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Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Psalm 27:10

Manche Masemola (1928)
Martyred by her Mother

When Manche found Christ through the work of foreign missionaries in the Transvaal (modern-day South Africa), her parents were greatly angered at her embracing what they saw as a deviant religion that might steal their young daughter away. They began to beat her, insisting she stop attending the local mission in their home town of Marishane, Sekhukhuneland.

Concluding that their daughter was bewitched by the Christians, her parents sought the advice of a sangoma (spirit-priest). He prescribed a traditional medicine, and her parents beat Manche until she drank it. But this did not stop her attending church and praying. Incensed, they took Manche, who was around 15 years old at the time, to a secluded place, where they beat her to death. Her mother denied killing the teenager and for almost four decades continued to denounce Christians. But in 1969 she was baptised a Christian and changed her name to Magdalene.

He who loveth God with all his heart feareth not death, nor punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love giveth sure access to God. But he who still delighteth in sin, no marvel if he is afraid of death and judgment.

Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380-1471)