Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? … We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:7-8, 11)
You are warmly welcome! We have had a season of celebrations - from Ascension Day to Martyrs Day and now Pentecost Sunday. My hope and prayer is that these commemorations bring alive a constructive message to you as you journey with the Lord. We will soon be hosting visitors: first the Diocesan Secretary Rev Canon John Awodi - and this will be his farewell visit before he retires; and the new Assistant Bishop Rt Rev Frederick Jackson Baalwa - and this will be his maiden visit as Bishop. Please receive them warmly and generously.
Today’s occasion is a great opportunity to reflect on our calling and mission as a Chapel. This church has made its mission clear: To rouse and send God’s people in the University and adjacent community as disciples of Jesus Christ and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, through sharing the holistic gospel. To be a faithful member of this Chapel, two responses are essential:
First, follow Jesus Christ—as His disciple. This means learning His ways, listening to His Word, imitating His life, growing in faith, and surrendering fully to His call. Second, represent His Kingdom—as an ambassador. This involves living as a true citizen of heaven, with visible character, confident peace, and a life that draws others into the Kingdom.
Today we remember Pentecost—the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit. It happened in a packed Jerusalem, amid many nations, and left people stunned. Unschooled Galileans declared God's wonders in every known language—a powerful sign that God's message was for everyone, everywhere. From the beginning, God's mission has been global. But when Israel, His chosen people, embraced a bucket mentality—receiving but not sharing His blessings—He sought to correct it with a pipe mentality: to bless the nations through them. Pentecost was the divine breakthrough, making it clear that salvation is for all who call on the name of the Lord (Joel 2:32).
Just as the Holy Spirit empowered the early disciples for mission, He is here now—to empower you to follow Christ and represent His Kingdom. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God; to be filled with the Holy Spirit takes an abandonment to God’s will in faith, receiving the salvation He offers through His Son Jesus Christ. Peter called: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Without Him, this mission is impossible. With Him, it is unstoppable. May the Holy Spirit fill you today to live out this calling—faithfully, fruitfully, and boldly.
God bless you all.
Rev. Eng. Emmanuel Mwesigwa
CHAPLAIN