North Kigezi Diocese News
Faithfuls in the North Kigezi Diocese have been called to spiritual revival as they begin the Lenten season, marking forty days of prayer and fasting. She warned that fasting accompanied by malice, deceit, envy, jealousy, and unforgiveness Mountain in Rukungiri Municipality. The gathering attracted thousands of believers from across the diocese and beyond Rukungiri District.
Grace Muhairwe, the main speaker, urged Christians to imitate the life of Jesus through prayer and fasting. Referencing Isaiah 58, she emphasized that true fasting is not merely a physical act but is reflected in the fruits it produces—allowing God and the Holy Spirit to work in one’s life, caring for the poor, and feeding the hungry. She warned that fasting accompanied by malice, deceit, envy, jealousy, and unforgiveness is unhelpful.
She further called on believers to let go of idols and anything that has taken the place of God in their lives, encouraging them to fully embrace God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in order to experience true peace. Quoting Matthew 6:19–21, she urged Christians to store their treasures in heaven, where moth and rust cannot destroy them. “Your work should be to build the Kingdom of God, not to tear it apart,” she said, adding that believers should seek honor from God rather than temporary recognition from people.
Grace also cautioned against acts of darkness within the Church, noting that some clergy are influenced by human voices instead of listening to God. She called for repentance and a return to the faith they first received.
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, encouraged believers to remain focused on God during Lent and to commit themselves to prayer.
He reminded them that the God they pray to listens and answers. Referencing Daniel 10:12, he called for humility and obedience, urging Christians to pray as spiritual warriors, trusting that God overcomes every power of darkness. He also affirmed his commitment to journey with the faithful throughout the forty days of Lent.
Graham Piper, Chairperson of WATSAN Uganda UK Support Group, who attended the prayers, assured believers that God makes all things new. He encouraged them to trust in the Lord and not lean on their own understanding.
He emphasized the importance of daily prayer, noting that prayer is often followed by miracles. “When we pray, things happen,” he said, adding that God sees every need and faithfully provides. He also reminded the congregation that prayer sometimes requires patience and waiting, and urged them to praise God in every situation during the Lenten season.
Maama Florence also addressed the congregants, encouraging them to deny the flesh and remain disciplined during the fasting period. She noted that some challenges can only be overcome through prayer and fasting. She warned that temptations will arise during Lent but urged believers to remain determined and faithful until the end.
She further emphasized that fasting should be accompanied by prayer and reading the Word of God.
