Tribute to Mr. Godfrey Rwakitarate-Seeking First the Kingdom

There is a part of every visit to Mbarara that I always look forward to-the stop over at the Rwakitarates' home a short distance (about 4 Km) after Mbarara town. I've known Mzee Rwakitarate for almost all my life and he is one person that I love and admire greatly. I am a second-generation fan of his because my parents love him too and I guess he has that effect on everyone he meets. 


For as long as I can remember, Mzee. Rwakitarate has lived by the words of  Matthew 6:33, which is about seeking first the kingdom. In fact, the most prominent thing on the wall of his living room is a hanging with the words  "Mubanze Musherure Bukama bwe n'Okuhikirirakwe nebindi Muryabwongerwaho". It is not surprising, therefore, that he named his children Mubanze, Musherure, Bukama and Okuhikirirakwe. 


Mr. Rwakitarate is about 84 years old and has been saved for over 60 years. He worked in  telecoms for the early part of his career. It was during the second year of his tertiary education that he came to Christ, ending a period he refers to as a "riotous time" in his life. He later retired and became a full time evangelist, which has been his life for about 60 years. He has preached the word not only in Uganda, but regionally and internationally. Even though his health is failing as a result of advanced age-there is still alot of life and youth in his eyes and he has not allowed his age or illness to deter him from his mission. I remember a time when he was ill and we thought he was coming to Kampala to see a doctor, only to learn that he had come to attend a conference. Now that he doesn't leave his home very often, his church members come to his home and worship every month.


Mzee Rwakitarate always has a nice word to say to all who meet him and is quick to give his testimony and gently urge all who listen to follow Christ. He is wonderful with kids-I have loved his company since I was a child, and I now see him mesmerizing my little nieces and nephews with stories and songs and telling them how much God loves them. I often hear him talking about how futile chasing after money is. He speaks about having first hand experience when it comes to doing God's work, and having the faith to let God take care of him. Indeed God has provided-he has a lovely home, which he built without borrowing any money and his children are very successful in their respective fields. He is very content and clearly has everything that he needs.


I've often wondered how he and my parents became friends. As a child, I would often see him-a "born again" product of the Revival, sitting with my father and chatting with him while my Dad drank a beer. There would be no judgment or condemnation in his speech or conduct, but he would always manage to preach the word to my parents. I know he played a part in my getting saved and suspect that my Mom would say the same thing. I guess if my Dad ever gives his life to Christ, Mzee Rwakitarate will be responsible.


Even though I have visited him many times, I always feel like I should spend more time with him. He is one person who greatly enriches anyone who comes into contact with him and I see him as the example of what a Christian should be like. He is one person I'd very much want to be like "when I grow up".


I know many people who have their own stories of how he makes them feel, and I'm sure their stories will be even better than this one.