Speaking about the profound power of a seed, a street preacher I encountered recently impressively explained that while you can counted the seeds in a pawpaw fruit, you cannot predict how many fruits will emerge from a single seed. is powerful allegory underscores the immeasurable potential within each seed, reflecting the transformative power of God’s Word and the spirit of faith it inspires.
e Bible frequently uses the concept of a seed to represent God’s word. In the parable of the Sower, for instance, the seed symbolizes the Word of God, which, when received with faith, has the potential to yield abundant fruit. Jesus taught that to bear lasting fruit, we must abide in Him just as His Word abides in us (John 15:7, 15). is profound connection highlights that God and His Word are inseparable; His Word is an extension of His very essence.
e faith we place in the Word of God is what manifests His faithful promises in our lives. Do not be swayed by the lies posed by negative circumstances or doubts. Live with bold faith, trusting and hoping in the evidence of things not yet seen. Hold on to your confession. Your vision of greatness painted by the Word of God is key to your success. Partner with God by trusting in His promises and continually speaking them over your life. Remember, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, it is God who brings about growth and multiplication. Our role is to relentlessly believe in His infallible Word, which is living and capable of deeply a ecting and transforming our lives.
In the next pages of this issue, we have enriching articles, testimonies, and a special youth corner. All this has been carefully placed with the intention that your hope and faith in God are stirred and built up. Find updates on upcoming events that you would want to be a part of.
For more enriching materials, such as powerful sermon series, articles, past editions of the Hope Herald, and so much more, do visit www.abundantlifefaithcentre.org. We also welcome you to join us for service every Wednesday at 6:30pm – 8:00pm and Sunday at 10:00am - 1:00pm. You are blessed!
Cities have sprung up in almost every country on earth. Many of us know them as the face of urbanization – the movement of people from the countryside to urban settlements. ey come in both small and large sizes in terms of their geography and populations. Some have become too large, and have earned the name “megacities”.
It is reported that more than half of the world’s population today lives in urban areas, and “by 2030, the world is projected to have 43 megacities with more than 10 million inhabitants”. Plus, “…one in eight people live in 33 megacities worldwide” (United Nations, 2024). In Uganda, more than 25 percent of the population lives in urban areas; and Kampala together with the country’s 10 secondary cities, is home to 5 percent of the country’s population (UBOS, 2024).
You may have noted that di erent professions use di erent phrases to describe the character of a city. One that caught my attention years ago is used by players in the travel and tourism industry. ese players often talk about “the soul of a city”. Knowingly or not, those who use this phrase to describe a city are e ectively talking about the culture that prevails in a city, and the spirit behind it. at’s correct. Culture is what give a city its character, and it has a spirit to it.
e Bible tells us that God “…made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26). Why did God do so? “ at they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us”.
ere you have it. Cities, like most settlements, have boundaries; and God’s idea for the people living within those boundaries is that they should find and experience Him. When a person or a place finds and experiences God, they don’t remain the same. ey change for the better. God want’s our cities to change for the better. at’s where you and I, as believers, come into the picture. God has blessed believers in cities to be a blessing to their cities.
Speaking of the obedient church, the Bible says, “…all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country” (Deuteronomy 28:2-3). It takes the blessing on the church – the anointing and wisdom of God – to build strong cities and to repair broken ones. at’s the job of the church; and we do it one soul at a time, one home at a time, one business at a time, and one o ce at a time.
Cities concentrate large numbers of people who must be e ectively organized and led to live purposeful, healthy and happy lives. at calls for a higher understanding of resource planning and management; and that’s exactly what the church is mandated to o er: “…Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28). Let’s join forces and release the Blessing on our cities.
CHRIST FOR CITIES
Often times, many are caught in the tide of reminiscing about the “good old” days. For some, these are so deeply etched in their hearts that they wish to relive those days today. Child of God, life ought to be lived forwards and not backwards!! Yes, thanks be to God for those past victories, the wonderful testimonies of old, but be reminded that getting stuck in the same denies one the privilege of experiencing fresh mercies and seizing opportunities that lie ahead. Any rehearsal of past victories should only be for the purpose of inspiration to aim higher and do greater.
Scripture puts it this way: “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 13:13-14, NLT). From this Scripture, we deduce that:
The arrival mentality is an impediment to growth; defy every voice not in favor of a better version of you tomorrow.
There's no need to dwell on the past; pick the lessons and move on with greater expectations, for there's more at stake ahead.
We must remain conscious of the truth that the best is yet to come as our paths shine brighter and brighter.
Never lose focus of the bigger picture because of the applause of men; losers love company!!
We must reject every attempt to be held at our last place of victory.
Only those who appreciate the value of the prize are stubbornly determined to press forward for the greater good.
The story of the believer’s life should be an ever- evolving one, as every day is an invitation to look forward to bigger and better things. There’s no time to get stuck in the old; monuments are built for achievers, not mediocres. Forget the past, be laser-focused, look ahead, and press on, for there's more doing the rounds in the game of life!!
ALFC EVENTS
Mission Week
1st - 6th October | 4th – 9th November 2nd- 7th December
Sow a lifetime seed in the men and women around you during Mission Week. Make time to pray for your community and city. Your words and deeds of love ignite flames of hope that spread rays of healing to souls and homes beyond the boundaries of your home, office, or business address. Together, our actions in the spirit of faith light up the nation – one life at a time.
Cultural
HeritageSunday
26 October| 10:00am – 1:00pm
Join us yet again for a dynamic celebration our diverse national cultures seen through a biblical perspective. The celebration is based on the theme “The Price of Freedom,” thanking God for the 62 years of independence as a nation. The 2024 Cultural Heritage Day will be jointly held with the 2024 Hope Campaign – a ministry initiative of ALFC to expand the Parish and Household Discipleship agenda to the cities of the country.
HOPE HEALTH CAMP
5th October | 8:00am – 5:00pm
This year marks our third edition of the Hope Health Camp. It’s a day when we, as a ministry, purposely extend God’s hand of help to the people around us by providing free medical check -ups and treatment coupled with Biblical counseling and prayer for everyone. Purpose to be a partner in this great initiative in any way the Lord will lead you to.
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
19th October, 16th November 21st December| 11:00am- 1:00pm
Teenagers and Young Adults! Your life is designed to grow and become like a fortified city – stable and secure! That growth begins with having fellowship with the right bunch of youth – “those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22). Be a part of the monthly ALFC Youth Family Fellowship. Learn how to study the Bible and take off on your journey of adventures of truth and testimonies.
Testimonies
Kampala, Kawempe | Joy felt her relationship with God had hit a roadblock; she felt like the Lord was not talking to her anymore. In her despair, she inquired of the Lord and tasked Him. Joy lives with her sister Dear, with whom they do business. One morning, as Joy was going through her usual routines and getting ready for the day, a voice asked her, "What if Dear gets an accident?" What will you do?” She turned to see who said it, but there was no one; she disregarded it and continued with her day. Her sister left for work as usual; twenty minutes later she called, to report that she had been involved in an accident. Joy was in utter shock, recalling the voice she heard earlier. She repented for not doing anything, then rushed to the accident scene and took Dear to hospital. Dear suffered fractures in her right leg and a dislocated ankle. God being faithful, carried Dear through this, and she recovered speedily. In four weeks, Dear removed the cast from her leg by faith, believing for total healing from the leg, and began to walk, being supported by clutches despite the pain. Today she is able to move around by herself using one clutch. Joy is thankful that the Lord indeed speaks to His children and is truly faithful
Nsangi, Kasenge | The Sebulimes thank God for carrying them gracefully through their first year of marriage. They experienced the favor of God in different circumstances. They were able to appropriate the power of agreement in prayer and witness results. As a family, they decided to extend hope in their community by preaching the word. God ordered their footsteps to different homes where they were welcomed; they blessed the homes with the gospel in different ways, including sharing words of knowledge, which came in season, and material items. The homes were happy and blessed. Consequently, they started a hope-cell in their community. They thank God, who has used them as a family to be ambassadors of hope. They also thank God for the power of the seedtime and harvest. They sowed financial seed in the lives of the Men of Purpose when they visited them, and reaped a harvest.
REQUEST FOR PRAYER
Do you have anything troubling you, and would you like for someone to stand with you in prayer? Our prayer team is readily available to pray with you about anything relating to your freedom in Christ. Jesus said, “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father, which is in heaven” (Mathew 18:19). Reach out today by phone at 0394−507090 on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by email at prayer@abundantlifefaithcentre.org.
Mastering Your Speech.
It is breathtaking to witness a master doing his craft. Take a swordsman, for example, the precision with which he stops an arrow in its path or his speed in repelling an attack charged at him! basically ensures his survival. Mastering his technique demands a lot of work, practice, and patience. The same is true for saints when it comes to using our words because they wield great power. Our words have the ability to chart our course. Although the tongue is small, if you control it, you can bridle your entire body. We have to tame our speech so that it yields only life. How?? Speak the truth about everything! Speak what the word says about you. Look at your life through the lens of the Word and proclaim what it says, no matter what the situation you’re in looks like.
For example, you could have failed an exam, but the word declares you have the mind of Christ and know all things (1 Corinthians 2:16; 1 John 2:20). You declare this as you study, irrespective of a failed grade. You may be experiencing symptoms of sickness, but the Bible says you were healed! You purpose to speak health and wholeness despite the discomfort. Or it could be simple seemingly innocent statements that are the norm, like "I don’t have money" or “I’m dying” when you’re happy. Refute these claims and choose speech that is pure. This is a practice that you deliberately choose to do every day until you master your speech. This is one of the qualities that makes for a spiritually mature person.
PRAYER OF SALVATION
Are you ready for a relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior? It begins with a simple prayer in faith. Here is one you can repeat out loud enough to hear yourself:
Dear God, I accept your forgiveness of my sin. I believe with my heart that you raised Jesus from the dead for my benefit, and I now declare Him to be my savior and Lord. Amen!
If you just prayed the above prayer, welcome to the kingdom of light! We have free materials to help you get started on your journey to an abundant life –a better and brighter future. Simply contact us by email: prayer@abundantlifefaithcentre.org or phone: 0394507090 during working hours (9:00am to 5:00pm)
