30 Oct 2022

Government is counting on everyone, including the church, to play a role in addressing the many challenges facing the nation, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

  He told the UCCSA Mogoditshane congregation yesterday that they could offer guidance, especially to the youth, and contribute to the reinforcement of nation building values. 

“As a church of God, you are not only important partners in advancing the government’s development agenda, but also pivotal in ensuring that Botswana builds her profile and image that will set her in good standing among members of the international community,” he said. 

  Dr Masisi said the church could also contribute to the country’s development by encouraging its members to embrace mindset change as outlined in the Reset Agenda.

   The Reset Agenda was introduced to set new priorities and formulate relevant strategies that would address emerging economic challenges, he explained.

  In addition, he said, it challenged the status quo and devised new ways of doing things.

 President Masisi stressed that believers must also ask themselves where they needed to change in order to bring positive developments in their communities. 

“I urge you therefore, to consider mindset change as a reasonable request to change our footsteps, refuse the hindrances and cares of this life and bring about transformation,” he said. 

The President further commended the church for its contribution to Botswana’s  development. 

“My government views the church not only as cornerstone for nation building, but the foundation of all families as well,” he said. 

He said as members of the body of Christ, he expected them to continue to be exemplary. 

Turning to the celebration’s theme,  ‘What shall I render to the Lord, for his benefits towards me’, taken from Psalm 116:12, President Masisi said a shepherd, a minister of the gospel, should tend the flock who are the Lord’s harvest.

He said the amount of work they put into the church would help spread the word of God and get more people to appreciate the benefits of grace. 

President also thanked the church for helping contain COVID-19 by observing protocols such as attendance restrictions as well as offering counseling services and support to bereaved families. ends