Stories from the Road.
Mfundo Nkosi: My first experience in book distribution left an indelible mark on my consciousness. I was afraid to approach anyone and couldnât even summon the courage to speak, muted as though gagged by fear. I then noticed a lady sweeping the sidewalk nearby. Her broom dragged across the dirt with great effort. It looked like she was writing a sad poem in the dust with the broom as her pen and her tears provided the ink. Drawn by her silent anguish I approached her and asked, âAre you okay?â She looked up and stared at me with eyes glistening from the tears she failed to hold back. I stood there stunned, thinking what an awkward situation I had plunged myself into and my heart sank at her falling tears. The lady then spoke in a somber voice, âDoes God exist?â After a moment I said, âI have this book [Chant and Be Happy]. It speaks about establishing a relationship with God by calling His names.â âI donât have any moneyâ, she responded digging into her pockets to show only a single Rand. Knowing one Rand may not be enough she ran to one of her colleagues and stopped a few people in the street imploring them to spare a little change so she could purchase the book. I couldnât move, startled by this ladyâs desperation. She hurried back to me and said, âThis is all I can get,â stretching out her arms to me as she cupped the coins in her hands. She amassed all of five rands. I took the donation but what really purchased the book was her desperation to find God. That was the only book I distributed that day. I know not what became of that lady; however, she made a deep impression in my heart that I hope to carry with me always.