Badge and pulpit uniting to heal society’s hearts
The next Divine Intervention meeting will be held on September 17 at Roodepoort Police Station
Leaders of faith-based organisations, encouraged by a national directive by the South African Police Service, are creating a forum to use the messages preached in hallowed halls as far-reaching sermons for change. The first meeting of the Divine Intervention Forum was held at the Roodepoort Police Station, August 20, with invites extended to all faith leaders across the greater Roodepoort area.
The Divine Intervention initiative is a project championed by the highest offices within National Police, who firmly believe in involving the power of faith in the fight against crime. The project aims to use the righteous leaders of communities to change attitudes through prayers, social crime prevention campaigns, moral regeneration and restoration of human dignity.
The forum is open to all faiths and denominations as the project looks to combine diverse messaging that speaks to the multitude of South Africans. The project does not focus on or promote specific churches, instead placing emphasis on individuals working together for a greater goal. Roodepoort Police’s head of Social Crime Prevention, Sergeant Shumikazi Mbuli, will be the figurehead, guiding preachers through station, district and eventually provincial level coordinations.
“There is always a word for a season. If you leave it in the dark it grows mould, so it must be brought into your light,” said local pastor, Ashley Augustine, who has witnessed the programme work wonders in other parts of Johannesburg. “It is about occupying spaces with positivity. By simply reclaiming a park we can make those forces of negativity uncomfortable,” added Ashley.
Turnout at the kick-starter meeting was below par, chalked up to the short notice given for the event, but faith leaders or volunteers throughout the greater Roodepoort area are asked to join the next meeting, where a strict plan of action will be formulated. Those interested are encouraged to come to the fourth-floor boardroom of the Roodepoort Police Station at 15:00 on September 17 to use their platform to make a difference.
