NELSPRUIT- Members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) have been urged to unite and seek God’s righteousness as they execute their duties.
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, God knows you have needs but He needs you to seek Him first and all your desires will be added to you,” a pastor said during the police prayer day held at the Church Unlimited on March 26.
The police were also urged to work together in unity, having one heart and one spirit. “This is not a one-man show, it requires you to work as a team, irrespective of skin colour and background. You need to have one mind and the same objective to fulfil the mission and vision in this service,” pastors said.
Biblical verses from Mark 3 verse 24: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand”, and other scriptures were shared as pastors emphasised the importance of unity among the cluster.
“It is only through unity that you will be able to combat crime and render protection to society. Criminals are also united, thus police need to be united and work as a team.” They were also urged to treat their fellow colleagues as a family and support one another at all times.
Speaker after speaker urged police to consider themselves as winners and conquerors in their service and strive never to get tired.
The members were also urged not to be so caught up in their work that they neglect their families, friends and loved ones.
“Be united with your families as they will always be there to support you and be united with your friends in doing good.”
Some pastors also got the opportunity to tell the members to learn to control their anger. They were also warned to avoid competing against each other and the seniors were urged not to be jealous if their juniors who seemed more successful than them.
Maj Gen Thembi Hadebe said the objective of the day was to seek God’s will and His strength to deal with day to day challenges faced by police in the country and to pray for God’s hand in fighting the spirit of division, sell-outs and corruption.The day also aimed to ensure that the SAPS employees were spiritually healthy to execute their duties. The national event was held at Heidedal Methodist Church in Bloemfontein.
Issues presented in prayer included the end of police killings, unity within the sector, protection of police and their families and the elimination of crime, especially against women and children.
Leaders in the sector, both at provincial and national levels, were also carried in prayer. Attendees also prayed for peace, unity and tolerance among political parties. According to a media release the prayer day was suggested by the Employee Health Wellness committee (EHW) of the SAPS in 2012.
To view pictures click here: https://https://www.citizen.co.za/mpumalanga-news/73272/saps-prayer-day/
