know who have an abiding testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ than Desmond.
“His experiences where he could have been bitter about his upbringing or membership in the Church, particularly with respect to the priesthood. He’s been focused on what’s important and that the gospel is truly restored through Joseph Smith.”
Adcock said, “I’ve heard Desmond state on multiple occasions whenever someone brings up a controversial topic, doctrinal issue, or historical practice, that after all is said and done, the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through Joseph Smith is true.”
Representing Africa
“Heavenly Father would not have called him if he wasn’t the best person for the job,” said Joana Chibota, a freshman from Zimbabwe majoring in biomedical science. She said she knew Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe back in South Africa because he was one of her seminary teachers. “I knew he would do great things. He is very capable and spiritual. I remember he would always give us extra information that was not in the textbook for seminary.”
Chibota said it was comforting to know someone called to a vital position in the Church. “It is nice to know I have people in my circle who are so spiritual and close to Heavenly Father.”
According to Chibota, Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe is helping represent African church members. “Not a lot of people could tell you about what they know about the Church in Africa or if they know anyone of top leadership from Africa.”
Chibota thinks it is important for Africa to be represented. She said missionary work is big in Africa, but the more people know about leaders like Desmond the more it can grow and expand.
Serving together
According to Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe’s wife, Futhi Mdletshe, the call to serve in Kenya came to them as a surprise.
Futhi Mdletshe said, “At first I was filled with mixed emotions if we were ready. I quickly realized that we made covenants with the Lord, and we promised to serve Him no matter the call. I look forward to serving with my companion and to support him as we serve in the Lord's vineyard.”
She said she hopes for the people to serve knowing Heavenly Father loves them. “I love the plan that our Heavenly Father has for all His children and that I am part of that plan. That Heavenly Father loves me and listens and answers my prayers.
“I love that connection I feel. The opportunities the gospel gives me to reach my full potential. That families are forever.”
Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe said he has a goal to be a good leader and father to those missionaries. He said his wife will help him achieve this goal and with the missionary work in Kenya. “More important than any other thing is my wife, Futhi. She provides a lot of support and great strength. She would be set apart as my companion, and that comes with a great responsibility such as being my counselor. She is wise and spiritually in tune.”
Beyond the excitement of the new call, Khumbulani Desmond Mdletshe says he loves the idea the gospel is for everyone. He said, “Not long ago the African continent was dark as far as the restored gospel is concerned today. Because of the love the Lord has for all of His children, my people are blessed with this great gospel.”
Writer: Noah Shoaf