09 Apr 2018

Local Government and Rural Development Assistant Minister, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has appealed to the church to be actively involved in building the nation.

 

Officiating at an occasion where Fellowship International Church donated school shoes valued at P30 000 to 120 orphaned and disadvantaged children from the selected primary schools in Mahalapye on Saturday, she said government was concerned by some churches that deprived innocent people of their hard earned property.

 

Ms Tshireletso said it was unfortunate for a holy body like the church to be associated with reaping and impoverishing members of the community under the pretext of spreading the word of God.“Some churches even claim to have the powers to increase people’s riches and by so doing belittling the name of church,” she said.

 

Ms Tshireletso noted that government had all the faith in the church to take a lead in nation building, therefore it would be unfortunate to come across cases where some church leaders are accused of deceiving and sexually abusing members of the congregation.The Assistant Minister however applauded the church for coming forth to address one of the challenges that government was facing. 

 

“We deal with among others housing, provision of food to under privileged as well as care for the vulnerable children and orphans,” she said.

Ms Tshireletso said government could not manage without the involvement and assistance of stakeholders; the private sector and civil society

 

She further implored other churches, business community, organisations and individual members of the society to be encouraged and emulate what Fellowship International Church had done.“You must be encouraged to do something about the plight of our children and take part in building an educated nation.

 

It may not be your child who suffers by walking barefooted to school, but all you have to think about is how it may impact on their performance at school,” she said.Ms Tshireletso said the donation came at a time when the winter season was approaching and it would be difficult for some pupils to manage through the cold weather on bare feet. 

 

She commended the noble gesture as it would not only boost the children’s self-esteem and dignity, but also protect them against infection and injuries as they walk to and from school

Meanwhile, Apostle Kemmonye Sekati challenged the church community to be at the forefront in addressing challenges of the society and other social ills.

 

Apostle Sekati also shared the sentiments with Assistant Minister Tshireletso, indicating that it was unfortunate to come across reports that some church elders were dragging the name of the holy society in the mud. He said it was uncalled for to note that some churches were impoverishing some members of the society. Apostle Sekati said growing up in poverty stricken family had taught him to fully understand the challenges of the society. 

 

Despite the family situation, Apostle Sekati said he was inspired to stay focused in order to improve his life.

“To all the children, I am here to make you understand that it was not your mistake to be born poor, but it will be your mistake to die poor, when you have God and love you will be able to excel,” he said

 

Giving a word of appreciation on behalf of the chairperson of Mahalapye Sub-council, Councillor Nametso Koma said giving back to the society was one of the special assignments that God had assigned the church to undertake.

He said such an act would not go unnoticed and would stay in the minds of those being assisted forever. 

 

Cllr Koma said the  council was doing all in its power to support in whatever means possible those in need of help, but always encountered shortcomings, therefore it was important for individual members of the society and other entities to assist where possible. ENDS