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BY RICHARD DRASIMAKU
NEBBI: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025
Tucked away in the gorgeous serenity of the Western Rift Valley in Goli, a border sub county in Uganda’s Nebbi district is Biku prayer mountain, a magnificent symbol of faith.
This fascinating landscape of impressive outlay is variously remembered for hosting the smallest church in the world.
The tiny architecture dubbed the Bethel family church is 2.3 meters wide – spacious enough for only three congregants at a time- and is one of the ten prayer points spread around this idyllic landscape.
The Bethel Family church is the smallest Church building designed to host three congregants at a time.
That side, Biku offers visitors and the faithful a place ideal for spiritual solitude and rejuvenation to savour in the eternal presence of the Holy Ghost.
It draws people of all faiths especially the Born-Again from within West Nile and a far who seek convenience for meditation, prayer and fasting.
The prayer points themselves are stone-built relics on rock whose quietness is only broken by the occasional burst of worship by religious pilgrims, deafening roar of the Namrwodho waterfalls, screeching of vervet monkeys and the chirpings of the birds.
A journey through the prayer points is a divine travel that takes one through a variety of biblical themes ranging from personal spiritual growth, prayer for family needs, neighbours, youths and the future generation, Uganda, the neighbouring countries in East Africa, Africa, Asia, Europe, America and the rest of the world.
The design and shape of each enclosure of the different prayer points too offers a reminder and recognition of the early receivers of the Christian faith, the apostles and notable figures in the Old Testament among others.
There also is an 8000-seater open-air amphitheater that is stone erected in an oval shape with a shade for the pastor and his entourage of religious dignitaries.
This magnificent set up was the patch work of spiritual revelation through a Korean pastor only remembered as Song and the Anglican church in Uganda.
Former Archbishop of Uganda Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo laid the foundation stone for the Alter One, which is also the main church.
Following the departure of the Korean founder, the place is now under the control of caretaker intercessors, awaiting appointment of a resident pastor by Nebbi diocese of the Church of Uganda.
To maintain the place, the local community carry daily cleaning from Monday to Friday while the care takers have introduced a small fee, sh2,000 (USD$ 0.53) for upkeep for three days per visitor, an additional sh2,000 nightly charge for those who want to sleep on a mattress and at will giving of offertory.
According to the visitation roster, pilgrims who come on Monday are expected to leave on Wednesday and those who arrive on Wednesday depart on Saturday.
Biku Prayer Mountain is a truly remarkable place, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance. The smallest church in the world, Bethel Family Church, is a testament to faith in its simplest form. The variety of prayer points allows visitors to connect with different biblical themes, fostering personal and communal growth. The serene environment, coupled with the sounds of nature, creates a perfect atmosphere for meditation and prayer. How does the design of the prayer points enhance the spiritual experience for visitors?