diff --git a/index.js b/index.js
index c74b2b5..d7f0ab1 100644
--- a/index.js
+++ b/index.js
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@ global.matrixClient = sdk.createClient({
     userId: config.matrix.userid
 });
 
+const db = new sqlite3.Database(config.database);
+
 //captures unhandled rejections for easier debugging 
 process.on('unhandledRejection', (reason) => {
     console.log('Reason: ' + reason);