26 Sep 2016

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, on Sunday September 25, joined different churches that gathered at the National Stadium for the independence celebrations combined church Service.

The church service was organised by the Ministers Fraternal in Gaborone in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture to give thanks to the Lord for the country’s; peace and tranquility, economic stability and political stability during the past 50 years.

When delivering a sermon, Rev. Dr Johannes Kgwarapi of the Apostolic Faith Mission church in Gaborone said blessed was the nation whose God is the Lord. For that reason, he said it was befitting for the churches in Botswana to come together, as one, and celebrate the grace, favour and protection of the Lord.

He commended the organisers of the combined church service, saying it was imperative for Batswana to give thanks to the Lord for the responsible leadership that he had given to Botswana who had led the country with peace and all the years.

“We have to give God a hand of praise. The lord is good to our nation and has been all the time. We still need the light of the Lord to continue guiding us, as despite the victories there had been challenges as well, but he had seen us through all,” said Rev. Dr Kgwarapi.

Batswana, he said definitely had every reason to celebrate Botswana’s Golden Jubilee ‘as we have come to the 50 years of independence through our successful leadership that we have enjoyed guided by the Lord.’

“It is still not yet enough that we have achieved. But there is still more to celebrate. The peace, unity, stability and prosperity that have reigned in Botswana for the past 50 years is worthy to be celebrated,” he said.

He urged every Motswana, both young and old, to turn their hearts to God and allow Him to rule their lives. “Let us all transform and be the real followers of God. May God bless Botswana and grant her 50 more years,” he added.

Explaining what the essence of Jubilee was, Biblically, he said Jubilee was ordained by God, as He commanded the nation of Israel to celebrate Jubilee at the end of 50 years. Therefore, the message of Botswana, Rev. Dr Kgwarapi said was loud and clear.

“Its 50 years of our success story as a united and proud nation, because unlike most countries, we have experienced peace, unity, stability and prosperity and that we have to thank the Lord for,” he added.

The message of Botswana, he said was loud and clear, ‘its 50 years of our success story as a proud and united nation.’ “We have experienced peace, unity, stability and prosperity and that we have to thank the Lord for, throughout the entire country,” he added.

Meanwhile, still at the service, thanks giving offerings were collected which will go towards a rehabilitation centre project that the church has pledged to work on as a sign or a legacy that it wants to leave behind.

Several church choirs and praise and worship teams spiced up the church service with worship and praise songs. The service was later followed by a Gospel Music Festival, still at the national stadium.

The event was also attended by Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng Minister of Infrastructure Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi and Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso.

Additionally, former cabinet minister, Dr Gaositwe Chiepe, former First Lady, Ms Barbara Mogae, permanent secretary to the president, Mr Carter Morupisi, Gaborone City Mayor, Mr Kagiso Thutlwe, members of diplomatic corps, members of parliament, chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Puso Gaborone, senior government officials and councillors. ENDS