The message began with a reading from the Bible, Acts 16:25–35, recounting the story of Paul and Silas, who were imprisoned for spreading the gospel.

Pastor Gisanura explained that despite being locked in prison, Paul and Silas did not lose heart. Instead, they prayed, sang, and praised God throughout the night, lifting their voices in spirit and worship.

Their act of praising God in the midst of suffering led to a miraculous event: an earthquake shook the prison, the doors opened, and their chains were loosened.

He said, “They were not imprisoned for doing wrong but for teaching about Jesus. Even when surrounded by people who might have considered them insane, they chose to praise God.” He encouraged everyone not to be afraid to declare God’s name, even in environments where faith is absent.

The teaching emphasized the story of the jailer, who was on the brink of despair and considered ending his life. Paul stopped him, assuring him that no one had escaped and that all the prisoners remained. This encounter led the jailer and his household to believe in Jesus, be baptized, and transform their lives.

Pastor Gisanura highlighted that sometimes God allows us to enter “prisons” in life—not as punishment, but so that others may be saved through our testimony.

He also shared a personal testimony, illustrating the power of boldly declaring God. In 2011, God placed it on his heart to pray for someone at their office and intercede for a job abroad.

Two months later, that person got the job and gifted Pastor Gisanura a car as a token of gratitude. He said, “Had I been ashamed to pray and declare God, I would not have received that blessing.”

He further stressed that Christians should use the gifts God has given them to serve Him, bringing blessings to themselves and others.

Pastor Gisanura reflected on periods of hardship in his own life, including unemployment. Instead of despairing, he intensified his ministry, preaching to prostitutes, alcoholics, and others, many of whom came to salvation.

Over time, God blessed him financially, allowing him to start new projects. He noted that when one focuses solely on worldly pursuits and forgets God, doors may close, but returning to God’s work reopens them.

He gave a practical example from a trip to Nyamasheke, where a car tire burst but the air stayed in the remaining tires, allowing the journey to continue safely back to Kigali. He emphasized that dangers may come from outside, yet God can use them to glorify Himself and provide testimony for His work.

Pastor Gisanura concluded by urging believers: in trials, do not pray only for deliverance; praise God. Praising God in suffering opens doors, transforms lives, and brings glory to Him.
As was the case for Paul and Silas, today, praising God continues to have the power to turn our “prisons” into places of salvation and blessings.