THANKSGIVING DAY FOR THE SAPS AT VMI

The time has come for the church to address social problems within our communities. The church therefore has to act as an agent of change in the city. In consequence it calls for reconciliation and zero-tolerance towards crime and corruption.


Pastor Jerome Liberty led a Thanksgiving Service for the South African Police Services at the Great Centenary Hall (renamed Nangoza Jebe) in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. The aim of the service was to:

• Establish a working relationship between the police and the church;

• Narrow the gap between the police and the community;

• Pray for protection and blessing over the men and women who risk their lives to protect us.

The scripture in Ephesians 4:18 reminds us that “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labour, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.” Prayers of protection and boldness were thus released over the police in their fight against crime, and their role as peacemakers in our community. The Bible declares that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9). Another assurance comes from Isaiah 54:17 that declares: “No weapon forged against you will prevail.” (Isaiah 54:17).

The congregation including the men and women in the police force were encouraged by the scripture: “I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified, or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.” (Joshua 1:9).

The following declarations were made over the police:

• No more police deaths;

• Every crime syndicate be exposed;

• The abuse against women and children crimes be down to zero;

• Every police be healed of work related depression;

• They be blessed in their finances;

• That corrupt policemen that put the lives of their colleagues in danger, be removed;

• No overcrowded prisons in Port Elizabeth;

• That our justice system shall not fail;

• Governmental order in every police station in Port Elizabeth.

The congregation was challenged to expose the works of crime in our communities; to sound the alarm at evil and take back our city from evil-doers. “Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.” (Proverbs 24:24-25).

Believers were called to respect law and order, help the police do their work, and not to speak badly of the whole police force if one of them did wrong. “Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not causes of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.” (Romans 13:1-3).

In conclusion, each policeman and woman were handed John Maxwell Study Bibles as a gift from Victory Ministries International.

Reach for the top, the bottom is overcrowded - JEROME LIBERTY