By Rev. Stephen Okhutu
As we live into Globalisation, we still have people who do not believe that somewhere in the world there are people who are dying because of malnutrition.
A visit in some of the Hospitals in Africa reveals shocking details of how people are continuing to die every day due to malnutrition. This is in most cases worsened by lack of medical care in the Hospitals!
I have been carrying out a tour around Kayunga District to establish the rate at which the Government Programme of Prosperity for All in Uganda had benefited the people.
I was shocked to realise that many children are dying not only because they don’t have food but also because their parents are ignorant of what to do in case of malnutrition.
We discovered a three year old boy, Reagan Kakeeto who actually looked like a nine months old baby just because the parents believed that their mother was bewitched.
The Cultural Belief
In some of the African tribes, there is no such thing as malnutrition in babies. Normally due to the value attached to children, wives still believe that the more number of children produced the more love they are likely to get from their husbands as a reward. In the process you find a mother conceiving as soon as the last baby hits three months!
Due to the burden imposed on this mother during pregnancy, the last baby is likely not to get enough care thus poor feeding. Medically, a child is supposed to breastfeed until 6 months but in Africa any woman who dares this is regarded as a problem to her husband!
Since these babies are not breastfed, given the general baby weakness of the mother, the baby will also be underfed.
Given the belief in Spirits, when the baby gets malnourished, parents will start believing in witchcraft –that either the mother is an adulterer (Adultery is believed to be one of the factor that annoy the Spirits) or someone is bewitching the family.
Like I said earlier on this site; the question you ask yourself plays a bigger role in finding the solution to your problem.
Personally I would not blame these families because after all they labour to find the solution but because they do not know what to do, the result is therefore a perfect reward of ignorance!
This explains why Africans believe in producing many children. That if a mother produces about 9 children; at least 5 are likely to survive. The funny thing is that the production of children in African is inspired by the belief that some are likely to die!
The solution
The parents of Reagan Kakeeto admit that their son was sick but they refused to take him to hospital because they were treating him with local herbs. (The herbs were dried tree roots which they used to bath him with)
When asked how they were feeding him, we were shown a cup of Tea (Hot water with Tea) which he had just finished taking at around 12:30 pm. Because the parents were busy, the boy had just taken tea at lunch time. We found the mother peeling Bananas at noon meaning the boy was likely to take lunch at the time when he would be taking evening tea! Scientifically, the largest potion of Banana is water!
It is funny to note that the people in the villages are the most likely to suffer malnutrition than those in towns. It is likely to find a large portion of unused land in the villages when the residents are importing food from town! The food basket is instead turned into a food market!
The Bible stresses that work is a major avenue to success.
I personally believe that regardless of how much money one has, poverty will still remain a challenge unless we jointly fight ignorance. Africa will continue to be poor until we identify the enemy. Poverty, which we have been fighting all the time, is not the problem in Africa but Ignorance.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Black Wisdom
By Rev. Stephen Okhutu
It is very difficult to establish whether someone is wise until he has done or said something. At time many people are judged by what they say or do and depending on the judgment, the impression may either lead to respect or dejection.
I am therefore stressing respect to human diversity in relation to culture and that which is regarded as Wisdom.
Before one can claim to respect human diversity, the first step is to establish the difference; determine whether that difference is natural, acquired or just another kind of a lifestyle.
We should all note that naturally there are things which, unless by the work of science, they can not be changed completely. Things like Religion, Race, Color and a lot more in that relation. Any attempt to change any of them result into war and the ransom is peace from the two parties.
Every society and individual has what is regarded as wisdom. In Africa there are certain things which are done but can not be easily appreciated by a foreigner unless when the meaning is confided to him.
Talking of modern religions, one would say African were pagans during the pre-colonial periods. But a closer study of the African setting reveals that most Africans had a religious setting more similar to modern religions. In fact there is a slim line in the practices! I always ask my Moslem friends who challenge me to defect from Christianity to Islam, about what they would feel if I also called them to join Christianity. I tell them that when you call someone a pagan, believe also that you are a pagan in his eyes! So what is good for the goose should also be good to gander! And that is what we ought to do.
The best thing would be to understand what the other party is doing and appreciate it. For instance, no body can change someone’s race or tribe. Any attempt just intensifies hatred and it is against human peace.
There are things which some society may keep as sacred just because it holds some hidden secret. For instance, to a Moslem, the holy book must not be translated from Arabic, reason? Arabic is the language of the prophet! So any attempt to translate the Quran can be easily regarded as an insult to the Islamic Community. To the Buddhists and the Roman Catholics, pictures must always be there to complete the holiness of the place of worship!
In all what is said here, I maintain that to reduce resentment, hatred and create lasting peace, we should always do things as we please, but respecting the human diversity.
There is no way one can claim to love his neighbor when all what he does is to create a warring environment. Divisions are good only for our destruction. But again there is no way we can all be similar; We can not think alike, our languages are still not the same, not even our dreams are similar!
The only things we share are origin and goal! We all originated from one God and it is to him that we shall go –that is if you believe in the life hereafter!
Let not money and power destroy human kind. Uganda we have a saying that ‘Omusirusiru attema ettabi kw’atuude.’ Literally translated as ‘A fool will cut a branch on which he is seated.’ We tend to forget that the people we hate are the ones holding our peace.
‘… they don’t turn to God who makes us wise, wiser than any animal or bird’
(Job 35:11)
It is very difficult to establish whether someone is wise until he has done or said something. At time many people are judged by what they say or do and depending on the judgment, the impression may either lead to respect or dejection.
I am therefore stressing respect to human diversity in relation to culture and that which is regarded as Wisdom.
Before one can claim to respect human diversity, the first step is to establish the difference; determine whether that difference is natural, acquired or just another kind of a lifestyle.
We should all note that naturally there are things which, unless by the work of science, they can not be changed completely. Things like Religion, Race, Color and a lot more in that relation. Any attempt to change any of them result into war and the ransom is peace from the two parties.
Every society and individual has what is regarded as wisdom. In Africa there are certain things which are done but can not be easily appreciated by a foreigner unless when the meaning is confided to him.
Talking of modern religions, one would say African were pagans during the pre-colonial periods. But a closer study of the African setting reveals that most Africans had a religious setting more similar to modern religions. In fact there is a slim line in the practices! I always ask my Moslem friends who challenge me to defect from Christianity to Islam, about what they would feel if I also called them to join Christianity. I tell them that when you call someone a pagan, believe also that you are a pagan in his eyes! So what is good for the goose should also be good to gander! And that is what we ought to do.
The best thing would be to understand what the other party is doing and appreciate it. For instance, no body can change someone’s race or tribe. Any attempt just intensifies hatred and it is against human peace.
There are things which some society may keep as sacred just because it holds some hidden secret. For instance, to a Moslem, the holy book must not be translated from Arabic, reason? Arabic is the language of the prophet! So any attempt to translate the Quran can be easily regarded as an insult to the Islamic Community. To the Buddhists and the Roman Catholics, pictures must always be there to complete the holiness of the place of worship!
In all what is said here, I maintain that to reduce resentment, hatred and create lasting peace, we should always do things as we please, but respecting the human diversity.
There is no way one can claim to love his neighbor when all what he does is to create a warring environment. Divisions are good only for our destruction. But again there is no way we can all be similar; We can not think alike, our languages are still not the same, not even our dreams are similar!
The only things we share are origin and goal! We all originated from one God and it is to him that we shall go –that is if you believe in the life hereafter!
Let not money and power destroy human kind. Uganda we have a saying that ‘Omusirusiru attema ettabi kw’atuude.’ Literally translated as ‘A fool will cut a branch on which he is seated.’ We tend to forget that the people we hate are the ones holding our peace.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
IS HOMOSEXUALITY A SIN?
By Rev. Stephen Okhutu
revivauganda@gmail.com
Homosexuality has become a major topic of discussion in the world and spreading at a very alarming rate by sponsoring agents/ Activists.
It is worthy noting that the perpetuators call it a human right while others go to the extent of calling it Nature. In brief; we now have Male, Female, Homosexuals and Gays!
The campaign is therefore to have equal rights between Male and Female and the other group on the claim that they were ‘created’ like that.
It would not be fair to judge Homosexuals without knowing homosexuality and how they do their things.
As Christians we have a duty to love one another but this comes with a responsibility of hating sin. This then requires us to be careful not to commit sins in the process of love.
Is homosexuality natural?
When we analyze the Bible we find that God created two types of human beings; Male and Female. In fact the two were created purposely to rule the World and produce more descendants. (Genesis 1: 26-28).
Whereas homosexuals claim that sex was given for companionship, we should first study the context in which that line is placed in order to believe it.
We find in the second story of creation when God was creating a woman to Man for Companionship. But we also find that before a woman was created to Man, attempts were made prior to the final creation to have Man get a companion. In this we see all sorts of animals and other creatures presented but still Man failed to get a companion not until a Woman was given to him!
We later realize that some of these creatures were presented to man just to be named! We also find that Man was not forced to accept any creature for a woman in the name of companion.
If Homosexuality was natural then it should not have been forced or imposed. Today we have sponsored campaigns from the so called ‘civilized’ countries to spread the act to different groups of people. The youths who are easily lured with money especially those in schools have become prey.
I have no problem with two adults consenting to make love but why then should it be forced?
Recently the papers here in Uganda were quoting Mr. Obama as threatening the Ugandan government to stop a bill which intends to incriminate the sponsored spread of the act. When the Government of Uganda was passing a bill to incriminate Defilement and Rape, no foreign government came out to oppose, now Africa is trying to stop Defilement and Raping of the young boys by fellow boys, Mr. Obama is coming out to prove his authority!
I wonder if; in case Mr. Obama had boys, how he would have felt to see one of his boy’s anus rotting because a certain human rights advocate lured him into homosexuality with money! Or even got him from the school hostel and raped him!
I don’t believe in donor countries imposing their acquired ‘civilization’ on Africa with pledges of funds. I would rather they leave Africa alone because even Africa has some of its culture that Europe will not practice –calling it backwardness. Some states in Africa have cannibals. Should Africa then sponsor Cannibalism to Europe because it is natural and therefore regarded as a human right? After all cannibals is a minority group, eh?
A lesson fron the Uganda Martyrs?
One of the major tourists attractions in Uganda is ther Uganda Martyrs. But our brother who we now cal Mrtyrs died in the process of resisting homosexuality.
The Uganda Martyrs most of whom were royal peg boys to the Buganda’s King Mwanga were all homosexuals in the making. The king who by then was not to be opposed raped most of these boys until demonstrated against him. For fear of what the community’s attitude towards the act, Mwanga then decided tom kill the boys! If homosexuals were meant to be, why then could these boys have demonstrated. After all they were doing it with a king!
If homosexuality was opposed even in days of early civilization, I wonder why the so called developed countries should invest their resources in spreading it in this era. If there is no hidden agenda in this then someone should come out to show its importance to human kind.
Last Word?
As human beings, we have a duty to love each other without discrimination in diversities. Love involves respecting each and creating a peaceful environment to each other. But above all, we also have to love our God and respect his laws.
Just like in the book of Genesis, we need to name everything that comes our way until we meet a woman. Short of this, we are soon getting people sleeping with dead bodies, Murderers, thieves, Terrorists, people keeping dogs as women. And just and the homosexuals these will also claim to have been created like that! And yes, they will demand for their human rights. Funny enough we will be seeing foreign diplomats supporting them and investing lots of money for that cause!
Lest I forget, I pray to those heads of Governments who forcefully support the spread of Homosexuality to also support terrorists. Who knows, may be terrorism is also natural and those people may demand their human rights –without discrimination! Why should you hound Bin Laden who says he is fighting a holy war and then support a homosexual who is going to rape a fellow being? I don’t see the wisdom here! Is not what is good for the goose also good for the Gander?
Please: If you think you think don’t think I don’t think because we don’t think about the same thing. The policies that may develop Europe are not the same policies to develop Africa. And that is the difference. Please Mr. Obama.
PS: Spiritual Revival Ministries is apparently helping victims of Homosexuality. If you feel you are a victim and would life to be helped please send an email to revivaluganda@gmail.com and one of our Counselors will help you.
Alternatively you may call Our Hotline +256 712 734 661
revivauganda@gmail.com
Homosexuality has become a major topic of discussion in the world and spreading at a very alarming rate by sponsoring agents/ Activists.
It is worthy noting that the perpetuators call it a human right while others go to the extent of calling it Nature. In brief; we now have Male, Female, Homosexuals and Gays!
The campaign is therefore to have equal rights between Male and Female and the other group on the claim that they were ‘created’ like that.
It would not be fair to judge Homosexuals without knowing homosexuality and how they do their things.
As Christians we have a duty to love one another but this comes with a responsibility of hating sin. This then requires us to be careful not to commit sins in the process of love.
Is homosexuality natural?
When we analyze the Bible we find that God created two types of human beings; Male and Female. In fact the two were created purposely to rule the World and produce more descendants. (Genesis 1: 26-28).
Whereas homosexuals claim that sex was given for companionship, we should first study the context in which that line is placed in order to believe it.
We find in the second story of creation when God was creating a woman to Man for Companionship. But we also find that before a woman was created to Man, attempts were made prior to the final creation to have Man get a companion. In this we see all sorts of animals and other creatures presented but still Man failed to get a companion not until a Woman was given to him!
We later realize that some of these creatures were presented to man just to be named! We also find that Man was not forced to accept any creature for a woman in the name of companion.
If Homosexuality was natural then it should not have been forced or imposed. Today we have sponsored campaigns from the so called ‘civilized’ countries to spread the act to different groups of people. The youths who are easily lured with money especially those in schools have become prey.
I have no problem with two adults consenting to make love but why then should it be forced?
Recently the papers here in Uganda were quoting Mr. Obama as threatening the Ugandan government to stop a bill which intends to incriminate the sponsored spread of the act. When the Government of Uganda was passing a bill to incriminate Defilement and Rape, no foreign government came out to oppose, now Africa is trying to stop Defilement and Raping of the young boys by fellow boys, Mr. Obama is coming out to prove his authority!
I wonder if; in case Mr. Obama had boys, how he would have felt to see one of his boy’s anus rotting because a certain human rights advocate lured him into homosexuality with money! Or even got him from the school hostel and raped him!
I don’t believe in donor countries imposing their acquired ‘civilization’ on Africa with pledges of funds. I would rather they leave Africa alone because even Africa has some of its culture that Europe will not practice –calling it backwardness. Some states in Africa have cannibals. Should Africa then sponsor Cannibalism to Europe because it is natural and therefore regarded as a human right? After all cannibals is a minority group, eh?
A lesson fron the Uganda Martyrs?
One of the major tourists attractions in Uganda is ther Uganda Martyrs. But our brother who we now cal Mrtyrs died in the process of resisting homosexuality.
The Uganda Martyrs most of whom were royal peg boys to the Buganda’s King Mwanga were all homosexuals in the making. The king who by then was not to be opposed raped most of these boys until demonstrated against him. For fear of what the community’s attitude towards the act, Mwanga then decided tom kill the boys! If homosexuals were meant to be, why then could these boys have demonstrated. After all they were doing it with a king!
If homosexuality was opposed even in days of early civilization, I wonder why the so called developed countries should invest their resources in spreading it in this era. If there is no hidden agenda in this then someone should come out to show its importance to human kind.
Last Word?
As human beings, we have a duty to love each other without discrimination in diversities. Love involves respecting each and creating a peaceful environment to each other. But above all, we also have to love our God and respect his laws.
Just like in the book of Genesis, we need to name everything that comes our way until we meet a woman. Short of this, we are soon getting people sleeping with dead bodies, Murderers, thieves, Terrorists, people keeping dogs as women. And just and the homosexuals these will also claim to have been created like that! And yes, they will demand for their human rights. Funny enough we will be seeing foreign diplomats supporting them and investing lots of money for that cause!
Lest I forget, I pray to those heads of Governments who forcefully support the spread of Homosexuality to also support terrorists. Who knows, may be terrorism is also natural and those people may demand their human rights –without discrimination! Why should you hound Bin Laden who says he is fighting a holy war and then support a homosexual who is going to rape a fellow being? I don’t see the wisdom here! Is not what is good for the goose also good for the Gander?
Please: If you think you think don’t think I don’t think because we don’t think about the same thing. The policies that may develop Europe are not the same policies to develop Africa. And that is the difference. Please Mr. Obama.
PS: Spiritual Revival Ministries is apparently helping victims of Homosexuality. If you feel you are a victim and would life to be helped please send an email to revivaluganda@gmail.com and one of our Counselors will help you.
Alternatively you may call Our Hotline +256 712 734 661
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