In a commendable display of unity and gratitude, over 5.5 million Shillings has been raised during the back home thanksgiving event for Rev. Johnson Mupenzi at St. John’s Rwenanuura Church of Uganda (COU). The function held on 29th August in Ruhaama Archdeaconry within the South Ankole Diocese, aimed to support Rev. Mupenzi and his family’s development, highlighting the community’s commitment to its religious leaders.
The thanksgiving service featured a diverse array of attendees, including various religious leaders from different faiths and Christians from multiple parishes in South Ankole and beyond. The event marked a significant moment for the diocese, as it aimed to bolster the pastoral work of its leaders.
Kwesiga Dennese, the Lay Leader of Rwenanuura COU, initiated the event on April 12, leading to a concluding service with Rev. Mupenzi. Rwenanuura Parish is made of eight churches, six being older in establishment including Rwenanuura COU, Rwikiniro COU, Kicece COU, Kyenjojo COU, Kakukuuru COU, and Kitembe COU along with the recently established Mt. Sinai and Zitoon COU.
The Very Rev. Ven. Joram Akoragye, Dean of St. Matthew’s Cathedral Kyamate, expressed the importance of this thanksgiving as a way for the South Ankole Diocese to come together in support of its church leaders. He emphasized that church leaders have essential needs that must be addressed for their survival. “This initiative is crucial for keeping our leaders motivated,” he stated.
Stella Ayebare, Lay Leader of Kicece COU, shared her perspective, noting that the back home thanksgiving event has empowered lay leaders to acquire necessary resources they previously lacked. “It has allowed us to present ourselves as true servants of God and reinforced our commitment to preaching,” she remarked.
Echoing this sentiment, Musinguzi Abert, Deputy Head of Laity at Rwenanuura Parish, referenced Hebrews 13:7, which calls on Christians to remember their religious leaders. He urged Christians from other parishes to support their leaders willingly, emphasizing the vital role they play in their spiritual lives.
Rev. Johnson Mupenzi conveyed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors, celebrating the community’s collective effort throughout the event. He confirmed that the South Ankole Diocese intends to hold this thanksgiving annually, ensuring that church leaders can utilize the funds to support and develop their families.
This event not only reinforced the bonds within the community but also highlighted the essential support that church leaders require to thrive in their spiritual missions.
