North Kigezi Diocese News
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, together with clergy and Christians, today joined the universal Church in commemorating Pentecost Sunday — the remarkable day in Church history when the apostles received the Holy Spirit in great power.
Preaching during the installation service of Rev. Canon George Bazahuza as Archdeacon of Buhunga Archdeaconry, Bishop Asiimwe emphasized the importance of believers desiring to be filled daily with the Holy Spirit. He noted that Pentecost marks the birth of the Church and reminded Christians that the same Holy Spirit who descended upon the apostles is still available to believers today.
Quoting Ephesians 5:18, Bishop Asiimwe cautioned Christians against drunkenness and sinful living, “murekye kusinda waragi, kabiriti, embogo, omusheshe.” The Holy Spirit cannot dwell in lives characterized by immorality, sorcery, adultery, fornication, and other forms of sin. He urged believers to live holy lives so they may continually experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Referencing Joel 2:28 and 1 Corinthians 12:3, the Bishop explained that the prophecy of Prophet Joel was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost and stressed that every believer receives the Holy Spirit upon accepting Christ, though Christians need continual renewal and filling of the Spirit daily.
Using the words of evangelist D.L. Moody, Bishop Asiimwe described man as “a leaking vessel” that requires constant refilling of the Spirit through prayer and righteous living. He explained that sins such as lying, theft, fornication, and anger weaken believers spiritually, making daily dependence on God necessary.
The Bishop further cited Luke 24:49, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to preach the Gospel boldly, perform miracles, work faithfully, and overcome challenges through divine strength. “It takes God’s power to do God’s work” said Bishop Asiimwe. He encouraged clergy to keep churches open for prayer, emphasing that prayer must remain central in the Church.
Reading from John 16:8, Bishop Asiimwe explained that the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He challenged Christians and clergy alike to live exemplary lives and avoid becoming stumbling blocks to others in the faith.
Talking about the Holy Spirit, Bishop Asiimwe expounded that he personally gets dreams and receives the meaning from God through the Holy Spirit. He narrated of a dream he got seeing a reverend leading the service and saw a small snake and a bird while in a service and instructed a reverend to kill them but hesitated yet he had heard him. Still in the same dream they announced to sing hymn 110 as one of the Bishops was going to speak but still the choir brought a different hymn.
Giving the interpretation of the dream, he said a leader who is not obedient is not supposed to be a leader. A leader who is disobedient will experience disobedience from the people he leads.
He warned that when leaders tolerate sin, it grows and eventually leads to destruction. He urged ministers to study the Word of God and preach the Gospel faithfully instead of merely sharing stories and experiences.
The Bishop also strongly condemned corruption, calling upon government authorities to thoroughly investigate all public officials implicated in misuse of taxpayers’ money – let not these investigations stop at Hon. Anita Anet Among only. He said public resources should be used to improve roads, schools, and hospitals rather than benefit individuals.
At the same event, Bishop Asiimwe urged Christians to remain vigilant against Ebola and strictly observe all health guidelines and SOPs issued to prevent the spread of the disease. He revealed that he had written to all parishes directing them to sensitize Christians about the deadly illness.
Bishop Asiimwe encouraged the newly installed Archdeacon, Rev. Canon George Bazahuza, to use his friendships and leadership position to build both the Church and the Archdeaconry. He also called upon Christians to embrace hard work and coffee growing as a sustainable source of household income.
Representing the Guest of Honor, Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, the RDC of Rukungiri District, Mr. Bron Kikanshemeza, urged Christians to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and encouraged Rev. Canon George Bazahuza to rely on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in his ministry. He pledged to serve the district faithfully and fight corruption.
The Head of Laity, Mr. Mugisha, thanked Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe for promoting revival in the Diocese and reviving church-founded schools including Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls High School. He also appreciated the Diocese’s emphasis on coffee growing, noting that every parish has embraced the program.
In his remarks, Rev. Canon George Bazahuza thanked all Christians who attended and supported him during the installation service. He pledged to support the Bishop in preaching the Gospel and implementing diocesan programs throughout Buhunga Archdeaconry.
