30/08/2026
The Night of Courage with the Youth & Young Adults of the Diocese of Gaborone was a success.
Thank you to our ArchBishop Frank Nubuasah, Our priests Rev. Fr Akofang Mantu and Rev. Fr Khoma Mantu,our Chaplain Fr Tshiamo Makaba , our key note address speaker Ame, the Diocese of Gaborone Youth & Young Adults Ministry Executive team and all the Youth & Young Adults who graced this event.
Here are the messages received during the night vigil:
Section 1: Bishop Frank — The Meaning & Heart of Vigil (14 Aug 2026)
I. Understanding the Vigil
* A Time of Watchfulness: A vigil is a period of expectancy, hope, and actively listening to the Lord.
* The Heartbeat of the Church: Young people are the core of the vigil—full of hopeful dreams. Keeping the church alive through singing, dancing, and bringing real life challenges before God.
* Presence & Community: Vigil is a time to be present to God, to self, and to each other while offering mutual support. Being present helps us stay awake and alive in spirit.
* The Church Today: We are the present reality of the Church, not just the promise of tomorrow.
* Expectant Waiting: To vigil is to wait for something—specifically Jesus—to come and happen.
II. Waiting and Trusting God’s Plan
* Jesus Wants a Place: God has a plan for each of us, and Jesus seeks a space in our everyday lives.
* Restful Waiting: Waiting can sometimes feel like impatient waiting, but we are called not to be anxious or restless. Instead, be restful in the presence of God. Waiting is a positive process: you wait to receive something good.
* Scriptural Precedent: John the Baptist preached this same stance of active waiting. It is the theme of both Advent and Easter.
* Guarding the Heart: Tonight, we are given a gift similar to security guards—watching over our hearts to protect what God has placed within them.
III. Mission, Light, and Overcoming Darkness
* Mission-Minded: Watch over others, appreciate the small things around you, be present to God/others/self, and remain full of expectation.
* Hope in Darkness:
* To those struggling with su***de or lost hope: Life is better than death (the darkness is only temporary). Look around and choose hope.
* We are often afraid of the darkness, but even a single, small light is enough to pivot your way back to the altar. Small light is critical in our lives.
* The Light of Christ: Let the light of Christ burn within you through faith and hope. Let it guide others and become a clear point of focus pointing to Christ.
* Facing Life's Challenges: Life brings challenges to every one of us—in friendships, family, school, and work. When things feel out of control, remember that the Light of Christ exists and we bear it.
IV. The Presence of Jesus in Storms & Fear
* Jesus is Always Present:
* Scripture Reference: Jesus Walking on Water.
* Even when we think Jesus is absent or that God does not see our challenges, He is always present—even when you cannot see or feel Him.
* The disciples obeyed, and Jesus always comes to us in our time of need.
* WYD 2027 Theme: "Do not be afraid, it is I!"
* It’s Okay to Be Afraid:
* In our fear, we must remember Jesus is always with us. Even if you cannot see Him, He always sees you.
* Silence does not mean absence. He sees us and knows our storms, tears, and the deepest desires of our hearts. He always comes at the right time.
* The disciples cried out in fear, but Jesus comes when everything is quiet. He sends the Holy Spirit to make us holy, whole, and vibrant so we can share Him with others.
* No matter your failures and frustrations, Jesus remains present.
V. Vocations, Identity, and Tomorrow
* God Calls: God is the One who calls (not human priests). The Church needs some of us to step forward.
* Overcoming Discouragement: When sharing your dreams with others, they may sometimes discourage you. Remember that God always calls for good, never for evil.
* Our Response: Listen, answer, and respond with courage, faith, love of God, the touch of healing, and true ownership.
* Your Identity in Christ:
* God sees all our troubles. Do not be afraid to follow Him or show others your true identity in Jesus.
* Speak to Jesus directly about all your fears and challenges.
* You are not bound to your past—God is not done with you yet.
* Future Hope: He is already there in our tomorrow to bless us. He may send anyone to help us, for He has planned something great for us.
* Mother Teresa: "Let us do something beautiful for God."
* Closing Prayer: May He be with us throughout this night.
Section 2: Fr. Akofang Mantu — Spiritual Laws & Courage
I. Spiritual Realities & Agreement
* Scripture: Matthew 18:19-20 — If two of you agree on earth about anything, it will be done for them in heaven. Where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there among them.
* Dual Realms: Operating on earth (body) versus operating in the spiritual realm (spirit).
II. Spiritual Laws of Operation
To walk effectively in the Spirit, we must cultivate:
* Humility
* Surrender
* Forgiveness
* Patience
* Love
* Tolerance
* Prayer
* Spiritual Confession (Boipolelo / KYC - Know Your Condition): Honest self-examination before God.
III. Overcoming Fear & Walking into Destiny
* Existential Questions: Why am I here? Where am I going? How do I get there? Facing fear and addiction (Ke a go goroga jaanong).
* Taking Up the Cross: We are called to take up our crosses, make sacrifices, and lay down our lives for others.
* Marching Forward: You can march into your destiny courageously. If you truly realize who you are in God, you will not be scared of the numerous enemies surrounding you.
* Scripture: John 16:33 — "Take courage; I have overcome the world." Jesus never speaks about that which He has not provided for.
IV. Courage, Obedience, and Victory
* The Cross and Rising Again: Through Life, Death, and Resurrection, Jesus overcomes fear. Courage is required when facing our cross. No matter how many times I fall, I will rise.
* Types of Courage:
* Courage in Restraint: Having the self-control to listen, and to speak only when necessary.
* Courage through Obedience: Courage manifests as obedience (and obedience is better than sacrifice).
* Internal Courage: The courage to confront the enemy inside yourself.
* The Cost of Sin: Romans 6:23 — The wages of sin is death.
* Victory in Christ: Jesus paid for us by dying on the cross. In the spiritual realm, we are set free from guilt. Respect Jesus, for the victory of Jesus is our victory!
* Luke 15:1–8: Reclaiming what was lost. "I am not tied to my past; God is not done with me."
Section 3: Fr. Khoma
* Community Connection: Greet each other, serve one another, and reach out to each other with hope.
Message by the KeyNote speaker Ame:
BE INTENTIONAL
