Ugandan Government directive concerning the National Cleaning Days
According to Scripture, the Sabbath is God's holy day, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday (Gen 1:5, Gen 2:2, Leviticus 23:32, Mark 1:32)
Many of you are aware of the Government directive concerning the National Cleaning Days, which, when implemented as communicated, affects our Sabbath worship. While the Seventh-day Adventist Church fully supports initiatives that promote a clean and healthy environment, we remain committed to the sanctity of the Seventh-day Sabbath as ordained by-God.
According to Scripture, the Sabbath is God's holy day, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday (Gen 1:5, Gen 2:2, Leviticus 23:32, Mark 1:32). During these sacred hours, God calls His people to cease from their ordinary work and dedicate the time wholly to worship, fellowship, acts of mercy, and communion with Him. (Exodus 20:8-11).
I wish to assure you that the Church leadership is actively engaging the Government in a spirit of mutual respect to seek an amicable solution that upholds both the national objective and our constitutional freedom of worship. Among the proposals presented is that Seventh-day Adventist members participate in the cleaning exercise on either Friday or Sunday, as may be agreed upon by both parties.
As these discussions continue, I kindly appeal to every member to remain calm, prayerful, and steadfast in faith. Rather than giving in to anxiety or speculation, let us heed God's counsel: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). Ellen G. White reminds us that "Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend." (Steps to Christ, p. 93).
Let us also trust that the Lord is leading His church. His promise remains sure: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14). As we have witnessed His faithfulness in the past, we are encouraged by Ellen G. White's words: "We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us." (Life Sketches, p. 196).
I therefore encourage every member to remain united, respectful toward those in authority, faithful to God's commandments, and persistent in prayer as we await the outcome of these engagements We are confident that the Lord, who has always preserved His church, will grant wisdom and lead us to a peaceful and God-honoring resolution.
