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