SU Botswana History

SU Botswana was born in 1968, about 100 years after the inception of Scripture Union International. Scripture Union Botswana, initially known as Student Christian Movement (SCM), came as an offshoot of Scripture Union South Africa. Between 1968-1978 SU was at a formation stage and key activities were: establishing national leadership, registration to operate in Botswana, establishment of the national office, formulating an inter-denominational policy, and building of partnerships with churches & government institutions. After all these, the organization grew tremendously as it developed partnerships with churches and the government. The membership of young people grew speedily from 1979 to 2010. In secondary schools SU became part of the extra-curricular activities and this enhanced growth. Due to the integrity of the organization at one point SU received sponsorship from United Nations to run an Urban Youth Programme. SU received an international acclaim for excellent implementation.

Scripture Union International

The Scripture Union is an interdenominational and International Christian Organization which started in Britain as the Children’s Special Services Mission (CSSM) in 1867. The founder of the CSSM, Mr. Josiah Spiers aimed at bringing the Word of God to children who were largely neglected by the churches at that time. He had summer sea-side holiday camps with them and taught them choruses such as: “All the way to Calvary He went for me.” Some ten years later, Miss Annie Matson proposed a system of providing children with passages to read for each day during the week. This system was adopted by the CSSM in December 1878 and in 1879, the Children’s Scripture Union (CSU) was born. The CSSM and CSU continued to work in that close collaboration from that time until 1960, when the name Scripture Union was adopted worldwide at the 1st International Conference held at Old Jordan, London. From this humble beginning, Scripture Union work has grown and is now operating in about 140 countries spread over all the continents. It is at work in more than 44 countries in Africa alone.

SU Botswaba History

At the mention of the name SU (Scripture Union) whether at banks, public places, government and non-government offices, it triggers the memories of school days. Almost every student that went through school in Botswana has memories of SU struck in their minds. Some remember it as an organization for people who sang and preached at school morning assemblies. Some remember it as an organization which brought a tremendous change in their life. Some remember it as an organization of people who were anti-sin and claimed to be overly-righteous. Approximately over 50% of Batswana pastors and church leaders had an encounter with God during their school days at an SU meeting. It goes without saying that SU has for over 40 years shaped the moral fiber of our society. By a show of hands at meetings held by SU with its stakeholders, it has proved that not less than 50% of attendants will be people who have been touched by the SU ministry. Following the precept that ‘train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it’ many people could not run away from the moral bearing SU ministry had in their lives. Far and wide God has used SU ministry to mould generations of God fearing people. The question then remains ‘what is SU, Is SU still the SU we knew’ during our school days. This article will give an overview of what SU has been doing from yesterday to today to rekindle the passion for serving God. Scripture Union Botswana is an evangelical children and youth ministry predominantly operating in all government schools. It is affiliated to Scripture Union International through the Scripture Union Africa Region. SU Botswana was born in 1968, about 100 years after the inception of Scripture Union International, which had its headquarters in England. Scripture Union Botswana, initially known as Student Christian Movement (SCM), came as an offshoot of Scripture Union South Africa, through the efforts of visiting Gospel Teams. The initial 10 years were formative years for the organization. After trial operations in a few schools it was found to be a good organization to establish in the few primary and secondary schools in existence during those times. This initiative was boosted by the work of missionaries who had even set up some schools in Botswana. A simple structure was set up with a national leadership. The likes of George Kgoroba, a school head then, were in this leadership. Pastor Samuel Makgaola, who was an emerging civic leader, was the first Chairperson of the organization. This leadership then prepared and registered the organization in 1973. Given that development the establishment of a national office was set in motion. A lot of work then went into drawing an interdenominational policy stance and partnerships with churches and government institutions were made. During this period SU Botswana hired its first full-time staff by the name Nathi Nkosi, who was a South African citizen.

Since 1979, SU Botswana experienced major historic milestones coupled with challenges. To most Christians who were converted during this time they recall that this was a period of major evangelistic activities which saw thousands of young people converting to the protestant tide/wave which hit Botswana. Scripture Union conducted camps around Botswana through the help of volunteers. Most of these young people became part of the protestant churches that were being planted in Botswana. Post secondary youth had opportunity of fellowship within SU structures known as action groups. SU prepared young people to have firm stand in their Christianity and allowed them the freedom to select their own Church fellowship. Young people worshipped together regardless of their Church background. Upcoming evangelical churches partnered with SU to do ministry in Schools. With the increase in government schools SU was replicated in the new schools. This was an exciting period particularly for young new born believers. Before long these young people had matured into young adults and young professionals. SU leadership benefitted from the professional expertise and spiritual experience of these young people as they served as volunteers. Some of the volunteers served in gospel teams that visited the schools while others served in the committees. Young church leaders across denominational lines came through SU work.

In the 1980s there was a growth of the volunteer support base and financial support to do the work of God in schools. With the growth of SU action groups there was also disturbance caused by opportunistic church organization which wanted to take advantage of the growth of SU work. The opportunistic tendencies decreased the SU action group activities. However, a major breakthrough was experienced when SU was included as part of the school system in the extra-curricular activities. This has remained to date which gives an opportunity to use government facilities. Some names come to mind when this period is remembered. Brother Paul Makanyanga served in this period followed by Brother Timothy Tavaziva who served with their whole heart. Their service is remembered by the generation that they raised as passionate service to God. Around 1985 after the service of these Zimbabwean brethren the SU ministry was left at a growing stage without full-time staff. A number of people came shortly to serve as staff and they did not serve long.

From 1985 to 1995 SU was without full-time staff and this threatened the existence of SU ministry in Botswana. Challenges from all fronts came flooding, mainly doctrinal, administrative, and leadership. If it was not for God the movement would not have survived the turbulent times. A global call for prayer yielded fruits when a national by the name Baatweng Motladiile resigned from his nursing career to serve God. With the backing of his family and the SU family great days of growth in SU ministry were experienced. This came as a stabilizing factor since the officer was not involved in the matters they had troubled SU. A number of highlights characterize the period from 1995 to 2009. The SU movement reunited into a major force in transforming generations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. SU went into full office operations and there was an increase of staff from one to four with a broad base of volunteers. Locals began to take ownership of the organization as many of them volunteered as leaders and staff advisors. Key partnerships were recorded during this period especially the one with Botswana National Youth Council (National Youth Custodian) hence access to government support; and the other one with United Nations Development Program for implementation of the life skills program (Urban Youth Project).