Israel Nkate

Pastor Isaac Mokgope, of the New Covenant Fellowship International Church in Rustenburg, was on a soul-searching mission yesterday.

His theme for the day's service was: "Allowing God to use us beyond the limitations set by tradition."

Mokgope said: "We want to challenge the congregation to go beyond the standards of tradition. As Africans, tradition tells us that we can't do what the opposite sex does. This is strange because God has given us equal spirits."

He said tradition obstructed people from learning from one another because it set boundaries on reaching the needy.

Mokgope's church has adopted five families from neighbouring villages and provides them with free accommodation in its backyard.

"We are doing all we can to take care of them. Three of these people work in the church as receptionist, general worker and preschool teacher. We pay them stipends," Mokgope said.

Two other members have found jobs in town. The church has set May 27 aside for "Appreciation Day".

"The idea started in 2002. Since then we have been doing it every year. We invite the leaders of the town and province. The Bible teaches us to pray for our leaders because the authority they have comes from God. If we don't pray for them it will be difficult for them to carry out their responsibilities," Mokgope said.

He said the event would teach people not to look at the mistakes and criticise the leaders.

"It is time to appreciate and encourage them [leaders] to do good things," he said.

The leaders will be given trophies, certificates and books relevant to their work.