24 Dec 2019

 Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi says churches as government’s critical and true partners, have a critical role to play in the spiritual well being of the nation.

Speaking at the Heavenly Garrison Ministries thanksgiving and appreciation ceremony in Palapye over the weekend, Mr Mmusi said having attitude of gratitude and living with it, required people to thank God for his blessings and the ones that were yet to come.

He said church needs to be appreciated as the custodians of the flock of God, noting that government also respect the freedom of worship and had over the years, encouraged and cultivated an atmosphere conducive for churches to flourish.

Minister Mmusi said such kind of gathering especially end of the year, were important as churches reflected back and expressed gratitude for the gift of life, peace and security God had afforded the nation.

“It is right that the nation honour this gift by pausing from time to time to take stock and reflect on who they are, where they are and what they are, without his grace this country could not been where it is today.”

He also applauded the church for its long existence, being on its 17^th year operating, noting that was an indication that it had meaningfully interacted and engaged with the community thereby making a significant contribution to the wellbeing of society.

Mr Mmusi said that alone was highly commendable as it stands to recognise the good leadership of the Prophet Meshack Mangadi, which had resulted in the growth and stability of the church.

He further said most of the churches were going through challenges, but Heavenly Garrison Ministries had remained strong and resilient.

He said there were so many thing that God could be thanked for, no matter what was going in their lives, as the Bible encourages everyone to thank God and have an attitude of gratitude at all times.

For his part, Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) president, Bishop Tebogo Motlhagodi of FGAC Church of Botswana said churches contribution was to transform the society, which had been going on since their formation, and that alone called on all church to thank government for supporting their existence.

Bishop Motlhagodi said in most cases, churches were self-reliant adding that it was important for members to realise that survival and growth of the church depended on member contributions.

He appealed to church members to support pastors so that they could be able to spread the word of God, which could help transform the country.

He raised concern about splitting of churches and registration of new ones every time and again, adding that such was aggravated by viewing churches as funds raising entities and swindling Batswana for their own benefit.

Prophet Mangadi said patience and perseverance were his pillars and strength of survival in Christ.

In most cases, he said various pastors and individuals, who were spiritually led, supported him.

 He said loyalty, commitment and humility were the key in every Christian’s life.

Meanwhile, the church blessed Prophet Mangadi with a new car. ends