Nakibizzi, Mukono– “Forgiveness in the Family Brings Peace” was the theme as over 50 people also gave their lives to Christ.
60 Christians were confirmed into the Anglican Faith today at _St. Philip’s Buziika_ Parish Church in Nakibizzi Archdeaconry, Mukono Diocese, by Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo.
They were presented to the Bishop by the Nakibizzi Archdeacon, Ven. Canon Robert Kiwanuka Mulinde, the clergy, and lay readers.
While presenting his report to the Bishop, the Parish Priest of Buziika, _Rev. Apollo Paul Ssegawa,_ highlighted some of the challenges facing the parish. These include theft, poverty, as well as sickness and bereavement, which many people endure through giving and faith.
On their plans, _Rev. Ssegawa_ said they include intensifying evangelism, since that is their primary mission; strengthening ongoing projects; encouraging people to live holy lives and enter into sacred marriage; and improving support for all church-related community programs to ensure they are carried out effectively.
Some of the achievements around the parish include evangelism that has led many to salvation; visiting and encouraging Christians; supporting ministry departments; urging people to protect church property; and conducting ministry in Bugungu Prison, among other activities.
The Archdeacon of Nakibizzi, Ven. Canon Robert Kiwanuka Mulinde urged people to remain vigilant and avoid physical contact and close association with others as one of the measures to prevent the spread of Ebola, which continues to threaten the country.
Addressing the Christians, Bishop Kagodo commended them for their evangelistic work and all the activities carried out by the various departments, as well as their support for the cathedral construction project.
Bishop Kagodo urged parents not to be distracted by self-seeking politicians who discourage them from taking responsibility for their children’s education.
“Parents, take care of yourselves and take care of your children, because they are your future. Educate them so they can support their communities and your families. Therefore, support schools in your areas, especially when it comes to paying for your children’s lunch.”
In his sermon, Bishop Kagodo based his message on forgiveness under the theme “Forgiveness in the Family Brings Peace,” Genesis 33:1-20, which talks about Jacob meeting Esau again. Jacob was afraid Esau would kill him. He bowed seven times. But Esau ran to him, hugged him, kissed him, and they both wept. Revenge turned into a reunion.
Bishop Kagodo then asked the congregation, “Why is reconciliation necessary?”
“Forgiveness is not yours; it belongs to God. If you forgive, you have God; but if you refuse to forgive, know that you do not have God. So I urge you to know that there is nothing you cannot forgive. When we forgive, we lift burdens. Forgiveness brings peace and frees us from bondage.”
Bishop Kagodo concluded with Matthew 5:43-48 and Ephesians 2:8, urging people to accept Christ as their Saviour if they desire forgiveness and to forgive others as well.
After the sermon, more than 50 people came forward to give their lives to Christ. Njeru Parish Priest, Rev. Henry Katumba Ssalongo led them in the prayer of salvation, after which Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo prayed for them and blessed them.
Buziika Parish comprises nine churches: St. Philip’s, St. Stephen Kiryowa, St. Andrew Butema, Bulamba, Kikondo, Galama, Kinyala, Kyoga, and Namaziba.
