“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela will long be remembered as a great statesman, politician and liberator for the people of South Africa. We at HOPE worldwide celebrate his legacy of hope and remember his passion for bringing unity to a divided nation. Mandela will also live in our memory as a friend and partner in our mission to bring hope and change lives.
Pictured is Mr. Mandela with the HOPE Unity Award. He was the first recipient of this award which is given to those who have sacrificed personal liberties for the sake of uniting many in peace. To learn more about this award and its distinguished recipients, click here.
Below are a few fond memories we have of this great man.
A Spirit of Steel and Velvet
Pat Gempel, Co-Founder, HOPE worldwide:
My husband, Bob, and I met Nelson Mandela on two occasions. The first time was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1993 when President Clinton honored him with the Liberty Medal. The second was in Pretoria, South Africa when HOPE worldwide presented him with the first HOPE Unity Award.
On both occasions, his warmth, kind smile and gracious spirit dominated the audience. When he received the Liberty Medal, he thanked everyone and posed the question: “Are the great principles of political freedom and natural justice, embodied in the Declaration of Independence, extended to us [South Africa]?” He went on to talk about slavery in the United States. As he spoke, we couldn’t help thinking of another great President, Abraham Lincoln. They shared a spirit of steel and velvet and led their nations powerfully because of the lives they lived.
Due to the outstanding work led by Dr. Mark Ottenweller throughout the African continent, we were also honored to present Mr. Mandela with the first HOPE Unity Award at his home in Pretoria. We witnessed a hospitable and very gentle man. Mandela offered us his friendship and encouragement. He thanked us for the labor of love offered by disciples of Christ. He recognized that because of their efforts, needs were being met for the poorest of the poor who were dying of HIV/AIDS. That day is a fond, forever memory. The world has lost a great leader.
Mandela: A Leader, Liberator, Loving Grandfather and Friend
Dr. Mark Ottenweller, Director of Development Africa, Sr. HIV/AIDS Advisor:
The sons of Marc Aguirre, HOPE worldwide’s Country Director in South Africa, had been given me a few questions to ask Mr. Mandela regarding the future of South Africa. I remember that as he answered their questions, he sat up very straight in his chair and in a very dignified manner gave us a short speech about the future of South Africa and the type of leaders the nation needed. I witnessed him quickly transform from a warm and caring grandfather to a great leader and politician.
Six weeks ago, I was speaking at a church service in Johannesburg on Isaiah 58. I realized that we weren’t far from Mandela’s house. So we went to his home to express our concern for him. A number of family members were there so we left as to not disturb them. We left a note for him and his wife to thank them for their work on behalf of the poor. I included this verse from Isaiah 58, which I think applies to him:
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? . . .
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”
-Isaiah 58:6-9
