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