Prayer Bulletin

Dear Family and Friends,

Our very existence here is a paradox. We are called by the All Powerful God, yet our tenure as missionaries is extremely vulnerable. The One who has sent us is All Knowing, but we are many times perplexed about what is happening around us. The work by nature is exhausting, but it is full of greater joy than anything else we could ever do. Our Lord is a Sovereign, yet He holds us responsible. Our Lord provides all that we need, yet we must humbly ask for our daily bread.

Saying this, we are very thankful to be in Rwanda. Each day is a special grace from Him. A few issues are arising that seem to need special attention, and make us humbly realize how dependent upon Him we truly are. This month we ask your prayers for the following matters:

1. Beards Arrival and Support Discovery: The Beards are scheduled to arrive in Rwanda in early May. We are very eager for them to be with us. May their support be discovered in abundance and their way cleared.

2. Teacher Recruitment: Something very unique is happening with a large gathering of American missionaries and development workers in Kigali. Yesterday, we had a school meeting. Our numbers are rapidly growing and we now have approximately 15 families working together to form a school for our children. This is a crucial task in order for our families to remain in Rwanda for an extended period of time (and we are all planning and praying for a long tenure.) Our plan is to start operating the school in September. We need at least 5 teachers, and presently have only 2 committed. May God call school teachers to join us in Rwanda.

3. Government Documentation: Our visas hit a snag several weeks ago, but the Lord usually uses these moments to redirect us to a wiser and better path. The Lord has provided us with good advisors and advocates along this journey. May our redirection lead to situations that will give greater honor to the Lord. May our visas and church registration soon be processed.

4. Small Group Growth: Our small group on Thursday evenings has been growing, and this week we plan to divide into another group that will meet on Sunday afternoons. May the birth of this new group lead to new spiritual life.

5. Wisdom: It seems this is always our greatest need. May we have greater measures of wisdom from above.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Imana ikurinde (May the Lord keep all of you),

Dave and Jana Jenkins

President Kagame to Visit Oklahoma Christian University

First Steps

We have a drum at home that has taught all our children to walk. It’s simple process – pull yourself to a standing position, start banging, catch a rhythm, then Jana or I pull the drum a step away. Next comes the difficult part – take a step to the drum. Most of the time, our kids fell down, but there would always come that great moment when a step was taken. Then we had to celebrate the victory. (And we’re very good at parties and celebration.) Next, we would just keep repeating the process – pull to standing, catch a rhythm, move the drum, take a step, fall down, start again, and always celebrate.

All our kids are running now. Timothy has astounded many with his ability to overcome C.P. Caleb and Ethan are pretty quick afoot. Sophia and Ruth have some great moves, and can sure catch a rhythm. The process of the drum gave our children their first steps.

In Rwanda right now, we’re learning to walk. We thought it would come easy because we have lived in Africa before, but it’s a new rhythm. We’re on the same learning curve as our children – pull to standing, catch a rhythm, have the drum pulled away by a Good Father, take a step, fall down, celebrate, and try again.

A few have asked us what it’s like being new in Rwanda. The drum is our answer. A few have asked how we would begin in a new place. It’s really all about trying to pull our self to a stand, catch a rhythm, taking a step, falling down, and finding something to celebrate. To be honest it’s a completely humbling process, but yet we find great joy in the process.

Many of you have asked us what you can do to most help us in Rwanda. You’re already doing it. It will take us a couple years to be running, but we’re confident with God’s help some day we shall run. In the meantime we ask your continued encouragement on the journey and to join us in celebrating each small victory.

Thank you for the great encouragement you have given us on this journey.

Imana ikurinde (May God keep all of you),

Dave and Jana