Pray with Botswana, August 11, 2024

Lectionary Selection: Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Prayers for Botswana

Our eternal God, you are the Triune God who both opens and closes doors—the transcendent ruler over nations. We reflect on your mighty hand that closed the door for Rev. Dr. Richard Sales and his wife, Dr. Jane Sales, when they were expelled by the oppressive apartheid government of South Africa in 1974. This closure led to the establishment of the Botswana Theological Training Programme (BTTP) in 1975, now Kgolagano College, which has since trained ministers and pastors witnessing throughout Botswana. Some have passed on to the ultimate prize.

We have witnessed your hand at work through Kgolagano College as it empowers indigenous church leaders and our mission co-workers in mainline churches, Pentecostal/Charismatic churches, African Independent/Initiated/Instituted churches (AICs), and even “Fire Churches” in this spiritually rich country. God, there is a chronic shortage of formally trained men and women leading these churches. We, therefore, pray for your continued guidance upon Kgolagano College as it fills this void. We also pray for its leadership and the ecumenical community that supports this college, asking for your continued blessings upon them.

Your servant Paul instructed his protege Timothy to entrust your enduring Word to “faithful people who will be able to teach others as well” (2 Tim 2:2 NRSV). We pray that Kgolagano College and church leaders in Botswana and other sub-Saharan African countries remain faithful to your Word as they prepare your people to combat injustice, alleviate poverty, empower women, and stand against gender-based violence.

God, remember Botswana, like many Southern African countries, is facing devastating drought conditions exacerbated by El Niño and global warming. Be with your people in this hour of need. Just as you remembered the children of Israel during their wilderness journey, we have faith that you will not forget Botswana. We hold firm to your sacred promise: “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NRSV) Though this promise was initially given to ancient Israel, we are confident that your hand continues to work in all nations of the world, including Botswana.

Amen

Mission Moment from Botswana

Global Ministries has been active in Botswana for the past fifty years, impacting numerous people through organizations such as the Botswana Council of Churches, the Botswana Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), and Kgolagano College. Botswana has historically been a peaceful democracy, with power peacefully transitioning between presidents since gaining independence in 1966. However, the current president has been at loggerheads with his predecessor, Ian Seretse Khama, who appointed him. Despite this, Botswana remains a generally peaceful country and is preparing for upcoming elections this year. While the incumbent is expected to win, prayers are requested for a peaceful electoral process, especially after the country experienced its worst road tragedy during the Easter holidays.

On March 28, 2024, a bus accident near Mamatlakala, Limpopo Province, South Africa, tragically claimed the lives of 45 out of 46 pilgrims from Molepolole, a village near Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. The victims, members of the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church, were en route to Zion City Moria near Polokwane. The bus caught fire after the driver lost control and hit the side rails, plunging 160 feet into a river. Only an eight-year-old girl survived, while all other passengers, 30 female and 15 male, perished. Forensic experts took two months to identify the bodies, which were finally laid to rest at a mass funeral on May 4, 2024, in Molepolole.

The event was attended by Botswana’s vice president, government dignitaries, grieving relatives, and friends, with representatives from all three Global Ministries partners—the Botswana Council of Churches, the Botswana Synod: UCCSA, and Kgolagano College—offering their support. Christianity teaches compassion and empathy, and these partners were commended for their compassionate gesture of love and care during this tragic time. Due to the condition of the remains, the caskets were sealed. This accident stands as the worst road tragedy in Botswana’s history, a country with a population of 2.6 million people.

The Mamatlakala bus accident tragically underscores the fragility of human life and the rapid growth of Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa. Death’s unpredictability leaves us at a loss for words to express our sympathy for the precious souls lost during a Christian pilgrimage to their denomination’s holy site. However, it also highlights the growth of Christianity, particularly in African Independent Churches (AICs) and certain Pentecostal/charismatic groups. Sub-Saharan Africa has become the epicenter of Christianity, with approximately 650 million people professing faith in Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, many of these churches are led by pastors, ministers, evangelists, and teachers who lack formal training. In response, the Government of Botswana mandates that every registered church must have a formally trained leader with at least a certificate from an accredited Bible/theological college. This is where Kgolagano College, a partner of Global Ministries, plays a crucial role in equipping leaders through accredited training programs. In sub-Saharan Africa, we recognize that our living and loving God is actively at work, and we are privileged to participate in his mission in this part of the world.

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Mission Partners in Botswana

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