24 Sep 2023

The nation has been advised to pray for total transformation of the country in order to attain prosperity.

Giving a sermon at the Botswana 57^th Independence Day celebrations combined church service in Gaborone September 24, Reverend Dr Johannes Kgwarapi of the Apostolic Faith Mission said the theme: Mindset Change for Sustainable Development and Pride, reiterated President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s call for change.

Dr Kgwarapi urged the nation to pray for Botswana to transform into a place that had been chosen by God, saying  he had never seen the children of righteousness facing hunger.

 Despite the country experiencing challenges of among others cattle disease such as Food and Mouth, the HIV /AIDS pandemic and other social ills including drug abuse, Dr Kgwarapi said, God continued to preserve it.

Dr Kgwarapi raised  concern that though given the power to guide the nation into following the path of God, the church was seemingly not doing enough, noting low turn up at prayer gatherings.

Dr Kgwarapi said the founding President,  Sir Seretse Khama had at one point appealed to church leaders to account for the dwindling numbers of the Christian community. He said the same concern was raised by the late former President Sir Ketumile Masire, who had also asked church leaders to act and put in place  measures that would help in healing the nation.

Sharing a quotation from the Bible, Dr Kgwarapi said ‘If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn away from their wickedness, I shall hear from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land.’

He said total change or transformation was what the country needed. Dr Kgwarapi said the word of Christ used to be part and parcel of the education system thereby lessening ill-behaviour among young people.

As such, he appealed to government to open the doors of learning institutions and allow the church for God to intervene and instill positive change in the younger generation.

He said a nation that was guided by Christ would enjoy a meaningful and enjoyable life as social ills and other challenges costing government millions of Pula would be eliminated.

“In our eyes we rejoice for we trust in his holy. Let your unfading love be with us. Let his grace surround the nation into a prosperous future and protect it against all calamities. May the Lord bless Botswana,” said Dr Kgwarapi.

Welcoming members of the various church denominations to the combined church service, Chaplain Lt. Colonel Reuben Moatlhodi said  the church had for long embraced the concept of mindset change.

Reverend Moatlhodi said in the holy book, Jesus had at one point asked Nicodemus to repent and be born again. Therefore, he said, reforming and becoming a new creature that Nicodemus went through was mindset change in action.

He said the church was a formidable platform for transformation, therefore urging various churches to join hands and work as a united force in building a resilient and God fearing nation. Rev. Moatlhodi said the country’s foundation was sustained by prayer and therefore believing in God would guide the nation towards achieving the desired goals.

He said mindset change before Christ would come in the form forgiveness and repenting from past sins. 

Rev. Moatlhodi said through the guidance of God, the country had developed from its poor state post-independence to being one of the fast growing economies.

The combined church service was attended by among others, Acting President Mr Slumber Tsogwane, Chief Justice Mr Terrence Rannowane, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Mr Tumiso Rakgare, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Ms Annah Mokgethi, Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Pono Moatlhodi and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for State President Ms Matshidiso Bokole. Ends