A Journey of Faith, Adversity, and Divine Inspiration: Dr. Daniel Shupikai Matematema’s Story

My name is Dr. Daniel Shupikai Matematema, a Zimbabwean serving as an associate pastor in Botswana. I am married to Moreblessing, and in 2024, we celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary. We are blessed with four wonderful children—two boys and two girls.

My journey as an author began in 2015, sparked by a life-changing moment with my Bible College lecturer, Dr. Ken Krucker. After grading my project in Old Testament Survey, in which he gave me 98%, Dr. Krucker shared that he had read my work more than three times, not just to mark it, but because it deeply blessed him. He encouraged me to consider writing and publishing, a suggestion that provided a much-needed boost and became part of my healing process.

This encouragement was particularly significant because it contrasted sharply with the trauma I had experienced in 1997 at the hands of my secondary school head and science teacher. Their harsh treatment led me to contemplate suicide, with one of them going so far as to tell me I would never pass his subject. These painful experiences are detailed in some of my books.

My interaction with Dr. Krucker taught me valuable lessons, making me realize that even those who cause us pain can unknowingly contribute to our growth. The teacher who caused me so much suffering unknowingly played a part in my development into who I eventually became—a teacher of God’s Word. The Scripture became alive for me, as I recognized the truth that just as Potiphar put Joseph in prison and Pharaoh took him out, it often requires someone greater than the one who puts us in a difficult place to bring us out. This concept is mirrored in the story of Adam and Jesus: Adam’s disobedience brought death, while Jesus’ obedience brought life.

Armed with this truth, I began writing two books that were never published. In 2017, I was transferred to pastor at the headquarters of the ministry I was serving at the time. This elevation required sacrifices, including leaving Bible School with only two semesters to graduate. Within my first week in the new area, the church office was broken into, and my laptop, which contained my writings, was stolen. Among the stolen items were my passport and permits.

Being in a foreign land without documentation was a painful experience, even with a police report. This challenging transition period made the dream of writing seem far-fetched as the demands of ministry increased.

Fast forward to August 2018, I started sharing short inspirational audio and written messages from my phone daily. This continued for more than a year and a half. At that point, the thought of writing or publishing a book was far from my mind; it was purely a passion to share God’s Word.

Two years later, someone who had been receiving my messages asked me to consider consolidating them into a book. While pondering this, a congregant heard me speak about my desire to write and the challenges I had faced. She spoke to her father, Professor Madei Mangori, an established author. The professor, moved by the Spirit, was glad to help, and we began working together to compile the book From Truth to Legacy – Leadership Fundamental Insights.

This book is ideal for any leader or aspiring leader who desires to leave a lasting legacy. It is relevant to all spheres of leadership—political, social, military, cultural, civic, religious, family, church, private, public, and non-governmental. The book is practical and can be used as a textbook or a self-help guide, containing real-life experiences and research.

One notable quote from the book, summarized by Warren Buffett, states, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” This book challenges, confronts, counsels, and comforts readers while offering fundamental leadership insights through a framework consisting of four components: truth, individual, team, impact, and legacy building.

The book was launched in December 2023, alongside four other books I wrote concurrently. Two of these books—Set Me on Fire and Life Learnt Lessons—have been translated into Ikalanga, a minor language in Botswana. From Truth to Legacy was reviewed on June 18, 2024, on ZTN Prime TV and DStv 294, and copies have been submitted to four libraries in Australia. I also had the privilege of featuring on the Mogobe Nuggets of Wisdom Podcast.

The books are available on Amazon and in local bookstores in Botswana and Zimbabwe.

You can connect with me on Facebook at Daniel S Matematema, Dan Mat Books, or via WhatsApp at +267 746 556 74. You can also follow my Instagram stories here.

Book Title: Set Me on Fire

My second book, Set Me on Fire, is the fourth of the five books I launched in December 2023. It has also been translated into Ikalanga and is currently being translated into Setswana, the major language in Botswana.

In January 2023, while preaching, God spoke to me, revealing that my influence was limited and that, like Joseph, I needed to “spread over the walls” (Genesis 49:22 Amplified). Though I did not know how this would unfold, I trusted that if God had spoken it, it would come to pass.

On February 2nd, after attending an evening service where our Bishop preached from John 15 about branches being pruned to bear more fruit, my wife, a deacon, and I were attacked in a smash-and-grab incident on our way home. Four men attacked our car as I slowed down near a speed bump. One struck the door glass with a spark plug, while another hit my cheek, causing my jaws to shift and threatening me with a knife. If he had moved even a single inch, the outcome could have been tragic, and none of my books would have come to fruition.

The incident left me in shock, pain, and trauma for many days. The attackers took our phones, my wife’s handbag with bank cards and money, and left us deeply shaken. After reporting the incident to the police, I was advised to seek immediate medical attention due to the severity of my injuries.

At the hospital, my blood pressure readings were so unusual that the nurse had to take them three times. The doctor expressed amazement, noting that what they were seeing was not normal and that it was a miracle I was still standing. Due to the impact on my jaws, I could not eat solid food for more than ten days and had to rely on liquids through a straw.

During this ordeal, I received a call from the investigation officer assigned to my case. She was struck by the severity of my injuries and the miracle of my survival and asked if I could share God’s Word at the police station during their Tuesday devotion. Out of this painful experience, a platform was created to spread the Gospel. After sharing at the police station, other invitations followed.

In June, during our prayer and fasting period, I committed to walking up at 3:30 am every Tuesday and Thursday, driving 40 km to church for morning prayers that started at 4:45 am. I would remain at the church, reading and writing until 6 pm, with short breaks in between.

Set Me on Fire seeks to inspire individuals to desire an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s given purpose and assignment. Before publishing it, I sent copies to over 20 pastors in different countries (Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana) for their feedback. Many were inspired and went on to preach about the book’s message in their congregations, spreading the fire further.

I have also had the privilege of being invited to many churches in Botswana to share the book’s message. Below are a few reviews:

Rev Arnold Chilisa, Bible Life Ministries, S/Phikwe, Botswana:
“Set Me on Fire” is an amazing and life-changing book. It is a valuable resource in the Kingdom of God. As you read it, your spirit will be revived and refreshed. This book will ignite your prayer life. “Set Me on Fire” should be the cry of every believer—we all need the fire of God. You cannot make an impact without the fire of God.

Apostle Peter Kazembe, Blessed Hope International Christian Assembly, Malawi:
I have gone through the book titled “Set Me on Fire.” This book is a great blessing to my life, and I believe it will be a great blessing to many who study it. May the Lord bless the writer for taking time to yield to the Holy Spirit and write such a great book. How I wish Malawi had copies of this book.

Set Me on Fire is available on Amazon and in local bookshops in Botswana.

This journey of faith, adversity, and divine inspiration has taught me that even in our darkest moments, God can create platforms for His Word to reach others. I pray that my books continue to inspire and ignite a passion for God in all who read them.