Derrick A
Bishop Emeritus Patrick Tugume Tusigwire, the former bishop of the North Kigezi Diocese, has encouraged Christians to consistently give back to God and support church work in their communities to receive more blessings.
He made these remarks while preaching at a thanksgiving ceremony for Mr. Boaz and Syria Kwesiga Rutera, the head of laity for Bugangari Archdeaconry, held at Rwanyanja Church of Uganda in Bugangari Sub-county, Rukungiri District.
Bishop Tugume emphasized that life is the greatest gift from God, and therefore, it is essential to give back to Him and support the church financially, morally, and spiritually. He praised Boaz Rutera and his family for their exemplary dedication to God, noting their hard work and support for the development and well-being of churches and leaders in their archdeaconry and beyond, which glorifies God.
In his remarks, Boaz Rutera expressed his gratitude to God for surviving COVID-19 twice and a severe accident, stating that thanking God for the gift of life strengthens him. He mentioned that their church had been struggling with diocesan quotas due to the impacts of COVID-19, prompting him to organize thanksgiving events to raise funds for these quotas, as done in other parishes.
The event raised over 35 million shillings. Rutera assured the congregation that, as the head of laity for Bugangari Archdeaconry, he is working with Christians to improve the well-being of their church leaders as a form of motivation.
Ven Elias Mbagi, the Archdeacon of Bugangari, and Rev. Richard Kwehangana, the parish priest of Rwanyanja Church of Uganda, expressed their gratitude to Boaz Rutera for his exemplary actions and to all Christians who continue to support the church. They also thanked Minister Jim Muhwezi for his contribution of 5 million shillings.
The ceremony was attended by Ven Benon Nkwasiibwe, the Archdeacon of Nyamiyaga Archdeaconry, Ven Johnson Turyagyenda of All Saints Church Kanungu, both from the Diocese of Kinkiizi, along with a section of their congregations.
