Africa-Press – Botswana. The church has been called upon to partner with government in addressing societal challenges.
Beyond the educational legacy, preaching the gospel and building a morally upright society, the church should participate in job creation undertakings, said Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng, during the Assemblies of God conference in Tlokweng on Saturday.
“Surely it is possible and government will certainly support such endeavours,” he added.
He said one of the main challenges faced by the country was unemployment, therefore the church should devise strategies of employment creation to generate revenue for itself, help the needy and assist government.
Government, Mr Morwaeng said, would always welcome and support initiatives as long as they were in line with the nation’s needs and challenges.
However, he said this was not to say government was abdicating its role, but rather extending and encouraging joint development effortsl.
Mr Morwaeng said Assemblies of God had also built several houses for the homeless across the nation and was among the first organisations to introduce pre-school education as well as the first to have Bible training institute offering accredited certificate programmes.
He said having started with two branches to the current 120 was testimony of the church’s growth.
However, he regretted that the country was faced with social ills such as gender based violence and other forms of crimes, which he said required the church’s intervention.
On other issues, Minister Morwaeng said government would continue to accord churches the freedom and space to operate and thrive freely.
Assemblies of God’s assistant bishop, Rev Titose James said the church had a rich history in the country, adding that the 60 years anniversary was an opportunity to introspect and strategise for the future.
He said the event gave the church an opportunity to celebrate its rich history and its contributions to the development of the country.
Rev James also said the anniversary was to appreciate new challenges, device strategies as well as celebrate the church leadership and founders.
The Assemblies of God was started in the country in 1963 by Botswana migrant workers who had gone to South African mines and decided to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ home.
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