Enough of doom and gloom - AFM

2003-12-22 17:43

Johannesburg - It was time for South Africans, especially Christians, to lift their spirits and appreciate South Africa's "uncountable" positives, the two-million member Apostolic Faith Mission said on Monday.

In a Christmas message Isak Burger, president of the multicultural AFM, said present day South Africa had in power a government "exceeding the expectations of many.

"We are revered around the world and many world leaders are eager to learn from the way we had overcome our past.

"Our economy is a model to many. Financial leaders from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have commended our economic policies.

"Ultimately such policies must pay off and will lead to reduced poverty - arguably one of the biggest obstacles we face.

"It is every right-thinking Christian's duty to help narrow the rift between rich and poor. After all, it also is a scriptural principle that we all help to take care of each other's needs."

Although the country's crime rate was "still hopelessly unacceptable... we should be thankful that we have a government committed to eradicate graft, violence, drug abuse and other evils".

Burger said he was in regular touch with policy-makers and he was convinced that "the commitment and determination I detect must at some point bring the breakthroughs and deal crime hefty blows.

"It is high time that South Africans, especially Christians, break out of their spirit of doom and gloom and begin to appreciate the uncountable positive aspects of this great land.

"Certain negative issues, like the... crime rate, have blinded our eyes to the abundance of blessings," said Burger in his message.

- SAPA