Early Ministry Against Apartheid
Michael Lapsley was born in Hastings, New Zealand, in 1949, and from a young age, he was deeply committed to his Christian faith. Ordained as an Anglican priest in Australia, he later moved to Durban, South Africa, in 1973, where he was confronted with the harsh realities of apartheid. His skin color defined his every experience, and he soon became an outspoken critic of the regime.
As a chaplain, Michael ministered to students of all races, advocating for the oppressed and speaking out against the violence inflicted on the young. This activism led to his expulsion from South Africa in 1976. He continued his work from Lesotho and Zimbabwe, serving as a chaplain to the African National Congress (ANC) in exile.
The Bomb Attack and God's Presence
In April 1990, Michael's life changed dramatically when he received a letter bomb from the apartheid regime. The explosion took both his hands, sight in one eye, and left him severely burned. Yet, amidst the chaos, Michael felt God's presence. "Somehow, in the midst of the bombing, I felt that God was present," he shared. This divine encounter became a turning point.
Choosing Forgiveness Over Hatred
Despite the physical and emotional scars, Michael chose not to be consumed by hatred. "If I was filled with hatred and desire for revenge, I'd be a victim forever," he realized. Instead, he embarked on a journey from victim to survivor to victor, dedicating his life to healing others. In 1998, he founded the Institute for Healing of Memories in Cape Town, helping individuals and communities find peace and restoration.
From Victim to Victor
Though no one has claimed responsibility for the bombing, Michael remains open to forgiveness, valuing genuine remorse and commitment to change. "Forgiveness is costly, painful, and difficult," he acknowledges, but his life exemplifies how faith and forgiveness can transform tragedy into a force for good.
Today, Michael continues to work tirelessly, helping others move beyond their past and become agents of change. His journey from victim to victor, empowered by his faith in Jesus, stands as a powerful testament to God's redemptive power.
