Urgency of the Task

Dear Sharers in the Faith:

Since our letters at the end of last year asking for year end gifts many of you have responded and we are very thankful. However, the task is not over. A few have raised the question – What happens if we don’t discover the funding to purchase the 2020 Visions School and Hall (or Caisse Sociale Gaculiro Estate School and Hall)? (For more details and pictures about this facility please check out our new web site dedicated to explaining the vision at http://www.rocfoundation.org.)

I’ve bitten my tongue for a long time about the urgency of the task, but do not believe I could be a faithful messenger of the Gospel and remain silent any longer. If you read old missionary letters or missions’ history the urgency of the missionary task has always been a core part of the missionary message. Unfortunately, in contemporary American Christianity urgency seems to no longer be a feel good topic. Instead, we frequently use pseudo-spiritual mumbo jumbo as a cop out as we longer attempt great things for God. When we don’t have enough courage to attempt historic endeavors we use the phrase “the will of God” to baptize our own failures of vision and action. I’m convinced it’s always God’s will to make disciples. We don’t wait for perfect timing, methods, or messengers. I’m also convinced there are seasons in history in which the Lord opens up opportunities that are truly out of the ordinary. There are seasons in which His spirit moves across a city, people, or nation; and prepares them for great receptivity. When His Spirit moves in such a way, the wise farmer heavily invests in such receptive soils. I’m convinced this is happening now in Rwanda, and it is time to respond.

I’ll only use one biblical story that has always terrified me to make my point. In Numbers 13 and 14, twelve spies were sent to spy out the Promised Land. They returned unanimously convinced that the land was one of abundance. However, only two believed the Lord’s strength was sufficient to take the land. Ten of those who were gifted leaders chose to lead the people in doubt, fear, and rebellion. As a result an entire generation was set aside. Forty years later, a new generation would arise to take the land. The text is clear that it was God’s will for the Promised Land to be taken by the nation of Israel. However, the first generations lack of faith and courage became the deciding factor in what God would do with them.

Are there times today, in which God places before us an opportunity that requires faith and courage, and instead we complain, fear, and simple do not act? I’m convinced there are many. My great fear is that I’ll be one who is set aside until God rises up a generation who will follow him with their full heart.

My good friend Justin Rudasingwa said similar words to me in November 2004 as he grew weary of American Christians who loved the idea of ministering in Rwanda, but would not commit to going – “The facts have been found. How many fact finding missions do we need? Who will come?”

Our family could escape our responsibility no longer, and chose to come to Rwanda in June 2005. We have been amazed at what we have seen. The opportunities are amazing and we ask for others to now partner with us in this great endeavor for God. The task is urgent. I don’t believe the historic tragedies of Rwanda were God’s will. Instead they indict our failures to be God’s people.

Now for some pragmatics about Rwanda History:

• What would have happened if the world had not ignored hundreds of thousands of Rwandans who lived as refugees from 1959 to 1990?
• What would have happened if the world had listened to the warnings before the Genocide of 1994?
• How many could have been saved if the world intervened as the Genocide started?
• Where were the people of God in all of this?

When I see the New Rwanda developing I am convinced that God desires to take the historically darkest place in Africa and turn it into the source of the greatest Light and Life. As you look at the pictures of this property (http://www.rocfoundation.org) I hope you hear and see some things in faith. Can you hear a crowd worshiping? Can you see new lives being born in the waters of baptism? Can you hear God’s Word being proclaimed? Can you see the changed lives? Can you hear the voices of children in school? Can you see children from the community gathering to play? Can you see a community center that models all we are intended to be? The creative activities of our humanity – art, drama, theater, and sports? A cup of coffee with friends? An encouraging e-mail? A good book? A new discovery? A place to heal bodies, minds, and spirits? Can you dream of anything that could be done for good that could not be done from this property?

Now for the difficult question: What happens if we don’t discover the funding to purchase the 2020 Visions School and Hall? We have only a short time to raise these funds before another may arise to purchase it. We plan to make an offer on this property early in February, and need your help.

Here are some practical things that could happen if people of faith in Jesus’ Resurrection do not arise to the task:

• The hall could become a disco / bar / nightclub. Kigali is a dull place on weekends. Young people are looking for things to do. The HIV rate in Rwanda is 3.1%. Letting the property become a gathering point for immorality will cost some young Rwandans their lives.
• The Muslim faith is growing in Rwanda. This property is strategic. This could become an influential Mosque or Muslim school.
• The property could be taken over for a completely secular purpose. Though good could be done, who is best equipped to lead in community building – people with or without faith?

We live in a season of urgency. An unparalleled opportunity is before us. Will you join in this historic endeavor?

Ukubere Uwamata n'ubuki (Let it be of honey and milk),

Dave Jenkins