A Meaningful Encounter with a Minister in Mauritius

In my role, I frequently engage with politicians and policymakers connected to African governments. One of my most memorable experiences happened in September 2024, when I organised a ministerial meeting on the Internet in Mauritius. This event brought together four African ministers and their teams, African delegates fostering dialogue about digital transformation and regional cooperation.

During the event, I had the chance to build a meaningful connection with one of the ministers. Throughout his stay in Mauritius, I assisted him with official protocols and personal matters, doing my best to ensure he felt welcomed and at ease. It was inspiring to see the weight of his responsibilities firsthand. He shared his country’s digital development plans, their hurdles, and his passion for creating lasting change. His sense of purpose was clear—he wasn’t just performing his duties but truly living his mission with a deep commitment to improving his nation.

While we talked, I felt compelled to share my faith with him. I told him I am a Christian and disciple of Christ, and I promised to pray for him, entrusting his mission to the Lord. To my delight, he warmly accepted, acknowledging that spiritual guidance is essential for leadership. He humbly admitted that effective governance isn’t just about policies—it requires understanding the spiritual dimensions that influence human actions.

I encouraged him to seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord, especially as he navigates leadership challenges. As a reminder of the strength that faith provides, I shared a verse from Jeremiah 27:5-6:
« It is I who made the earth, mankind, and the animals on the face of the earth by my great power and outstretched arm, and I give it to whomever I please. »

This experience deepened my respect for those in public service and reinforced my belief in the power of faith to inspire and guide leaders toward positive change.

Standing for Integrity in Public Service. Practical advice for Christians working in government on upholding integrity and promoting justice

By Arthur Carindal N’guessan

Introduction:

In April 2024, I attended an event on elder rights presided by a Mauritian minister. After the function, I had a meaningful conversation with a respectful lady, high-ranking public servant in Mauritius. When I shared that I am a Christian, she was thrilled, revealing that she too serves Christ. However, she admitted that standing for integrity in public service is challenging. Public servants constantly face temptations like corruption, favouritism, and injustice. Proverbs 11:3 reminds us, « The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. » For Christians in government, this is both a challenge and an opportunity to reflect God’s character through justice, accountability, and transparency. Our conversation highlighted the importance to stay true to integrity, acting as a light of hope in environments where compromise is all too common.

The Biblical Foundation of Integrity and Justice

The Biblical foundation of integrity and justice calls Christians to live in truth and fairness as part of their faith. In Micah 6:8, God instructs us to « act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. » This verse emphasizes the importance of doing what is right, showing compassion, and remaining humble in all situations.

The Bible also highlights the role of government in Romans 13:1-5, where governing authorities are described as God’s servants, established to promote good and restrain evil. For Christians working in public service, this means reflecting God’s character through justice, accountability, and transparency.

Jesus provides the perfect example of integrity. He stood firm in truth, even when it was unpopular or led to opposition. His life reminds public servants to remain committed to righteousness, knowing that integrity is not just a duty but part of their witness to God’s justice in the world.

Practical Challenges in Government Work

Government workers in Africa and particularly in Mauritius face several practical challenges in maintaining integrity. The pressure to compromise ethics such as engaging in favouritism or misusing public funds is common. Recent news reports have highlighted such dilemmas, exposing corruption tied to public procurement,

Navigating unjust policies or corrupt practices within the system is also a difficult reality. Some Court investigations criticized the mishandling of contracts within a state company and pointed to institutional failures that discourage transparency. Government employees often encounter these dilemmas, making it challenging to perform their duties ethically.

These real-world examples highlight the daily struggles faced by public servants. They illustrate the need for stronger protections and reforms to ensure accountability, as well as the importance of individual commitment to ethical standards.

Practical Advice for Upholding Integrity and Promoting Justice in the Workplace

As Christians in public service, upholding integrity may involve among others, as I discussed with the high-ranking public servant:

●     Commit to Prayer: Start each day with prayer for wisdom and courage (James 1:5).

●     Know the Law and Procedures: Familiarity with rules reduces temptation to take shortcuts.

●     Be Accountable: Develop accountability relationships with other believers in public service for mutual support.

●     Speak the Truth with Love: Offer correction respectfully when witnessing unethical behaviour (Ephesians 4:15).

●     Advocate for Fair Policies: Use your position to promote justice and inclusion for all ethnic and social groups (Isaiah 1:17).

●     Treat All Equally: Reflect God’s impartiality by serving all citizens without bias
Create Transparency: Encourage policies that enhance public accountability and trust.

●     Lead by Example: Be punctual, honest, and fair in decision-making to inspire others.

Conclusion:

As Christian, let us stay faithful in our service, knowing that God honours those who walk in integrity (Psalm 84:11). Every decision to act justly, even when unnoticed, reflects God’s righteousness and makes a difference. Our work matters to God, and each honest action has the power to inspire others toward goodness. Though challenges may arise, let us trust that God sees our efforts and will strengthen us. Remember, integrity isn’t just about following rules it’s about living out our faith in every task. Keep pressing on with courage and conviction, knowing that our service contributes to building a just and fair society that honours Jesus-Christ.