Bishop Odongo urges Christians to anchor life in gratitude
Bishop Odongo emphasised the importance of giving thanks to God, particularly at a time when many people are grappling with unemployment and loss of lif
Ocici called on the bishop to work with him in addressing poverty, especially among individuals affected by excessive alcohol consumption, oversleeping, and neglect of farming activities, which have left many gardens overgrown with weeds. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)
Ocici and other family members hand over a gift to Bp Odongo after the prayers. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)
AMURIA - As the year draws to a close, Rt Rev. Kosea Odongo, the Bishop of the Church of Uganda Diocese of Soroti, has urged Christians to prioritise gratitude to God, embrace unity, and remain productive in their lives.
He made the remarks during a thanksgiving ceremony organised by the family of the late Abumelek Erabu of the Ikonyo-kela clan in Akoboi village, Asamuk subcounty, Amuria district, on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Bishop Odongo emphasised the importance of giving thanks to God, particularly at a time when many people are grappling with unemployment and loss of life.
He stated, "It’s only a dead body that has no reason to thank God."
The bishop noted that thanksgiving provides an opportunity to reflect on both blessings received and challenges endured, urging believers to appreciate the journey and the grace that sustains life.
“This annual observance serves as a reminder of God’s past goodness, ensuring that our children remember us and the legacy of gratitude we leave behind,” he added.
He further pointed out that the occasion is also meant for sharing and fellowship, in line with the message in Psalm 133:1.
Bishop Odongo stressed the need for mutual support, encouraging Christians to share their resources as a way of cushioning one another during difficult times.
He called on believers to cultivate a positive legacy so that they are remembered with honour after death, cautioning against selfishness and gossip, and instead encouraging love, peace, and the life that Jesus brought into the world.
Referring to Galatians 6:9 to 10, which calls on Christians to imitate God’s goodness through good works, Bishop Odongo commended the Erabu family, particularly Charles Ocici, for their continued support towards church development.
Grace Odongo, the bishop’s wife, encouraged Christians to reflect on their individual contributions to the work of God.
Charles Ocici, the executive director of Enterprise Uganda, pledged to donate more than 100 iron sheets towards the completion of churches, including St Andrews Archdeaconry.
He said marking the 365 days of 2025 was important in reflecting on the year’s achievements and in laying a firm foundation as the country transitions into 2026.
Ocici also urged the community to set clear and actionable goals aimed at economic empowerment, emphasising the need for proper planning and resource allocation.
He stressed that implementation of these goals should begin in January 2026.
Ocici cautioned, “Without personal goals, you risk allowing others to dictate your path. Remember, success in economic empowerment relies on adhering to two fundamental business principles: your offerings must meet customer expectations, and you must be prepared to compete for their business.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the community through economic empowerment, noting that this mission aligns with the work of God. He cited Proverbs 24, observing that one cannot truly serve God while remaining dependent on others for survival.
Ocici called on the bishop to work with him in addressing poverty, especially among individuals affected by excessive alcohol consumption, oversleeping, and neglect of farming activities, which have left many gardens overgrown with weeds.
According to him, unity cannot thrive in an environment characterised by poverty.
Daniel Okurut, the LC3 chairperson of Asamuk subcounty, shared that, inspired by Ocici through Enterprise Uganda, a young man, Emmanuel Ecodu, started with four improved goats, which have since multiplied to more than 50.
Grace Akello, a former ambassador and former principal private secretary to the President, recalled her childhood experience in 1964 when she wore her first pair of shoes, courtesy of the Erabu family.