Mandela Turns 93; World Called to Serve

By Amy Shank, Christian Today Reporter Monday, July 18, 2011

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is among the leaders sending their birthday greetings to Nelson Mandela.

Mandela turns 93 today and the day is being celebrated globally as Mandela Day.

The day encourages people around the world to take concrete action in service of others and play their part in changing the world for the better.

Although Mandela has retired from public life, he remains an iconic figure not only in South Africa, where he led the struggle against apartheid, but also the world over.

He continues to call on younger generations to take up the fight for a fairer, more peaceful world.

“It is time for the next generations to continue our struggle against social injustice and for the rights of humanity,” he said. “It is in your hands.”

People are being asked to dedicate 67 minutes of their time on Monday to serving their community and helping to build a global movement for good.

The number 67 reflects the 67 years of his life that Mandela gave to fighting for the rights of humanity.

Archbishop Tutu, as chair of the Elders group of leaders, said: “On his birthday, Madiba has asked us to do something, not for him, but for our fellow human beings.

“Join us in marking Mandela Day by celebrating our collective power to do good for others and making the world we share a happier and fairer place.”

Mandela's wife and fellow founder of The Elders, Graça Machel, stated: “Mandela Day is a chance for each of us to do what we can for the human family that Madiba cares so much about. It is a beautiful way of recognizing that we can all do good, that we have love and kindness in our hearts and that we can all make a difference to the lives of our neighbours.”