NAMIBIA CELEBRATES 24 YEARS

Tomorrow 21 March 2014 will mark Namibia’s 24th year of freedom.  Namibia has been a free country since 21 March 1990.

Estelle de Bruyn writes in the Republikein newspaper that political analysts agree on the fact that after independence Namibia for 24 years was without any significant conflict, surviving peacefully  and is a beacon of stability, not only measured by African standards, but to international standards - this is a compliment for the nation and the government.

Praise God for:

• Namibia who is well respect as an independent nation in the international community. 
• 24 years of peace and political stability.
• Democracy through regular peaceful elections.
• Expanded services such as health care and more schools.
• President Hifikepunye Pohamba who recently called the nation to prayer.

Trust God for:

• Addressing the challenges of the education system and the high failure rate. 
• Actions to resolve family violence against women and children.
• A stop to the downward spiral of morality that leads to an increase in crime.
• Wisdom and creative plans to address poverty, unemployment and inequality.
• Provision for many people who still do not have electricity and clean drinking water.
• Namibia's economic growth rate to pick up above an average of four percent per year to reduce poverty.
• Prosperity for all our peoples and for a spirit to help one-another.
• Namibia to be a shining light in Africa of God's blessings - protection and provision. 

Source [News & photo]: Estelle de Bruyn & Ian Nortje http://www.republikein.com.na

A YEAR OF NATION BUILDING

President Hifikepunje Pohamba in his new year message has called on  the nation of Namibia to look forward with renewed confidence so that our nation will continue to make positive strides in the process of nation building.  I have no doubt that through concerted action, our nation will be equal to the task. Through hard work we will conquer all challenges that we may face in the process of nation building.

Pohamba said the government is determined to continue providing steady leadership and will continue to encourage all people serving in different institutions, in both the public and private sectors, civil society and other stakeholders to build on the momentum that has been achieved so far. He further said success requires dedication, sacrifice, unity of purpose, resolve and perseverance.  I demand prudent utilization of public resources and ethical conduct on the part of public servants.

The President called on all public office-bearers and on each and every civil servant to make our public institutions more efficient and more productive. Let us work together to make the year 2014 a year of success in all we do and a year of efficient service delivery, especially to our people who still live in difficult conditions.

Join us as we pray for President Hifikepunje Pohamba and his team in all regions and on all levels of government to trust in the Lord to build the Namibian nation. To invite advisers with godly wisdom to assist them as they address the challenges of 2014. To model lives of righteousness, to work hard towards the goals of vison 2030 and to set an example for this nation to follow. 

Let us call on the Lord to make Namibia into a great nation, to  bless us;  to make Namibia a great name, and to make this nation a blessing in Africa and the world.

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalms 33:12 
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. Proverbs 11:14
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:34

Source: http://www.newera.com.na/2014/01/06/president-pohambas-year-message/

CELEBRATE POHAMBA'S BIRTHDAY

Hifikepunye Pohamba (born August 18, 1935), the second President of Namibia since March 2005 is celebrating his 78 birthday today!

Praise God for his leadership and guidance and for peace in Namibia.

God calls on us his children to pray for our leaders. Our leaders needs our prayers because no one person or group of people can lead a country.  Our leaders need to realize that only almighty God can truly help us. No one knows what the future holds but we can be confident that God the Father honors the prayers of those who love Him and is faithful to answer us (James 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12).

Therefore, please pray that the president and other elected officials would:

• Realize their positions of authority were obtained either by God’s choice or His permissive will. 
• Recognize their personal inadequacy for the task of governing our country and look to the Lord for the wisdom, knowledge, and courage to succeed.
• Readily forsake their political careers and personal ambitions if it is necessary to do so for the best interest of the country.
• Remember their accountability to almighty God for their attitudes, motives, behaviors, and decisions that affect our nation.

As we lift our nation up in prayer, we can make a difference regardless of how difficult our problems may be because we are taking the burdens of our country to the One who understands the way to victory.

Pray for Namibia and lift President Hifikepunye Pohamba and his family to the Lord, confidently knowing He will move on our behalf. Certainly, our loving Father will hear our prayers and heal our land (2 Chr. 7:14). May God bless our president, bless you, and may He continue to bless Namibia. 

I often say, when we fight our battles on our knees, we win every time. Dr. Charles Stanley.
Source for prayers:  In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org.

POHAMBA CALLS FOR COMMITMENT

PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba opened the fifth session of the fifth Parliament yesterday afternoon with a clear and unambiguous call on legislators to serve the electorate with dedication and commitment. “This is the only way we can create a stronger democracy, where the voices of our people are heard through their elected representatives,” said Pohamba.

This year’s business of Parliament will be to strive for a better Parliament and prepare for a leadership transition to a younger generation. Pohamba said this is a milestone, and a reminder of the importance of nurturing Namibia’s nascent democracy. “We are proud that we have maintained peace and stability, in keeping with our policy of reconciliation,” said Pohamba.

“It is the duty as leaders to provide exemplary leadership so that our nation can keep the flame of freedom, respect for human rights and equality before the law burning high and bright. It is our duty to provide the kind of leadership that will inspire our nation, not only to live on our constitutional values, but also to internalize the letter and spirit of the Namibian Constitution.”

In obedience with 1 Timothy 2 vs 1-4, let's pray for:

• Government to serve with dedication and commitment
• Preparation for a leadership transition to a younger generation
• Maintaining of peace and stability, in keeping with our policy of reconciliation
• Keeping the flame of freedom, respect for human rights and equality before the law burning high and bright
• The tabling of several important bills during this parliamentary session
• Up-liftment of the socio-economic conditions of Namibians
• The making a dent in widespread poverty and the high unemployment figures

Let us praise God for the many good things that are happening in and through parliament in Namibia and continue to put our trust in the Lord.

Read the whole article in the Namibian and make it your prayer agenda.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings (presidents) and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our savior who wants all men to be saved and to come to a full knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2 vs 1-4

Source: Photo Henry van Rooi from http://www.namibian.com.na

Source: http://www.namibian.com.na/news-articles/national/full-story/archive/2012/february/article/pohamba-calls-for-mps-commitment/

Pohamba: Let us join hands in 2012

President Hifikepunye Pohamba in his 2012 New Year’s message appealed to all Namibians to join hands to confront developmental challenges facing the nation this year. Namibians should embrace all that is good about the nation and to reject the evils of crime, corruption and violence.

The Head of State placed special emphasis on violence directed at women, children and the elderly. “Let us work together to promote national reconciliation and the values of honesty, hard work, tolerance and patriotism. Namibia is my country. Namibia is your country,” he said.

Pohamba further urged Namibians to continue making positive contributions to local development. Pohamba appealed to all citizens to draw inspiration from enduring values in all they do and to look forward, in unity of action and purpose, for a better future for their people and country in 2012.

• Pray that our leaders and nation will find wisdom and unity to address the challenges of 2012 at the feet of God.
• Trust that we will find inspiration and enduring values in the Bible.
• Let us trust God for leaders who will set an example in 2012, who will reject the evil and embrace the good.
  
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to lead us to His glory in 2012.

Source for news http://www.namibian.com.na

WORKING TOGETHER IN 2011

President Hifikepunye Pohamba asked Namibians in his New Year Message to focus on the future and seize opportunities 2011 may bring. He called on Namibians to commit themselves to work harder and help the economy for the common welfare of all.

President Pohamba spoke against the disturbing trend of violence against women, children and elderly. "This brutal crime against the poorest members of society must be strongly rejected," the president said. He has called on Namibians to stand together against this kind and other crimes. They have no place in the Namibian society, he said.

"Our country is governed on the basis of law and order and crime, corruption and dishonesty must be eradicated," President Pohamba said. He also made an appeal on the youth not to participate in alcohol abuse, irresponsible sexual behaviour and criminal activities.

"We will continue to promote the welfare of elderly, women, children and people with disabilities suffer," he said in his New Year message.

Please pray:

• Against violence on helpless women, children and the exploitation of the poor.

• Against crime, corruption and dishonesty

• For enforcement agencies to operate effectively.

• That Namibians will work and promote the welfare of all citizens, especially the poor in 2011 and for God's grace and blessing on Namibia!
  

NAMIBIA ON TRACK

Despite many challenges the country still faces, Pres. Hifikepunye Pohamba said in the State of the Nation address, he is proud because Namibia is on the right path and is an example of democracy, peace, stability and good governance on the African continent.

He called on Namibians to maintain unity, peace and stability, to be tolerant and have mutual respect and pursue national reconciliation. He also asked the people to contribute to ongoing nation-building efforts, holding on to the ethics of hard work, honesty, transparency and patriotic devotion.

"Our country will not by anyone else developed and built not just by ourselves," the president said. "Let us embrace each other, whatever our status in society, racial or ethnic origin, religion or gender. Let us strive for the noble ideals for which so many of our brave fellow Namibians have sacrificed their lives. Let us devote ourselves anew to our common dream and vision of Namibia as prosperous nation with sufficient opportunities for our children and our youth, so that they can realize their full potential," Pres . Pohamba said.

Source: Visit http://www.republikein.com.na/videonuus/president-addresses-the-nation.106016.php for a short video of the address. Photo: www.ohrongo-cement.com

Let us share this dream for Namibia and pray for God’s wisdom and power to let His Kingdom come in and through Namibia. Pray that our leaders will trust God and work with Him to make Namibia a better place for all and a blessing to Africa.

SWAPO ELECTORAL COLLEGE MEETS

This weekend the Swapo Electoral College, around 190 people, will meet in Windhoek to decide on the list of 72 Swapo Party members they want to submit as their representatives in the National Assembly, which will be elected during the November national elections.

Please seriously intercede for this important meeting of the Swapo Electoral College and the Swapo rally during the week-end. Trust that the Electoral College will ask and heard God's voice as they appoint the 72. Many of those on the list will govern the country for the next 5 years. Also continue to pray as all parties finalize their list of candidates for members of the National Assembly. Pray that godly men and women will be on the list of candidates of each party.

The Swapo Electoral College will vote for their candidates and a list will be drawn up. By Sunday President Hifikepunye Pohamba (photo) will announce the final list.

Here is some background information to the Swapo process. The Electoral College will be composed of:

• All 83 members of the Central Committee (which include the top four)
• 17 Members of Parliament who are not in the Central Committee
• Five delegates from each of the 13 regions (65 people)
• Five delegates from the Swapo Party Elders’ CouncilTen delegates from the Swapo Party Women’s Council
• Five delegates from the Swapo Party Youth League
• Five delegates from the National Union of Namibian Workers (affiliated organisation)
• The delegates will vote for 59 candidates.

These will be added to the 10 that President Hifikepunye Pohamba must appoint as well as Swapo Party vice president Hage Geingob, Secretary General Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana and her deputy Nangolo Mbumba, who are automatic selections. Depending on how the ranking is done, each of the 59 elected candidates could be pushed down by 13 places because of the automatic selections and Pohamba’s choices. Pohamba will announce his preferred 10 after the elections and is likely to go with people who are not generally regarded as heavyweights in Government or the ruling party.

Source: http://www.namibian.com.na