19 Sep 2013

Reverend Malebogo Mothibi of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) this week urged residents of Molepolole to stand firm in prayer with one voice, support one another and strive to build a new Botswana that will be free from infections and poverty.

When officially opening the month of prayer in Molepolole, Rev Mothibi said this was time for change of attitude and behaviour to enhance the country’s fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS and new infections. “New HIV/AIDS infections will lead us to poverty and destruction of this beautiful and peaceful God-given country. HIV/AIDS is the most destructive epidemic in the history of the world. It has confined people physically, psychologically and emotionally. It has caused so many conflicts at family level,” she said.

She added that government had used all its resources to address the epidemic, but the scourge continued to torment people. She laid the blame for problems like poor customer service, shortage of staff and equipment at work places and the economic crisis on HIV/AIDS. Rev Mothibi said the only way that Batswana can manage to adjust and positively impact the country is by seeking the face of God in truth.

“If people seek the face of God they will live in peace and live a life free of depression. Optimism will replace all the negative aspects of our current situation. It is time for everyone to assess and seek help so we can all understand where we are going wrong and learn to always be in the spirit of prayer,” said Rev Mothibi. She urged Batswana to stop perceiving HIV/AIDS as a Goliath, saying if they do that they will be celebrating the defeat of the scourge this time next year.

She further encouraged Batswana to focus their energies on working hard to curb the escalating statistics of HIV/AIDS prevalence and urged them to gather as families or even at their work every day to pray for God to heal Botswana. Rev Mothibi described health workers as road signs that should be obeyed by everyone in the community. She reminded the congregation that sex, the most common mode of HIV/AIDS transmission, is a gift from God that is unfortunately being misused by people.

“This gift is for married people and they should lead by example and stick to their partners. This will be the first step to building a new Botswana. By doing this, they will also encourage the new generation to follow their example,” she said. Rev Mothibi reminded Batswana that the keys to their lives are in their hands, and the choices they make will determine their future. She expressed confidence that Batswana will work hard to resolve the HIV/AIDS epidemic by making wise decisions. She also encouraged people to convene at Scottish Livingstone Hospital for prayers everyday in the mornings.

Meanwhile the ARV Coordinator Ms Onneile Dodile advised people to join hands and fight for an HIV free generation. She revealed that the number of new infections and clients who enroll for ARV continues to escalate and prayed to God to heal Botswana. “The biggest challenge is that males are taking to long to come forth to enroll or frequently get ARVs as prescribed. Our aim is to avail ARVs even to the remotest areas in Botswana.

By the end of this year almost all corners of the country will enjoy this program without any inconvenience. ENDS