Brother Michael Punungwe

I’ve been blessed to be able to grow up in the Message. I always knew that God was real, but it took me a while to dedicate my life to Him. Growing up with the Word of God and hearing the Message, I knew I wanted to follow God in some capacity, but I doubted if I could. I had worldly habits that I wasn’t sure that I could give up because I thought they were a part of me. One year at a youth camp I decided that I was going to serve the Lord. Slowly, over time, all those old habits left me and God made it easy  to give them up. I am reminded of the song, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.”

Recently, when I was teaching Sunday School, a particular verse stood out to me. It was Ephesians 4:15. “…but speaking the truth in love, may grow up to Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ.” I think if I could sum up Brother Dale’s ministry in a few words, it would be, “speaking the truth in love.” He tells the truth when it makes you feel good, but he also tells the truth when it doesn’t. He tells the truth when it is uncomfortable, when it is harsh, and when it hurts; but he does it because he loves us, and because of that we love him back. I believe that growing up hearing the truth being brought forth in love has given me the ability to stand for the truth, no matter what. I have been tremendously blessed to have a pastor that doesn’t hold back because he truly loves us and wants us all to come to perfection.