We caught up with Evelyn B. W. Mwasa, author of WAKISA Devotions, to discuss the inspiration behind her writing journey, the message she hopes to share through her devotional, and its relevance in today’s world.
1. Who is Evelyn B.W. Mwasa?
I am a Christian, with Christ at the centre of everything I do. I am a mother with a consciousness to birth and nurture as a lifestyle. I am also a global citizen who leads collaborations to tackle development and humanitarian challenges.
Additionally, I am an entrepreneur, a continuous learner and a mentor.
Professionally, I am a Marketing Fellow, a Communications and Partnerships Specialist, and a Business Development Strategist. I have close to 30 years of leadership experience across the media, finance and insurance, development, and humanitarian sectors.
I sum all this up in one phrase: “chaos coordinator.” Someone who solves problems you never knew existed in ways that will blow your mind. This speaks to the innovative solutions I have led to address neglected societal needs over decades.
2. Your book Wakisa Devotions – Part 1 is described as a collection of Bible-inspired reflections and practical wisdom. What gap did you hope to fill for today’s readers?
I have witnessed a lot of timidity among us who are not theology experts towards Bible study, especially the Old Testament. I also saw this challenge among many Christians, including myself. It puzzled me because I wondered how we can pray to a God we do not understand.
Equally, I had childhood top-of-mind awareness of Psalm 1, which emphasises that those who meditate on God’s Word are like a tree planted by streams of water, whose leaves do not wither.
In trying to understand why I was not bearing fruit in season, I sought to close this gap by going deeper into God’s Word while encouraging other Christians to do the same. Wakisa Devotions is aimed at stirring deeper Bible study, which should also revive our prayer lives.
3. The title Wakisa suggests restoration and renewal. What significance does the title hold, and how does it reflect the book’s overall message?
Wakisa is not just a cover title. It is my name, Grace, translated into Luganda, the main language of central Uganda.
I was born and live in Uganda, a country once torn apart by war and fear, but now steadily reclaiming its glory as the Pearl of Africa, a title given by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. My story, like that of my nation, is one of redemption and grace.
God’s Word is full of examples of how He restored lives, and Wakisa Devotions reflects on just a few of these stories. No matter how torn apart we may seem, God’s grace is sufficient to restore us.
4. How can readers move beyond simply reading devotionals to applying biblical principles in their personal, family, and professional lives?
In Wakisa Devotions, I introduce a practical Bible study rhythm – R.I.C.P: Read, Immerse, Consider, and Pray.
This framework is not so different from other Bible study approaches that have been used over the years. The focus is to encourage readers to engage and relate closely with God’s Word.
For application, we need to immerse ourselves in what we are reading with context. When we open our minds, God reveals to us how His truth applies to our lives. Above all, we need to pray, asking God to help us live out what we have learned.
God’s Word is not meant to be read passively or taken at face value but should drive positive actions in our lives.
5. Many Ugandans are navigating economic and social pressures. How do you believe faith can provide hope and resilience during difficult seasons?
The times we are navigating are not so different from what people experienced in the Bible, yet some thrived while others did not make it.
Faith draws us to follow the example and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. He never promised a life that is linear and without trials. What God assures us in His Word is that He will hold us through life’s storms. Wakisa Devotions reflects on how God shields us from life’s floods,s and I share lived experiences.
I wish to draw you to faith in Jesus Christ. That is what I know and what I have experienced.
6. What one message would you like every reader to remember after finishing reading Wakisa Devotions – Part 1?
Deeper Bible study is not only a preserve of those on the pulpit, but is for all Christians and believers. We cannot pray to a God we do not know.
Secondly, the times we are navigating are not so different from what people experienced in the Bible, yet some thrived while others did not make it. Those who thrived walked in obedience to God’s Word, and they were people of prayer.
We need to revisit the way we approach Bible study and prayer, from a transactional style to a relational one.
7. Where can readers purchase Wakisa Devotions – Part 1 from?
Wakisa Devotions, Part 1 is available at Aristoc Booklex, on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions, and at selected outlets including Lacedri Forex Bureau (Grand Imperial Hotel) and Ndiko Advocates at BMK House, 3rd Floor, Suite 307. Wakisa Devotions will soon also be available at the Uganda Bookshop.
Those in Uganda can also visit the National Library on Buganda Road to read Wakisa Devotions on site at no cost.
8. What can readers expect from Part 2?
Richer reflections that will draw readers into finding their purpose in life. Purpose is a motivator. It has the power to keep us awake and to lead us to places where the best in us shapes up.