WE'RE EXPECTING

If you have not heard the recent news we are expecting the birth of another daughter, Umutoni on Sunday, 6 March 2011 at 11:30 a.m. Umutoni’s birth follows the birth of our daughter, Namulindwa on Sunday, 4 March 2007 at 10:00 a.m. We can’t believe it has been four years since we had an infant to nurture.


Births are both thrilling and exhilarating events. I can’t help, but think of historic births. All births are miracles of God. Isaac came to an old couple and made them laugh. Moses came during a season of national crisis to provide leadership for generations. Barren Hannah gave birth to the prophet Samuel. Barren Elizabeth gave birth to a voice in the wilderness. A teenage virgin gave birth to the King of Kings.


I share both a youthful wife and gray hair. I have a fabulous community. On 4 March 2007 332 of our friends gathered to celebrate the birth of Namulindwa. I’m one of those sojourners with roots in Uganda. Namulindwa was prophesied by a wise Rwandan woman. However, she was conceived by Holy Spirit inspiration in Uganda. Thus she must have a Kiganda name. Her birth was long awaited and full of turmoil. At times we wondered if she would survive, but by God’s hand she did. She has prospered. Her birth was much like the prophet Moses. As she grew she became a voice of freedom.


I don’t know why, but every birth stretches us. We’ve lost about $450 per month in support. Our truck’s suspension bar tore a few days ago. I’m walking up and down. I’m busier than ever, but loving the over 600 university students I lecture to each week. CCR’s youth group is thriving. Some Fridays we have over 250 young people in our facility. Most Sundays our facility is close to full to capacity. Occasionally the stress makes our family and friends just a bit difficult. However, these are the best people in the world. Every now and then pain of body or mind wakes our sleep. It is time for Umutoni to come.


As an mzee (old wise man) let me prophesy upon Umutoni. She will come with great expectation. She will cry loudly with joy. She will sing. She will dance. She shall be the youngest daughter. When she enters a room both the young and old men will smile.


I ask your prayers for Umutoni.


Dave


P.S. For those unfamiliar with our region’s language and traditions CCR is on a full court press to birth a second worship experience on Sunday, 6 March 2011. We need to make room for the wonderful young people in our lives. We’re stretched. The dream is beyond our abilities and plans, but not beyond the hope we have in our God. We ask your prayers for this special day of birth.