Midrand police receive Bibles to enhance their spiritual well-being

President of the local camp for Gideons Hennie Olivier said it is important that the police carry themselves with diligence, and believe in God in the middle of the violence they come across in the line of duty.

Sphiwe Masilela

12 hours ago

Back Row: Warrant Officer Tsundzuka Maluleka, Johan Gerber, and Lieutenant Colonel Masie Mothobedi. Front Row: Hennie Olivier, Linda Padayachy, Colonel Hosea Mantji, and Leon van der Merwe. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

The Midrand police’s boardroom was filled with police officers who came in their numbers to receive Bible donations.

This happened on August 19 when the Gideons International organisation in South Africa gave authorities 200 Bibles – 100 English and 100 native languages.
The Gideons is an association of Christian businesses dedicated to telling people about Jesus through services, sharing personal testimony and providing Bibles.

After receiving the New Testament pocket Bibles, members sang various Gospel songs in the boardroom to uplift their spirits.
The organisation came through an invitation from Linda Padayachy, who is the deputy chairperson of the Divine Interventions Association (DIA).

Hennie Olivier from the Gideons hands over Bibles to Colonel Hosea Mantji of the Midrand police. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

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President of the local camp for Gideons Hennie Olivier said the Bibles were well received, and believes it was important to uplift the spiritual connections of the police, to bring them closer to God.
He said police officers need to live a clean life, and they need to pray for a peaceful society. “The police are at the forefront of creating the environment where we need to glorify God. They [police] must be people of good character, peace, courage, self-control, trustworthiness, and integrity. That is what we prayed for to the police,” said Olivier.

He says it was important that the police carry themselves with diligence.

Padayechee said they felt there was a need for the Bibles because they hold prayer sessions with the police.
“One police officer came to me and said they missed me, and that’s when I contacted the Gideons. Police are excited to receive the Bibles, especially in their home languages. The Bible is a map to guide one on how one should live their life. I know that these will help police rejuvenate their spiritual well-being, and peace in their hearts and that they are safe through the Lord,” she said.

Colonel Hosea Mantji, on behalf of the station commander, said the word of God would be powerful to strengthen the officers.
“We are thankful for the Bibles and hope [they] will come in handy to our police officers. We are truly grateful to the Gideons,” concluded Mantji.