01 Apr 2026

With Easter weekend already here, churches will gather at designated locations to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the most significant, highly attended hopeful event of the Christian calendar.

As it is norm, different church denominations will be engaged in pilgrimages, travelling to various destinations to celebrating the life of Jesus Christ, symbolising victory over sin and death and offering hope for eternal life.

Hoping to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, offer forgiveness and continue with the rest of the year on a clean slate with a renewed relationship with God and hope, Spiritual Healing Church worshipers, led by Bishop Joseph Motswasele will gather at Matsiloje for the profound religious commemoration of devotion in Christ.

The church’s Secretary General, Reverend Baamogeleng Moteti has indicated that between 3000 and 4000 congregants were expected gather in Matsiloje for the religious holiday.

Rev. Moteti said as it was always the case, the church was working closely with other concerned stakeholders in preparing for a memorable, safe, healthy and fulfilling Easter holiday.

Even though the primary focus was on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and following the Christian principles to the core, Rev Moteti said the church was equally concerned by the welfare, safety and health of the congregation, therefore the gathering was equally used as a platform to share impactful messages on among others livelihoods, social ills and health.

He said the church had been working closely with the Department of Roads and Transport Services (DRTS), preaching safe travel and Arrive Alive message.

Rev. Moteti appealed to the members of the congregation to remain calm, accordingly plan their travel, exercise care and caution while driving, more so that the road between Francistown and Matsiloje and other roads were not in a good state as they were covered with potholes while others were under construction.

Despite challenges of among others, shortage of water at Matsiloje, Mr Moteti was without doubt that the congregation would come prepared and the Easter gathering would be successful and memorable.

“As we gather at Matsiloje we are aware of other societal challenges such as crime and health issues as they always strike unannounced. We have a team of volunteers from the church who will be offering health services to the congregation, while other volunteers will be offering security services. We are well prepared for any eventuality and we are working closely with the village leadership and the police,” he said.

Rev. Moteti said each year, Bishop Motswasele prepares a special message to share with the congregation. 

He said in the past, the church had been spreading messages on fighting gender based violence, health for all and other societal challenges.

Meanwhile, Bishop Keitumetse Moilwa of Evangelical Religious Protestant (ERP) Unity Church said they would gather at Seherelela to celebrate Easter. Bishop Moilwa said the venue for Easter was rotational as the essence was to take the gospel to all corners of the country.

Bishop Moilwa said it was important to equally use such momentous gatherings to support and revive all branches of the church, and in the same way lure new members into Christianity.

She said the church was expecting branches from other countries such as Namibia and South Africa to gather at Seherelela.

“We expect a gathering of not less than 800 Unity Church members,” she said.

Bishop Moilwa indicated that a few days prior to Easter, the church leader, Archbishop Tshenolo Mautle and some church elders would take an advance trip to the designated location of gathering to engage in prayer that would ensure safety and safe travel for the pilgrimage.

The Ambassadors Glorious Gospel Church, commonly known as Hand of God will gather at Mocha Lodge in Tshabong.

Senior Apostle Gideon Mose said it was the promise of Lord that he would bring salvation to the people, therefore the church would gather for Easter holidays as promise that the congregation members would continue serving him and doing as he had instructed.

Apostle Mose said the church activities would start today after the arrival of their leader, Bishop Mbiganyi Philime and members from other branches of the church, followed by choir competitions tomorrow.

He said the first two days would be spent at the church following which the members would dismiss to continue Easter celebrations with friends and families. ENDS