Christians across North Kigezi Diocese are entering a season of spiritual renewal as the Lenten period begins, marked by forty days of prayer, fasting, and repentance.
The call came during a prayer gathering on Wednesday at Bethesda Prayer Mountain in Rukungiri Municipality, drawing thousands of believers from across the district and beyond.
The main speaker, Grace Muhairwe, urged Christians to follow the example of Jesus Christ through authentic prayer and fasting.
Drawing on Isaiah 58, she emphasized that true fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and should be reflected in transformed lives and righteous actions.
“Your work should be to build the Kingdom of God, not to tear it apart,” Muhairwe said, stressing that fasting must be accompanied by care for the poor, feeding the hungry, humility, and obedience. She warned that fasting tainted by malice, deceit, envy, or unforgiveness is displeasing to God.
Quoting Matthew 6:19–21, Muhairwe encouraged believers to store up treasures in heaven and let go of idols or anything that takes God’s place in their lives.
She urged full embrace of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to experience true peace.
Muhairwe also cautioned against acts of darkness within the Church, noting that some clergy are swayed by human opinions rather than divine guidance. She called for repentance and a return to foundational faith.
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, encouraged believers to remain steadfast and focused throughout Lent.
Referencing Daniel 10:12, he called for humility and obedience in prayer, urging Christians to approach God as spiritual warriors who trust Him to overcome darkness.
Asiimwe assured the faithful of God’s responsiveness during the forty-day journey and affirmed his commitment to provide spiritual guidance throughout the season.
Eng. Graham Piper, Chairperson of WATSAN Uganda UK Support Group, who attended the prayers, encouraged believers to trust in God rather than their own understanding.
Highlighting the power of consistent prayer, he said, “When we pray, things happen,” while also noting the need for patience and praise during times of waiting.
In her address, Ms Florence Asiimwe, the Bishop’s wife, called on Christians to deny the flesh and maintain discipline during fasting.
She warned that temptations will arise but emphasized that challenges can be overcome through prayer and fasting.
She further stressed that fasting should always be accompanied by prayer and reading of God’s Word.
