A Journey Through Lent: Jesus Wept

Pastor John Bosco Kanyangoga 

Good morning and Praise the Lord. A warm welcome to everyone to today’s service at Zion Temple Celebration Centre, in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
I am Pastor John Bosco Kanyangoga, the Vice Legal Representative of Authentic Word Ministries.
Whether this is your home church, if you are visiting for the first time, we are so excited you joined us today in the presence of the Lord.
We are a church that believes in the Bible and the power to transform lives through a living relationship with our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Our vision is to prepare the Bride of Christ.

Let me also take this time to give a warm welcome to BBC Radio 4 listeners - joining us for this special service.

I want to take a few moments to share a brief history of Zion Temple Celebration Centre. Zion Temple Celebration Centre began as a response to Rwanda’s deep need for healing, spiritual renewal and community rebuilding in the years following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
In 1999, Zion Temple led by Apostle Dr Paul Muhirwa Gitwaza, opened its doors, welcoming people from different walks of life, primarily Genocide survivors and returning refugees who were seeking healing after immense loss. Over the years, these new believers grew into a dynamic congregation committed not just to weekly worship but to transforming lives through the gospel, intentional community, and service.
From its earliest days, the church has emphasised a personal relationship with Jesus and practical discipleship, helping people find hope and purpose as Rwanda rebuilt its social and spiritual fabric.

And now let's welcome Asaph Worship team

MUSIC: I Speak Jesus - Charity Gayle

Pastor JB to welcome people to read the Bible verses

Thank you very much Asaph for leading us into the session of praise and worship. God inhabits the praises of his people, and you can be sure He is here with us.

This morning’s scriptures are read by Barbara, Vanessa & Serge

READING 1: John 11:17-27 (by Barbara Umuhoza)

17So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

READING 2: John 11:32-36 (by Serge Gasasira)

32Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” 35Jesus wept. 36Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”

READING 3: John 11:38-44  (by Vanessa Giramata)

38Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

Pastor JB Introduces a reflection on the theme “Jesus wept “and Women International Day discussion.

Today, in the season of Lent, as we prepare for Holy Week, we're considering the story of the raising of Lazarus, as found in John's Gospel.
It's a narrative with many layers - the relationship between Jesus and sisters, Mary and Martha, a deeply human response to the death of a dear friend and the divine manifested in his miraculous resurrection from the dead, giving us a glimpse of what is to come in Jesus' resurrection at Easter.
The theme of our service is "Jesus wept". 
When I have reflected on this scripture I can’t help but remember many of us on this great continent of Africa still believe men don’t cry.
Jesus was man, but He was also God, yet the bible says He wept after the death of his friend Lazarus. He sympathised with Mary and Marthe- the sisters of Lazarus.
This is a demonstration of God in a human body; with every sentiment a human can have. He identifies with our pains and sorrows even today.

Today also happens to be International Women’s Day. So, as a fellowship we want to honour the women in our congregation and all women in the world.
Zion Temple Celebration Centre intentionally creates spaces where women are encouraged to grow spiritually, develop their gifts, and step into leadership.
Women are leading different parts of the service today - from worship to prayer to singing, demonstrating that women are valued, equipped, and empowered in the life of the church.
Some are involved in supporting the church’s different projects; the school, health clinic, radio and tv.
All these projects serve the community and Rwandan society in ensuring that people’s lives are transformed holistically. I am inviting some of our brave women to share their thoughts in a discussion on the theme of the day: Jesus Wept.

Discussion by Barbara Umuhoza, Giramata Vaness and Ruzindana Shengero Belyse (all members of Zion Temple Celebration Centre Gatenga in Kigali – Rwanda)

MUSIC: What a Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship

Pastor JB sermon

MUSIC: Always on Time (I remember) - Elevation Worship

Pastor JB introduce the Polyclinic:

Sangwa Polyclinic (in Huye Southern Province in Rwanda) offers professional medical skills, practical and spiritual care to families who come for treatment. The clinic represents Zion Temple’s heart to serve the whole person.

Sangwa Polyclinic

Interview with Dr Egide Kayitare Board Member & Founder of Sangwa Polyclinic, Dr Francois Munyengabe Consultant Paediatrician Clinical Director, and Sonia Umutesi a Patient + some prayers and worship songs of the stuff (they pray 30’ before they start to work Monday – Friday).

MUSIC: You Came - Bethel Music

Pastor JB introduce prayers by Annet Mucyo

Finally, dear people of God, I pray for you to encounter this Jesus who wept.
His compassion and love seek after your heart, to save you from your sins, heal your broken heart and transform your life. May you invite Him into your heart to come and touch you and change your life, In Jesus, Name. AMEN.

MUSIC: 

He won’t fail (Firm Foundation) - Cody Carnes

Music led by Janviere Uwamahoro, Serge Gasasira and Josue Igiraneza – all members of Asaph Worship team from Zion Temple Celebration Centre Gatenga, Kigali – Rwanda