By Karabo Ntanzi
There were tears of joy and pain on 20 June, as the youth of Uniting Lutheran Church of South Africa (ULCSA) celebrated Father’s Day. The church also made use of the opportunity to welcome Priest Horing and his wife.
Reverend Fatima Modiba, remarked that people do not take Fathers’ Day seriously and reminded the congregation that God created first Adam and then Eve. Her message was entitled, “Appreciate Fathers because they are very few.”
The theme of the day was, “The Prodigal Son” from Luke 15. The youth adorned in black and lime, did the preaching, interpreted scripture reading and quoted bible verses that validated fathers. Tshidiso Ntsane, an orphan who turned seventeen on that day, praised Arch Bishop Swartz for grooming him to be the person he is and pleaded with fathers not to leave mothers to struggle on their own. Ntsane, quoted 1 Samuel 3:9, where Eli the Priest told Samuel the words to speak when he heard God’s voice. “Children must obey what adults tell them to do, and in turn, adults are responsible for guiding youngsters,” said the teenager.
Lesedi Sontlaba dedicated 1 Samuel 3:18 to her uncle, the only father she knows, while Thando acknowledged the role played by her step-father in her life, which included reprimanding her.
“Respect your parents for what and whom they are” Shani Raadt appealed to her peers. Other testimonies entreated fathers to love their children unconditionally and to always give their best without judging.
Most youngsters spoke highly of Bishop Swartz and thanked him for his teachings and his love. Among them was Shanitone, who vowed to be there for the elder and his wife because they had cared for her when she was ill.
The attendees were brought to tears when a little girl broke down and cried during the service.
After an intense session, congregants were entertained with drama and music items.
Responding on behalf of the fathers, Bishop Swart stressed that money cannot buy love, “the best thing parents can do for their children is to love them,” he advised.
The Bishop lit candles and anointed orphans with oil and invited fathers to lay hands on them.
Swart admitted that he is very strict when it comes to church business because it is the Lords’ house. He appealed to men to make an effort to attend church, even if it is not every Sunday. He indicated how difficult it is to rebuke someone else’s wife.
Evangelist Kedibone Rachel Struiss, a Sunday school teacher and Youth Mentor, said, “I am very proud of these children because we only had a week to rehearse.”
Fathers were showered with gifts and served a hearty lunch.
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