“But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence…”
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. (Jonah 3:8-10)
You are warmly welcome! A lot is happening around us: our Chapel Annual General Meeting is around the corner; we’ll soon have clear guidance on access to the University for motorists, with increased security checks; coming up also is heightened discipleship and leadership development by way of corporate reading. Make the most of all opportunities at hand.
God is good to all: even as we reflect on how His goodness is seen in forgiveness, I want to draw your attention first to people with special needs in our congregation – they need our support. Just to raise your awareness, we have a few people among us who suffer different conditions – like autism, dyslexia, hearing difficulties, visual impairment, or any other physical disability. Some of these need special seating positions, others need to be tolerated as they make frequent movements, others need a neighbour to read the scripture aloud. God loves these people and welcomes them to His sanctuary. As a minister at the altar, at the booth or in the congregation, or even as a responsible member of the congregation, be ready to offer support to any that you observe, and alert the leadership immediately for further guidance. We’ll continue raising such awareness, including learning together the symptoms of some of the conditions that are less obvious and more difficult to observe.
Remember how God pushed Ananias, emphasizing His call on Paul: “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings”. God’s love for all people has been clear from the farthest history, and today Jonah’s story is the evidence on top. When he preached among those Gentiles in Nineveh, he was proclaiming the judgment and punishment God was determined to execute in just about a month’s time because of the wickedness of the city. However, the remorseful and repentant response of the Ninevites led by their king triggered God’s goodness in forgiveness. Although it upset the prophet, God maintained his nature: all the time God is good and that’s His nature! You too can also be forgiven, no matter how far you have fallen. Some people’s situation as complicated and you wonder what God will do with you – after those multiple abortions, or as a man of many wives, or as a wife yet your middle child is not your husband’s – complicated, but God’s goodness and love is able to handle it all: come to God as you are.
As did Jonah, Ananias and Paul, will you faithfully carry out your assignment as a servant of Christ? As we will be reaching out in Lecture Rooms, Hostels and Halls, and continuing with training ministers, as well as mobilizing for the Kisoro mission in May, offer yourself and your resources to share God’s goodness. Just as He has forgiven and liberated you, someone out there needs this ministry. God bless you!
Rev. Eng. Dr. Emmanuel Mwesigwa - CHAPLAIN