My speech

SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE ORGANIZER AND COORDINATOR, Mr.KASOMBO KAPUMBA, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SPIRITUAL RETREAT ON AUGUST 5, 2002

His Excellency Bishop J. Alfred NDORICIMPA represented by his assistant Mr. Lazarus BANKURUNAZE,

The GBGM/regional coordinator, Mr. Abraham Sellu,

Our central district superintendent, Rev. Paul Matheri, 

The assistant district superintendent of Nyanza district, Rev. Kepha Oloo Otieno,

Dear pastors and precious participants,

It is our pleasure and honor to thank our bishop his Excellency J. Alfred NDORICIMPA for his blessing and support to carry on this spiritual retreat focused on Peace building for future leaders.

We are grateful to appreciate also advice, professional and moral support from our GBGM/regional coordinator, Mr. Abraham Sellu.

As a missioner of Hope for the Children of Africa assigned by GBGM to East Africa Annual Conference. I have been working with United Methodist Children and Youth.

This work has been made possible with the collaboration of the East Africa Annual Conference staff. It is wonderful to gather youth and young adults in this building for spending time in a spiritual retreat emphasized on prayer and peace building in order to prepare them to be aware of their future responsibility as future leaders.

Peace is very important in someone’s life, in a given community or country. As Jesus told his disciples that do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me

(John 14:1).

Jesus continued saying that Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Jesus knew that peace is important in the ministry of his disciples to give them a good environment for work after his ascension.

Africa was a peaceful continent where Jesus sought refuge when Herod wanted to kill him. However, today it is among the continents, which is devastated by various conflicts.

It is crucial for young people to be equipped with tools that will empower them to carry on conflict resolution in order to bring peace.

Peace is a key for development but conflict is a gateway toward poverty and underdevelopment of any given country.

Dear participants, the time has come to be equipped to be a solution instead of being a problem in our society.

We can bring solutions to conflicts with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us use carefully the time we have here in studying on prayers and conflict management so that we can be able to bring peace in our lives, our community and to the extend of our continent.

Prayers are important to establish permanent peace in any level of our life through the help of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we have responsibility to be ambassadors of Christ to bring light in darkness, peace in conflict situation.

Let the light of Christ in us shine in our daily environment.

May God bless you.