Why Would a Church Run?

This coming Sunday, 26 October is the Inaugural CCR 5KM Fun Run. I am eager to see what the day will bring. Honorable Minister of Local Government Protais Musoni will be our Guest of Honor. I hope you will attend with us. Some of you have asked some questions, and I am writing this e-mail to answer the most common questions.

Why would a church host a run?

When CCR opened on March Fourth 2007 we made a Contract with Rwanda. A portion of this contract states:

"Christ's Church in Rwanda recognizes the government as God's appointed institution to exercise authority on earth. As such we pledge to submit to the government's laws, processes, and vision... 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 are serious about keeping our word. Thus we keep listening to the topics of discussion concerning Rwanda's development and seek to find ways to cultivate dialogue in a community. In May 2008 I was invited to attend a seminar hosted by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) that discussed values for churches to promote that would lead to development. One of these values was "SPEED - A COUNTRY IN A HURRY." (This has since been refined to "SPEED AND RESPECT FOR TIME.")

Instead of just preaching about speed it seemed wise to our CCR Pastoral Staff to create a teachable moment for the discussion. Thus we decided to host our Inaugural 5KM race as a mechanism to create thoughtful dialogue about speed.

What will happen?

Registration for the race will begin on Sunday, 26 October at 7:30 a.m. at CCR. At 8:30 the race will begin. We anticipate our first runners will finish in about 15 minutes, but others may take as much as an hour. We hope some will cheer. We hope after the race finishes most will stay to enjoy visiting and making new friends.

CCR worship will begin at 10:00 and last to 11:30. We hope many will stay for the topic of discussion which will be "WE MUST RUN." Don't worry if you are dressed appropriate. For this day sporty / casual attire is acceptable. In fact, I'll wear my race t-shirt, running shoes, and casual pants as I speak.

Do I have to run?

No. You are welcome to walk. Also, if you want to cheer on the race participants your encouragement is vital to the race's success. A few of our participants will go very fast, but for most of us this race is more about our community engaging in a common journey for a purpose. Just enjoy the journey.

Do you need more help?

Yes. We are completely dependent on volunteers to make this race a success. We need help with registration, marshalls, distributing water, first aid, etc... If you can help us as a volunteer please arrive Sunday at 7:00 a.m. (Volunteers do not need to pay to participate in facilitating the race's success.)

Who are the sponsors?

We have a great group of sponsors who include MINALOC, RIEPA, ORTPN, MTN, Utewrwa, New Times, Contact FM, Masaka Farms, the ROC Foundation, and First Impressions Day Care.

How much will it cost?

Race day registration to participate as a race runner / walker will cost 5,000 Rwandese Francs. This will include a race day t-shirt, a bottle of water, and bananas.

Can I get a discount?

Yes. If you register before Sunday, 26 October registration is only 3,000 Rwanda Francs for students and 4,000 Rwanda Francs for adults. Just drop off your registration at CCR during the week with any of our staff. Feel free to call us before you stop by so that we make sure we are available to help.

What about breakfast and my kids?

We always try to make CCR a positive environment for your whole family. Feel free to bring your whole family. My kids will run the race and I hope yours also will enjoy the run. During worship we'll dismiss your children to their own bible class so you can pay full attention to the message.

If you don't have time to make your family breakfast before coming to church, Masaka Farms will sell pastries, cheese, yogurt, juice, and coffee at the race.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes. Feel free to forward this e-mail on to others who you think may have interest in participating. We would love to have your friends join us this coming Sunday.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins