D.A. Mokgolane

“I enjoying telling jokes and I sing a lot! When I’m with people they just laugh. Many people know me as a formal guy, as a preacher or teacher, but they don’t know that I play a lot.” -D.A. Mokgolane

Mr. Mokgolane or D.A. (David Aaron) is my go to man at work. He is what Peace Corps calls my counterpart: the person I run to when I’m confused, overwhelmed, unsure, or any other emotion truly. Beyond being my counterpart, D.A. has about 200 other important titles. Let’s name a few so you get the idea. He’s a teacher, member of the school management team, husband, father, youth pastor, photographer, videographer, oh and don’t forget published author! Seriously, I don’t know how a single human can do so much and still do it with incredible kindness and a giant genuine grin beaming across their face. But actually, he did tell me his secret. It’s his kids. He works hard at everything he does so he can make things light for them. He always prioritises family and that gives him energy to keep going.

If it wasn’t already clear, Mr. Mogkolane is one of my biggest role models. He is an incredible man after God’s heart and his actions live out Christ’s love every single day. I mean if someone asked me to describe him in less then 10 words I’d just start down the list of fruits of the spirit because that’s exactly the type of person he is (See Gal 5: 22-23)! When I asked him to describe himself hardworking, God loving, and sociable were the first few words to come to mind. And boy are those accurate!

His dedicated spirit is fuelled by passion, passion to make people happy around him. In his own words, “I am passionate about sitting down and listening to people’s stories and finding a way to help them make a difference in their lives. That drives me to wake up early in the morning and stay until late at night. As long as I can make someone happy and make the work lighter, it’s okay.”

Even so, it’s not that life has always been easy for D.A. He has had several obstacles along the way. What’s amazing is how he comes out wiser, kinder, and strong through every one. One of the most challenging times for him was when his wife first started battling cancer and he had to be a full-time mom and dad at home on top of his career. He also had to make regular trips to the hospital to visit his wife. Though it was difficult, it was again his passion for others, and specifically his kids, that gave him strength to endure. And that’s exactly what he did.

I love opportunities to sit down and chat with Mr. Mokgolane. As you can tell from this post so far, he is a unique and wise individual with so many talents and immense love to offer the world. With all of these skills I asked him why he chooses to stay in Monsterlus. His reason was, of course, people! He loves the diversity here and the community. We have people from so many different cultures and languages, even different countries all living in one community together. “It’s a mix of cultures and it’s fun to be around” he said.

My only bone to pick with dear D.A. is that he is so gosh darn busy I have to share his awesomeness with so many other people! But actually, it just makes me beyond thankful for smiling greetings every morning and uninterrupted conversations in the car as we drive to Peace Corps trainings together. I will never forget those memories hearing about the college days, courting his wife, his cinematography dreams, and his faithfulness to his family and Jesus when his wife found out she had cancer. The man cannot be rattled and he is able to give so much because he truly believes Christ has already given him everything. He is then able to live joyfully and generously out of that abundance.

D.A. has vision. He has passion. And when those two meet, there is a dangerous spark that’s ready to start a raging fire of change. D.A. has done so much for his school and his community. He has brought hope and life into every corner of the world he touches, including mine.

Really, I just want to say thank you, D.A. Thank you for your willingness to listen to me, to care for me, and to support me. Thank you for the grace you have extended and the wisdom you have shared. You are a joy to know and a world changer indeed.

To quote him from his own book Dear Pastor, “Thank you for being such a gentleman! You made an impression in my life that a lot of words could never match.”

Please keep D.A., his 2 kids, and wife in your prayers as she continues her battle against cancer. May their family feel support and love from all around the world and most importantly from God, our great comforter and healer. D.A. said that every time he visits her, she is full of joy and he always comes back stronger than when he came.

Also, keep your eyes out for his next book release! He is planning to publish 5, that’s right, 5 books all at once. They are already written and he’s aiming to have them published late next year!

Let’s all be more like D.A. everyone,

Renae (←that one’s for you Mokgolane!)

(Pictured above is Mr. Mogkolane, his wife, two kids, and his son's best friend)