Gira Emmanuel Video

When DCs are equal to LDCs

Dear Editor,

Gira Emmanuel

Are you guys just kidding or simply teasing? Power outages in Developed Countries? I need some clarification here. For four weeks now I have been tracking this thing of power outages and sometimes do not believe my eyes when reading your daily headlines. Well, you should help me answer this question. Is it possible that we can have power outages in developed counties, the origin of civilisation and technological advancement or you are being fictitious? It was unbelievable to read that it is spreading from one country to another, like our African wild fire; from one bush to another clearing shrubs, chasing birds and killing animals with heavy legs. Well, the only difference is that, African wild fire burns the bushes and creates heat and light, but the power outages in the so called developed countries are causing blackouts and leaving patients waiting for surgery cold. 

When I think of Rostow´s theory of modernisation and try to imagine the countries in question, I would quickly think of high level of industrialisation; efficiency in service delivery and effectiveness of governments in managing issues.  I immediately feel affronted to admit that, power outages can go on and on for weeks, affecting service delivery; transport, health, industries, education, business and government administration and nothing serious has so far been done. I would expect this to happen here in my country, a less developed country (LDC); where blackouts are not news and normal, where traffic lights are replaced by police men who open their arms to show the drivers where to go; where a midwife uses paraffin-fuelled lantern to deliver babies; where the rich classes and sensitive government offices have standby generators to counter outages. 

Do our brothers in Developed Countries (DCs) sell all the generators they manufacture to us in LDCs

and keep nothing emergency? Why can’t such institutions like hospitals, public transport lighting systems and government offices do like we do here in the LDCs. How effective then are the DC governments and service providers like electricity distribution companies, if I may ask?

However, it is not too late to correct the illusions assumptions about efficiency in DCs. With my experience, the theory of efficiency is universally inefficient, even in brand new cars. I remember one day, together with twelve high school friends, we were travelling in a pick-up double cabin, and brand new one expected to be very efficient mechanically. But efficiency was inefficient, we bumped on small pothole and at once, we saw the back tire from my side faster than the car. The driver however used his expertise and saved us. On stopping, we realized that the new bolts were cut. It was a new machine after all, we did not have extra bolts for emergency. From a group of sympathizers, an old man said to us, young men, “Emergency is emergency”. So DCs just know, whether it is a DC or LDC emergency is emergency, emergency is universal, powers are bound to go off; put an emergency response facility, train some traffic police officers to take over when traffic lights become confused, retain some lanterns in schools, so that students can have light, and government officers, do some handwriting, so that you do not worry about the unsaved soft copies, and keep the post office operational, so that mails can be delivered in the absence of the internet.

INSPIRED BY PROFESSOR AUSTIN BUKENYA

When my class (Year Three Literature Students of Kyambogo University 2012-2015) was given the task to produce and perform Professor Austin Bukenya´s play, The Bride, it was like a dream. 

We were venturing into the unknown, previous Literature Classes had not done African plays. Now here was the task. I had to get the piece, seek permission from Professor Bukenya of which i was granted and the daunting task of preparing my course mates, creating in them the characters in the play and Direct the production.

With cooperation and cutting the long story short, we made it, we really did it! It was amazing and for real, emotional on our side. You know, building a united cast from a class of people who have not been united in doing one thing as a team. This time it was about putting off all our differences and focusing on achieving one big dream, and not individually but as a team. It was an amazing performance and the second do, was a big Kill witnessed by Mwalimu Austin Bukenya in person.

Thanks to all, Mwalimu Bukenya is an amazing man, humble and friendly. Sir. Asante. Our very own, Rev. Dr. Sr. Nakiwala, God Bless You! and you the literature gurus, my Class of 2012-2015 (Evening Group). Thank you very good!

A SPECIAL MASSAGE FOR YOU DEAR FRIENDS ON THIS SPECIAL DAY- MY BIRTH DAY

Scripture: "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9).

A friend of mine just told me about a television show she likes. She said, "When I find something really good, I get excited, and I want to tell my friends about it." What about you? is there anything you think is really wonderful, which you want to tell people about? 

Amazing Things

One day, in the course of His travels, Jesus stopped at a well in a Samaritan village. He met a woman there and told her amazing things, revealing, "I AM the Messiah!" (John 4:26). She was so excited that she "left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone" (John 4:28). Have you ever learned something so amazing that you can’t wait to tell everyone about it? 

His Message

On the morning of Jesus' resurrection, His followers found His tomb empty, but "they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead" (John 20:9). Mary Magdalene stayed behind, weeping. But Jesus appeared to her, proving His triumph over death. He instructed her to tell the others about the miracle, and she obeyed: "Mary Magdalene found the Disciples and told them, 'I have seen the Lord!' Then she gave them His message" (John 20:18). When the Lord instructs you to share His words, how do you respond?

Good News

When the Samaritan woman told her people about Jesus, "many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because [of what] the woman had said" (John 4:39). But when Mary Magdalene "told [the Disciples] that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they didn’t believe her" (Mark 16:11) until He appeared to them Himself. 

Jesus told His followers, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone" (Mark 16:15). Today, His followers carry on with the task. As in Jesus’ day, some will believe; but other times, even our dearest friends or family members will refuse God’s truth. When the Lord asks you to tell others the Good News, will you run to do it, like the Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene?

It is so wonderful to know from 2 Peter 3:8-9 that the Lord is patient with us, as He does not want anyone to perish but all to come to repentance. It’s important to always remember that every action you take can be a vital step to move someone closer to everlasting life through Jesus Christ. 

So, on this special day, I want to challenge you with a specific task. Think about five people you know, who don’t yet know Jesus as Lord and Savior, or have turned away from Him. These may be family, friends or colleagues at work or school. Maybe you have shared Jesus already with them, but they have not chosen to follow Him. You care about these people and really want to see them come to know Christ. You now know that the Lord shares your heart because of what He says in 2 Peter 3:8-9.

Here’s the challenge. Write those five names in a journal, the front of your Bible, or a sticky note on your computer monitor -- wherever you will see them daily. Practice sharing your faith with them daily. Let’s call this the “Take 5 Challenge”. 

How long do you do this? Until each person has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, or at least one year. When any of them become believers, add the name of another friend or loved one to your “Take 5” list. I challenge you to “Take 5” until the day you are too old to pray anymore!

“Take 5” is therefore a serious effort between you and the Lord and the people on your list. So think carefully about these five people and talk to the Lord about them often, keeping in mind the Scripture 2 Peter 3:8-9.

Your PRAY NOW Challenge: "Lord, thank you that you do not want anyone to perish. Show me the first five people that You want me to add to my “Take 5” list. Give me Your love for them, and a chance to share You with them, that they may come to know You as Lord and Savior. In the Name of Jesus, Amen."

Thanks for sharing my Birth Day. God richly Bless you!

EMMA AND YOUNG HOSTS THE USA TEAM

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Get More by Giving

Scripture: "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." Luke 6:38

Missing Out

Lately, I've been realizing that I've been missing out on so much that's right in front of me, because I've been so focused on what I don't have. It's like if you were starving and had someone bring you a great meal with a lid on top, but you're so focused on your neighbor eating his sandwich, that you don't even notice! You have this amazing meal in front of you, but it goes to waste because you're so transfixed on what others have. I have been living this way, and I believe God wants me to stop. Because this habit, where you want what you don't have and aren't happy with what you do have, is called covetousness, and it's actually a soul toxin.

What is a "Soul Toxin?"

A soul toxin is something you are doing (knowingly or unknowingly) that is causing sickness in your soul. For example, if I lived in a smog-filled city, my lungs would be always filled with toxins, making it hard for me to breathe, run, and enjoy life. But smog is fairly invisible, and unless someone tells me about it, I'm going to keep breathing it in! And suffering. Maybe you feel that way in your soul. You feel always on-edge, nervous, worried, and unhappy. This is indication of a soul toxin, and it's just what Jesus came to help you with. In fact, Jesus was criticized for hanging out the most with needy, "soul-toxic" people. He told His critics,

"Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval." (Mark 2:17)

So if you think that you have too many issues to be liked (or even loved!) by Jesus, you're in for a surprise: He came just for you.

The Soul Doctor

Now, because Jesus made our souls, He knows how they work best. He knows the things that are toxic for you, and the things that are going to make you thrive. It's like going to the best doctor in the world who knows just how the body works and can tell you the best things to eat and do to live an amazing, vibrant life. That's what Jesus is for you: Your Soul Doctor. And covetousness is one of the things He said is very toxic for your soul. He said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own." Luke 12:15

Am I Greedy?

Now, when I hear the word "greed," I automatically think of just money. But that's not all you can be greedy for. What about wanting someone else's life? Wishing you looked like them, had their family, or had their luxuries? That's how God defines coveting: Jealousy wanting anything someone else has. He said, "You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17 I know I have been so guilty of this, looking to other people as better off than me, thinking, "If I could just have their money, their spouse, their house...I could be happy."

Covetousness Symptoms

Here are some signs you might be dealing with this soul toxin (I have them all!):

• You are never satisfied

You are constantly wishing things were different

You can't be happy for others' blessings

What's the Remedy?

I hate when someone tells me what's wrong with me but not how to fix it. It's so depressing! But Jesus doesn't do that to you. He teaches about the soul toxin and the soul remedy. After explaining that "Life is not measured by how much you own," He says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 This is the cure for covetousness: Giving! I want you to do 2 things with your body. First, I want you to clench up your fists as tight as you can get them. How does that feel? Stressful? Tense? That's the position of covetousness. Your whole body is saying, "I want! I want! I want!" and you've never happy. But now, I want you to relax your arms out right in front of you, with your palms open. Hold them like that for a couple seconds, closing your eyes and breathing in and out. How do you feel? Peaceful? Happy? That is the feeling of contentment and giving, the soul remedy that Jesus is prescribing for you today.

Bring in the Health

Let's take Jesus' remedy this week. What if we purposefully went through this week not thinking, "How much can I get?" but instead, "How much can I give?" Think how beautiful our existence together would be! And we can start that now, you and me, and our whole big group. This week, let's see what we can give to others. It can be a hug, a word of encouragement, money or clothes to someone in need, or a thank-you card. In fact, let's start by giving to each other in the Comments! Write your prayer or what's on your heart, and then find someone else's comment and reply back to them with a prayer or encouragement. I truly believe that Jesus' remedy of giving is going to free us of the burden of covetousness. Let's start this week, and next week I will ask you how it is going! I am praying for you.

Healing for Your Soul

Scripture: "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Jesus, Matthew 11:28

Is Your Soul Troubled?

I know you've been battling a lot of things in your soul. Worry about your future, regret over mistakes, consuming fear about what others think about you. It can be so overwhelming. God does not want you to live this way. He has a spacious, green, beautiful land for your soul to rest in, and He is inviting you into it. I want you to read the following promise from God to you out loud, and insert your name into it, because it's exactly what God wants to do for you.
The Lord is _______'s shepherd, ________ shall not be in want.
He makes _________ lie down in green pastures,
He leads _________ beside quiet waters,
He restores __________'s soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Restoration for Your Soul

How is your soul doing? If you were to get a check-up, what would the doctor say? Fearful? Sad? Anxious? Your soul is the place where you really exist-your deepest, truest self. It is where you hold your memories, thoughts about yourself, and perception of the world around you. Think of your soul as the soil of your life: its health determines how much can grow in your life. If you have hard, dry soil, even if you plant all the best seeds, they will not be able to grow. Maybe you have been dealing with that kind of dryness in your soul. You try to feed yourself with good things, like the Bible or church or good friends, but still you feel empty and dry, and the things you want aren't growing.

God Wants to Prosper Your Soul

God wants to change all that. He actually wants to prosper your soul. 3 John 1:2 says, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." I want you to imagine 2 landscapes: 1 is dry and barren, with trees with tiny, shriveled-up branches, and all around gray; the other is green, lush, with so many different trees and crops, and little streams running throughout it. The latter is His promise to you, and I want you to insert your name again:
The LORD will comfort _________again and have pity on _________'s ruins.
___________'s desert will blossom like Eden, __________'s barren wilderness like the garden of the LORD.
Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air. (Isaiah 51:3)

The Problem

There may be things in the soil of your soul that are rocky and dry, making it so that the things you want to grow there can't. An example of a rock would be something or someone you've been unable to forgive (maybe even yourself!) or coveting what other people have. These things act as barriers to the beautiful things God wants to plant in your life. Think of them as toxins for your soul. It's like if you were trying to eat really healthy but were also ingesting a little bit of poison with every meal. No matter how much water you drink, you're still going to feel awful.

Let's Go on a Healing Cleanse

I want us to experience true prosperity of soul by removing the bad things in our life and replacing them with the good things God has for us. Every week, we are going to learn about a new soul toxin and its remedy. God has amazing prescriptions for each of the things that are troubling you now (anxiety, anger, depression, etc.), and I believe He wants to lead us into experiencing deep health for our souls. Do you want to go on a health cleanse for your soul with me? I need this just as bad as you. If you are in, please write your heart-cry to God about the health you desire for your soul in the Comments. I'll start with my own prayer for me and for you:
Lord, I want You to heal my soul. All the things that have troubled me and kept me from living the life you have for me, please remove them. I am giving You full-access to my soul; please let the verses above come true for me and for the person reading this. Let us experience the prosperity of soul while we are still on this earth. Teach us the keys to live healthy. In Jesus' name, amen.

SEASON ONE PACKAGE FOR THE FRIENDS OF EMMA AND YOUNG

SPECIAL FOR A HAPPY HOUR IN YOUR FAMILY. For the last one year EMMA AND YOUNG a broadcast media and the performing arts production group has been producing and broadcasting a WEEKLY RADIO SOAP/ SERIAL DRAMA ON RADIO Wa 89.8 FM. this is the first of its kind in the region. Now we are packaging the whole series (52) episodes and sharing with special friends of Emma and Young. The series is very educative and entertaining especially for families. It is produced in Luo with few episodes having a mixture of English and Lango. You may wish to have a copy of this package for your family and friends. The whole family will surely like it and if you have young ones, there is lot; inspirational teachings and wisdom for their effective growth. the series is in a pack of FIVE CDS, each CD having 10 episodes; each episode is between 35 to 45 minutes; its all going for 25,000/= only. If you are interested, please text me your name and address on 0776 996776 or 0772 999535. All proceeds from this WILL GO to the outreach events in schools. Thanks, Gira Emmanuel

God is Asking You Out on a Date

Scripture: "I am my beloved's, and His desire is for me." Song of Solomon 7:10

My Secret

I want to tell you a secret. One that has totally revolutionized my life with God. Can I have a minute of your time and see if it could do the same for you?

Wanting More from God

About a couple months ago, I was at a weird place in my relationship with God, and I asked Him what to do. I wanted more out of our relationship, but I didn't know what to do about it. And here's the answer I felt He gave me: Go on walks. Go on walks? Are You serious? What is that going to do? Are You saying I'm out of shape? (Which I am.) In any event, I went, out of sheer obedience and curiosity—and I kind of like walking. Every day after work, I'd put on my walking shoes and head out the door, often tired and not feeling like it.

Going on Dates

And what do you know, but as I started to walk, I started to talk: to God—about my feelings, my fears, what happened yesterday at work, how I feel about my life...everything and anything that was on my heart. And do you want to know what's more? As I began to walk—everyday, after work—I began to hear God talk back...or sometimes just feel Him listen and care. It was like I began to "date" God. And God, smart as He is, knew this would happen. He knew that it was quality time that we needed to grow in our relationship together.

A Fresh Love

Have you ever seen a married couple that falls out of love? It's not that they hate each other; they just lost that "thing." But then, in a move of desperation, they move everything else to the side and begin to act how they did when they first fell in love. They date; they open up; they notice new, wonderful qualities in each other. They listen to every word with attention. They put each other first. Mainly, they spend time together.

God's Message to You

And this is EXACTLY what God wants to do...with you. He is just crazy about you. He wants to spend every waking moment with you: listening to your fears, talking about your dreams, laughing at funny things, and counseling you on the tough issues. Don't believe me? Listen to Him here; He's talking about you:

"“But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to Me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. When that day comes,' says the Lord, “you will call Me ‘my husband’ instead of ‘my master'" (Hosea 2:14-16).

No Matter How Old or New

No matter where you are at in your relationship with God (maybe you've just begun, or maybe you've been with Him a while now), He wants to pursue you all over again. He wants you to give yourself to Him again. When I started taking my daily walks with God, our daily dates, I started to hear Him and feel His love in a revolutionary way. I started to hear Him soothe my fears, give me advice, and care for me with deep loyalty. And the same will happen for you if you start spending time with Him.

The Offer

Here's what Jesus says to you: "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Revelation 3:20 Do you want to have those dates with God? Do you want to let Him into your home...maybe for the first time, or maybe "all over again?"

Start Here

Why don't you simply start with picking a time of day to take a daily date with God? It could be morning, noon, or night. You just tell Him, "God, I would like to go on that date You're offering me. I'm a little surprised You'd want to spend so much time with me, but I'm honored. Let's build this relationship." Is that what you want to do? If so, why don't you tell God in the Comments below what time of day you'd like to spend together, and then take that time to talk and get to know each other this week. I personally promise you that you will not regret it. God is crazy about you, and spending time together every day will revolutionize your life.

The Fat of God's Love

Scripture: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1

 

Tired?

You're probably tired. How do I know that? Because everyone is tired today. I am tired! The media, the to-do lists, the children, the job, the ministry, the hopes, the emotions...by the end of the day (or maybe by 10 am!), you're wiped! And if you're anything like me, your deep, desperate question is: How can I find the thing that is going to really, truly nourish me?

 

Unfulfilled

And that's a great question. I used to have this stockpile of things I would do when I got overwhelmed: read magazines, go shopping, watch a movie...all distractors. They didn't really solve my problem; they just distracted me from them for a while. But then, those things stopped working! Because I wasn't really feeding my true hunger. It's like I was starving for protein, but I just kept eating more and more potato chips. I was full, but not satisfied. And God knows all about this; He says here:

Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to Me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food." (Isaiah 55:1-2)

 

True Nourishment

Good food that truly nourishes you. That's the kind of life Jesus promises you in John 10:10. He said, "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." So what really satisfies? I have recently been studying nutrition, mainly because I haven't felt very well lately. And I came upon research that suggests that you really need a certain amount of healthy fat in your diet (like olive oil, fish, etc.) for your body to work the way it should. Fat actually makes you feel full and nourishes your body. I had not been eating that much good fat—eating all these other things instead—and I think my body was kind of starving. Do you feel this way emotionally and spiritually?

 

Two Women...Which are You?

Here's a picture of two women who were both filling themselves, but one ended up full, and the other still wasn't satisfied. I want you to see who you most relate with:

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

The Fat of Life

Just one thing to be concerned about: and that was filling up with the words and presence of Jesus. In your life, as with Martha, there are a million pressures that tell you they're most important: making money, looking good, having that relationship, getting to the next "level." But what Jesus is saying here is that those things don't matter. They are the potato chips, but He is the fat. David said, "Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food." Psalm 63:3,5 If you've been living like Martha (and I know I have!), having Jesus in your home but not really experiencing Him, He is inviting you to be a Mary today. Jesus wants to satisfy you with the fat of His love and a living, breathing relationship with Him.

 

First Step

The first step is just to sit down in His presence, like Mary. Read His word in the Bible. Tell Him how you feel and what you need. It's a relationship, and God wants to relate with you. Will you give Him some of your time this week? Will you ask Him to help you become more of a Mary and less of a Martha? If so, write a prayer to God in the Comments asking Him to help you be a Mary. He has a place right by His feet for you to come and listen to His satisfying words and begin to give you the rest you are really looking for.