In my Christian walk I have noticed that in fellowships, whenever it is time to give testimonies, most Christians tend to focus on those that project their achievements.

And shy from the ones that make known their weaknesses.
For example, testifying about the ills from which God saved them. Not that the former does not hold much weight but when we share with people testimonies of ‘grass to grace,’ it brings about identification.
It is embracing the reality that sometimes we go through unpleasant circumstances but one can always count on the Lord; And we can point out that person who worn the battle.
Christians get to know that when they go through tough times they are not alone.
As I have observed church life, I will share with you some reasons as to why some people have problems with fellowship.
l Ignorance: To some extent, they have not got much teaching about repentance and its relevance. Not only have they got less teaching but also how, what, which, why and when to repent.
lGossiping: Unfortunately, some Christians like to spread rumours.
For instance, a wife gives her testimony on something that involves her family and brethren take the gossip to her husband.
Or you confide in a brother/sister but this person turns it into a ‘gospel.’ Eventually many shy away for fear of rumor- mongering.
lNot many Christians stress the significance of repenting and getting saved.
After all, today, when one talks about abalokole (a luganda word to mean born- again christians) many people will know that you are taking about the Pentecostals yet it began in the mainline churches especially the Anglican Church.
I am saying mainline churches because the East African Revival was not for a specific church. Irrespective of your religious tradition, Jesus was for you.
lThe spiritual background: Some grow in churches that are ever ‘victorious and triumphant’. There is no sharing of weaknesses. Repenting is considered backward. Many claim they want to be modern in their way of salvation. But let us remind ourselves that our ‘totem’ is SIN. Let us repent of it, in black and white.
lEducation, dignity and affluence: Many may find it shameful to talk about their spiritual weaknesses.
I am a professor, lecturer, senior lecturer.. Then I start talking about my failures? I am rich and respectable, aren’t people going to lose trust and confidence in me? Wont it expose me?
lMany are in church/ or saved because they want something: After obtaining what they want, they drop out.
If one is of such do not expect a repentant life. I used to read DRUM, a magazine from Kenya. I remember a story told of a man who got ‘saved’ because of a beautiful girl in fellowship.
He figured out that the only way to win her heart was to get saved. After he married her he went back to his old life.
lMaterialism: These days instead of asking of how many people repented or got saved, people ask: How much did you collect? Say on Christmas, Easter.
 Money is good but it has overtaken the whole idea of either repenting/ getting saved, generally. Many because of their lust for wealth do not see any good thing in repenting.
They may keep in salvation, but you will never hear them utter out a word to support or encourage the brethren.

Dr. Medard Rugyendo is the Ag. Dean of Education and Arts