MAKONDE – The founder and senior pastor of the Divine Cross Church, Past Fhatuwani Rantsana (45), was honoured by his flock during a glittering ceremony at the church premises on Sunday. The church celebrated Pastor Rantsana’s contribution to community development and his outstanding leadership skills, which led to the tremendous growth of the denomination within a short space of time.

Rantsana has also initiated different poverty eradication projects under the banner of his church, which benefited the local community. The church has also made countless donations to the poor under Rantsana’s leadership and this was one of the reasons for organizing the function.

The function was also meant to congratulate him on his educational achievements, which include the simultaneous acquisition of two certificates during the graduation ceremony of the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Pretoria last week.

A teacher by profession, Rantsana graduated with a certificate in Prison Ministry and another one in HIV/AIDS Spiritual Care and Counseling besides a Theology Diploma, which he received from the AFM School of Theology in 2002.

Rantsana, whose priesthood dates back to the time he was still a high school student, said he is filled with gratitude to learn that there are people who recognize his contribution to community development. “I do not have enough words to express my happiness, but there is nothing more important than being hounoured by your own people. This will motivate me to work hard to develop my community and to preach the word of God with courage to win more souls and to help in bringing peace to this world. It has always been my wish to work for my fellow man and I believe there is still more to do to develop this rural community. It is important to make some significant contribution to the community in order to win the war against crime, alcohol and drug abuse. The church mostly focuses on the spiritual being but it is our duty to go beyond that and satisfy the peoples’ material being so that they can praise the Lord with happiness,” said Rantsana, who has enrolled for a psychology degree with UNISA.

Church members sang, danced, and ululated throughout the function and speakers from other local churches gave messages of support in recognition of Rantsana’s achievements.