Zombo, Uganda: Church leaders in Zombo District have urged Christians to confront poverty head-on through faith, hard work and spiritual vigilance, warning that economic hardship remains one of the devil’s strongest tools to weaken believers and disconnect them from God.
Delivering Christmas homilies across churches in Paidha Town Council and surrounding areas, clerics urged the faithful to treat poverty not merely as a social challenge but a spiritual battle that requires discipline, diligence and reliance on divine grace.
Rev. Isaac Rwothomio, the Parish Priest of Paidha Town Parish under Goli Central Archdeaconry in Nebbi Diocese, told congregants that poverty breeds powerlessness and exposes believers to spiritual compromise.
“When poverty grips you, powerlessness follows, and the devil exploits that weakness,” Rev. Rwothomio said. “God has given us strength, health and wisdom to work hard, defeat poverty and live in true freedom under His sovereignty.”
Preaching under the theme “Hallelujah, God with His People,” drawn from Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 10:18–20, Rev. Rwothomio reminded Christians that Christ’s birth symbolised divine presence and authority over evil forces, authority he said believers must actively exercise.
“Jesus came to liberate humanity from captivity,” he said, citing Luke 4:18–19. “Christmas must remind us of our God-given dominion to triumph over forces that enslave our lives.”
He cautioned believers against excessive focus on material pleasures and urged spiritual alertness, humility and righteous living, warning that the devil “prowls relentlessly” to derail Christians from fellowship with God.
At Christ the King Catholic Church in Paidha Town, Rev. Fr. Francis Ledhi used the Christmas dawn Mass to caution against immorality and reckless spending during the festive season.
“Celebrate responsibly and live industriously,” Fr. Ledhi urged. “Lavish spending without planning only deepens poverty after the celebrations.”
Faithful Reflect on Message
Worshippers welcomed the message with resolve, pledging to adopt disciplined living beyond the festive season.
Ivan Mungujakisa, a congregant from Pakadha Church of Uganda in Abanga, said the message was timely. “We must celebrate in peace and financial discipline, especially with school fees ahead,” he noted.
Abednegu Godson of St. Paul Church of Uganda, Mvungu, said poverty often distracts believers from active discipleship. “Poverty demoralises believers and pulls them away from the Church. Hard work is part of our faith,” he said.
Another believer identified as Good Luck echoed similar sentiments, noting that poverty is frequently used to weaken faith and hope among Christians.
Christmas celebrations at St. Paul Church of Uganda, Mvungu, were marked by spirited praise as the church choir led worship using a newly acquired bass guitar, drawing cheers from the packed congregation.
Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua also urged believers to draw closer to Christ during the festive season while remaining vigilant about personal security.
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