06 Aug 2019

The Seventh Day Adventist Church has been praised for organising lunch for the elderly in Moshupa.

Moshupa legislator,, Mr Karabo Gare, commended the church at an appreciation lunch where the elderly also received gifts.

He said the event’s organisers were inspired by the spirit of God.

Mr Gare, also the Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, assured the elderly of government’s commitment towards ensuring that they were well taken care of.

Mr Gare said the event was consistent with the Vision 2036 pillar, which addressed human and social development.

He said this pillar provided that marginalised groups should be empowered to positively contribute to the country’s development through social inclusion.

He noted that no one would be discriminated on the basis of age, gender or background.

Mr Gare further said the event was also relevant to the fourth pillar of Vision 2036, which talked to governance, peace and security. It also viewed religion as part of the fabric that held society together.

He noted that this was an indication that government encouraged strong family structures and values.

He said government encouraged caring for the elderly as well as also providing for their health care.

He noted that religion played a crucial role in uniting the nation and also advising government on moral issues. He, therefore, acknowledged that religious organisations had been instrumental in nation building and would continue to do so in future.

Mr Gare noted that just as much as the Bible preached the need to love one’s neighbour, providing lunch for the elderly was a true testimony that the vision’s aspirations were similar to that of the church.

He implored the church members to continue respecting the elders and increase the love for the gospel as a way of building a noble and humble nation.

“Let us unite as believers and assist the needy, elders, disabled and orphans,” he said.

For his part, the president of Botswana SDA, Dr Kenaope Kenaope, thanked the Women’s Ministries department for the noble initiative, highlighting that the idea was to celebrate people who lived beyond 78 years and laugh with them, adding that they generally spent most of their time alone in their homes.

“We are guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit as SDA,” he said, noting that their mission was to make disciples of Jesus Christ who live as his loving witnesses and proclaim the everlasting gospel to all people in preparation for his return. ENDS