Believing in people

By Agnes E. Nantaba

Apostle Grace Lubega is the brain behind Phaneroo a fellowship largely for University students and young corporates happening every Thursday at MTN Arena. He spoke to Agnes E. Nantaba

Any three things we don’t know about you?

My family background is Roman Catholic and my first conversion was at age eight in response to an altar call at a Crusade although I eventually lost my way until University when I converted for the second time. I was predominantly a worshiper then transitioned into a teacher and preacher. I play Basketball, and I was a professional banker.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness comes when one relates with God out of pleasure rather than duty.

What is your greatest fear?

I don’t fear anything because perfect love casts out of fear.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Sometimes I am too desperate to change people within seconds.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

People who judge, forgetting that Jesus also once said ‘he without sin cast the first stone.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mother; she is one person who is a real friend to her children.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Ministry and nothing else; for a ministry to stand, a lot of investment is involved.

What is your current state of mind?

I am at peace because I have conditioned my spirit over time and anxiety heals nothing.

On what occasion do you lie?

If I was sneaking Bibles into a Muslim nation, I would deny that I have them.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

Nothing because I am fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image.

Which living person do you most despise?

Not a person but character. I despise insensitiveness.

So how did you get the idea of Phaneroo?

The church had inclined to a very deceptive definition of God as people became too desperate. Consequently Phaneroo is a Greek word to mean‘make manifest’. So the Lord spoke to me to answer the many questions that the church previously left unanswered.

Why is the ministry so attached to young people?

The campus stage is the most wasted where many of them have lost the values of Christianity. So Phaneroo is there to solve the problem.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

He must be accountable because African culture raised men who are treated like God.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Submission because it is a strength.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I can’t miss out on phrases like ‘It is working’.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My mother; she is a friend, she is fair and square, and she hears God.

When and where were you happiest?

My second conversion to Christ at University in November 2005

Which talent would you most like to have?

I am a multitalented person. but I would also love to be a rally driver one day.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

If I could have more sleep but I currently have a lot to do in ministry.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The love from people; there is nothing to substitute for it.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I would love to come back as Grace Lubega but one who prays and reads the word (gospel) more for the years I lost in the world.

Where would you most like to live?

Uganda; I was born for it

What is your most treasured possession?

People because I am a people person all through.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When I am or if someone is put in a situation of wasting Kingdom time.

What is your favourite occupation?

Preaching the gospel because God is the best boss with the perfect terms and conditions

What is your most marked characteristic?

I am unpredictable.

Who are your favorite writers?

Christian philosophers like C.S. Lewis the writer of Mere Christianity, and Essek William Kenyon the writer of ‘In his presence’. Their writings focus on the commitment to have a spirit of excellent wisdom.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Charles Grandison Finney one of the proponents of the second great awakening; he literally revived the whole continent.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My biological parents, spiritual father Pastor Isaiah Mbuga. They believed in me at a time when nobody did.

What are your favourite names?

I prefer names  with good biblical or spiritual meanings.

What is your greatest regret?

No regrets because all things work together for good to them that love God.

How would you like to die?

Peacefully without disease and after finishing what God called me to do.

What is your motto?

Believe in people.