Saturday, February 07, 2009
Nails of Hope and Grace
As we resettle in Rwanda we are grateful for a short rest with families over the holidays and also eager to be back and see what God has in store for 2009. 2008 was full of challenges and opportunities. Satan kept up his attack as he had to watch CCR grow over 100%. As we approach our 2nd anniversary Sunday on March 1 we are blessed to have nearly 300 in our assembly from 10-15 nationalities each week. The diversity goes well beyond nationality to include race, tribe, color, gender, wealth, social status, religious background and more, and God is using that diversity to bless and expand this body. Last week a first time Rwandese guest said behind tears, “This is the best church I have ever attended. I have never seen so much diversity in one place where all could worship the same God. I have never felt this kind of freedom to worship God without everyone having to be in their place.” While I don’t know exactly what being “in their place” meant, I presume it is related to some legalism of man. The law was removed and grace freed us. Whether we still reflect law or grace in our churches is probably a big piece of whether we are seeing growth or decline. The chains of man are the nails of the cross. The blood spilt by those nails is the grace of God.
As we struggle with various difficulties of living and working on the mission field in a developing nation we are driven to press on because of that grace and seeing others discover it. The events of 1994 stripped away hope for many as the “nails” murdered a million. Today we are blessed to see hope returning as grace is rediscovered. Jesus spoke words on the cross that this nation is putting into practice. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Forgetting the “nails” of 1994 is not possible.
Finding hope in Jesus grace is possible and many are walking back into church buildings and rediscovering the love that covered them in their darkness. One young man said to me, “Some will tell you God was not there during the genocide. I tell you that if God was not here, I would not be here.” So many suffered through the darkness of 20th century Rwanda and have now found themselves determined to restore hope to this nation. Some do that through forgiveness. Some do it through taking in orphans regardless of their heritage. Some do it through trying to create jobs, no matter how small. Some do it through public service. Some do it through sharing the love of God and through restoring the sanctity that was once found in the same church buildings that became death chambers during the genocide.
We do not have all the answers or the money to solve the endless problems that exist or the constant requests for financial aid. What we do have is a loving God who is here to carry us through the times of darkness into light. We are here because we believe those living in darkness can find the way to the light. We are here because we believe the “nails” are covered in the blood that covers us in grace and only that grace can bring hope to the hurting.
Thank you for your part in delivering this message of hope and love through us. We cannot be more honored to be your messenger of the grace of God. Please keep us in your prayers throughout 2009. Our calendar is overflowing with God’s goodness. We simply need his strength to keep up with what He has planned for us to do.
I have been notified by a few of you that your end of year giving was returned due to a postal problem. I’m sorry for the inconvenience and regret that this problem occurred. The post office was notified and the problem was resolved. Your gifts are an important part of our provision from God and we would ask that you please consider resending your contribution.
The address is:
Rwanda Outreach & Community Foundation
Attn: Jeanise Morton
3007 NW 63rd, Ste 205
Oklahoma City, OK 73116-3605
Memo: BH
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