Congregation prays against substance abuse
“We are the temple of God and therefore we must make sure that we take care of ourselves by not taking drugs and alcohol.”
Vryheid Methodist Church recently took the initiative to pray about alcohol, drugs and the children of South Africa. The congregation is deeply concerned about the high rate of drug and alcohol consumption in the country. The church believes that children are the future of the country, but sadly they indulge in substance abuse at a tender age.
All the women of the church were requested to wear black attire as a symbol of mourning and to seek the intervention of God in this scourge. All the adults were requested to form a prayer chain and all the children were at the centre, holding one another’s hand as they prayed.
Health Department officials were invited because the fight against drugs / substance abuse needs a collective intervention. In the Sunday School class, Dr TP Nkosi reminded the children that, “We are the temple of God and therefore we must make sure that we take care of ourselves by not taking drugs and alcohol.” She also showed children pictures of healthy internal organs and those affected by drinking and smoking. The children pledged that they will never take drugs for the rest of their lives.
The Health Department was represented by an outreach team consisting of Ms Khethiwe Xulu (clinical nurse practitioner), Thembi Dhladhla (professional nurse) and Ntombifuthi Kunene (enrolled nurse). They stressed that if someone needs to get rid of drugs in their system, they can assist by detoxing them and referring them to a rehabilitation centre. They do this work with the help of the Department of Social Development. They also provided basic health checks for the church members at the event.
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
