We've Moved!

Into Rwanda has moved! Please visit the Jenkins here!

Recovery

Dear CCR Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for your prayers, support, and encouragement during this season. It has been a little over a month since my surgery. When I first came out of surgery the feeling on my left hand had returned, and there was no pain radiating down my arm. Thus there was immediate improvement. However, due to the nature of the surgery I was quite sore, stiff, and tired. Also, it was difficult for me to eat due to the movement of my trachea during surgery. I spent about 3 weeks largely just resting.

Today, I saw the doctor who performed the surgery for my first follow up visit. He took an x-ray and examined me. I was shocked to see on the x-ray how much my spine had improved. With the Lord’s help I am healing in a remarkable way. The doctor has given me the freedom to go back to my normal life. He even encouraged me to begin running again. We were all surprised at how well the bones in my spine are healing back together.

I will have 2 more follow up visits with the doctor before returning to Rwanda. One visit will be in mid-December. Another visit will be in late January. It seems that all the counsel we are receiving encourages us to make the most of this season by resting and healing completely. Thus we still face the future with a few unknowns related to the date of our Rwanda return but persistent hope in again being privileged to serve in Rwanda. We trust that in a few months time we will again see our friends in Kigali.

Again, thank you so much for your prayers and support during this season.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

Whose Story is it Anyway, Part 2

Last Sunday we looked at fact that Christians are faced with a choice between two gospels - the gospel of the world with its survival of the fittest, me-first, dependency on science and technology or the gospel of scripture with its loving creator God who sustains life, directs history and who offers salvation to those that believe in him. We looked at how there is a challenge for those that believe the bible's gospel to live out the truths of this gospel not only in the church, but also in our daily lives so that others can see that we have a hope that can't be found anywhere else. We saw how Jesus challenged the church to be the 'light' of the world, and asked the question as to how brightly our light was shining - asking if we are hiding our light, if our light is shining in to every area of life, and if our light is turned on all the time, or only on Sundays.

This Sunday we are going to continue to look at this subject, using a story from the book of Acts about a man who discovered that you can have everything that the world can offer, and still find it does not bring the satisfaction that you are seeking. We are going ask what we can really trust and hang on to when the world around us seems so chaotic, unstable and transient. We are also going to look at how we can truly enter in to the fullness of what it means to be a Christian, and ask if we are settling for anything less than God's best in our lives.
Come and join us as we explore these issues.

Graham McFadden in going to be speaking

Christ's Church in Rwanda

Whose Story Is It Anyway?

I wonder how you make sense of this world that we live in. Life often seems a little crazy and things sometimes take unexpected turns. Suffering, disasters, financial problems hit everyone at some time or other. We also have unexpected good times in life too. It is hard to make sense of it all sometimes.
I wonder why you think you are here on this planet at this time? What's the point of this life that you are leading? Questions like these have been asked by philosophers for thousands of years.
Each one of us has their own way of answering these questions. Our answers, consciously or subconsciously, will influence the kind of people that we are, the choices and decisions that we make and how we relate to those around us.

Often we interpret the world through our culture, our traditions or the examples of our parents or those around us, but the Bible presents a different framework for interpreting the world. We know it as the 'gospel' or the 'good news'. Christians believe that the gospel 'story' tells us why we are here, where we came from, where we are going and who is in control. The world also presents its own 'story' which seeks to answer these questions. The challenge for the Christian in contemporary society is to not only believe the bible's gospel, but to live by it out in every area of life, even when the world thinks WE are crazy! This presents a lot of challenges and will often lead to conflict as the Christian view of things clashes with the world's view.

This Sunday we are going to look at why we, as a church, need to hold on to the truths of scripture in our everyday lives (not just at church on Sundays), and how we can be the 'salt and light' in the world that Jesus has called us to be.

Graham McFadden is going to be speaking.
Christ's Church in Rwanda.

Help Is Coming

Dear CCR Family and Friends,

Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. We wanted to write a note to our community with some updates.

Since I last wrote concerning my health I have had several treatments that sought to avoid surgery on my neck for 2 herniated discs. Though these treatments provided some temporary relief of pain they have not changed my condition. I could accept this pain as part of life, and allow a gradual deterioration of my left arm. However, this would likely mean that I would need to consider the season that God had called me to Rwanda finished. I do not perceive that a time has come to leave our commitment to Rwanda.

Thus I have made a choice to pursue healing through surgery. I will have surgery on Tuesday, 29 September. The surgery will be more complicated than I earlier anticipated. It will involve surgeons entering my neck through the front, removing 2 herniated discs, placing a titanium plate on my spine, and fusing 3 vertebrae. However, there are many factors that suggest I will recover well from this surgery, and we proceed in hope.

We continue to have many divine appointments on this journey and believe God has ordained this season of struggle for His glory. For instance, the surgeon who our insurance company referred us to (Dr. James Odor) is the brother of one of our dear pastoral friends in Oklahoma City (David Odor). I have quickly moved through doctor’s offices when it appeared I might wait for months.

Following surgery I will need several months to completely recover. Thus I will not be in Kigali for another few months.

While I am not in Kigali I have great confidence in those leading with organizations with whom I participated. My family is sponsored by the Quail Springs Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. We formed an International Non-Government Organization, ROC Partners (Rwanda Outreach and Community Partners) for the purpose of empowering CCR, KICS, and other projects that promote leadership development. The Quail Springs Church of Christ and ROC Partners are deeply committed to the success of our endeavors in Rwanda. Thus we are sending Tom and Sue Gooch to strengthen our work in Rwanda. Many of you know Tom and Sue from their previous travels to Kigali.

We trust that the Gooches will add great wisdom and willing hands to our endeavors in Kigali. We trust that you will shower them with kindness similar to how many of you have treated my family. We trust that this season of struggle will be one that builds and blesses.

While I am gone my CCR family and friends remain dear to my heart. You are frequently in my prayers. I ask your continued prayers as I pass through this season.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

Living in Community

CCR Family and Friends,


This Sunday we will launch a short series on "Living in Community". Moses, our Youth Pastor, will be speaking as we begin to take a look at what it means to live in community. Each week we are blessed to gather to worship God and fellowship together, but most of us never see one another again until the next week at the same time, same place, and same chair. Is that really, living in community? I believe there has to be more.


When we are living in community we know when a sister needs a hug, or when a brother needs a helping hand, or when someone needs a shoulder to cry on or someone to celebrate with. This email message will be perhaps the first time many of you have heard that one of our sisters at church from South Africa passed away. Jenny Dunlop was a woman of faith who believed in God and believed in making time for the community of believers who helped sustain her spiritually. She was a part of our community who believed in blessing others in the community. While we mourn with her family we will celebrate with another part of our community.


On Sunday we will meet, and hear from, many of the girls who we sponsor for secondary education through the CCR Vulnerable Children's Ministry. This is a part of our community that Jenny believed was worthy of our support so that they might have opportunities in life that might not otherwise happen without the blessing of a community. In addition to our regular contribution we will make a basket available at the back of the hall following church for memorial donations in Jenny's name that will go toward these girls education. The are not aware of this, but will hopefully be blessed in this demonstration of serving a community in the name of Jesus. Some or our church community is initiating this effort as a way to allow us to "live in community" and make a difference within that community.


Finally, we will have to say farewell to one from our community, Francis Cosser, as we wish her well as she leaves us for a different assignment in the U.S. Frances has been with us for nearly two years and served faithfully with our praise and worship team. We will miss her among our community but know others will be blessed by her as we have been.


Please join us on Sunday as we practice living in community, and consider joining us following service as we talk about what it means to be a part of the CCR community. We will offer the "Beginnings Class" for those who desire to learn more about CCR or who desire to become a member. The class will address four key areas including: our purpose & vision, our history and strategy, our structure, and our salvation. A light lunch will be provided and the class should finish by 3PM. If you are unable to attend, do not worry, we try to offer the class on a monthly basis.


We look forward to this community being blessed by your presence on Sunday at CCR in Gaculiro at 10 - 11:30 AM.


Bryan Hixson

Sermon on Line

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement during the last few weeks. Non-surgical treatments for herniated discs on my neck have not succeeded. Thus I am waiting for doctors to schedule surgery.

While I am waiting for an appointment I am teaching at churches that support our family and ministry. This past Sunday I spoke at the Quail Springs Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. This is the church who led by faith in initiating our family moving to Rwanda four years ago. In all areas of what may be perceived as success in those years from CCR to KICS to the Rwanda Presidential Scholars Program this church has thrown their lives into investing in the hopes of Rwanda.

Some of you have mentioned that you would like to hear me speak while I am away from Rwanda. Last Sunday’s sermon is on line and can be heard at

http://quailchurch.wsiefusion.net/Media/Sermons/22%20Minutes%20or%2022%20Years%20090609.mp3

I’ve titled the sermon, “22 Minutes or 22 Years.” I’m confined to preaching a 22 minute sermon (actually it was 27 minutes.) However, life is messy and sometimes all that God intends takes 22 years to accomplish. Most of us have had the experience of being betrayed, betraying another, or likely both. Betrayal makes a mess. Trite politically minded religious leaders will tell us to simply forgive and 22 minutes later everything will be ok. The problem is that the realities of betrayal are with us for years.

For those of us dealing with a messy life there is an old historical story of betrayal and redemption that generations have heard over and over again as they sought hope and reconciliation. I spent last Sunday exploring that story.

I hope you’ll take some time to hear the story.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

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

Eddie Mwunvaneza at CCR

This week Eddie Mwunvaneza will be preaching at CCR. I always find being in Eddie’s presence to be an experience that leaves me wiser and encouraged. I trust you will also find listening to Eddie this Sunday an enriching experience.

I also would like to thank so many of you who have offered your prayers, encouragement, and support of our family through this season of Jana’s health difficulty. Her surgery on Monday was successful and less complicated than we had anticipated. Her recovery will have several unknowns. However, we are hopeful that our family will soon be reunited in Rwanda.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave

It's My Fault

For those of you that have children do you remember that season in which they discovered the word “my?” “My toy.” “My food.” “My clothes.” “My game.” It never seemed to end. It seemed to get worse as our family had more children. There was more to fight over and more siblings with whom to fight. “My” symbolized in one powerful word that our baby had left the world of infants and now was a competitor on the world stage. (Even if it was just our home it felt like the world was falling upon us as each child jostled for position.)

With one of my children in particular it seemed like the “my” word made everything a point of personal conquest.

One evening two of my older children found themselves in a disagreement about who to blame for family misfortune. “It’s your fault,” one screamed. “No, it’s your fault,” the other vehemently replied. Outside of their battle field a young tactical mind watched and waited. Then with one fatal swoop he ran into their midst, pushed them both aside, and proclaimed, “No, it’s my fault.”

Our young conqueror with no further ado was proclaimed the victor by his siblings. They surrendered blame for family misfortune to their youngest sibling.

What would the world be like if we jostled for responsibility and took the blame?

This week we’ll continue our series on Distant Diaspora Voices. We’ll spend some time with a man named Zachariah who wrestles deeply with the “Why” question. Why had so much misfortune fallen upon Judah?

In the world of children Zachariah’s question would lead to a jostling to blame others. However, in the world of adults responsibility is the key to personal and community renewal.

This week we’ll take a deep look at the “why” question. I hope we’ll all come away saying with childlike eagerness, “It’s my fault.”

Imana ikurinde,

Dave

WHICH WEB DO I SURF?

Yesterday, I got a phone call from my wife, Jana that required my immediate attention. One of our children had a minor medical issue arise and we needed to think through the implications. Next week, will be a school break; and a trip to Nairobi or Kampala to visit a doctor while shopping, seeing the movies, and taking in the night life sounds like a pleasant break. I hate to admit it, but the timing was impeccable. I wish my kids would always time their crises this well.

Jana quickly got on the phone to her Kenyan roots to see if any doctors she knew would be available. All that she called were out of town for the week. Thus it was my turn to surf my Uganda relationship network. Thank God for mobile phones and the cheap price of an SMS.

I knew the doctor I wanted to see, but it had been 5 years since we had seen him last. I’ve gone through 3 computers since then so his e-mail address is out of date and no longer in my address book. I don’t know how many times I’ve changed phones in 5 years so I don’t have his phone number either.

However, I still possess an African equivalent to a Gold Master Card. I have lots of friends. Surely, one of my friends could put me in touch with another old friend. Thus my relationship debt accountant went into 30 minute frenzy.

First, let’s try the neighborhood route. I scanned my phone addresses and found a Uganda friend who lived in the same neighborhood as my old doctor friend. I fired off an SMS asking if my doctor’s neighbor had my doctor’s contacts. I sat for a minute with no reply, and started to smell the aroma of Khana Kazana.

I can’t let this opportunity slip by me. If not a neighbor, maybe a professional acquaintance would know the number. I sent an SMS to another Uganda doctor friend, but again I received no quick reply. I started longing to listen to a Uganda radio debate, and knew I needed to try another route.

Maybe, I could find another consumer? I quickly found the contact of a Uganda friend with children. Maybe, she would have my doctor friend’s contacts. Off went my next SMS. A few minutes later my phone was still silent. I counted the grocery bill I’d save at Uchumi; and decided I need to try another route.

I hated myself for my next move, but I did it anyway. I sent a note to a friend who shared my doctor’s ethnicity and economic class. Surely, he’d know how to find my doctor friend. Again, my phone was silent; and I remembered the last time I had taken in a movie. It was time for a desperate measure.

My doctor friend had grown up in Dar Es Salaam during the 1970’s. I knew a couple others in Uganda who had spent the 70’s in Dar. Surely they’d know the contact. Off went my last attempt to find my doctor friend’s contacts.

Then the phone rang. My clever bride had discovered a new web of information called Google. She typed in our doctor friend’s name, hit enter, and within seconds had the contact. A few minutes later she was on the phone, and she called to inform me that the appointment was made while I was still waiting for my relationship web to produce. (However, 30 minutes later I had 3 replies with the information I required.)

Now I get why this ICT stuff makes so much sense. I’m a dinosaur relying on my complex web of relationships to keep me informed and solve my problems. If I fail to keep some piece of information surely there is a friend who has just what I need. I may replace my computer or phone when it gets old, but I’ll keep banking in social debt and making friends until I die.

Maybe, I need to get on board. Friends are more than just a network of personal problem solvers. The internet can replace them as my network of information. In fact, maybe both my friends and I would be better people if we relied a little less on each other for personal problem solving. I think this ICT stuff may have a point.

Yet, Google and its cousin Face Book will never do some key parts of life. They can’t share a meal, hold me while I grief, dance with me in celebration, and give me a discrete piece of advice. Nor can these ICT wonders tell me who should be my business partners. Discernment and good judgment are still best face to face.

Next week, I’ll be in Kampala making sure my daughter is well. I’ll trust an old doctor friend who has shown himself trustworthy. I won’t trade that for anything. However, I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll give my friends the space to be friends, and use them as my savings account a little less. Hopefully, we’ll all be better people in the end.

Come run with me.

Dave Jenkins

WHAT ABOUT VULNERABLE CHILDREN?

I've gone on a long journey for many years wrestling with what is our responsibility for vulnerable children. I've adopted 2 children, been an advocate for more adoptions, at one time sponsored 200 children to attend school, employed lots of people, facilitated many university scholarships, and started a school. I could make a nice CV about what I've done, but I find it has been short.

Though I've done what some may consider a great amount I emotionally avoid engagement. I don't go to orphanages and pretend I don't see street children. I've grown weary of unending problems and dependency. I'm weary of short sighted projects. I'm weary of expatriates who are unwilling to commit themselves, but put band aids on problems and snap photos to send back home as they request more money.

I've thrown my life in Rwanda into a vision of developing leadership that will be a source of transformation for generations. I'm convinced I can't be an advocate of the poor if I am not for the establishment of the middle class.

I tend to work with statistics to discern if my intuition is correct. I put some startling statistics together 2 months ago.

• 1 % of population has attended any type of Post-Secondary Education.
• 3% of Rwanda's population could be considered middle class (A/B audience) by Rwanda's media. (About 300,000 people or 50,000 households)

• 34 % of households are headed by widows.
• 13 % of households are headed by children.
• 26 % of the population under the age of 14 are orphans (Somewhere between 825,000 and 1,000,000 children).

Do you see the problem? I don't think it will be possible for Rwanda to become a middle income nation if we don't effectively deal with these vulnerable children. They will become an economic weight that will break all gains. Also, many are under the age of 15 and thus were born after 1994. Given the genocide was a major factor that created this dilemma, but we are now dealing with the second generation of this phenomena and a cyclical problem is developing.

Though some may consider me seasoned, I’m not an expert. However, let me offer three principles that may have some merit in addressing the issue of vulnerable children.

The first comes from the UN Geneva Convention. It is “Every child has a right to a family.” This seems to make perfect sense. In fact a popular African proverb states, “There are no orphans in Africa.” The extended family is to take care of all. None should fall through the cracks. However, children are falling through the cracks. I advocate adoption as a partial answer to the problem of vulnerable children in Rwanda. However, raising the issue of adoption raises certain questions. A few may even whisper, “Can a parent love his adopted children as much as his biological children?” Let me from experience say clearly, “No. Jana and I love our adopted children, Ruth and Timothy, much more than our three biological children.” (Please tolerate my humor, but I really am proud of my adopted kids.)

My second principle is programs can not undermine community institutions such as families, churches, and schools. It is far too easy to in a hurry set up a program that inadvertently undermines the community institutions that have the capacity to solve the problem. A few years ago, a colleague of mine said, “If you want to increase the number of orphans in a community start an orphanage.” Though we may chose that a new institution is required to solve this problem, we cannot in any way set in course a chain of events that undermine the fundamental institutions of community.

The last uncompromising principle is that this problem requires commitment for the full education of children and their incorporation as proactive members of society. We should do no projects that are not comprehensive in scope. Thus my solutions would be about the building of three basic institutions – families, schools, and businesses. Vulnerable children can not be isolated from community. Values are taught in families and we must creatively find ways for vulnerable children to become part of families. Schools provide the intellectual tools of knowledge and creativity. Vulnerable children must be in school and learn the tools of self-reliance instead of despair and dependency. Lastly, this issue will not be solved quickly. The creation of new businesses to generate wealth, jobs, and cycles of economic growth are fundamental. Donor dollars, emotional appeals, and short-term projects have failed. It’s time to find an answer within our community with our own resources.

Dave Jenkins

Too Busy for Church?

Thank you for all of you who have expressed your prayers and concern as Jana has been in the U.S. for medical treatment. This week we had pleasant news as the mass that was previously seen appears to be gone. Jana will still likely have surgery, but some areas of concern are relieved. God is showing His abundant care through this season.

This week we will begin a series of lessons called “Distant Diaspora Voices.” We will listen to those voices we frequently don’t want to hear. These are the voices that remind us of our most basic commitments and responsibilities. When we try to create an illusion that dilutes our responsibility these voices call us back to reality.

We will take a look at one of history’s great Diaspora experiences that took place roughly 2,500 years ago. A nation was scattered in a tragic military defeat. Their homeland was small, but at the cross-roads of regional commerce. Their small homeland was a fertile well watered highland. Before going into exile their marriages were polygamous. Their religion knew the stories of a single creator God full of gentle kindness in His covenants. However, they struggled with borrowing the gods of the nations that surrounded them. Their livelihood was from agriculture.

During their time in exile everything changed. Their religion became their mark of identification and they became devoted to their one creator God. They did not possess their own land so they became successful middle class entrepreneurs. They married and produced children. Their children acquired the skills and habits of the nations in which they had been exiled. Due to their economic shifting they no longer practiced polygamy. Though they changed as a people they still kept their language, dance, and culture of home. They never forgot who they were or where they came from.

After three generations of exile the international scene shifted and they returned home. As they came home they were filled with hope, enthusiasm, and an unstoppable work ethic. The nations that surrounded them were full of jealousy and continued to undermine their best efforts. Thus they threw their whole being into building an urban middle class population. They labored for the business and built homes to imitate what they had experienced in exile.

Yet something was missing. Their labor never quite acquired what they longed for. There was always a need for more. The biggest hole in their lives was their busyness. In fact, though they defined themselves by their religion they did not have the time for church.

Sound familiar?

This week, we’ll listen to our first Distant Diaspora Voice. Are we really too busy for church? Or is there something about those faith communities that are absolutely essential for a building Diaspora?

I hope to see you this Sunday,

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

P.S. After our worship this Sunday CCR will offer our Beginnings Class. This is where we explain our CCR vision and how you can become a member. The class will take about 3 hours. We’ll provide a light lunch and child care if needed.

English Training

Hello. Beginning this week, we will have a group of six Let's Start Talking workers at Christ's Church in Rwanda to help with conversational English skills. This program is for




–Business Professionals
–Government officials
–Active university students

- N.G.O. Professionals

Please contact Bryan or Holly Hixson (number below or e-mail) for more information. Please fill out the attached application and return to Bryan or Holly by Wednesday, 20 May.

Dr. Holly Hixson
Director, ROC Education Projects
0788232785
+250788232785 (if calling internationally)

Want to Sing Better?

If you are interested in learning how to use your voice to its fullest potential, please join us for an all day seminar at Christ’s Church in Rwanda - Gaculiro on Saturday, April 25th. Barbara Bennett has given concerts and taught singing seminars throughout the world. If you are interested in singing and music you won't want to miss out on this time. On Saturday afternoon from 1:30-3:30 PM, Barbara will teach us how to sing with confidence and strength. During the second afternoon session from 4:00-6:00 PM, she will talk about what it means to be a true worshiper, both in and outside the church. There will be a 1,000 franc fee. We look forward to having you join us.

Please e-mail or call me if you are interested (holly.hixson@gmail.com or 0788232785).

Thanks.

Holly

Can Freedom Be Taken Too Far?

I hope as we've gone through a week of paradox you have found hope. I hope as 2009's calendar placed the Week of Mourning and the Week of Christ's Passion together you found in the story of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection a God who is near and suffers with us. I hope that today as we celebrated Christ's resurrection you were able to discover a greater measure of life. This morning's gentle rain reminded me of God's desire to bring new life.

This coming Sunday, we'll turn back to our discovery of freedom in Paul's letter to a group of churches in the Roman province of Galatia.

Many of you have sharpened my thinking on this journey. Frequently, you've asked some questions related to freedom being taken to far. Some of us have seen the most horrendous behavior in churches. The Week of Mourning reminds us that in Rwanda's history the community that should have been the guardian of life instead became an accomplice in genocide. A friend of mine once candidly told me, "I hate churches." As I listened to his story I could easily understand why he had such feelings of anger.

I've never seen a church become a place of violence, but I've frequently seen it become a place filled with back biting and division. I've also seen it on occasion become a perpetrator of ethnic or racial prejudice. A strange dynamic I have observed is that sometimes churches that throw off the shackles of rule keeping become filled with sin. Freedom should bring a community of love, but sometimes instead freedom is used to promote selfish agendas.

Paul was dealing with these dynamics of ethnic prejudice when he wrote Galatians. Some in the church were dividing people along ethnic lines and they used church rules to promote their own prejudice.

An easy temptation for Paul could have been to create another set of rules. Instead Paul shifts his argument back to two keys for our personal and community health. The first key is love. The second is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

This week we'll spend some time looking at one of humanity's oldest principles of ethics. This is to love our neighbors as our self. Paul quotes the Old Testament as he makes the argument. Jesus also made this his base of ethics. In fact those who study world religions find this principle in all religions. Something inside our humanity knows sacrificial love is the answer to a community wracked by anger, hatred, and prejudice.

History shows that the principle of treating others as we would want to be treated has transformed nations. The former United States President John Kennedy quoted this principle when he decided to force the University of Alabama to admit black students. He understood that the true test of freedom was our ability to love beyond our prejudices.

It seems that today we also must have the courage to embrace freedom motivated by love.

I hope to see you this coming Sunday as we continue our journey.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

P.S. If you would like to join CCR as a member or learn more about our vision please stay after worship this coming Sunday to join us for our Beginnings Class. We'll provide a light lunch. Also, we can provide child care if needed.

Hope in Grief

The next week will be one of the most difficult weeks of the year as we remember the Genocide. Tomorrow morning we’ll take some time at 8:00 to begin praying for healing as we enter a season of grief.

This past Sunday we began the Passion Week at CCR. We celebrated Palm Sunday. Approximately, 2000 years ago Jesus of Nazareth entered Jerusalem as a King of Peace. Life is full of perplexing paradoxes. Five days later, Jerusalem turned upon Jesus and crucified him.

It seems to me that the intersection of the Passion Week and the Week of Mourning in 2009 is a mark of God’s desire to bring healing.

Jesus spoke of our need to grieve when he stated, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4).”

Jesus modeled compassion when he wept for the family at the loss of his dear friend, Lazarus (John 11:33-35). At that moment he proclaimed that death would not be the final matter. Then he raised Lazarus from the dead.

A few days later, Jesus faced death; but in 3 days triumphed over death. Now, history counts itself based upon the historic reality of Jesus’ resurrection. Everything changed.



It is this strange paradox of life that we must continually undergo in order to be whole people. We must both grieve and celebrate.

This week I invite you to join us in this paradox at CCR.

On Friday, 10 April we will remember the death of Jesus with our Good Friday service at 3:00 p.m. I believe that as we ask the question, “Where is God when we suffer?” We find that God is in human form as Jesus suffering with us.

Three days later, we’ll stare at an empty grave. I believe the best evidence proclaims Jesus of Nazareth is God himself and He conquered death. On Easter Sunday, 12 April we will celebrate resurrection. I believe this historical reality fills us with hope in our process of grief.

I hope you will be able to join us in this journey.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

Childrens Play This Sunday at CCR

This Sunday we will enter into the paradox of the Passion Week at CCR. This week will also co-inside with Rwanda's Week of Mourning for the Genocide. I hope and pray that this will be a week where the paradox of Passion will provide healing and hope.

This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It is one of my favorite days each year at church. We will re-enact Jesus of Nazareth's entrance into Jerusalem. CCR will be decorated with Palm Branches and we'll joyfully welcome King Jesus into our city of Kigali.

Last Sunday, CCR was graced by traditional dancing from our youth. This Sunday we will be blessed by a Play done by our 10 to 12 year old Bible Class. I hope you will be able to attend. The kids have worked very hard and deserve our support.

After worship Author and International Women’s Speaker, Mimi Wilson will be coming to share on God’s Goodness and God’s Holiness from 12:00pm -3:00pm at Jana Jenkins Home. Lunch will be served. If you plan to attend please contact Jana Jenkins or Marguerite Nyagahura. (Jana's e-mail is in the c.c.)

On Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. we'll gather to pray for the Week of Mourning. Thus we'll turn from celebration to grief.

We'll continue in our grief on Good Friday at 3:00 p.m. as we mark the end of Jesus' life.

However, this is not the end. We will celebrate Jesus' Resurrection the following Easter Sunday, 12 April.

This week will be one of paradox - both filled with celebration and grief. I hope you will find that as we discover the power of the Resurrection that you will find hope and healing. Though this life is filled with great suffering we do have hope.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

Tired of the Treadmill?

It's time for my true confession. I hope I don't disappoint you, but I don't read my bible and pray as soon as I get out of bed. I usually check e-mails, look at my calendar, go for a run (where I sometimes pray), eat breakfast, take the kids to school, check into my office, and then start solving problems. Sometimes in the midst of the problem solving I open my bible or read a devotional. I'm a pastor and I'm not always so spiritual.

This morning I was checking e-mails and opened Face Book (my new technological toy to keep in touch with friends). Then a chat started. It was only 6:00 a.m., but some one wanted to know if I had read my bible yet. I wrote, "No, but I will later." My correspondent wanted to know what I was going to read, and I wrote, "Galatians 5," and gave a brief sermon summary. I had to admit today my bible study was not so much for me, but for CCR. Then my correspondent asked if I did or didn't do things that I felt bad about. I wrote of course I do and don't do things all the time that I regret. I asked what my correspondent felt bad about, and she responded, "Not reading my bible."

I know the feeling. I remember discovering spiritual disciplines and finding new found spiritual vitality. It is a common experience in young faith - days when I can't pray enough or read enough bible. In my life, those seasons were most intense when I was single. Then came married life, the pastoral profession, and 5 kids; and life became much more difficult to manage. I would intend to read my bible, but then one of the kids was sick, or some one at church needed a visit. I dropped my agenda for my nurture, and did what seemed right at the time.

I remember feeling bad because I couldn't do the "spiritual" activity. I felt guilty, resentful, and angry. Had I failed? Could I not manage life better? Or were others to blame? Why couldn't they give me enough "peace" so I could be "pastoral?"

As I struggled with this tension between my spiritual intentions and the reality of a responsible life I came across a devotional comparing our spiritual disciplines to physical exercise. Elite athletes train for hours everyday. Ordinary people can thrive on 30 minutes 3 times per week. Maybe, we are at our best to live an ordinary life full of family, friends, purpose, and community. In the process maybe, we can't be elite at much of anything? However, maybe we thrive best in a climate that is full of discovery and freedom?

On occasion I run on treadmills. They allow me to make life manageable and take out some uncertainty and embarrassment. They help me exercise with discipline. I'm unaffected by bad weather or darkness. I can run at anytime on a treadmill. However, I never get anywhere on a treadmill. The scenery is dull. Also, they make my run predictable. I don't dodge cars, eye angry dogs, greet the neighbors, enjoy a sunrise, or get rained upon. Thus I believe runs are best outside in a community.

Sometimes we can approach God as if we are running on a treadmill. Run at ___ speed, on ___ elevation, for ___ minutes. I think God desires a little more spontaneity.

This week, we'll continue our discussion of freedom. We'll contemplate that Christ came to set us free. Treadmills are out for Christ followers. His desire is a robust journey.

I hope to see you this Sunday.

Come run with me.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

Can I Speak to You Personally?

Freedom is a responsibility of both individuals and communities. In fact, it may be the most personal of our all our responsibilities. We must think on our own. When we become mature we can no longer be students who just copy their teacher's notes, revise the information, and return it again on an exam. Instead, we must assimilate and create something new. Our minds must be free to discover truth and personalize our conclusions.

Our actions are similar. Freedom means that we have the responsibility to act aware that our actions bring consequences. It is thrilling to act in freedom. We have thought through the possibilities and weighed the consequences. Then as we act we step into thrilling expectations. We may or may not have calculated accurately, but the consequences are our own.

Church should be an environment of freedom. We are free to reason and discover. This discovery empowers new ventures for both individuals and our community. However, for some freedom brings the fear of losing control. When that happens many retreat into religious rule keeping.

We have been journeying through a letter written by Paul to a group of churches in Galatia who were like dear children to him. His children had tasted freedom, but it was uncontrollable. Then out of fear they were seduced by religious showmen who mastered in special rules.

Paul spoke to them "professionally." He explained the theories. He hoped the theoretical explanation would be enough. Do you ever feel this way? Wouldn't it be great if all of our disagreements could be handled without personal issues?

However, professionalism is not enough for our human nature. We must think, see, feel, and experience. We must live in community. Since faith is so personal, freedom must also be very personal. Thus Paul also became very personal. He spoke to his children of their struggles with rule keeping and magic formulas. He reminded them that he started with them as partners. His partnership was not one of power, but one where his children knew his struggles. They saw him sick, discouraged, and tired; but still continuing. Humble leaders are inspiring for authentic seekers.

I imagine that for many of you religious professionalism is not an enchanting show. You long for the authentic. You want to discover and act in freedom. You want to be part of a community where you can be free to deal with personal issues.

If so, I hope you will join us this Sunday at CCR. We'll look at a very personal letter. We'll see the struggle of freedom. Hopefully, we'll be inspired to embrace our personal freedom.
mana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

Prayer Bulletin

Dear Family and Friends,

We continue to hear these words of Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, “Others can walk. We must run.” It seems we are always running to catch up to all the Lord is doing in Rwanda. Our family is well. Some of our friends have struggled, but God has shown His grace. Christ’s Church in Rwanda continues to thrive.

This month we ask your prayers for the following matters:

1. Our youngest daughter, Ruth was baptized on Wednesday, February 13. It has been an exciting couple months in our family as 3 of our kids have committed their lives to the Lord. Ruthie continues to display her remarkable abilities to bring peace among friends while holding firm with her sometimes troublesome brothers. May the Lord continue to develop this remarkably beautiful young woman.

2. Fellow missionaries and friends in Kigali, Patrick and Valerie Finnerty have had some difficulties. Valerie went to South Africa several weeks ago for a surgery that developed significant complications. During the last week, Valerie has made significant improvement and was recently released from Intensive Care. Praise God for His care. The Finnerty boys, Joel and Brendan will be staying with our family for a few weeks to attend school in Kigali while Patrick stays with Valerie in South Africa. May these weeks be marked with extra joy and activity in our home.

3. Christ’s Church in Rwanda (CCR) is planning for our 2 Year Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, March 1. We continue to be surprised by all God is doing through CCR. In 2007 we asked God for 300 to attend our Grand Opening and 332 attended. In 2008 we asked God for 400 to attend our 1 Year Anniversary and 423 attended. This year we are asking God for over 500 to attend.

May this Anniversary Celebration give honor to the Lord for all He has done in 2 years. Also, may it be an opportunity for seekers to explore and discover.

4. Dave’s teaching responsibility at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is winding down from lectures and now focused on grading. May the 200 students he’s interacted with find a bright future as they graduate in a few months. Also, may this opportunity to teach Ethics produce a rich fruit of godliness and spiritual growth.

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

Imana ikurinde (May the Lord stay with All of You),

Jana and Dave Jenkins

Anniversary Sunday

There are two words that continue to run through my mind – Remember and Celebrate. They are the words a life well lived. Our nature is to collect and tell stories. Our homes and offices are filled with photos of children, graduation, marriages, new opportunities, and even defining crises. We by nature must remember.

Our memories can be both good and bad. In fact, we all have memories that cause us to grimace. Some of our memories are painful. As time goes on and we heal from the pain we will eventually discover the power of celebration. Life calls us to enjoy a good meal, music, and friendships. Without these earthly joys life would be both quite dull and meaningless.

Thus I am a firm believer in remembering with celebration. These celebratory memories come several times per year. We have Christmas, Palm Sunday, and Easter. We have birthdays and anniversaries. We have national holidays.

For my journey in Rwanda with CCR we have a yearly celebration of our CCR Anniversary Sunday. We must remember the goodness of God and our commitments to live in community.

You, your family, and friends are invited to celebrate with us on Sunday, 1 March 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Our Guest of Honor for the Anniversary Celebration will be Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Mrs. Rosemary Museminali. Besides our church celebration and a speech from our Guest of Honor we will share refreshments and the traditional dancing of Imena Troupe.

I look forward to celebrating with many of you this coming Sunday.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

Two Great Years

It is that time of year again – Christ's Church in Rwanda Anniversary. You, your family, and friends are invited to celebrate with us on Sunday, 1 March 2009. Our Guest of Honor for the Anniversary Celebration will be Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Mrs. Rosemary Museminali. (Mark your calendars as it is just 2 Sundays away.)

It has been two great years. We can not believe all the transitions that those years have brought. Thank you so much for those of you who have helped in CCR's growth.

What began as just a dream a few of shared in a home has now grown to a body that averages 250 to 300 people each Sunday. We have become one of Kigali's most diverse gathering points. Discovering unity through the Lord's love and word seems to be our calling. The Lord has been kind to many of our dreams and it seems He is using CCR as a place for those of faith to participate in the development of many diverse generations.

Our children's program is growing. Our youth program is thriving. Our music is eclectic and full of joy.

We are rapidly making preparations for the Anniversary Sunday. Our Lord instructs us to remember and celebrate. We will retell our story, be graced by the presence of our Guest of Honor, share refreshments, and have traditional dancers.

I'm eager for the day. I will look forward to seeing you there.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

What Are the Rules?

A scary thing is happening at CCR. In fact it is the oldest problem that has ever happened at church. It is the substance of both conflict and discovery. People are thinking and asking questions with an open bible, history books, and their own experience.

I love it. I hope you also find friends discussing faith to be liberating. We have been on a journey for several weeks exploring freedom. We've looked at Rwanda's historical examples such our Rwanda's king's refusal to participate in the slave trade, and Rwanda being the source of the East African Revival.

We've also spent the bulk of our time with an old church planting pastor named Paul of Tarsus who wrote a literary masterpiece on freedom to a group of churches in the province of Roman Galatia about 2,000 years ago. Last week we reached a historic section. Paul wrote, "The righteous will live by faith." About 500 years ago, a German monk named Martin Luther found this passage after he spent years upon years being defeated in a quest for God, and it birthed the Protestant Reformation. Grace was rediscovered. Several of you have sent me some pointed e-mails to refine our thinking. Thank you.

"One of you wrote, "living by faith and obeying the "rules:" are they necessarily mutually exclusive?"

I believe that whenever a group assembles on a regular basis to achieve one or more purposes, the endeavor is already rule driven. Church fits this description for me. There needs to be a set of rules to govern social interaction in church; if this did not happen it would be very difficult to achieve clearly defined purposes. For me (and I assume for Martin Luther 500 years ago), rules are counter-productive when they get in the way of faith. But I believe that by observing some rules, regularly and predictably, this can be, for some (many?) an important basis of faith.

If dutifully and regularly following predictable rules (read "ritual") serve as a pathway to God, then I believe that we are heading in the right direction. If following or not following rules is used by congregants and/or church leaders to judge if someone is on the pathway to God, this is where the problems lies"

This is a point well taken. I've had to go back and read through some familiar stories. Jesus of Nazareth repeated a phrase, "Come follow me." Then those that followed listened to him teach, observed him in action, lived with him in the day to day, and discovered a greater relationship with the Father, God. Jesus clearly had a process that he used to nurture men's spirits.

Paul of Tarsus said a similar phrase, "Follow me as I follow Christ." He also was very systematic in his establishment of churches and the nurture of men's spirits. He has a pragmatic side that is quite flexible. He has an ethical side which is uncompromising. He is convinced that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead, and he will do anything he considers ethical to persuade men and women to believe. However, he can not tolerate any rule that obscures faith in Jesus.

We at CCR have a solemn responsibility to nurture spirits. This will involve process and rituals. However, the process and ritual can never disrupt our desire for the finished product of a greater discovery of God. This week I am taking a side bar from our journey through Galatians. I will speak about CCR and the process we are trying to develop for spiritual nurture.

If you have some questions about CCR and our process or how you can best fit in I hope you will join us. We deeply desire to be a liberating environment for discovery and renewal.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

CAN SOMEONE PICK UP THE TRASH?

My family just returned from our Christmas vacation in Kampala – the land of Garden City Mall, Speke Munyonyo Resort, Alleygators Bowling Alley, Cineplex Cinema, and boundless biwempe churches and buvera. Entertainment knows no bounds in Kampala and her mushrooming churches provide almost as much entertainment as her noisy FM stations. My unceasing pondering mind had to wrestle deeply. Why when I drive into Kampala do the number of balokole churches and organizations become as noticeable as the uncollected trash? It seemed that every 200 meters was graced by a church and every 2 centimeters was graced by a buvera.

I planted a church in Kampala, but in my quiet moments I pondered if it was just more religious clutter. Did it really make a difference? As time went on during our 11 years in Kampala my church paradigms were reborn through friendly discussions with those who did not share my beliefs, but who were my colleagues in dialogue about development. My conclusions were no longer orthodox and I became a controversial figure among some balokole. Thus I arrived in Rwanda convinced that the faith community had a voice to offer, but by and large her paradigms of the last 30 years had been irrelevant noise.

During my morning Kampala run I ran on some of my old paths, but came with new eyes. History tells me that the faith community has built the leading institutions of communities during seasons of renewal. However, sometimes what masquerades for renewal seems like the loud noises of my Lord’s opponents. His opponents were masters at drawing attention to themselves with the impressive sounds of religious babble. The Kilokole language is so intense that it is like a new tribe speaking a jargon only known by itself. I know the lingo, but it all seemed the same – religious clutter with no point. About every 200 meters on my run I noticed a balokole church or N.G.O. The names changed, but it all seemed the same. The names were designed to impress. The meeting times were all the same. In fact, they prayed so often I wondered how they had time to work. The buildings were makeshift structures, and I could not but wonder what would remain if an earthquake, fire, or windstorm arose.

Then I noticed Kampala’s other striking feature – boundless buvera. Mingled among the buvera was the urban refuse of life. Occasionally, some one would sweep it all together to start a fire. For my runner’s lungs this was murder. Why can’t someone pick up the trash so I can just deal with elevation and old age? Trash, dust, and smoke are not the substance of life’s best breath. I noticed a striking pattern – the churches in Kampala that had made an impact on the city cleaned the trash in front of their structures. The biwempe who mastered in Kilokole was no different than a fish monger when it came to cleaning the trash. For those who must discern whether a church is legitimate, I offer the buvera test. Can they clean up after themselves? My suspicion is that a dirty church front represents a dirty community.

My morning run found other tests to discern the legitimate from the buvera church. The second test I would offer to provide discernment is the witchdoctor test. Can the Kilokole be easily translated to the jargon of witchdoctors? Is the music the same with only translated words? If the cross and church name were removed could this place easily be mistaken for a shrine? Is the predominant concern success by all methods, healing, and cursing those who one is jealous of? Too many biwempe are witchdoctors masquerading as Christian theologians. If this is a true church she shares my Lord’s convictions that suffering, service, and a prophetic voice are core to all she does. Witchdoctors are never comfortable in an environment where philosophic truth and uncompromising ethics reigns.

My third test is the institution test. When I read the history of religious renewals that history determined were legitimate they always left a legacy. The legacy was institutions – schools, hospitals, libraries, and community gathering points of service and knowledge. I believe particularly in our season of time in this region the building of institutions is key to a lasting legacy. Unfortunately, among some balokole “institutions” are a dirty word. They prefer to huddle and babble in their strange new tongues. Their foreign donors are even worse at institution bashing. In their quest for slide show photos they would rather show a picture of a lone snotty nosed hungry child than healthy hundreds in a school. What better way to promote donor guilt and rake in money? After all an institution requires a budget, and a budget requires accountability. Thus the buvera church prefers to avoid building institutions. The legitimate church hungers for more opportunities to build.

My fourth test is the partnership test. History also tells that during seasons of renewal Christian people put aside their denominational divisions to build. The needs of the community were too compelling for sectarian posturing. From the United States Second Great Awakening to East Africa’s Revival partnerships are a consistent mark of the legitimate legacy. In Kampala’s buvera churches are ruled by a lone pastor. He is a one man show. His preaching seeks to divide from others. His buvera community proclaims him king, and he prefers to be king of the buvera than a partner in a clean community. Thus as we discern the legitimate from the buvera we look for a leader who is most comfortable with people who reason different from he. The legitimate finds lively discussion both refining and refreshing. When the discussion brings many diverse hands together the buvera is cleaned and the community thrives.

So my morning Kampala runs affirmed my new birth. The biwempe and the buvera are close cousins. My balokole brothers at times are misguided. The path to renewal is rather simple. Can someone pick up the trash?

Come run with me.

Dave Jenkins

Dave pastors Christ’s Church in Rwanda in the Caisse Sociale Gaculiro Estate.

Valentines Day at Christ Church Rwanda

The next few weeks are going to be exciting ones at CCR. This Sunday we'll be continuing our discussion of our freedom in Christ and I think coinciding with Heroes Day will be particularly insightful. Freedom always comes with a price and our heroes remind us that sacrifice is a requirement for freedom.

After worship we'll offer our Beginnings Class for those considering joining our CCR vision. We'll provide a light lunch and childcare.

Now, for the really fun event - On Friday, 13 February CCR will host a Valentines Dinner and Dance. (Yes, I can't believe we'll host a dance at church, but I guess we're discovering freedom and trust the Lord will be honored through a celebration of love. I'm a horrible dancer, but I know that some of the best dancers in Kigali come to CCR) We hope you will feel welcome to attend and invite friends who are looking for some extra excitement in relatively dull Kigali. The cost will be 15,000 Rwanda Francs per couple. Tickets can be bought this Sunday after worship and will continue to be sold through Sunday, 8 February. If you need more information please feel free to call my wife, Jana at 08-641-781.

I look forward to sharing the next few weeks discovery with many of you.

Dave Jenkins

Prayer Bulletin

Dear Family and Friends,

We can’t believe it has been three months since we last wrote our “monthly” prayer bulletin. Rwanda’s President Kagame states, “Others can walk. We must run.” It has been three months of running. We’ve had a few minor crises such as Caleb having a concussion. We’ve had computer and internet issues. However, we’ve also had many out of the ordinary opportunities (that sometimes masquerade as crises.) God has been good. We thank him for His care. Also, we thank you for your prayers, concern, and support when our lives become too chaotic to request. May God continue to richly bless you for your gracious encouragement.

This month we ask your prayers for the following matters:

1. Thanksgiving for our children’s faith discovery. On Sunday, December 14 our oldest son Caleb chose to be baptized. On Sunday, 25 January our next son, Ethan also chose to be baptized. We continue to delight in the goodness of God expressed through our kids. (Dave particularly wonders what he ever did to deserve such great kids. Or maybe it is just pure grace.) We had a delightful holiday season full of many good memories and also traveled to our old stomping grounds in Uganda for a week of reminiscing. May God continue to lead our children to greater discoveries.

2 Thanksgiving for Christ’s Church in Rwanda growth. We can’t believe how quickly CCR is growing. Things really took off during the Christmas Holidays. Our youth program is thriving. Attendance is now ranging on Sundays between 250 and 300. Many of those attending are in the leading offices of Rwanda. Each month usually has 4 to 6 baptisms. God is doing something out of the ordinary.

3. Wisdom in transitions: Last week, Jana was laid off due to the Global Financial Crisis from Gladney Center for Adoption. It was a wonderful job that she’ll miss. Also, with last year’s 21% inflation in Rwanda and Gladney’s Health insurance the job kept us afloat. However, we trust that God has something good for us. We ask your prayers for greater measure of wisdom as we navigate transitions.

A. Vulnerable Children: Jana continues to be drawn towards providing leadership for practical ways to empower Rwanda’s vulnerable children. Adoption is close to our hearts. We suspect that the Lord may want our attention to be drawn towards leading CCR to be leaders in this area. May we hear God’s voice clearly in this matter.

B. Teaching Opportunities: In our last Prayer Bulletin we asked for prayers for opportunities to teach widely. Some of what we guessed about has yet to materialize. However, some other opportunities have developed that we did not anticipate. Dave has been asked to be one of the Key Note Speakers in May’s Shepherd Leadership Conference in Rwanda. He has been asked to speak on Integrity. The conference will be attended by representatives from at least 15 different Christian organizations and churches and will likely have approximately 500 in attendance. The other speakers are quite well respected, and Dave feels very humbled to be in their company. May Dave’s words be the Lord's.

Also, Dave received a surprise phone call two weeks ago from the Engineering Faculty at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology to co-teach an Ethics Course. Dave has done this every year since we came, but in 2008 it seemed to be winding down. Instead, in 2009 he will now be lecturing to over 200 university students in their final year. We are praying that this will be an opportunity to begin a more active campus ministry for CCR and that our presence on campus will strengthen Rwanda’s future leaders.

Again, thank you for your gracious support of our family and ministry.

Imana ikurinde (May the Lord Stay with All of You),

Jana and Dave Jenkins

P.S. Our family seems to be new Face Book addicts. Feel free to look us up and see some photos.

Journey to Freedom

Approximately 150 years ago slave traders began to enter the Great Lakes region. They found a unique phenomenon of large well organized kingdoms. Though many of the kingdoms had shared language, history, and culture they also periodically engaged in war among themselves. As the slaver traders entered this world of kingdoms they found that the climate of war provided an opportunity for great profits. Warring kingdoms were willing to trade their poor for guns so they could press on to a new battle. The economic reality of war and slave trading continued in kingdom after kingdom.

Then the slave traders came to the border of Rwanda. Again, they found a large, growing, and well organized kingdom. However, instead of finding a people eager to betray itself for a profit they found a people willing to pay the cost of freedom. The slave traders were met with arrows and spears, and chose to go to other regions.

Freedom comes with a price.

Though the reality of slave labor has long departed from our region there is a human tendency to embrace slavery. Some of us struggle with slavery of addictions. Some struggle with loneliness and will agree to the slavery of unhealthy relationships in the hope of finding approval. Some are so consumed by the pursuit of wealth and power that they become slaves of corruption. Sometimes the pursuit of freedom leads to lonely, desolate desert experiences.

Some find that parts of faith such as mystery, waiting, and exploring are too difficult. They embrace the slavery of religion. Jesus brings freedom from our slavery, but sometimes we turn back to religious slavery. After all, faith in its purest form is unpredictable. It can not be contained, controlled, or completely explained. Slavery can be a comfortable place where we hide from the cost of freedom.

For those of us who come from religious traditions of Revival we have likely observed the slavery of religious rule keeping when our faith is handed from one generation to another. What once stirred internal passion and compelling action now is reduced to childish rule keeping.

For the next several months at CCR we will explore this journey to freedom. We will look at the Apostle Paul's letter to churches in the region of Galatia who are being seduced by spies to return to slavery. This letter will read like the writings of a king who refused to sell his people into slavery. It is a passionate, uncomfortable journey, but that is the cost of freedom.

CCR has committed to be a church of freedom. We intend to explore and discover with an open bible and loving community. Sometimes that becomes controversial as we are difficult to control.

I hope you will join us on this journey. After worship this Sunday if you have even more questions I hope you will join us for our Beginnings Class. It will take about 3 hours to finish. We'll provide lunch. If you need child care let me know and we'll find it. In our Beginnings Course we'll in detail discuss the CCR Vision, how you can become involved, and join us in this passionate journey of freedom.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

Emily Shaffer at CCR

In a short time one of Kigali's most delightful people will be leaving to take another post. Many of you know Emily Shaffer, the Consular at the U.S. Embassy. I rarely give an "American" editorial at CCR, but Emily deserves one. I've lived in this region of the world for 15 years. During that time I've never had a Consular who made me as proud of my home country as Emily Shaffer. I don't know how she does it, but she is always warm, kind, and thoughtful. She remembers names and details. She is aware of cultural and life complexities. She is a treasure of wisdom and grace when ever you interact with her. I know that my American community will miss her, but I believe many from Rwanda and other nationalities will also miss her.

She is one of those unique individuals whose parents and grandparents have deep roots in this region. Not only am I thankful to be associated with Emily, but I've noticed that several times her family's legacy is remembered and appreciated throughout this region of the world.

Emily will share with us this Sunday at CCR and I think you will find it a real treat. She will share her testimony of why she is a Christian. Emily takes her faith very seriously, and has thought through the issues. This Sunday is one that I hope you will be able to attend.

If you are committed to a belief in Jesus of Nazareth's resurrection I think this Sunday you will discover firmer reasons for your faith. If you are exploring who is Jesus of Nazareth I trust this Sunday you will go farther down the path. If you have a friend or family member who is exploring, I can't imagine a better Sunday to invite them to attend CCR.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

What About Vulnerable Children?

This Sunday will be one of my more controversial sermons in the last year. I almost want to encourage you not to come to CCR this Sunday. I can't imagine that I won't offend everyone including my own spirit. If the Lord leads me as I am praying no one will walk away feeling comfortable.

I've gone on a long journey for many years wrestling with what is the responsibility for people of faith with vulnerable children. I've adopted 2 children, been an advocate for more adoptions, at one time sponsored 200 children to attend school, employed lots of people, facilitated many university scholarships, and started a school. I could make a nice CV about what I've done, but I find it has been short.

Though I've done what some may consider a great amount I emotionally avoid engagement. I don't go to orphanages and pretend I don't see street children. I've grown weary of unending problems and dependency. I'm weary of short sighted projects. I'm weary of expatriates who are unwilling to commit themselves, but put band aids on problems and snap photos to send back home as they request more money.

I've thrown my life in Rwanda into a vision of developing leadership that will be a source of transformation for generations. I'm convinced I can't be an advocate of the poor if I am not for the establishment of the middle class.

I tend to work with statistics to discern if my intuition is correct. I put some startling statistics together 2 weeks ago.

· 1 % of population has attended any type of Post-Secondary Education.

· 3% of Rwanda's population could be considered middle class (A/B audience) by Rwanda's media. (About 300,000 people or 50,000 households)

· 34 % of households are headed by widows.

· 13 % of households are headed by children.

· 26 % of the population under the age of 14 are orphans (Somewhere between 825,000 and 1,000,000 children).

Do you see the problem? On this side of heaven, it is more than just the Lord's command to care for orphans. I don't think it will be possible for Rwanda to become a middle income nation (as we've been praying for) if we don't effectively deal with these vulnerable children. They will become an economic weight that will break all gains. Also, many are under the age of 14 and thus were born after 1994. Given the Genocide was a major factor that created this dilemma, but we are now dealing with the second generation of this phenomena and a cyclical problem is developing.

It's time to go on a painful quest with an open bible, willing spirit, and hands ready to act. This Sunday I'm going to lay out some principles that I believe we must engage for the future. It won't be an easy journey, and I promise to offend almost everyone. No one will escape responsibility. If I preached for the favor of man I'd just keep ignoring the problem, but it's time for CCR to engage this dilemma.

Dave Jenkins

P.S. To get a sneak peek you may want to read the following link in Rwanda News Agency: 'Middle class can help end problem of orphans'

Can I Get Some Respect?

I am not a VIP. I am not a Big Man. I am a simple pastor who just tries to spend my time making and helping friends journey together with Jesus. I have twice had the privilege of a conversation with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame. On my last occasion I asked President Kagame about what he saw the role of faith based organizations to be in Rwanda's development. He responded that a key role was to teach about human dignity. It seemed like very wise advice. In a country traumatized by so many horrific events it can become easy to always conclude that one will be a victim. Vision, creativity, and responsibility are crushed in a nation of victims. Also, human rights can be easily trampled on those who see themselves on unworthy. I agree a key role of the faith community is to restore a lost sense of human dignity to those who see themselves as victims.

This Sunday I will conclude our teaching on From Crisis to Opportunity: A Study of the Habits and Values of Entrepreneurs Who Build the Institutions of Our Communities. The last topic we have received from the Ministry of Local Government is Self - Respect.

Though this concept of human dignity and self-respect can feel very contemporary it is one of the oldest concepts of human description. When God chose to create man, God described man as "made in our image." Thus how I treat others is a reflection of how I treat God. We are all worthy of dignity and respect for God has placed His very nature into our being. We are not God, but we are like Him in many ways. We are spiritual beings designed for eternity. We are beings who crave relationships designed for community.

When faced with the most difficult ethical dilemmas of our day our response should be to treat others as we would like to be treated. Thus we display the love and justice of God.

This concept of human dignity has transformed nations. It has taken them from backward ignorant collections of cruel humanity and inspired them to excel in ethics, art, technology, and commerce. Without human dignity democracy would be an impossible dream.

I'm eager to share more thoughts in this transforming discussion. I will look forward to seeing many of you this coming Sunday.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

P.S. If you enjoy walking / running please join us this coming Sunday as our CCR Run / Walk Club begins. Please bring 300 Rwanda Francs to cover the cost of water and bananas afterwards.

Continued Running

November 1, 2008
All I can say about last Sunday is "WOW!" Thank you for all who made it happen. At least 120 runners / walkers participated. Over 320 attended CCR. Minister Musoni started our race and handed out prizes. We could not have asked for a better day. Hopefully, the Lord was honored as we all enjoyed ourselves so much and reflected on the value of Speed.

We always try to listen as much as possible to all of your ideas. Many said that they had such a good time that they want for CCR to do a monthly run. Thus we are starting a CCR Running / Walking Club on the Second Sundays of each Month at 8:00 a.m. It won't have all the hoopla of the past Sunday, but if you enjoy good early morning company and a little exercise come to CCR on Sunday, 9 November at 8:00 a.m. and we will run together.

I know a few may be absolutely confused by a church that runs together. In fact, CCR is really no ordinary and predictable church. We believe God has placed on CCR a very unique calling to develop diverse generations of leaders to transform our communities. I would love to visit with you more about this vision. In fact, every first Sunday of each month CCR offers it's Beginnings Course immediately after worship. In this course we will explain our CCR vision and how you can get involved. We will provide a light lunch and the course will take approximately 3 hours to complete.

The next Beginnings Course is this Sunday, 2 November. I hope you will be able to attend and learn why CCR is a church that runs.

Dave Jenkins

Prayer Bulletin

October 28, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,

It has been an exciting several months with so many things happening that it has been hard to communicate to all of you. We continue to see the Lord do amazing things through answered prayers. In fact, we have never been a part of a beginning urban Africa church plant that has reached the numbers and leadership caliber as Christ’s Church in Rwanda has reached in just 19 months. God must be honored as the results can only be the result of His blessing. We plan our best, work our hardest; but know too well this is God’s work and not ours.

This month we ask your prayers for the following matters;

1. Thanksgiving for answered prayers for new marriages. In 2005 and 2006 when our family first arrived in Rwanda, we met three intelligent and diligent single young men in the Ministry of Local Government as we were registering CCR (Joseph Rurangwa, Fred Mufulukye, and Lawrence Manzi). Dave decided to seek a friendship and begin praying for their future marriages. Joseph and Fred have recently married and Manzi plans to marry next year. We believe one of the key tasks in post-genocide Rwanda is the restoration of family and that God desires to bless new marriages. We thank God for his work in our friends lives and ask his continued blessing upon their new marriages.

2. Thanksgiving for CCR growth. Dave has recently been preaching a series called “From Crisis to Opportunity” that addresses 11 issues that the Rwanda government has raised that must be addressed to promote Rwanda’s 2020 Vision. The series has been a creative and biblical look at issues in developing the institutions of community. It seems that CCR has broken through the “200 barrier.” The last 3 weeks CCR has had 215, 238, and 321 in attendance. Two Sunday’s ago 4 were baptized. This past Sunday to teach about the value of “speed” CCR hosted a 5 Kilometer race and 120 participated in the run. Many were unchurched people who later joined us for worship and we examined biblical texts about running. Rwanda’s Presidential Cabinet Minister of Local Government, Dr. Protais Musoni, joined us for the event.

3. More opportunities to teach widely in Rwanda: During our last 3 years in Uganda, Dave and Jana hosted a popular radio show. Since arriving in Rwanda we have cautiously explored the possibilities of doing radio. There have been increasing discussions the last few months about the possibility of a radio program and also taking our teaching material on “From Crisis to Opportunity” to a national scope. We do not want to rush what God may do, but also do not want to miss an opportunity. We ask that God will clearly open doors for a broader CCR teaching ministry in Rwanda.

4. Greater spiritual maturity, servant leadership, and discipleship at CCR: With our increasing numbers we still are hitting the 10/90 rule (10 percent of the people do 90 percent of the work instead of the standard 20/80 rule). Some of this is just the natural process of building a church afresh with unchurched busy people. CCR has an increasing number that are taking leadership responsibility. However, we want to pray that in the next year 12 will arise who we can personally mentor, and that 70 will arise to be part of a core CCR leadership team.

5. Next week Jana is working with Gladney Adoption Agency to host a conference for many in Rwanda’s government and child care organizations. May this conference bless many. Also, may it open an increasing number of doors to meet the needs of Rwanda’s orphans for a family.

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

Imana ikurinde (May the Lord Stay with All of You),

Dave and Jana Jenkins

P.S. Our family has recently begun using Face Book and thoroughly enjoyed connecting with many old friends. If you use Face Book please feel free to look us up.

Chatting is a VERY Good Friend

October 17, 2008
One of the things I am very thankful for here in Rwanda is the fact that I have been able to make some good friends. Friendship is so important; it is part of our human nature to desire to be with others and to share our experiences.

This got me thinking about the whole aspect of friendship. What actually is a friend? One of the main features of friendship is that you can relax and be yourself with another person. You do not have to act with them, you don't have to pretend that everything is OK when it isn't, and you can be honest with them.

Do you have any friends that you are never 100% honest with? I wonder how deep a relationship like this could be and how long it would last.

Imagine if you had a friend who knew everything there was to know about you. Even things that you didn't tell anyone else. Imagine they could see right in to your heart, even in to the hidden corners. Would you be honest with a friend like this?

Jesus is such a friend. He said in the Bible (John 15:13-15) that if we follow him he will be our friend. In fact, even at times when we choose not to follow him, he will still be our friend. He was labeled as the 'friend of sinners' when he was here on earth. When we communicate with him, or, to use spiritual terminology, when we 'Pray', do we approach him as a friend, in honesty, opening our hearts and letting him see all the hidden corners, or do we see him more as a distant authority figure who we are unable to be completely honest with.

This Sunday we will look at what Jesus' friendship means when we are thinking about prayer. We will look at the wonderful privilege we have in being able to be completely honest with him. Please do come and join us.

Graham McFadden