09 Jun 2024

The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) Synod of Botswana on Saturday ordained  six commissioned intern ministers at Oodi College of Arts, in Oodi.

The commissioned ministers and their congregation of placement are Ms Laone Matlhareng (Kopong), Mr Onkarabile Otlaadisa (Ga-Molopo), Mr Ewetse Tsheko (Lokgwabe), Mr Dimpho Mantu (Oodi), Innocent Omphile (Thataganyane) and Mr Thato Disang (Selebi Phikwe).

Reverend Gafenyamang Gaobewe said the six ministers have been tried and tested, ready to face and deal with the challenges of the ministry. 

Reverend Gaobewe informed those who came in large numbers to witness the ordination, that the trainees have gone through the UCCSA training structure and the event kick-started their internship programme.

“We continue to work hard to find ways that can help us as the Synod of Botswana to sustain the ministry and mission under difficult circumstances,” she said. 

Reflecting on the decision to do a joint ordination of the intern ministers, making it more inclusive,  Reverend Gaobewe said they were humbled by the overwhelming attendance and support.

She urged the commissioned ministers to take up the ministry with vigour, commitment and love. 

“The Ministry has its own challenges, but if you are committed to service, the burden will be lighter,” she said.

Reading a scripture from 1 Timothy 4:10-12, guest minister, UCCSA president Reverend Rupert Hambira asked the commissioned ministers to emulate Christ in speech, word and deed, noting that the pulpit was a place of preaching the divine word of God and nothing else.

“As ordained ministers you belong to Christ and his mission. Whether in public or private life, live with compassion, integrity and love,” said Reverent Hambira. 

He further cautioned them not to love only those who love them, noting that love was patient, describing it as an active sacrificial element which was unconditional.

Giving a word of encouragement to the commissioned ministers, Reverent Pono Gakekgonwe, the moderator of Lesoso and Kolobeng regions said the six ministers were graduating into full time ministry in the UCCSA family.

He said the church encouraged the ministers who have been in internship for two years to take care of themselves. 

“They should exercise their Ministry with caution knowing that there are challenges ahead. As they are being commissioned, they are reminded to serve the community with love and patience. 

We ask them mostly to rely on God not their own intelligence. They should pray and study the word of God,” said Rev. Gakekgonwe. ENDS