Amazing Answered Prayers

Dear Family and Friends,

I apologize for how poorly I have communicated the last month. I’m in awe of all that has happened. My slow moving brain is just now starting to conceptualize it.

A few days ago one of the most unique events of my 14 year ministry career in East Africa occurred. On Sunday, March 4, 2007 I stood before 332 people to officially open Christ’s Church in Rwanda. From this large gathering of people were many of influence. Our guests included two Presidential Cabinet members, five individuals who work in the President’s Office, the Rwanda Director of National Parks and Tourism, the Vice President of Rwanda’s University that trains health care practitioners, numerous government officials from departments such as the Ministry of Education, Local Government, and Supreme Court, middle class families, businesspeople, and entrepreneurs, university lecturers and students; media representatives from 3 newspapers and 1 radio station; several large non-profit organizations regional and country directors, the USA embassy Consular, and most importantly at least 40 children between the ages of 3 and 9 years old who will likely do more good for the future than any of us who pretend to be influential today.

Now a few days later, I sit in prayerful fear of what the Lord may do and the responsibility he calls us to. The task before us is simply greater than our personnel, abilities, plans, or resources. As Jesus told his disciples the harvest was plentiful and the need for workers great, I too feel the sense of awe at the harvest (Mathew 9:35-10:42).

Because of this holy terror I ask that you join with me in prayer.

First, let us thank God for all that He has done. After many years of dreaming of Rwanda our family was able to move here and settle into life less than 2 years ago. Most organizations consider Rwanda a hardship posting, and it has not been easy. But Rwanda is now home. Our children are in school. We are never alone and find friends wherever we go. The only thing more beautiful than the countryside is the spirits of the Rwandan people.

For our ministry we have experienced a unique season of favor in which Christ’s Church in Rwanda was the first church to be completely registered by the Rwanda government in 4 years. Though the events of the 1994 Genocide in which churches were both compliant and participants has soured Rwanda’s attitude towards those of faith, we are being given a new opportunity to speak and act in faith. Now we are in the process of purchasing property that all we meet consider strategic.

Second, I ask that you pray for my colleague in the Gospel, Justin Rudasingwa’s family. Justin returned to help rebuild Rwanda in 1999. His wife, Rose and children Phillip, Catherine, and Sandra remained in Uganda due to Rose’s job and the children’s education. Justin takes several trips per month over weekends to see them in Uganda, but they need to be all live in the same location. Rose is a very skilled person in the coffee industry. Pray that she will be able to find a job that uses her skills and adequately compensates her in Rwanda so that the Rudasingwa family can all be together.

Third, pray for those who will soon be joining us – Caleb and Jenny Beck; Amy Brown; Bryan, Holly, Alexis, and Grace Hixson; Bryan and Christy Dolinger; and Sam and Nancy Shewmaker. The Lord has abundantly answered our prayers for more co-workers, and they are all now in various stages of preparation to join us shortly. Particularly, keep their need for financial partners in the Gospel in your prayers.

Last, pray for us to be given a greater measure of wisdom. This task is bigger than any we have ever experienced in life. Truly, the Lord is the hero of it. May we be given the wisdom to administrate and lead all the possibilities.

Thank you for your prayers and support that empower our family and ministry.

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

Dave and Jana