The 19th Episcopal District Sons of Allen has come a long way since its launch 10 years ago. This 3-day celebration was packed with an Annual Convention, Golf Day and a Decade celebration through a banquet.
The 19th Episcopal District fathers descended to Rustenburg for a long-anticipated Decade Celebration of the Sons of Allen (SOA) of the 19th Episcopal District. The Nkosi Memorial AME Church in Tlhabane, pastored by the Rev. Sebego Zephania Moremi were the hosts of the festivities.
The 3-day programme commenced on Friday, 8 September 2023 with a golf session, one of the great inventions by the SOA to attract more fathers. A total of 144 golfers took part in the event. Some of them were new fathers who took up the sport as a new hobby. Some came from outside the AME Church. This was also part of the programme to keep our men healthy while they are playing.
The formal business of the annual convention started on Saturday, 9 September with a total of 150 fathers registered. Most of the business was handled excellently by the District President Dr. Malefetsane Mokoena.
The evening came and setup changed for the Gala Dinner celebrating 10 years of the existence of this Men’s Ministry. Of course, the SOA had existed in the seventies and eighties at a much lower scale. The Gala Dinner was open not only to the fathers. Most were joined by their spouses and partners, brining the total attendance to 300. The Prelate of the 19thEpiscopal District, Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr was in attendance and encouraged fathers to march on.
The closing worship experience, with a preaching from Supervisor Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Brailsford was also the height of these celebrations. She preached from Deuteronomy 16:16, Nehemia 4:11-15 and Matthew 8:23-27, on the subject, “Take your position and fight for your family”.
Such tremendous support was received as a total of 21 clergy attended, two being female, Presiding Elders, and other Episcopal Presidents and officers.
To God be the Glory as we applaud the leadership of the District, from Bishop Brailsford, Sr, Supervisor Brailsford, President Dr. Mokoena and the executive board and all the 19th Episcopal District Conferences leadership.
Rev. Gaborone P Lesito
19th Episcopal District Field Representative.
