On October 9th, 2010 Rev. Canon Benoni Mugarura-Mutana was invited to St. Paul’s Church Kisimbiri to share his thoughts on church leadership.  As this topic is in line with the mission of the Joy Centre, we bring you excerpts from his teaching.  God bless.

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If Christ were the head of your church, how would it be different?

Don’t think metaphorically.  Think literally.

If Jesus were really the head of your church, what would change?

The Bible states unequivocally that Jesus is the head of the church.

Ephesians 1:22

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.

And in Ephesians 4:15

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (more…)

Joy Centre ministry partners, Worship Harvest Ministries, is now online.  Visit this youthful, Christ-centered church for exciting news on its work and service by clicking here.

Worship Harvest will host an action-packed, Holy Spirit-filled event, Highly Favored, in Kampala on November 5th and 6th.  Visit the church website and be a part of the great things planned.

New video interviews of Uncle Ben explaining the vision, activities and building progress of the Joy Centre are now on YouTube.  Visit the Joy Centre YouTube page by clicking here.

((Thanks to Paulo for putting this together.))

Song of Songs 8:7

Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of his house for love,
it would be utterly scorned.

On Sunday October 24th, Benoni and Joyie Mugarura-Mutana were pleased to host the Fireplace.  Fireplace is a monthly gathering of couples that are dating, engaged or married from the Joy Centre partner ministry, Worship Harvest.

The meeting last Sunday was a beautiful and refreshing day of counsel, learning and listening to God’s word on love and relationships.

The pastor of Worship Harvest, Moses Mukisa, wasn’t around for the gathering, but from his travels around the United Kingdom, he sent this short letter of encouragement to the Joy Centre.

Hi Uncle Ben and Auntie Joy,

Thanks so much for hosting Fireplace. Great reports. Am looking forward to tapping what Sarah took home. I am also thrilled because that expands my invitation list for Joy Centre activities! I missed because am in the UK for just over three weeks which ends this Thursday. I should be home on Friday. It’s been a great time and experience here through ministering and being ministered to. How is the Joy Centre project going? I hope we can have the roof on soon.

Thank you so much for all the things you taught us, the things you modeled and the room you created for us to grow in leadership, in Christ, in the word, in community, in gifting etc. You may probably not fully appreciate how critical that has been, but it will come to you with time. I just want to say thank you. We are because you chose to be, to walk where God told you to walk, to work for a legacy other than human recognition.

Thank you.

Mosze

Amen!

Seven members of Kwazee visited The Joy Centre on October 16^th for a prayer retreat.

Kwazee are a group of young people who came together during their Senior Six vacation in 2006 for fellowship and friendship.  Since then, they have stuck together to strengthen each other in their new careers and in their walk with God.  They minister together and worship together.

Kwazee are part of the Joy Centre family.  They helped to plant the hedges around the hall and garden perimeter.  They participate in fundraising efforts and support centre activities.  Most of all, however, they are our friends and we love them.

Kwazee ended their retreat with a ‘jackfruit party’ with Uncle Ben and Aunty Joy.  It was a great day of reunion!

82 young men and women from St. Francis Chapel Makerere on October 10^th visited the Joy Centre for the Alpha Course Holy Spirit weekend.

The Alpha Course is a foundational Christian discipleship study on questions like – Is there a God?  Why am I here?  Where did I come from?  Where am I going?

The Holy Spirit weekend is a pivotal point within the 10-week course that provides an opportunity for greater understanding of the Trinity and the fullness of God.

Uncle Ben led two sessions – What does the Holy Spirit Do? & How can I be filled by the Holy Spirit.  Other sessions were led by Vicky Nankya, a theology student at Uganda Christian University Mukono.

It was a powerful day for the Alpha Course participants.  God revealed himself to all in attendance in new, surprising and refreshing ways.

For more information on Alpha Course in Uganda, click here.

Uganda’s Independence Day is a great time of celebration at the Joy Centre.

Uncle Ben’s birthday is on October 9th and Auntie Joyie’s on October 10th.  This year, we had an added celebration with the dedication of Petra Nicole Atongyeire (Twonjex and Fiona’s daughter), which was held at Watoto Church South.

We thank God for the blessing of old life, new life and family.

Grandma and granddaughter; October 10, 2010

Happy Independence Day!