19 Aug 2018

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, also a devoted member of the Spiritual Healing Church, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi on August 18 joined multitudes who attended the church’s 65^th anniversary celebration in Matsiloje.

Dr Venson-Moitoi had the honour of unveiling the plaque of the church’s museum and monument on behalf of the Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane who was invited as guest of honour.

Minister Venson-Moitoi said she was happy that the church had a monument to preserve its history and existence.

She applauded the Spiritual Healing Church for its role in supporting government’s initiative to build houses for the less privileged members of the society.

Churches, she said played a pivotal role in developing the country’s economy and Spiritual Healing Church had created employment for many Batswana in its branches across the country.

She said it was commendable to see churches supporting and complementing government efforts to create employment so that members could become beneficiaries and live better lives.

Dr Venson-Moitoi implored members to extend the word to as many as possible and be exemplary to members of society.

She said government would continue supporting churches because it believed in the role they played in promoting peace and tranquility in Botswana.

Dr Venson-Moitoi commended Spiritual Healing Church for remaining resolute in spreading the Gospel and growing the church.

The minister, also Member of Parliament for Serowe South, said love was a gift that God wanted people to share with one another as Jesus Christ did.

She said churches should play a significant role in supporting government to shape the morality of society, particularly the youth who faced many challenges.

The word of God she said could help youth avoid unbecoming behavior.

She commended the church for organising the 65 years of existence celebration saying such was a major milestone for the church.

She also said the church was also doing well in managing its finances as well as distancing itself from issues of corruption and money laundering.

For his part, Apostle Joseph Motswasele of the Spiritual Healing Church narrated the history of the church in Botswana under its founder, Apostle Jacob Motswasele and his wife, Ms Martha Motswasele in 1953.

He said Apostle Jacob Motswasele died in 1980 while his wife passed away in August 1967.

Apostle Motswasele told the congregation that the establishment of the church in Botswana was marred by a lot of controversies and challenges because that was during the colonial era.

However, he said government decided to take a bold decision to force some chiefs who refused other churches to establish their organs in the country to do so hence the formation of the Spiritual Healing Church.

He said the late Apostle Motswasele was arrested many times because of his church but managed to soldier on.

However, he explained that things improved when Apostle Motswasele, dikgosi and government started working together.

He said the church changed its name four times, having started off as Apostolic United Faith Coloured Church then Apostolic Faith Healing Church and Apostolic Spiritual Healing Church and now Spiritual Healing Church. ENDS