19th District’s Healing, Restoration, Justice, and Reconciliation Prayer Service
By Bonakele Ntshanga, 19th Episcopal District
We all know what has been transpiring in the 19th Episcopal District: from the suspension of ministers to the expelling of the same; from non-accountability to maladministration; from character assassinations to contravening of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Church; from proceedings of unconstitutional “kangaroo courts” to proceedings of the courts of the land; and from the removal of Bishop Kawimbe by the Council of Bishops to Judicial Council sustaining the decision of the Council of Bishops. This is to mention a few.
September 17, 2019, was a very emotional day when members of the District started to arrive at St. Francis AME Church, from four annual conferences (West, East, Orangia, and M.M. Mokone), as early as 7:00 am, for the services scheduled to commence at 10:00 am. Many shed tears of joy reminiscing on all that happened in the District and most importantly that there, finally, is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The service was startlingly conducted by the Rev. Sbusiso A. Gule and the Rev. Themba Mali. The laity and clergy were both a part of the programme.
The highlight of the programme was when the Rev. Victor J.O. Malefetse and Brother M.K. Motloung were giving the “Genesis of Lekgotla.” Brother Motloung gave an astounding summary of what transpired from the beginning to the present. The Rev. Victor J.O. Malefetse talked on the purpose of forming Lekgotla, the challenges of belonging to Lekgotla, the worship service’s purpose, and the way forward.
The pinnacle moment was the message of the day delivered by the Rev. Solomon Maans. It was derived from Psalm 80:1–5 and 2 Corinthians 12:1–1, with the subject “When Satan Blesses.” He reminded us of the cliché “There’s always good in every bad situation.”
Special prayers were offered for the ministers’ spouses, PKs and relatives by the Rev. Sbusiso A. Gule; the renewal of the 19th Episcopal District by the Rev. E.T.T. Msibi; healing of wounded souls by the Rev. Tamme Mosupa; Godly leadership by the Rev. Thari Moatlhodi; and against gender-based violence by the Rev. Shadibo Diale. This was the start of the healing and reconciliation processes, and most importantly, the rebuilding of the 19th Episcopal District.
Alexander Pope wrote, “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Wrongdoers also need to acknowledge and own up to their actions and accept the remedial action provided.
Lekgotla pastors and laity are commended for their resilience through difficult times. Many know the truth now. The fallacy that the Lekgotla pastors and laity wanted to open their own church remains nothing but a canard.
The St. Francis Family prepared a delicious feast for everyone who was in attendance. We remain hopeful about our beloved District and the Church-at-large.
