“Dad, read us the story of Job.” This morning at breakfast, Caleb asked this of me (pronouncing the name “Job” like the 9-5 “job”). “It’s really long. How about I tell you the story?” I replied. He said “OK.”So, I told Caleb of Job’s wealth and abundant family. I told him of Satan asking God’s permission to take away Job’s blessings on the bet that Job would turn from God. I told him of Job losing his family, his wealth, and his possessions. I told him of Job’s friends’ misguided advice and input to Job that the reason he had suffered such loss was because he must have done something wrong.
I told Caleb that, despite devastating loss and grief, Job did not turn from God (even though he was a bit insolent in his profession of innocence). I told him of Job’s words about God: “God may kill me, but I will still trust in Him.” And I told Caleb of God’s response: that He was God; that people, as God’s creation, could not always understand God’s ways; but that God was proud of Job for not denying Him in the midst of his suffering. I told Caleb that in the end, God restored a great family and great wealth to Job. Finally, I told Caleb that the theme of Job is to persevere in difficult times and to trust in God no matter what; that He has promised to never leave us or forsake us; and that He has promised that our great reward for perseverance in trusting God in all of life’s circumstances is great treasure in heaven. Let it be.
Dear Friends and Family,
Greetings from Rwanda! We apologize for not writing in so long. Much has happened since our last update; much to force us to confront a faint glimmer of what Job faced: the difficultly in trusting in God in difficult circumstances.
First, as you may recall, in March IJM Rwanda had two trials in cases of men who had sexually assaulted two very young girls. Alas, both men were found not guilty, each judgment resting on questionable grounds. My staff and I were sad, angry, and frustrated. But, after meditating on these things, I wrote the following to our staff and some folks at IJM HQ:
“Yes, the judgments in Renee* and Fabienne*’s cases were disappointing, frustrating, and angering. But, as we have processed these as a team, we have come to see that the very real silver lining is that we now have clear vision into where the breakdowns are in the public justice system. We now see very clearly that this is going to be a hard road but that we can move forward with clarity, purpose, and determination, with firm hope that God’s way will prevail. We remain sad for these two girls and their families, but the Easter season has brought into light for this team that Jesus knows this road. He walked a difficult, dangerous, agonizing path in obedience to the Father, because he had the firm belief that millions would benefit from his ultimate sacrifice. We have talked as a team this week that our path, while a faint shadow of Jesus’s, is similar in that we are walking a path of difficulty, disappointment, and pain but we do so out of obedience and with the promise that hundreds will benefit down the road from our efforts now. I am so thankful for God’s grace in the midst of this battle. We truly are not alone.
We remain hopeful, and now can focus with greater precision on the areas of this justice system that are not functional. Please do continue to pray for me and the staff that we would always keep this in mind and press on with all zeal, faith, and hope.”
So there it is. Like Job and Jesus, we will persevere in the midst of difficult circumstances, believing that this is the road God has us on and that He will bring fruit for many from our faithful walking out of the path. Let it be. (*Names have been changed.)
Preaching at a Local Church
One of the things IJM does is build relationships with local churches. And in doing so, Archdeacon Japeth of the Morabe Anglican Church near Kigali invited Lane to speak at his church service on Sunday, March 13, 2011.We decided to go as a family and join the several other IJM staff that were attending as well. The church is on a dirt road and everyone who attends arrives by foot. The one roomed church, no bigger than our house was packed wall to wall with all ages of local Rwandans.
The kids were a bit overwhelmed though and I tried to let them hide in my skirt as they covered their ears. But, gradually the kids loosened up and things quieted down in front of us. I tried to tell the kids that even though we don't understand a word of what they are saying in their local Kinyarwandan language, just think about your favorite worship song and that is probably close to the same things they are singing in their language. Here is a really fun video of some of the worship that morning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiJwhBR1OgM
Then after several folks spoke, it was Lane's turn to preach. I am so proud of Lane! He did a great job preaching and doing it with a translator, which if you have ever tried is very difficult. He shared God's heart for justice and the room listened to every word.
He shared how God loves justice and hates injustice, that God has compassion on those who suffer injustices, that God judges and condemns those who practice injustice upon others, and that God seeks active rescue for victims of injustice. "And how" Lane asked "does God seek justice? In the same way He advances the Gospel, through his people: you and me." It was a great message and here is a quick video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMPDvD3lLFk
Afterwards we were invited to a room in the back of the church for a soda. All in all it was a 3-hour church service and the kids did famously in the much-longer-than-they're-accustomed-to service. Lane was so thankful for IJM to have the opportunity to partner with this local church and build a friendship with them.
Family Life
A few big highlights of the last few months:
- Caleb turned 8 years old and had a small Star Wars and Lego party with friends from school. Here is a quick video of the boys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OodvQta1hOM
- Lane went to DC for 2 weeks for the IJM Global Prayer Gathering and Team Week.
- The kids got a cute little baby Easter bunny as a pet and named her "Gloria." Here is a little video of the kids and the bunny: http://youtu.be/pYBJWICWIfU
- We found out we are expecting Mears baby #4 in mid-November!
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for Lane and the IJM Rwanda staff that they would remain hopeful and press on with all zeal, faith, and hope for every person and case they are helping.
- Pray for Anna and the kids that will travel back to Texas for her brother's wedding in June.
- For Lane's health, there continues to be something bothering his system time and time again.
- For Anna's morning sickness and the health of the growing new baby.
- Connection and time with the Lord each day for both of us, to keep us focused on Him.
Blessings,
Lane and Anna
Caleb, Abigail, Luke and baby
