The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Onesimus Asiimwe, has urged believers and church leaders to seek daily filling of the Holy Spirit, reminding Christians that Pentecost Sunday marks the birth of the Church and the day the apostles received the Holy Spirit in power.
Preaching during the installation service of Rev. Canon George Bazahuuza as Archdeacon of Buhunga Archdeaconry on Sunday, Bishop Asiimwe said the same Holy Spirit who descended upon the apostles remains available to believers today.
Quoting Ephesians 5:18, the bishop cautioned Christians against drunkenness and sinful living.
"The Holy Spirit cannot dwell in lives characterised by immorality, sorcery, adultery, fornication, and other forms of sin," he said.
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Bishop Asiimwe urged believers to live holy lives so they may continually experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Referring to Joel 2:28 and 1 Corinthians 12:3, he said the prophecy of Prophet Joel was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost and stressed that every believer receives the Holy Spirit upon accepting Christ, though Christians require continual renewal and daily filling of the Spirit.
Using the words of evangelist D. L. Moody, Bishop Asiimwe described man as "a leaking vessel" that requires constant refilling through prayer and righteous living.
He explained that sins such as lying, theft, fornication, and anger weaken believers spiritually, making daily dependence on God necessary.
Citing Luke 24:49, Bishop Asiimwe said the Holy Spirit empowers believers to preach the Gospel boldly, perform miracles, work faithfully, and overcome challenges through divine strength.
"It takes God's power to do God's work," he said.
The bishop also encouraged clergy to keep churches open for prayer, emphasizing that prayer must remain central in the Church.
Reading from John 16:8, Bishop Asiimwe said the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He challenged Christians and clergy alike to live exemplary lives and avoid becoming stumbling blocks to others.
Speaking further about the Holy Spirit, Bishop Asiimwe revealed that he personally receives dreams and their interpretation through the Spirit.
He narrated a dream in which he allegedly saw a reverend leading a church service while a small snake and a bird appeared. According to the bishop, he instructed the reverend to kill them, but the reverend hesitated despite hearing the instruction.
He also recalled that during the same dream, congregants announced hymn 110 as one of the bishops was expected to speak, yet the choir sang a different hymn.
Interpreting the dream, Bishop Asiimwe said leaders who are not obedient should not lead others, warning that disobedient leaders eventually face disobedience from those they lead.
He warned ministers against tolerating sin, saying tolerated sin grows and eventually leads to destruction. He urged ministers to study the Word of God diligently and preach the Gospel faithfully instead of merely sharing stories and experiences.
Bishop Asiimwe also condemned corruption and called on government authorities to thoroughly investigate all public officials implicated in the misuse of taxpayers' money, saying investigations should not stop at former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among alone.
He said public resources should be used to improve roads, schools, and hospitals instead of benefiting individuals.
During the same event, Bishop Asiimwe urged Christians to remain vigilant against Ebola Virus Disease and strictly observe all health guidelines and standard operating procedures aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.
He revealed that he had written to all parishes directing them to sensitise Christians about the deadly illness.
The bishop also encouraged Canon Bazahuuza to use his friendships and leadership position to build both the Church and Buhunga Archdeaconry. He further urged Christians to embrace hard work and coffee growing as a sustainable source of household income.
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Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner Bron Kikanshemeza, who represented the guest of honour, Minister of Security and Rujumbura County MP Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, urged Christians to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and encouraged Canon Bazahuuza to rely on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in his ministry.
Kikanshemeza pledged to serve the district faithfully and fight corruption.
The Head of Laity thanked Bishop Asiimwe for promoting revival in the diocese and reviving church-founded schools, including Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls High School.
He also appreciated the diocese's emphasis on coffee growing, noting that every parish had embraced the programme.
In his remarks, Canon Bazahuuza thanked Christians who attended and supported him during the installation service.
He pledged to support Bishop Asiimwe in preaching the Gospel and implementing diocesan programmes throughout Buhunga Archdeaconry.
