GIDEOT T
Emeritus Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, has called upon Christians to seek God wholeheartedly if they are to walk faithfully with Him.
He made the call while preaching during the second day of the 9th East African Revival Kabale Convention, held at the Convention Site in Rugarama, Diocese of Kigezi, Kabale Municipality. The four-day convention is being held under the theme “Let Us Fix Our Eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).
Archbishop Orombi emphasized that many Christians no longer dedicate time to prayer, often claiming they are too busy. Instead, they devote their time to other activities and end up neglecting worship and praise.
He observed that prayer has been abandoned by many believers, who are more focused on personal affairs rather than keeping God at the centre of their lives. He urged Christians to return to prayer, create time for God daily, and avoid drifting away from Him.
The archbishop also expressed concern that although many Christians own Bibles, they rarely read them. He noted that some go from Monday to Saturday without opening their Bibles, which leaves them spiritually weak and vulnerable to sin.
He encouraged the congregation to deliberately cultivate their relationship with God, show Him love, and spend time with Him so that He may truly become their friend.
While preaching, Archbishop Orombi urged Christians to resist being used by the devil and instead seek God as their defender. He warned that Satan remains the root of fear, pain, and conflict, and that he actively brings division not only in society but also within the Church itself.
Meanwhile, at the same function, Rev. Canon Prof. Edison Muhindo Kalengyo, Associate Professor of New Testament Studies at Uganda Christian University (UCU), cautioned Christians against the habit of using mobile phones during church services, describing it as a dangerous vice that distracts worshippers from fully engaging with the Word of God.
Prof. Kalengyo stressed that true worship requires reverence and concentration, urging Christians to give their undivided attention to God during prayer and preaching. He noted with concern that even some clergy have adopted the habit of checking their phones during services, which undermines the sanctity of worship.
He said that mobile phones have become a major source of distraction, with many people physically present in church but absent in spirit because of constant texting, scrolling, or checking notifications.
He concluded by urging worshippers to put away their gadgets during church if they truly desire spiritual growth and revival.
The 9th East African Revival Conference, which opened yesterday, August 20, will run until Sunday, August 24, drawing participants from across the Kigezi region for prayer, worship, and spiritual renewal.
