Rumor Management

Gospel proclamation at its best is rumor management. You can’t help it. People talk. They’ve done it since the beginning of time. In fact, until the advent of the printing press rumor movement was the primary means of information sowing. One of my good friends in the media business refers to himself as “an educated rumor mongerer.” With the advent of the internet we’ve grown much quicker and more sophisticated, but the realists among us would conclude it’s still all about rumor management.

I hope I don’t unnecessarily offend any of you, but my understanding of the stories of Jesus we call the Gospels of Luke and Mark is that they are a collection of rumors. Mark witnessed some of the events, but mostly gathered what he heard. Luke seems to have only been an eyewitness for portions of Acts and also just gathered the stories of the day and tried to make them read well. (I do believe Mark and Luke are inspired for doubters of my orthodoxy. I can’t help but see the hand of God in this process of rumor management.)

I’ve been preaching through Mark lately and can’t help, but notice Jesus and rumor management. Basically, here’s the point – Rumors can’t be managed. Jesus tried to do it through what theologians call The Messianic Secret (For example see Mark 1:43-45). All that happened was that the rumors became uncontrollable. For a season Jesus had incredible favor. He could no longer be a private person. Everywhere He went people were eager to see him. However, as the story continues the rumors shift in favor. By Mark 15 the rumors lead to Jesus’ unjust crucifixion. I guess we need to learn not to take either the favor or disfavor of man too serious, but to just be faithful in our daily calling.

The Lord has been exceedingly kind to me. He’s allowed me to be a church planter. It’s a bear of a job, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world. I work in a business of constant rumor management. This week it worked to our favor. Please allow me to tell a couple stories.

One of my tasks in overseas living is the management of many documents. I’m in the process of renewing my family’s visas, colleagues’, and applying for a few others new visas. Last year I somehow missed a step and needed to redo it before I could start this year’s process. In order to catch up I needed to go to a Rwandan government office where I did not know anyone. Usually in such a situation I try to find a Rwandan friend who knows someone in the office to “introduce” me. Without the introduction I usually get almost no where. But to be honest this week, I was weary of bothering friends and just wanted to try it myself.

I showed up and I’m sure I looked completely confused trying to find the right person in the right office (though I was at the right building.) Then a young man with a big smile saw me and offered to help. He was one of last year’s graduates from Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). He was at his first professional job. A year ago, I had done some Ethics lectures for his final year; and somehow made a good impression. He was eager to show me around. I explained my predicament. He didn’t know the right place to go in the building, but he knew some one who did. So off we walked to another office. I entered and introduced myself with a business card. Before I could explain my request, the young woman behind the desk said, “I’ve heard about you. You’re widely known in the Christian circles in Kigali. You’re the man who started that new American Christian School in Gaculiro. Also, I used to work at KIST in the President’s office. You did some great things with Oklahoma Christian University. How can we help you?”

Next, she took me to the right office. I got the right forms, spent 2 more days trying to get all the information filled out right, but hopefully will pick up a needed document tomorrow afternoon.

So what does this have to do with Gospel proclamation? Everything. We’ve crossed a threshold in rumor management. I don’t need an individual to introduce me. My reputation preceded me. If I’ve got a good reputation it is the Lord’s hand. I’m just a man trying my best to serve Him. Like so many Old Testament figures in the end I’m convinced it was God’s grace that put me here. I’m thankful to be a tool He uses, but He’s the hero of this story.

The birth of our new church has not come without hiccups. However, some exciting things are happening that say for this season the rumor management is good. We are averaging attendance in the 130 to 150 range. We’ve had 6 baptisms in the last few weeks. Many who come are the thought leaders of Rwanda. For instance in the last few weeks we’ve had those attend who work in the leading offices in Rwanda. They could be embassies, the UN, Non-profit organizations, government departments, and business. It’s our hope to develop a community of faith among those who have the capacity to lead others. It appears to be happening. Some how through out Kigali, people continue to hear that Christ’s Church in Rwanda is a place to be.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement that make this exciting rumor happen.

Imana ikurinde (May the Lord Stay with All of You),

Dave