The death of Pastor Rugagaza, a great preacher of the century who practiced what he preached continues to dominate the thoughts and minds of the Banyamulenge world. The Public Arena of Banyamulenge is dominated by powerful Preachers most of whom are of international caliber. Unfortunately, although highly talented they did not have the opportunity to step into the international world of Evangelism due to living in an excluded and disconnected corner of the world.
However, suffises to say that they have transformed the landscape of Mulenge to the point that miracles, wonders and signs that have been performed in that region of the world can only be compared to what happened in the land of Israel during the time of great men of faith including Elijah, Elish, David, and Jesus just to name but the few. The tragedy is that the world will never know many of the Banyamulenge anointed preachers that would help in building world public's faith, by opening people's eyes and minds to see the things that they would not have been able to see on their own. That is what many Banyamulenge people have seen and experienced.
There have been people who did physically fly; inother words, being physically transported in air and flew from on mountainto on either in matter of seconds without being abord or on any aircraft. One of those living legends is SEBUKUBU. Bizarre as it may sound to a logical man, but it is nonetheless true! People have experienced numerous other miracles including getting water from nowhere, fire enlightening from no evident sources, not to mention countless Angelic visitations and interventions during war times.
All these and more happened and still happening because of the unwavering commitment of the great men of faith such as Rugagaza and others who have stood for what they believe in, and proclaimed the uncomprimised powerful word of God that changed and transformed people. They prayed powerful prayers in every forest, river, mountain, and village of Mulenge. Rugagaza is said tohave tested a glimpse of eternity as sat on his knees one morning planning to pray for only few minutes on his way back from leading cows to pastures, when opened his eyes, it was night time. He had lost count of time. As we mourn the geants in our midst, rest assured that Mulenge has been purefied, and made a sacred land that will never be conquered by any power of military force however mightier that would be. This is as true as the sun is to the sky!
Among the geant men of faith who changed the landscape of Mulenge each on his own right, specifically by introducing christianity, and organized churches and revival movements include but not limited to Kajabika, Matayo, Makombe, Mutanga, Nzamu, Mudagiri, and great preachers such as Rugagaza, Rujogoti, Kamburishi, Mahota, Ntagora, Sebitereko, Mugemanyi, Maman Domitila, just to name but the few, are now old, and some are passing away. But, they have sown good seeds, and have passed on their torches to a new generation of preachers and evangelists much more educated, ambitious and some still posing as sleeping lions, but will soon shake the world with the gospel as theharvest of their fathers' work.
The great men and women of Mulenge were never ashamed to stand by, in public for the sake of the Gospel, that is why God will always be committed to confirm it in their lives. For the Bible says: If you are ashamed of God, He will be ashamed of you (Matthew 10:32-33).
It is our duty as their sons and daughters, at the time such as this to spread the ministry of their testimonies, because to us and the world, their testimonies are faith boosters. The truth of the matter is that the testimonies of these great geants of faith of Mulenge illuminated and enlightened all of us to see what we would not have seen in the word of God, and in the world of religion.
The fact is, the Banyamulenge men and women of Faith have made an amazing journey of things as they faced the giant Goliaths of their time, tried, worked out their salvation, and are completing their journey one by one.
I believe that the results of their works are far from the understanding they had before they took action. They have established foundations for us the new generation, we can still witness the source that their faith was built on. Asfor Rugagaza, it’s not just the faith that he had to make him great, but the faith that coupled with his works, and his desire of rightsneous walk with God that overpowered his actions. He was known as the Enock of our time even among his collegues and neighbors! He had prepared his life resumé for all to read.
As we have seen in the life of David, he had a lifestyle that formed his character which made him the prime candidate to excersize his faith. Rugagaza have already prepared his life resume. He was marked by his order to His Godly walk and characterized by his demonstrated desire to live that out.
Rugagaza has certainly left his mark on the Banyamulenge society.
I would like to conclude by challenging you to ask yourself a few questions that you may answer yourself. Do you think that many people will recall your works, and walk with God in an impressive manner as they give your testimony atyourfuneral, and long after you are gone as is the case today for Rugagaza? Among the Banyamulenge individuals that are and will be famously known as great men whocontributed to their society, will your name bewrite in thathall of fame?If not why not? Now is your chance towrite your resumé not toget you the job, but to leave your memory on, and to help us build your monument.
I would like to conclude with the words that king David passed on to his son Solomon regarding how to lead his kingdom in 1 Chronicles 28:9-10
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”
Abana ba Banyamulenge, let us be reminded how great Our God has made our people and land special, and follow in the footsteps of our fathers!
Happy New Year 2011
Akim Makombe
http://www.mulenge.blogspot.com
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