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Fellow Residents of Walvis Bay,
As we are about to celebrate Easter, I wish to extend warm wishes to you and all families around Namibia on this sanctified weekend, which is one of the most prominent on the Christian calendar.
As we are commemorating the death of Jesus Christ, and subsequently celebrating our belief in His resurrection, Easter always presents the perfect time for renewal, reflection and celebration.
Easter is the time when we reflect upon sacrifice, goodness and life, and when we study the teachings of Jesus.
On reflecting on His many parables we become aware of their deeper significance. Thus we can draw certain examples or messages from them, particularly in this time of global suffering, injustice, hardship, and above all, the anxiety caused by COVID-19.
Traditionally, the Easter holiday break provides an opportunity for many families to travel and visit their loved ones, but everyone knows it will not be possible this year. We will have to be creative and celebrate differently, provided we do it in the confines of our homes. It is a sacrifice that is required of us, not just in terms of preventing the spread of COVID-19, but also because our faith demands that from us.
We can still respect the religious etiquette around Easter, even if it is done in an unconventional manner this year. You may decide to attend an online service, or watch an Easter programme on television, or even conduct your own service.
Following the call by His Excellency the President for a day of prayer, we heard the beautiful sounds of church bells yesterday at noon to announce the time for us to do just that. Many people took a moment to pray for our country to be spared the devastation that the Corona virus can cause. We know of course that it’s not only Christians that pray. All people of faith do, and I know that our sisters and brothers of all religions will put their trust in God to save us from a calamity.
I wish everyone a wonderful, happy and safe Easter, and trust that you will strictly keep to the lockdown regulations during this time.
May God’s peace be with you all.
