Africa Haguruka 2023 - Mountain of Family

As Apostle Linda started eloquently reminding us, that the concept of family is deeply rooted in the foundations of creation. God is the one who designed the family and plays a crucial role in mentoring it. The choices we make as parents have a profound impact on future generations. In this article, we will delve into the wisdom shared by religious leaders, Apostle Linda, Pastor Mugisha, and Rev. Dr. Gahungu, as they guide us on the path to building strong, Godly families.

Godly Template for Families:
Drawing from the wisdom of Psalms 1:111, 112, 127, and 128, Apostle Linda emphasizes the importance of basing our families on God's principles. As parents, we should instill Godly values and stewardship in our children, setting a standard that will guide future generations. Recognizing that God is the God of generations, we must be mindful of the choices we make today, as they will have a lasting impact on our children and their children.

Upholding Values in Modern Society:
Pastor Mugisha rightly points out that the word of God is what gives us value. In a world heavily influenced by media and various societal trends, the family unit faces challenges from all sides. As parents, we need to hold firm to our Godly values and teach our children to do the same. With the proliferation of LGBTQ+ movements and ideologies, it becomes even more crucial to reinforce the importance of following God's plan for families.

Essential Values for Godly Families:
Drawing inspiration from Nehemiah 4:13-14, we are presented with some essential values to uphold in our families:
a) Placing our family in the "ark": Today, the "ark" represents the church, and it is essential to ensure that our family is firmly rooted in a spiritual community where they can grow in faith.
b) Encouraging prayer in the family: Emulating Job's dedication to pray for his children, we should foster a culture of prayer within our families, seeking God's guidance and protection.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy:
Rev. Dr. Gahungu enlightens us with seven keys to ensure that our families live forever:
a) Cherish memories: Reflecting on the positive experiences shared with our spouses strengthens the bond between family members.
b) Gratitude for opportunities: Valuing the diverse opportunities life presents and making the most of them helps build a strong family foundation.
c) Cultivating love through time spent together: Instead of growing weary, spending time together as a family should deepen the love and connection between its members.
d) Acknowledging miracles: Recognizing and acknowledging the miracles that have occurred in our family's journey fosters faith and appreciation for God's providence.
e) Recognizing blessings from others: Being grateful for the people God has used to bless our family promotes humility and a sense of interconnectedness.
f) Understanding God's purpose in blessings: Understanding that God blesses us for a purpose encourages us to use those blessings for His glory and the well-being of others.
g) Seeking forgiveness: Keeping regrets at bay and promoting an atmosphere of mercy and compassion within the family by seeking forgiveness when needed.

Following God's Guidelines:
Apostle Linda stressed the importance of following God as the ultimate mentor for our families. Despite societal pressures and government norms, it is essential to rely on God's guidance in building our families.

Dealing with Adolescence:
When faced with challenges like adolescence, Pastor Henry offered valuable advice to parents:
a. Parents are the primary trainers and must be actively involved in their children's lives.
b. Training is a continuous process that requires patience and discipline.
c. Instead of giving children what they want, provide them with what they need for their growth and development.
d. Establishing the right principles during the early stages of a child's life is crucial (Proverbs 22:6).
e. During adolescence, children may not always listen to their parents, but they will imitate what they see their parents doing.

The Right Period of Family Learning:
In response to the question about the ideal period for learning Godly family values before marriage, Rev.Dr Gahungu suggested creating comprehensive family learning manuals. By following a timeline, new families can be equipped with the right foundation and guidelines, ensuring a strong start to their marital journey.
As we continued our exploration of the Mountain of Family, Apostle Gitwaza sheds light on the challenges of balancing family life and the ministry of God. Indeed, the demands of serving in the ministry can sometimes pose difficulties in maintaining a well-functional family. To address this, Apostle Gitwaza emphasizes the significance of having a prayer altar within the family.

Understanding the Church-Family Notion:
Apostle Gitwaza reminds us that comprehending the relationship between the Church and Christ can serve as a model for our families. Just as Christ loves and cherishes the Church, men should love their wives, and women should submit to their husbands. This biblical foundation establishes a solid rock for the family, ensuring unity, love, and mutual respect.
To strengthen the family bond and keep it grounded in faith, Apostle Gitwaza advocates setting aside dedicated time for family prayer every week. Coming together in prayer not only deepens the spiritual connection within the family but also reinforces the values and principles upon which the family is built.

Conclusion
In the mountain of family, the choices we make as parents lay the groundwork for future generations. By following the Godly template, upholding values, and leaving a lasting legacy, we can ensure that our families thrive in faith and love, enduring the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Let us be intentional in our efforts to build Godly families, preserving and passing on a heritage of righteousness to generations yet to come.

More pictures: Flickr Album