POLOKWANE – Elias is a farmer, a pastor, businessman and founder of a local creche which seeks to ensure that those who live in poverty stricken environments, are afforded an opportunity to lead a normal life, where basic human needs such as access to education and food security are met.
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He says that the church should be used as a platform for people to talk about challenges they face on a daily basis in a quest to shed some light on how to solve and overcome those different challenges.
“I strongly believe that if parents and elders can iron out their difference and resolve whatever issues that they are facing, those challenges and problems are less likely to rub off to the children and youth. Children mimic and learn from adults, what they see is mostly what they learn and adopt as they grow older, now if what they see is not constructive and does not contribute positively towards their upbringing, then we will have a problem,” he explained.
He says when elders, especially pastors, devote much of their time to listening to each other regarding problems and challenges that they come across either at home, work or even with their children, solutions to those specific problems will be easier to find.
“It is always nice to have someone to talk to, who can not only relate to your problems, but not judge in the process. As life treats us differently and we are all born into this world for a purpose, overcoming challenges in life may just be the way to finding that purpose and working towards fulfilling that purpose. This, in-turn, will empower them to want to empower others and the younger generation,” he added.