15 Oct 2017

The Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya has challenged christian men not to be ignorant of the challenges that are bedeviling the society.

Mr Goya said this on Saturday during the Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana Christian Men’s Ministry launch and adornment in Tlokweng.

The Christian Men’s Ministry aims to promote high standard of professionalism in preaching and practising the true gospel of Jesus Christ as well as to promote harmonious living, holy living between men and their families, he said.

“As we introspect and acknowledge how this talks to us as fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles, let us not forget the challenges faced by men within families and to a large extent in communities,” he stated.

He said the country faced problems of alcohol and substance abuse which have created a huge social and health burden.

This has resulted in assaults, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, unsafe sex, drunken driving causing road traffic accidents and health problems among others, he noted.

“These affect all sectors of the population irrespective of whether an individual chooses to drink or not,” he stated.

Nonetheless, he said the Christian Men’s Ministry was in the process of infusing within their core mandate, social issues bedeviling today’s world from the perspective of the family and indeed that of the whole nation.

Furthermore, he stated that it was worth noting and celebrating the contributions of men, something which had been lagging behind. “Let us celebrate the role men play in the family cohesion and particularly in area of health holistically and HIV/AIDS in particular,” he said. He also gave reference to Men Sector, which is a subcommittee of the National AIDS Council.

The Dutch Reformed Church Lobatse Circuit chairperson, which Tlokweng falls under, Reverend Albertus Louw said the event marked the history of the church in Botswana, adding that it was time men take up their roles in the Church.  Rev Louw challenged men to have authority in their homes, community, workplace and the church through worship, obedience and exalting God.

He said that ‘the Dutch Reformed Church believes the event will spur the growth of the church in the country,’ adding that the church accommodates people of different languages and cultures.

Rev Louw further stated that launch and adornment of the Christian Men’s Ministry would also help the church to establish leaders in the church and the country.  The event was held under the theme, ‘the success of God’s Child is confirmed in his promise.’ ENDS