22 Apr 2019

Churches form a foundation for a strong family and society, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Officially opening Old Apostolic Church Hall in Gaborone on April 20, President Masisi, however, expresed concern that some churches were no longer places of serenity, sanctity nor builders of moral character.
He said churches were now seen as places where serious crime such as money laundering, drug trafficking and child abuse occurred.

However, he applauded the Old Apostolic Church for not being part of such church.

He said it continued to build new church halls to spread the word of God.

He said church members had been Christians in good standing and thus implored them to continue being steadfast in prayer.

He assured the church that government would continue to promote freedom of worship as enshrined in the Constitution, which contributed to the spirit of tolerance, peace and social harmony across all sectors of the society.

Registered in Botswana in 1974 and now with over 60 000 members across the country, Old Apostolic Church also viewed welfare of its members and the community they lived in as the core of their doctrine.

“This is exemplified by its heed to government’s call in many instances to assist in disaster and welfare related activities,” the President said.

 Since 2006, the church spent a cumulative amount of more than P200 000 and donated 37 houses between 2006 and 2014 worth P220 000 as part of the Presidential Housing Appeal.

Some of the beneficiaries included Masiela Trust Fund, Mozambique flood victims in 2000, Botswana Disaster Relief Fund as well as Okavango flood victims of 2009, among others.

President Masisi said contributions of the Old Apostolic church to the nation had touched many people.

He noted that government needed such partnerships in order to drive the nation towards achieving aspirations of the Vision 2036.

“The national vision recognises faith as the foundation upon which society builds its moral and ethical standards for social development and cohesion,” he said.

Meanwhile, the church presented Dr Masisi with a P100 000 cheque as contribution to supporting the Idai Cyclone victims in neighboring countries.

It also appreciated the President’s efforts in building Botswana and further gave him assurance and support in his journey.

Its hall was constructed at a cost of P7.5 million.

The church also bid farewell to Emeritus Apostle Justice Tawana who was described as the pillar of the church and for his unwavering spiritual leadership.

The Old Apostolic Church is also found in South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Australia, Asia, Europe, USA and the United Arab Emirates. ENDS