Furlough Plans

Dear Family and Friends,

The last year has been an exciting ride in the launch of Christ’s Church in Rwanda (CCR). As with all start up endeavors it comes with many unpredictable moments where God turns a challenge into an opportunity. For the last several months we have been working with a calendar to find a two month period in which we could leave for furlough and cause the least amount of disruption in the ministry. (The addition of our co-workers Bryan and Holly Hixson, and our new Youth Minister, Moses Mbabaali, and Administrative Assistant, Jane Naziwa Mukamongi give us great confidence in the on-going work.) We’ve finally found the window. We will begin our furlough on May 17 and return to Rwanda on July 26. We are eager to see many of you and share all that we’ve seen happen since we saw many of you last.

A few highlights are:

• CCR was launched on March 4, 2007 with 332 attending, the signing of our Contract with Rwanda, and Guest of Honor, Minister of Local Government Protais Musoni.
• 13 people have been baptized since September 2007, and we are having many discussions with those considering immersion.
• Summit, our CCR Youth Ministry is off to a fabulous start and has developed a core of over 30 youth who are participating in Bible studies. A larger group averaging 60 to 100 attend Friday evening’s positive entertainment.
• Over 400 people attended CCR’s One Year Anniversary Celebration on March 2, 2008 in which the Secretary General in the Ministry of Defense, Zac Nsenga spoke.
• CCR attendance now is running between 140 and 180 on most Sundays.
• A typical Sunday attendance will include individuals from leading Rwandan government offices, international embassies, non-profit organizations, and Rwandan entrepreneurs. CCR is reaching the thought leaders of Kigali.
• To promote spiritual development CCR has begun Purpose Driven Tuesdays and 32 different people have come to study and worship with us.

• Kigali International Community School (KICS) has grown to a student body of 91 students from 23 nationalities, and anticipates more growth in the upcoming school year.
• Like CCR, the families whose children attend KICS are some of those who lead in the formation of thought systems of development in Rwanda.

• Dave continued teaching Ethics part time at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (The Rwanda government’s leading university). This past year he delivered lectures to all the graduating seniors (roughly 270 students in total.)
• Dave continued writing a column for “Focus,” Rwanda’s most thoughtful independent newspaper.

• Jana facilitated 8 adoptions of Rwandan orphans for families in the U.S.

• Our kids are thriving.
• Sophia is the Student Government President at KICS.
• Sophia and Caleb are in KICS’ drama.
• Caleb and Ethan are on KICS’ soccer teams.
• Ruth amazes us with her humor and graceful beauty. Her rhythm and musical ability are a joy to listen to and watch.
• Timothy’s strong will continues to lead him to overcome. He is the fastest child at KICS among his peers. He has developed a sophisticated sense of humor.

Our plan will be to begin our furlough hubbing out of Oklahoma City to see family, friends, and supporters in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. We plan to travel to Southern California in June. Near the end of our furlough we will travel to Minnesota to be with Dave’s family and visit supporters in Minnesota. Besides sharing with many of you first hand accounts we will need to do some fund discovery. In 2008, we lost $1,000 per month in support. Also, as Rwanda is a landlocked country where most goods are transported through Kenya our cost of living and ministry has increased due to the political situation in Kenya. For instance, gasoline of gas in Rwanda costs $5.57 per gallon and milk costs $7.34 per gallon. God has been gracious to us through extra gifts and our family and ministry are doing o.k. However, to stay on a healthy foundation we need to replace the lost monthly support. Also, in 2009 we will need to make final payments of $556,000 on our church and school property. Thus we will need to continue discover these funds.

Our schedule will soon fill up. If you would like to visit with us during our furlough and/or make a presentation to an individual, organization, or church you know please be in contact with us. We look forward to reconnecting with many of you who have blessed us through the years.

Imana ikurinde (May God Keep All of You),

Dave and Jana

P.S. Feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in what God is doing in Kigali.

Special Beginnings Class This Thursday

The last several Sundays have been very exciting ones at CCR as we went on new paths of discovery together. One of my most enjoyable moments as a pastor is to listen to questions - What is the vision of CCR? How do I get involved? Why do I need to be part of an accountable community? What is the purpose of life? Who can take communion at CCR? How is leadership developed? Can you explain more about baptism?

Do you ask also ask questions of this nature?

Our CCR Beginnings Class is designed to answer these questions, and be the first step to CCR membership and community. Several mentioned to me this past Sunday that they would like to take some time to explore these questions. Thus we will offer a Special Beginnings Class this Thursday, 1 May at 3:00 p.m. in the upstairs Youth Room. The class usually takes about 2 hours of your time.

Since Thursday will be a holiday, I hope that if you are exploring you will have the flexibility to spend this Thursday afternoon with us.

I look forward to seeing several of you Thursday.

Dave

Family Matters

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you go ah ha? Now I get it. Some how the memories and commitments of the past all come together and you see God’s hand. It’s that strange place of mystery and discovery. Other’s wisdom from the past and present makes us wiser, but the journey is still continuing. The past can’t be repeated in a copy cat event ever, but we must remember what God has done and honor the heritage which brought us to our discovery today.

For those of you that quickly scan these e-mail bulletins, let me tell the news before I review the memories and discovery. We’ve had 4 baptisms at Christ’s Church in Rwanda (CCR) this past week. Two have particularly gotten my attention. One is Alexis Hixson, the daughter of our co-workers, Bryan and Holly Hixson. The other is Nathalie, the Fiancé of my friend in the Rwandan Ministry of Local Government, Joseph Rurangwa. Besides these thrilling events, we also spent a portion of last week in the mundane and in the end it felt like a major waste of time, but hopefully we are wiser. Bryan and I spent several days last week preparing for a big auction of old furnishings at the U.S. Embassy only to discover that even used items in an auction in Rwanda will sell for three times their new value in the U.S. You may not see all the connections so let me tell some stories about why family matters.

As CCR celebrated our One Year Anniversary we reflected on our Contract with Rwanda that was signed on 4 March 2007, by Rwanda Minister of Local Government Protais Musoni. In it CCR covenanted with the people of Rwanda. Several of our pledges are:

• “The sounds coming from our facility will be the reasonable sounds of Christian joy, the teaching of God’s word, the laughter of playing children, and thoughtful dialogue and debate as our community seeks to find solutions forward.”

• “We believe that the first institution of leadership in our community is the family. Therefore our leadership will be made up of those who have succeeded as spouses and parents.”

The Lord asked our family to be the initiators of CCR. Its not surprising since church planting is in our blood. Jana’s parents were church planters in Kenya and Uganda. My parents were part of start up churches in the U.S. Also, I can’t count the number of times I heard my dad’s soap box about family matters and always comes before other earthly priorities.

The cliché of God first, family second, and ministry are easy to recite. However, life does not make it easy to live. Most men who love their families wake up each day and go to work to provide when to be honest they would rather throw a baseball with their son. Our commitments some times require actions of duty and foresight. Yet, it’s out of these convictions and moments of ambiguity that God speaks the clearest. Much of what we do in Rwanda is nothing more than honoring our heritage and empowering the generations who follow us to succeed (for instance the start of KICS was an attempt to meet our own children’s education need, but quickly grew to a leading institution to make international investment in Rwanda a possibility.)

Let me tell a few stories. During my childhood I remember that once when a church our family was helping plant had a need for Bible class furnishings a local school closed for consolidation. In the process, all their furnishings were auctioned. I don’t remember going to the auction, but I do remember spending a day picking all we purchased up and off loading it at our new church facility. Last week, when I heard the news that the U.S. Embassy in Kigali was auctioning their old furnishings my memory bank started churning. Bryan, Moses Mbabaali, and I spent a good portion of several days looking at nearly 500 items, categorizing, estimating value, praying, and dreaming. The starting prices were so low we thought maybe, just maybe; we had found the God send to furnish the wonderful new facility God had provided for us. Though I’m now in my 40’s, I found myself reasoning like a little boy eager to write my parents after our purchases and tell them how well we had done and thank them for the heritage and wisdom they gave us. Then the day of the auction came. We eagerly waited with hundreds of others. The bidding started, and kept going up, and up. Finally, many items would sell for three times their U.S. new value. We seemed to be wasting our time. The runner in me thought, “O.k. Let’s let the greedy and ambitious have their time. We’ll just keep our pace. They’ll run out of cash and enthusiasm, and we’ll get a steal later in the day.” We left to let the crowd be a crowd, and kept coming back through out the day waiting for the money to be spent. It never happened. Everything we wanted sold for outrageous prices. All we came away with was another example of why Kigali is so expensive to live and work. We had no stories to write home about, just that we were a little wiser.

Some people believe that I have an exceptional gift to navigate African government offices. It does seem that I know lots of influential people in several countries in the region. Also, it seems that I have been able to accomplish some tasks that others from my culture find a struggle. First, if I have such a gift I have to conclude it’s a gift of God’s Holy Spirit, and it’s not my place to take credit. Second, if it is a skill it is because I followed Jana’s dad, Gaston Tarbet for several years in Uganda and learned how to navigate well. It’s not horribly complex – Be someone’s friend first. Let agendas die. Listen to other’s concerns and vision. Mold your hopes into what meets other’s needs. Pray with and for people. Present yourself in a professional way. Dress well. Have business cards. Write clearly. Always teach and point to Jesus.

In our first year in Rwanda, I met a man in the Ministry of Local Government named Joseph Rurangwa. He’s a gem of a friend. He’s one of the few men I know who has both a brilliant mind and a compassionate heart. (Many of us seem to vacillate between intellect and emotion and never master and use both for God’s glory.) I’ve always enjoyed his friendship and feel like his helpful introductions and advice have brought far more good to my hopes than I can return to him. Joseph is in the process of getting married and I feel extremely honored that I’ve been asked to help in the process. I’ve gone with a wise community leader, Eugene Barikana, the Secretary General in the Ministry of Local Government to meet Joseph’s future in-laws and begin wedding arrangements. Jana and I are doing some pre-marital counsel for Joseph and Nathalie. Weddings are one of my favorite ministry activities and I treasure any opportunity when I am asked to help. Through all of this process we had a discussion with Nathalie about faith, and this past Sunday she was baptized with 2 other people.

The following Monday, I received a note that Alexis Hixson was going to be baptized at CCR. We were thrilled. Alexis invited her closest friends. It was an eclectic bunch – Rwandans, Ugandans, Americans, school teachers, principal, night guards, a preacher, a youth minister, the wife of a leading Rwandan government official, a university student, a young man beginning his first professional job, an entrepreneur, the wife of a banker, poor, middle class, and wealthy, young children, teenagers, and adults; mom, dad, sister; and they all considered Alexis their friend. I can’t imagine any 8 year old in America with such diverse friendships united on faith. (Photo of the witnesses of Alexis’ baptism and our family are attached.)

As we had a week to ponder our own heritage, I could not help but ponder what Alexis’ future would be with such a bunch surrounding her. What would God choose to do when this little girl becomes a brilliant woman with social skills that can easily move between races, diverse ethnicities, economic stature, and education background?

Some of you may think we make many sacrifices to be in Rwanda. It is true there is much we miss. However, we also experience many items that we could never replicate any where else in the world. We are the ones who are blessed more so than we could possibly bless others.

My dad’s words are true. Family matters. As we honor our heritage and discover afresh God continues to do something new. Jana’s dad, Gaston Tarbet always prayed that we would go beyond what he had learned and discovered. I can’t imagine we have, but we trust that our children will.

We wish the same blessing to all of you.

Imana ikurinde (May God Keep All of You),

Dave

ALL I NEEDED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM AN ELEPHANT

Over the recent school holidays our family took a holiday to a nearby game park. We had a fabulous trip in which we saw many animals. Our guide provided insightful commentary on animal life; particularly elephants and Cape buffalo. As he made his comments I could not help but think elephant and buffalo family life is a lot like human relationships. In fact as I watched my children take it all in I saw a teachable moment and opportunity to exercise our wacky sense of humor. We came to the conclusion that all we needed to know we learned at the game park.

Our guide told us that elephants have a remarkable memory. In fact, they can remember events that have happened in detail from 30 years in the past. His commentary was that we need to be very careful in ticking an elephant off as he will harbor a grudge and patiently wait for his opportunity to trample an old opponent. Sound like anyone you know? Truly, it appears from our local elephant commentator, “An elephant never forgets.”

A few weeks ago, I was visiting with a local friend born in 1982 with a friend from a western country. My local friend was describing the emotion of his family towards another group of people and began telling stories from the 1960’s. I did not sense from my local friend a desire for cyclical revenge. However, it was clear that his social system’s emotions were driven by a long tangled history. He was all too familiar with emotions driven by the experiences of previous generations. His eyes had never seen the events of the past, but his heart still beat with the wounds.

My Kizungu culture has become so used to rapid change that it rarely reflects upon the past. My culture’s negotiable truth discovery, perverted view of justice, and passion for quick fixes to life’s complexities shortchanges those who live in situations that demand an elephant’s memory.

However, I have wondered if those of us gifted with exceptional memories also carry an elephant’s curse of never being able to forget. If we are those who always ponder the why questions of life and seek answers to the origins of both human triumph and tragedy our memory will provide the insight to chart new forward visions. Yet it is our elephant’s curse that it also leaves our emotions tattered. We become easily manipulated without a healthy view of justice and mercy, forgiveness and accountability, and an uneasy attachment to paradox.

From the viewpoint of those likely to be trampled by elephants we realize that today’s actions are not just the actions of today. They can set off a chain of events that are unpredictable and volatile. A seeming victory today may shift to a defeat tomorrow. The unscrupulous business profit of today may undermine society’s trust and make long-term development impossible. A person in humble circumstances today may become an influential one in a few years time. If we understand our own potential for future trampling we will make wiser choices today. Fear is not the best motivator for good behavior, but it does get the job done in our most self seeking moments.

If we can foresee our own potential for trampling we will by nature make few enemies and many friends. We will prefer to live in community from start to finish. We’ll grow comfortable with the many roles that life may give us and recognize that time has a way of revisiting the past with a fresh face.

Good teachers learn this lesson well. In the academic world once you reach a certain point upward mobility is almost over. A professor’s knowledge and influence may increase, but his power is rather stagnant. He has the privilege to instruct future leaders. If he can see them through the eyes of one about to be trampled he recognizes that in a few short years many students will be more powerful than he. Thus he instructs with grace, holds firm on matters that are clear, and hopes that in the end the academic relationship will mature into friendship. He knows that the true test of his teaching is not in marks on his exam; but in his student’s performance years later when they must rely upon a never ending thirst for both knowledge and improved character.

A proverb many of us are familiar with is, “When the elephants fight it is the grass that suffers.” Maybe it’s time to look at life through the perspective of the grass. A generation after an elephant fight the grass has moved on. In fact, being in the elephant’s path was a blessing in disguise. The brush was cleared. The earth turned over and fertilized by elephant dung. The ground soaked fresh rain and sun. A new generation of grass has arisen. The grass benefited from the elephant fight of the past, but today it needs peace and forgiveness. Thirty years is too long to wait for opportune revenge.

For those of us who believe in the resurrection of Jesus we must grapple with these awful elephant memories our entire lives. Tragedy begets triumph. From suffering comes victory. Our God does not will evil, but from it He restores loss.

Forgetting is not appropriate if we seek to be wise and forward thinking. However, institutional and generational forgiveness is the only answer to elephant sized problems.

Can you smell the fresh new grass?

Come run with me.

Dave pastors Christ’s Church in Rwanda in the Gaculiro Caisse Sociale Estate. For more discussion feel free to contact him at christchurchrwanda@gmail.com.

40 Days of Purpose

You may have noticed in New Times, the banners around Kigali, and from the crowds at Amahoro Stadium that our city of Kigali has embarked on 40 Days of Purpose. Through out history for some unique reason when God desired to do something out of the ordinary he chose to use a 40 Day period of reflection to do it. Our human nature usually looks for very quick fixes, but God's ways are to slow down, reflect, process, and then act in confidence of God's call. Some historical figures who God asked to listen for 40 days are Noah, Moses, the spies who explored the Promised Land, David, Elijah, Jesus, and Jesus' disciples.

History after the times of the Bible tells us that when God acted in an extra-ordinary way He called His people to unite in prayer and discovery. God's ways are always bigger than one individual, church, organization.

Thus CCR has joined with the PEACE Plan and other churches in the 40 Days of Purpose. During this time there are daily devotions in New Times, our sermons will reflect the messages of the week, and we are meeting at our facility on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. to discuss our discoveries. We are each working through Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life."

This Tuesday about 25 of us gathered at CCR to begin the discussions. A highlight for me was closing in prayer from our balcony as we overlooked Kigali and pondered what God intends to do.

If you are thinking, "I missed my chance to begin" please see this message as instead a call to join. We will continue meeting and trust God will gather those he desires to inspire. We have been given 50 free copies of "The Purpose Driven Life", and will make them available free of charge to the first 50 people who are willing to join in the 40 Days of Purpose with us. After that moment is reached we will sell further copies for just 1,000 Rwanda Francs.

I will look forward to seeing many of you this coming Sunday for worship at CCR, and then again on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm as we continue in small groups our discovery.

Dave

Prayer and Revival

It has been an out of the ordinary month that has left me pondering what God may be doing. My bible and history books are open, and it appears many prayers are on the verge of answer. Will you ponder and pray with me?

One of the historical events that have always fascinated me are Revivals. Christian historians write of them being movements of humanity turning to God that affect the systems of government, education, business, and media. They are no mere emotionally events of a few individuals. Their impact upon society can not be denied even by secular scholars. I remember in my High School English Literature Class reading Jonathon Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” I remember while at university learning the details of the First and Second Great Awakenings and the impact those events continue to have upon the American experience of democracy, freedom, and human rights. As a missionary I have been amazed at how the East African Revival of the 1930’s that began in Rwanda brought lasting change to churches and missions throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, like all Revivals the flames of the East African Revival grew cold and in 1994 Rwanda became the poster child for the ugliest parts of humanity.

My own spiritual heritage traces to the Cane Ridge Revival of 1801 in Cane Ridge, Kentucky in which 30,000 people gathered to listen to a call to accept Christ and turn from sin by Barton W. Stone. He was assisted by preachers from a number of different churches who came to the conclusion that unity must be found in non-denominational Christianity. Three years later, the theological foundations for my heritage were written by Robert Marshall, John Dunlavy, Barton W. Stone, John Thompson, and David Purviance on June 28, 1804 in the “The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery.” Though over 200 years old their words ring true to contemporary times,

“… We will that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the Body of Christ at large; for there is but one Body, and one Spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling…

We will that there be one Lord over God’s heritage….

We will that the church of Christ resume her native right of internal government….

We will, that the church of Christ look to the Lord of harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest; and that she resume her primitive right of trying those who say they are apostles and are not.

We will that each particular church … admit members – and remove offenses; and never henceforth delegate her right of government to any man or set of men whatever….

We will that preachers and people, cultivate a spirit of mutual forbearance; pray more and dispute less; and while they behold the signs of the times, look up, and confidently expect that redemption draweth nigh…

We will, moreover, that our past conduct be examined into by all who may have correct information; but let foreigners beware of speaking evil of things which they know not….

Finally, we will, that all our sister bodies read their Bibles carefully, that they may see their fate there determined, and prepare for death before it is too late.

The written words of my spiritual forefathers seem particularly relevant to today’s opportunities in Rwanda.

On Sunday, 30 March I gathered with 30,000 others in Rwanda’s Amahoro Stadium to listen to Rick Warren and Rwanda President Paul Kagame. Due to Jana’s work with orphans and the network the Lord has allowed her to develop, humble missionaries like Bryan and Holly Hixson; our supporters, Kirk and Teresa Douglas, and Ted Saunders; and Jana and I sat in the chairs directly behind Rick and President Kagame. President Kagame spoke that in the past Rwanda had existed without a purpose and that had resulted in the horrors of 1994.

Following this event, our Christ Church in Rwanda (CCR) staff and Kigali International Community School (KICS) leadership were invited to attend the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives that was hosted in Kigali on Monday, 31 March. At this event President Kagame quoted Mr. James Wolfensohn when he stated in 2002 that "half the work in education and health in Sub-Saharan Africa is done by the Church, but they don't talk to each other and they don't talk to us".

President Kagame’s words were indicting. If we desire to see God work in an out of the ordinary way in our generation we must be like our spiritual forefathers who sought the unity of the body of Christ above their own understandings and agenda and courageously sought unity of community and vision.

This month I ask your prayers for the following matters:

1. May sweeping Revival enter into Kigali, Rwanda. May this Revival be like the ones of old that can not be contained by any church, organization, or individual. May its leadership be men and women of courage, wisdom, vision and unity. May God find us worthy of His call and use us in His plans.

2. May there be a growing numbers of Commitments of Discipleship at CCR. Though church planting has ups and downs, interest continues to grow. Last Sunday, 18 individuals came to our Basic Evangelism and Discipleship Course, Beginnings. May many of these individuals commit themselves to being used by the Lord for His glory through our local church body.

3. Our CCR Friday Youth Night (Summit) seems to quickly be establishing a niche as an alternative to discos and bars in Kigali. Between 60 and 100 individuals have attended each Friday during the first last month. May God use Summit as a means to call many young people to new faith in Jesus.

4. KICS continues to find a niche in Kigali. On Monday evening, I was visited by Paul Jabo, Gasabo District Vice Mayor and Andrew Vigamba, Rwanda National Police Commissioner. Paul’s children are enrolled in KICS and his friend, Andrew sought to enroll his children. However, due to our limited number of teachers we are not able to currently accept any more students. May more teachers arise to allow KICS to further open enrollment doors.

5. Our friend and helpful advocate in the Rwandan government, John Nkuranga’s son, Brian has been diagnosed with Glaucoma in his left eye. Brian is just 4 years old and has lost 90% of his vision in his left eye. John, his wife, and Brian are traveling today to India to seek further treatment. May their travels be safe. May help be found. May Brian’s sight be restored.

Again, thank you for your prayers and support that sustain our family and ministry.

Imana ikurinde (May God Keep All of You),

Dave

The Tragedy of Putting Timothy to Bed

Memoirs of an older sister

by Sophia Jenkins

It came to that tragic time, the time mom said for me to put timothy to bed. I try to say the bad words gently, “Timothy it is time for you to go to bed.”

“No I’m not tired,” said Timothy

“Well, you have school tomorrow so we better go to bed now. You don’t want to be tired for school do you?”

“I’m not going to school. I feel I little-bit-sick.”

I grab Timothy by the waist and carry him to his room. After much wrestling he is standing on his bed. More wrestling and he is sitting on his bed. Even more wrestling and is laying down with his cover on.

“I am tired of my bed. I want to sleep in mom and dads bed,” said Timothy.

“Hmmm, I think you better stay here in your bed,” I try to convince him.

“No! I am going to go tell Dad. He is on my side!”

“He is not here Timothy. Go to bed,” I said.

“NOOOOOOOOO!”

Timothy begins screaming and runs to mom and dads door. He bangs on it and continues to yell. Finally after much bribing that I will get Ethan to snuggle with him he yields and goes back to bed. As I am making my tortilla in the kitchen timothy barges in.

“Ethan stinks! I want you!” he says. He looks at my tortilla and says “I’m hungry!”

“Ok I will give you a tortilla if you ran back into bed,” I say.

When I reach the room he is sitting in bed waiting patiently. I give him the tortilla.

“I’m thirsty,” says timothy.

“Ok what do you want? Juice or water?” I ask.

“Cool aid.”

“There is no cool aid.”

“FINE …JUICE!!!”

I return moments later with the juice. I give it to him and for hopefully the last time I say, “Now it is time to go to bed.”

I turn out the light and I hear him scream.

“I can’t eat without the light on,” says Timothy.

“I can’t sleep with the light on,” says Caleb.

“Timothy you can see. The hall light is on. You will be fine,” I said.

“But I’m scared of the dark,” says Timothy.

“Timothy you don’t have to be scared God sent his angels to protect you. They are the strongest power rangers ever! So there is no reason to be scared.”

“But I can’t see them”

“Well, uh, err, that doesn’t mean they’re not hear. Hmmmm. You know they have invincible power.”

“I’m scared of the dark.”

“I am GOING and I am TURNING off the light and you are GOING TO GO TO BED.”

As I leave I hear crying and screaming. After listening for 20 min. to his screaming, I go into the room for the last time.

“Do you want to come snuggle with me?”

Timothy nods his head and reaches out his arms. I pick him up and carry him to my bed.

“Your blankets are scary,” says Timothy.

Brotherhood is Built on Competition

by Caleb Jenkins

Once upon a time in a random city in America there was a man called Bob. He had a wife named Sally Sue. They had two twin boys named Billy and Joe. Billy was older than Joe. When they were children they always competed for every thing. As babies they fought over their bottle. They fought over everything you could think of. Where to sleep, chairs, place at the diner table, who was hot, who was not, who was more athletic are just a few things they fought over. When the parents were confronted about it they answered, “Brotherhood is built on competition.”

All this time they were fighting over little things until they met Sue Sally. Billy and Joe were at a party when they saw Sue Sally. They both nearly fainted at the sight of her. Billy walked over and said, “Do you have a band aid, because I just fell for you.” A smile appeared on her face, Billy thought it was because she likes him but actually she was trying to hold in the laughter. Joe came and said “Is it hot in her or is it just me.” With this she just couldn’t hold it in any longer. She busted out into laughter.

Billy and Joe saw Sue Sally at another party. Billy walked up to here and said, “Sorry for my loser brother last party. So, do you want to go out with me?”

“Um, well I don’t know,” said Sue Sally, “By the way your fly is open.”

Billy zipped up his fly and walked away embarrassed. Joe walked over to Sue Sally and with some smooth talking got her to go out on a date with him.

Billy was totally ticked off. After Joe’s date he went to confront Joe. “Why did you go and take my girlfriend.”

“She is not your girlfriend. Besides she has already dumped me,” Joe replied.

“We are going to settle this, tomorrow bring your car and we’ll settle this.”

“We don’t have cars.”

“Well we will have to buy them.” The next day they bought cars. They also had them all souped up. They met at highway 123 and got ready to begin the race. After hurling a round of insults at each other someone dropped the flag to begin the race. They were off. Joe’s car had better acceleration so it took a big gain in the beginning. Soon Billy’s car catches up due to its high top speed. Because Billy is a bad driver he must slow down a lot to make a turn. He can’t regain the speed that fast so Joe gets massive gains on turns. When they get to straight places Billy reaches his top speed and gets a massive gain on flat, straight stretches.

On the last leg Joe is far ahead of Billy. Billy reaches his top speed and is about ready to pass Joe. There is less than one hundred meters left. They crash into each other and because of their neon under glow they create a massive explosion. Lets just say Billy and Joe are no longer with us.

The lesson to be learned here is that anything involving two average young American men, souped up cars, and a pretty girl never turns out ok. The smaller lesson that some may say is more important is that brotherhood is built on friendly competition.

What On Earth Am I Here For?

It has been an out of the ordinary month that has left me pondering what God may be doing. My bible and history books are open, and it appears many prayers are on the verge of answer. Will you ponder and pray with me?

One of the historical events that have always fascinated me are Revivals. Christian historians write of them being movements of humanity turning to God that affect the systems of government, education, business, and media. They are no mere emotionally events of a few individuals. Their impact upon society can not be denied even by secular scholars. I remember in my High School English Literature Class reading Jonathon Edwards' sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." I remember while at university learning the details of the First and Second Great Awakenings and the impact those events continue to have upon the American experience of democracy, freedom, and human rights. As a missionary I have been amazed at how the East African Revival of the 1930's that began in Rwanda brought lasting change to churches and missions throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, like all Revivals the flames of the East African Revival grew cold and in 1994 Rwanda became the poster child for the ugliest parts of humanity.

On Sunday, 30 March I gathered with 30,000 others in Rwanda's Amahoro Stadium to listen to Rick Warren and Rwanda President Paul Kagame. President Kagame spoke that in the past Rwanda had existed without a purpose and that had resulted in the horrors of 1994.

O. At this event President Kagame quoted Mr. James Wolfensohn when he stated in 2002 that "half the work in education and health in Sub-Saharan Africa is done by the Church, but they don't talk to each other and they don't talk to us".

Preident Kagame's words were indicting. If we desire to see God work in an out of the ordinary way in our generation we must be like our spiritual forefathers who sought the unity of the body of Christ above their own understandings and agenda and courageously sought unity of community and vision.

My hope is that in our generation in Rwanda we will see God do something completely new that will not only transform our city, but transform the Great Lakes Region. If it is to happen it will happen the way that God has historically worked. We will unite with others in prayer, discovery, and action.

This week we will partner with others in the 40 Days of Purpose PEACE Plan. Our lesson this Sunday will be one of discovery. "What on Earth am I here for?"

Does that question haunt and consume you? It does me. It seems I live in a continual cycle of running to catch up. Life never seems to be quiet and still. Yet in quiet moments I think there must be something more.

This week we'll journey back to the days of wise leader who did it all. He was a scholar, builder, and lover of people. He read all the books and knew all the contemporary theories. He built all that he had vision to do. His home was filled with people seeking his counsel and enjoying his company. Yet there was something missing. The race never ended.

Sound familiar? It does to me.

Will you come this week as we discover with others what God says to our quest for purpose?

Dave