Oshana prayer gathering focuses on social crises

Hundreds of worshippers, church leaders, government officials and community members gathered at the Oshakati Independence Stadium on Sunday for a regional prayer day aimed at seeking divine intervention in addressing some of Namibia’s pressing social challenges.

The prayer day, organised by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Elcin) in collaboration with the Office of the Oshana Regional Governor, clergy from different denominations and leaders of various faith-based organisations, sought prayers for a reduction in road accidents, suicides, gender-based violence and other social ills affecting communities across the country.

The event followed a call by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during 4 May's Cassinga Day commemoration, urging spiritual leaders and all Namibians to unite in prayer as the nation confronts various challenges.

Speaking during the gathering, Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge said the event provided an opportunity for Namibians to seek divine guidance while renewing their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and caring society.

Uphold values

Iipinge said prayer should be accompanied by humility, repentance, unity and action.

“As Namibians, we come before God today seeking His wisdom, protection and guidance as we work together to build a peaceful, prosperous and caring society for all,” he said.

Iipinge noted that while Namibia has enjoyed more than three decades of peace, stability and democracy, the country continues to face serious social and economic challenges.

“We continue to witness the loss of precious lives through road accidents, incidents of violence and crime, substance abuse, gender-based violence and other social ills that affect our families and communities,” he said.

The governor also highlighted the economic difficulties faced by many citizens, particularly unemployed and vulnerable Namibians struggling to provide for their families.

“These realities call upon us to renew our commitment to compassion, solidarity and service to one another,” he added.

He noted that faith has historically played an important role in sustaining Namibians through difficult times, including the struggle for independence and nation-building efforts after independence.

However, he stressed that prayer alone would not solve the country’s challenges.

“Prayer must be accompanied by action. The values we uphold today – love, respect, discipline, honesty, unity and service – must be reflected in our daily lives,” he said.