From Despair to Purpose

James Mhangu’s life once revolved around soccer. As a passionate player, the game gave him purpose and joy. But in 2017, his world changed—he began experiencing severe pain in his leg, and before long, doctors confirmed his worst fear: cancer. Despite medical efforts, the disease progressed, and ultimately, his leg had to be amputated.

Losing his leg felt like losing everything. Soccer was gone. His dreams were gone. His hope was gone. Depression set in, and he struggled to find meaning in life. He would later describe that time as losing his mind but not his heart—because even in his darkest days, something inside him still longed for healing, for purpose, for hope.

That hope came in an unexpected way.

During an Athletes in Action church sports mission in the North, our team met James. We carried with us Jesus Loves You soccer balls, and we invited him to watch the Jesus Film with us. He accepted, and as the film played, something in him began to stir. Afterward, as we shared a meal, we opened the Bible together. One of our team members read Revelation 3:20:

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."

That night, James opened his heart to Christ. He surrendered his pain, his past, and his future into God’s hands. In his own words, “The moment I received Christ, I gained hope and eternal life.”

From that day forward, everything changed. Instead of dwelling on what he had lost, he focused on what God had given him—life, faith, and a new purpose. Inspired by his love for the game, he started an academy for young soccer stars, mentoring Under-12, Under-16, and Under-20 players. He now tells his students, "God has helped me survive cancer. My heart has been healed by God."

James continues to grow in faith, regularly studying the Book of John, which we assigned him to read. He often reflects on Romans 8:1 and 1 John 1:8-9, scriptures that remind him of God’s grace, forgiveness, and the new life he has in Christ.

Now, when people see James, they don’t see an amputee struggling with loss. They see a Malawian man filled with peace and joy, a living testimony of how God redeems brokenness and turns pain into purpose.