05 May 2024

St Engenas Zion Christian Church has encouraged the families  of the Limpopo bus accident victims to look to God for comfort during this trying time.

When delivering the message of condolences from the church headquarters in South Africa during the funeral service at Molepolole Sports Complex on Saturday, Minister Peter Manthata said Christians met a lot of challenges in the journey with God, but they should never doubt His love for them.

He said God was faithful and would never turn his face away from them, adding that He was always aware of what happens in their lives, offering them guidance on how to deal with all issues of life.

Minister Manthata encouraged the families to never lose hope and faith when confronted with challenges, but should strive to use calamities to renew their commitment to God, who gave peace of mind and healing.

He said they should always assess and examine all areas of life to see if the things they did were pleasing to God, adding that it was never too late to reconcile with God.

He added that the St Engenas Church remained forever grateful for the spirit of encouragement and comfort that existed from the time the tragedy happened until burial.

“This is a true demonstration of humanity and kindness,” said Minister Manthata, adding that it was a confirmation that God created people with the natural ability to embrace one another as his beloved children.

He also delivered a message from the Bishop of St Engenas ZCC, Dr Engenas Lekganyane, who extended his gratitude to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

He said his church was humbled by the compassionate and exemplary leadership he had shown despite the many national commitments that required his attention.

Minister Manthata reported that Dr Lekganyane said he also recognised the critical role played by the government of South Africa and had observed with much appreciation the sensitivity, caring and dignified manner through which corpse identification was processed through to the repatriation.

He thanked all those who came to the aid of the eight-year-old girl who survived the accident and re-united her with the family.

He added that the two presidents had displayed acts of genuine love and brought hope to many.

Minister Manthata said Dr Lekganyane and the church were thankful to both leaders and asked for the prosperity and good health to prevail in both countries.

He said the cooperation would serve as a standing example to nations of the world that success was achievable when unity and mutual respect existed.

He said they would continue to keep the bereaved families in their prayers that God may give them strength to move on with their lives.

Forty-four members of the St Engenas ZCC, who died tragically at Mmamatlakala on their way to Moria, South Africa for the Easter holidays, were buried at Garanta ward in Molepolole while one, the bus driver, was buried in his home village of Thamaga on Saturday. Ends