By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – The Bible Society of Lesotho held a prayer breakfast session at the National State Library under the theme ‘Repentance Leading to Faith’, gathering Basotho citizens and leaders to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial milestone and to pray for unity, repentance, and blessings for the country.
The session marked an opportunity for reflection on the spiritual heritage of the Basotho people, particularly highlighting the contributions of King Moshoeshoe I, who first introduced Christianity and the Bible to the nation.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Ntšebo Hlalele Tšosane, a board member of the Bible Society, welcomed the attendees and explained the purpose of the gathering. She emphasized the need for the Basotho nation to seek divine guidance, stating, “Our prayer today is that God blesses Lesotho and its leaders. We pray that our people may turn away from sinful ways and seek God wholeheartedly.” She reminded the audience of the role of King Moshoeshoe I, who, through his introduction of the Bible, laid the foundation for the country’s Christian faith and moral compass.
Reflecting on the current state of the nation, Archbishop Tlali Lerotholi delivered the keynote address, urging the Basotho people to turn to God for healing and peace in challenging times. “Our people are going through much suffering, they need to heal,” he said.
The Archbishop stressed that true healing comes only through a strong faith in God, which can guide individuals toward inner peace and resilience in the face of hardship.
In his address, Archbishop Lerotholi highlighted the importance of repentance, encouraging the nation to cultivate the “fruits of repentance”, a theme he described as essential for building a morally strong society. According to him, the Basotho people must reflect deeply on their actions and embrace a path of spiritual growth to foster national unity and prosperity.
Attendees at the breakfast session joined in prayer, asking for divine protection, wisdom for the country’s leaders, and guidance for Basotho citizens as they strive to uphold the legacy of their forefathers. The event concluded with a united call for the nation to reflect on its values, turn away from sin, and strengthen its commitment to spiritual growth as it embarks on a new century.
The prayer breakfast organized by the Bible Society of Lesotho reminded those present of the vital role that faith and unity play in fostering national resilience, especially as Lesotho faces modern-day challenges. Archbishop Lerotholi’s message of repentance and Ms. Tšosane’s invocation for blessings resonated with many attendees, inspiring hope and a renewed commitment to the values instilled by King Moshoeshoe I.
Ms, Macheli Kutlo on behalf of attendees stated that this session helped her see how deeply connected repentance and faith are. “Repentance is not just about feeling sorry; it’s about opening myself up to a stronger faith in God and a clearer path forward.”
“I felt an incredible sense of freedom after repenting and laying down the burdens I was carrying. It’s as if God lifted the weight, giving me the faith to move forward in hope.” Adding that through repentance, she felt closer to God than ever before. It is as if every moment of humility and honesty with Him opened the door for a deeper faith and trust in His plans.
While Kananelo Maphenchane said the theme reminded her that repentance is not just about looking back at mistakes, but about embracing a renewed life in faith. Adding that it was spiritual helpful and educational when it comes to knowing the Bible.
“This prayer session was an awakening for me. It helped me realize that true faith requires constant reflection and a commitment to growth. Repentance is a step on that journey, and I’m ready to take it.”
Karabo Motsomi said the prayer session was very educational to her as youth, stating that by attending the session she has learned that she needs to start attending more sessions to help build her faith even more. “I came to see repentance as a beautiful gift where God welcomes us back into His grace. This session reminded me that His mercy is always there, helping my faith grow stronger each day.”
“I learned that repentance also means forgiving others. By letting go of resentment, I’m able to open my heart to God’s guidance and have more faith in His love and justice,” said Karabo.
“Today, I was reminded that no matter how far we’ve strayed, God is always ready to offer a new beginning. Repentance is that first step, and my faith in His promises has been renewed and would advise the youth to join prayers sessions.”