Lobamba: For the first time in history His Majesty King Mswati III did not attend Easter Services. Back in the years the King will preach along other Pastors on Easter but this year things were different.
In an interview with this publication, the president of the League of Churches Bishop Samson Hlatjwako said, “The King has promised to attend the Ascension Day which is usually held at Somhlolo National Stadium”.
When asked if the pastors’ delegation will be sent to bid farewell to His Majesty as usual, he revealed that it will not be possible for the King to meet them due to the prevailing situation. “It will not be possible for them as Pastors to go see the King, but we will go after the dust has settled.” Said Hlatjwako.
Under normal circumstances, the King and the Queen mother joins the nation during the services and share from the scriptures.
Easter Services
Bishop Samson Hlatjwako when opening the Easter Services, told the gathering that His Majesty King Mswati III, Indlovukazi and the entire Royal Family were following Easter Services through television.
Only a few members of the Royal Family members were present, this includes Prince Masitsela. Cabinet minister also present included the Honorable Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of home affairs Princess Lindiwe and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Prince Simelane. Despite attending the services on different days but they couldn’t miss the services.
Pastors who shared the Word included Bishop Absalom Muntu Dlamini, Bishop Jose Lewis, Reverend Grace Masilela to name but a few. Most of what was given as messages bordered around the global pandemic and how that God will let it settle.
The Easter Services were broadcasted live in national television, the Eswatini TV and national radio Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Service (EBIS).
The Easter Services began on Friday April 10, 2020 and ended on Sunday. As expected, the services were unusual with strict regulations to follow amid the global outbreak of the coronavirus. The regulations include social distancing which saw the services attended by a few people in relation to past years where there would be thousands of people from different denominations.
As part of observing the regulations congregants were equipped with protective gear as well as screened for temperature.
On Sunday, the national prayer was led by Reverend Grace Masilela who specifically made a plea to God to heal the land due to the novel coronavirus. Masilela quoted from Matthew 14:22-33 where Apostle Peter asked Jesus to allow him to walk on top of the water. She urged the nation to transfix their eyes on God and only then can the virus be constrained.
President of the League of Churches, Bishop Samson Hlatjwako wrapped up the services, applauding their Majesty for allowing the nation to pray under these circumstances.
At present, Eswatini has recorded 14 confirmed cases with no deaths and 7 recoveries. Worthy of note is that the Minister of Health Lizzy Nkosi recently announced that the country will now conduct tests locally, something that will relieve the country of the results turnaround time and costs.
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