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SITEKI – Pastors have been urged to pray for the Tinkhundla System of Government together with the forthcoming local government and national elections in the country.
Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Under Secretary (US) Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, said the prayers should steadfastly focus on the people who would stand for the elections to uphold the truth in ensuring that the country maintained peace.
She spoke on behalf of Minister David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala during the Lubombo Prayer Service held at the Siteki Town Council Hall.
Sharing the Word of God were pastors Mildred Carmichael and Goodwill Myeni.
Also present were former Minister of Education and Training Phineas Magagula, Siteki Town Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sithembile Simelane and Acting Lubombo Regional Secretary (RS) Nozizwe Masuku, who was representing Lubombo Regional Administrator (RA) Themba Msibi. The US delivered her speech to over 80 pastors, businesspeople, chiefs, congregants, members of the security forces and Siteki Town Council residents who attended the service.
Acknowledged
She acknowledged that unemployment had contributed immensely to girls resorting to prostitution as a means to earn a living.
The US said pastors had the mammoth task to preach the Word of God in church in order to change the lives of emaSwati to seek the face of God.
She further urged the pastors to also pray for the safety of emaSwati from the people who brought different cultures and contraband while crossing into the country using informal crossing points.
“I am grateful that the Lubombo Region has put God first by hosting this service to ask for His guidance as the year begins. Pastors should pray for peace during the elections and pray for our children to seek God when confronted with challenges,” she said.
Also delivering his remarks on behalf of Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe was Senior Immigration Officer Sipho Mohale, who reminded the pastors not to manipulate Jesus’ teachings in the Bible by enriching themselves as such was against the practices of Christianity.
Mohale also told the congregants to refrain from worshipping pastors, as it had become a norm nowadays, but to worship God.
“Don’t sell the Word of God for money as some pastors are doing. Let’s go back to the old ways of doing things in the House of God. Let us also pray for peace so that emaSwati can live in harmony,” he said.
Carmichael preached that the blood of Jesus was a means for congregants to overcome any situation they were confronted with in their day-to-day business.
She urged pastors and congregants to be the light for people around them.
“Pastors should lead a holy life and be humble before their congregants. Pastors should also pray for the people to live in peace,” she said.