Gold from the Fire

Last year Compass Braille sent a large quantity of braille books to Zimbabwe. They included 135 Shona Bible volumes, 249 English RSV Bible volumes and 300 booklets of various titles. Jotham Masuku from the rural villages of Nkayi District in Matebeleland North Province, is someone who has benefitted from them.

The following is based on an article about Jotham written by the Bible Society of Zimbabwe:

Now aged 22, Jotham lost his sight when he was 8. This resulted in him having to drop out of school – a huge blow for Jotham who is described as “smart, eloquent and God-fearing” with “great aspirations of life”. After some time he was able to enroll at a suitable school but he faced disappointment again when this was closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Finally he enrolled at Capota School for the Blind where his life began to show meaning, especially coming from a background where many think that when one becomes blind, the world has come to an end. Using braille became a lifestyle and he excelled in his studies, including passing well in 8 Ordinary Level subjects including mathematics and science.

Apart from school work, Jotham is a poet, a preacher and a director of ceremonies who aspires to help the world appreciate the fact that through him, God may be glorified. Asked on how he treats or views disability, Jotham said, “Disability is not the end of life; be strong and courageous. Learners should be serious with education not to live a life where visually impaired people end up being beggars in the streets. The future is in your hands and minds; disability cannot destroy your future. Revelation 3:18 says,