BISHOP of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Karagwe Diocese, Dr Benson Bagonza has called on Tanzanians to use the Christmas season to pray for the nation and put their trust in God rather than in human systems or personal connections.

Bishop Bagonza made the appeal in his 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year message availed to the media yesterday. In his message, the Bishop reflected on a biblical passage from Jeremiah 29:11, which reads: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

He said the scripture offers a message of hope, reminding believers that God’s intentions for humanity are founded on peace and goodwill, even amid uncertainty and hardship. “Our lived experience has shown us that trusting in human beings often leads to disappointment,” Bishop Bagonza said. “We reach a point where we realise we cannot obtain what we expected, and as a result we lose peace, joy and hope.”

 He observed that many people today find themselves at a crossroads, burdened by fear, despair and a breakdown of trust within society. “Money, weapons, positions of power, friendships, fame and ‘connections’ have not given us peace or a guarantee of safety,” he said. “We long for something we can trust without fear of being disappointed.”

Drawing a parallel with the period surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, Bishop Bagonza said a similar sense of despair had prevailed at the time, as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah had taken long to materialise.

 “In the midst of that darkness, Jesus Christ was born,” he said. “The angel proclaimed the Good News that the Saviour had finally arrived. He is the Prince of Peace, holy and without deceit.” The Bishop urged Tanzanians to place their confidence in God alone, noting that reliance on human systems had caused deep frustration and pain.

 He further posed two reflective questions to society: whether it is possible to continue trusting after being betrayed, and whether one can remain trustworthy after betraying others. “As your servant and Chief Shepherd of this Diocese, I want to assure you that God has not abandoned you,” he said. “He is with you in all circumstances. I earnestly urge you to trust in Him and depend on Him alone.”

 Bishop Bagonza reaffirmed that God loves Tanzania and has plans of peace, prosperity and wellbeing for the nation. “There is no one who loves and defends this country more than God Himself,” he said. “He did not begin today; He was, He is, and He will be forever. In Him, hope still endures.”