After 100 years of the gospel proclamation: Karagwe Diocese looks forward with hope
The Jubilee-Service in Nyakahanga-Nyakashenyi was led by Bishop Dr. Alex G.Malasusa, the ELCT presiding Bishop, together with the KAD Bishop Dr. Benson Bagonza and other bishops such as Bishop Elisa Buberwa from Bukoba, Bishop Kazoba and Bishop Mutuka and all KAD pastors. From Denmark, Bishop Kresten Drejergard and from Sweden, Bishop Thomas Soderberg participated as well as guests from German partnership groups such as Rev. J. Staehler from Biedenkopf, who also brought greeting from the Protestant Church of Hesse and Nassau, and Mrs. Gisela Niedergassel and Karin Gosejohann from Guetersloh and other guests. The jubilee day became a joyful event because the best choirs from the Karagwe Diocese did not only tell the story of evangelism in Karagwe, but presented it in their unique way. Even the “Bishop Thomas choir” from Sweden fascinated everybody with their beautiful Swedish songs and even some songs in Kiswahili.
In the sermon, Bishop Malasusa emphasised on the Jubilee theme which says “Thus far has the Lord helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12). He explained that proclaiming the gospel for the period of 100 years has a lot of experiences and challenges that faces the gospel. Comparing to the times of the Israelites when they faced a threat of Philistines people, they asked God’s help and God helped them to overcome that threat, and there Samwel said: “Thus far has the Lord helped us.” So Bishop Malasusa said: “In Christian life every single person has his/her philistine, means something disturbing someone’s life. We should not go away to find some answers to our problems, we have our Lord Jesus Christ let us tell Him all our threats and He shall help and give us peace and joyful life.”
In his speech, Bishop Benson Bagonza made it clear that the work of evangelisation was not easy as people can think. He said: “Karagwe encountered various difficulties that hindered the mission endeavours in the area…since the first evangelical missionary, Reihnhardt Grotz, arrived in Karagwe. For example, the First and the Second world wars, geographical problems and refugees due to internal wars in Rwanda and Burundi in the 1960s and 1990s.” He continued: “…despite all difficulties and setbacks, the work that God started in Karagwe has continued to prosper and bear many fruits. God has taken care of his work throughout the last 100 years and he will continue to do so. For that reason, the Karagwe Diocese has decided to celebrate this anniversary under the motto: “Thus far has the Lord helped us.”
Bishop Bagonza ensured the Karagwe community that KAD will continue to keep on its vision with the aim of creating in Karagwe a Christ centred society that is joyful, peaceful and holistically empowered. So the KAD mission says: “KAD is committed to build a strong community through preaching and teaching, advocacy and provision of social economic services with integrity and love towards sustainable integral development.”
All guests from inside and outside of KAD were full of joy and all were given time to say a word of greetings. The guests were happy of what they have seen and participated in KAD for the time they stayed. They all promised to keep engaged with KAD for the development of the people especially to the planned Karagwe University, environmental keeping among other church projects.
Text by: Rev. Oscar S. Samwel