Africa-Press – Botswana. The Dutch Reformed Church has been commended for the significant contribution it has made towards community empowerment.
The commendation was made by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Mabuse Pule at the induction of Rev. Moses Bogatsu as Pholosong branch leader in Bokaa at the weekend.
He praised the church for reaching out to the needy and other vulnerable groups stating that government did not take lightly the church’s charitable endeavours.
Mr Pule, who is also MP for Mochudi East, told the congregation that their contribution to provide intervention and sanctuary to members of communities they lived in was truly laudable.
The church, he said, had been a safe haven for those overwhelmed by a myriad of challenges, among them gender based violence, delinquency, substance abuse and road accidents.
“I have every reason to believe that a tranquil atmosphere prevailing in this congregation will translate into healing messages and sermons that this nation requires in its continued battle against the challenges I have alluded to,” he said.
Mr Pule said members’ devotion to spreading the word of God and standing out glaringly as messages of hope, salvation and the truth was impactful.
He said government attached great importance to the role played by the church in providing both material and spiritual support.
Government would therefore continue to facilitate the church community through conducive laws under the Societies Act.
“The Societies Amendment Act serves to protect the society and of course unsuspecting congregants from any unscrupulous activities that may prevail or find their place in our sanctuary, which may gradually erode public confidence in our congregations,” he said
For his part, Rev. Bogatsu expressed gratitude to the Pholosong branch members for trusting that he would be unbiased in his leadership.
He said he was hopeful that some planned reforms would make the congregation stronger.
Rev. Bogatsu vowed to be a minister of reconciliation for both congregants and the rest of Bokaa community.
“I submit before you as a servant of God to support and guide me,” he said.
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