Change of Plans

Dear CCR Family and Friends,

Our family cannot express enough our appreciation for the support of our Kigali community during this recent season in our lives. You have made us feel extremely blessed to have been called to Rwanda during this season of history.

Many of you know that for about 7 months Jana had been experiencing pain in her lower left abdomen. We journeyed to Nairobi in late May and spent two weeks there taking various medical tests before concluding it was best for Jana to go to the United States for medical treatment. After arriving in the US there were 2 months of exploratory tests that at times left us filled with unease. On 3 August Jana underwent surgery. In this surgery a tumor was removed from her colon and also she had a hysterectomy. The tumor has been found to be benign (not cancer). Since then most of Jana’s pain has gone and we are hopeful for a good recovery.

I am very thankful that many of you empowered me to return to the United States to be with her during her surgery.

Some of you know that my family has a history of back difficulties. My father has had 4 surgeries, an aunt 1, another uncle 1, a younger brother 2, another younger brother 1, and I have had 3 surgeries on my back. Genetic fortune has determined that during our early 20’s to early 40’s several discs (pieces of cartilage) will rupture. As they rupture they will place pressure on nerves in the spinal column and cause pain that radiates down arms and legs with a loss of feeling.

Though this is our genetic fortune we also are typically physically strong and after a season of struggle live to a very old age. The struggle teaches us many lessons which I would not ever want to give up. Also, I have learned that God blesses us as we honor our family and I am extremely thankful for mine.

I have had a wonderful 8 years with no radiating pain. However, for about the last month I have had pain in my left shoulder that radiates down my left arm with a loss of feeling on my left hand. Last week it was found that I have 2 herniated (ruptured) discs in my neck. I will undergo some treatment, but the outcome is yet to be determined.

I would ask that you not feel unduly sympathetic. I believe this season is ordained by God for His glory and purpose. Jana and I have twice gone through seasons in our marriage where we both struggled with our health. Those seasons were some of our most cherished of our married years. Also, they were ones in which God intervened in very distinct and profound ways. We trust that the outcome of this struggle will also again be a one of God’s intervention.

Let me again thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers during this season. The year 2009 was a more difficult one financially for my family than 2008. I never asked for financial help, but many of you seemed to see our family as one of your own. Throughout the last few months many of you have put envelopes of money in our hands that have paid for travel and medical bills. I intended to move to Rwanda to serve others, and instead many of you have served me. Also, in my absence many have gone an extra mile to give extra measures of care to my children. I cannot say thank you enough. Finally, you have lifted our family up in prayers and showered us with encouragement. I can say from the deepest part of my being that my community in Kigali is one noted for generosity, concern, and care.

My children who remained in Kigali during my absence (Caleb, Ethan, and Ruth) are currently traveling back to the US to be with Jana and me for the next several months. We are eager to see them and be reunited as a family.

Our intent during the next few months is to regain our health, and organize the support structure of CCR and KICS for greater growth. We also believe this season is one to listen deeply to both God and men to hear what new opportunities will be placed before us. We intend to return to Rwanda.

While we are gone we place great trust in the other pastors at CCR. We believe they will provide the needed leadership and vision. We also have great faith in how God will work through our entire CCR community to display His glory.

Some have asked me for a list of two things to pray for about our family. The first is that our family during this season will be filled with an immeasurable measure of joy and peace. May we laugh frequently and trust entirely. The other is that God will use this season to display His glory. May we just be willing tools in His hands.

Murakoze cyane.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins