we started 2008 with the theme “Passion for Growth.” I believe with all my heart that it will take nothing less than a burning , a consuming desire for us to grow into fulfilling the expectations of our hearts and our God- given promises.

We have to exhibit growth in efficiency of ministry development and administration. We need a sanctuary built , which reflects who we are and what we really dream about for the future of our country. We need to grow in our giving and in areas of financial accountability. We also need time to take the gospel to the unreached close and far from us in order to effect the transformation that we desire.

A quick evaluation on where we are and where we would have been is the very reason we are embracing the theme “Passion for Growth”.

In Buganda , when a mother senses its time for her baby to make its initial steps. She grabs his hand and encourages him to make those steps with a very inspiring song which goes like this;

“ Omwana alitambula ddi? And the baby answers “ Jjo … juuzi.” Literally translated , “ when will you walk ?” and the baby's reply is “yesterday mummy , days before yesterday.”

The Holy Spirit is singing the same song concerning our growth and our answer should be “We should have grown yesterday”. This is the very reason why we need to be consumed with the passion to grow!!!

RELATIONSHIP GROWTH

We need to consider two main working relationships that would bring growth in our lives and; the life of our church; The relationship with one another and the relationship with God.

Paul says in I Corinthians 3:6 “I planted , Apollos watered and God gave the increase.” Paul knew that he was the seed bearer and sower , but also knew that Appolos waters well. So the two , had a working relationship after knowing their God given calls. Unless we know and respect the call upon other people's lives we may sow in vain. The one who waters must be given time and opportunity to water. If they are not allowed to water what is sown how will the seed ever sprout? The opposite is also true; unless one who put seed into the ground is allowed time to sow , what use will it be to water empty ground? Therefore , the one who sows and the one who waters must have a good working relationship if growth is going to be realised.

Secondly, we must maintain and grow our relationship with God. Increase and growth is only in the hands of God. This year is for us to discover the gifts given to us and to build quality relationships that will bring a divine attraction , to draw God to bless us with increase in every thing we do.

DEPARTMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE GROWTH

In a special way I would like to thank God for our church staff , who are increasingly working more ethically and efficiently. This is a result of good inspired leadership and the capacity created for professionals to offer time and expertise on a part-time basis. Growth in the departments will help us get to our divine strategic intentions to enhance the whole year with the spirit of growth.

We therefore have adopted a 40-days campaign approach this year , to help us mobilise , equip and recruit for each department. It will also bring awareness of that ministry to the church members and stir them to join the different ministries.

The church has also organised departmental meetings every Tuesday. And the High Tea meetings every week , are for those who seem to be non participatory in the life of the church. Also retreats are organised for the Elders and Deacons to recast our vision and strategies to help us attain our goals better.

FINANCIAL GROWTH

About 70% of our congregation are non-tithers and offerings have been with held. This makes ministry almost impossible. But thank God who never lets us down. There are steps being made to make our finances better internally and externally. A committee to vet and make the church financial management better was set up and better financial systems initiated. We are also encouraging our people to be more committed to their tithing and giving to the house of God.

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

We are also believing for a minimum of 3000 people church attendance by November this year. For that reason we are encouraging every one to reach out at their place of work , neigbourhood , through door-to-door , Gospel tracts , street evangelism etc. to win souls; that God's house may be full.

BUILDING GROWTH

Growth towards a permanent building is in the pipeline and the foundation of a 900 million shillings facility which will serve as a youth church after the completion of the Monument of Love , is being laid in a miraculous way. We need to give to the building project as never before to enable us complete this building in a record time.

GROWTH ALREADY

Growth has already been registered in the Prayer and Intercession Department , which boosted its membership from 30 to 200 hundred people. The Cell Ministry also continues to register phenomenal growth from a mere 35 cells by the end of last year to a handsome 119 Cells to date. The Deliverance Ministry has grown and expanded tremendously as well.

GROWTH IN SPIRITUAL STATURE

Standards have been laid for us by instituting the principle of Separation which we based on 2 Timothy 2: 20:“In a big house there are not only Cups of Gold and Silver , but of Wood and Clay”

To help our people examine and scale their growth in commitment , each type of vessel was calibrated with attributes and areas of commitment in the life of this church. One's aim is to fulfil their purpose and to humanly be counted as one vessel type or the other. This of course is not judgment or a way of ridiculing anyone but to define the standard for those who may seek to aspire and pray for higher discipline building this year.

Once again I call on all of us to stand together to sow and water every seed in our hand and to cry to the Almighty God to bring a great increase.

Omega olitambula ddi? Jjo .. Juuzi!!!

Pastor Michael Kyazze