Oyam, Uganda | Religious leaders in Oyam District have urged Christians to actively engage in business ventures to improve their livelihoods and better represent the nature of God as a provider.
The appeal was made during a fellowship at Oyam Truth Evangelistic Fountain Ministry.
Rev. Peter Engola, the ministry’s overseer, said many Christians today live in hardship, which reflects poorly on God, despite Him being a provider of all things necessary for human well-being.
He encouraged believers to serve God wholeheartedly, reminding them that labor in Christ is never in vain.
He further urged Christians in Oyam and Uganda at large to take part in business activities to help them cope with the rising cost of living.
In doing so, he said, they could also materially support the work of God while upholding integrity in their business practices by avoiding dishonesty, overpricing, and disloyalty.
Rev. Engola pointed out that the Muslim community, which dominates a significant portion of Uganda’s business landscape, is not excelling because of religion but due to hard work and commitment.
Patrick Agetta, the church administrator and also manager of Umbrella Water’s Oyam branch, advised Christians to avoid laziness and abandon the belief that money is inherently evil.
He emphasized that wealth, when used appropriately, can advance both personal and communal well-being in the Christian context.
Nancy Engola, the head of the intercession ministry, stated that Christians are meant to prosper both spiritually and financially.
She noted that many believers mishandle the grace of God by misquoting scripture and wrongly associating wealth with evil or as a hindrance to entering the Kingdom of God.
Responding to the messages, Pastor Denish Onyang agreed that Christians are called to lead in all areas of goodness in the world.
However, he stressed that financial literacy is essential if Christians are to keep up with today’s fast-paced economic environment.
Calvin Okello, a member of the church, advised fellow believers to stop looking down on small-scale enterprises and to dismiss the negativity often associated with owning small businesses.
He reminded them that even large companies started small, and urged them to value every step of the business journey.
The leaders encouraged Christians to blend faith with action and to take business as a platform for both personal development and serving God.
