Last night the men had a discipleship session with the group
of Burundian men exploring what it means to be a Christian man who respects and
honors women. It generated a lot of
serious discussion about how that would look here where women are seldom
esteemed. “That’s just how men are
here,” is a common refrain, but that is challenged by God’s Word and the way
Jesus demonstrated love and respect toward women. It was quite a fruitful night for them.
Eve our translator and Craig
While the men were in their meeting, we women went to the
Friday night service at Life Center Church.
You can hear the glorious praise and worship long before you get out of
the car! You can’t help but be caught up
in the joy and heartfelt worship of the King of Kings. This is a service open to the entire city, so
many come from various parts of town to join together in praise. We are looking forward to Sunday worship as
more than 1,000 people gather under a metal roofed pavilion which houses the
church (no walls…open air).
This morning we met with Simon, a man from the UK who has
been working here for 15 years. He has
quite a link to Burundi; his great-grandparents were some of the first
missionaries here and the first to start translating the Bible into
Kirundi. After his great-grandfather
died, his grandmother completed the translation work. The ministry with which Simon serves built
the conference center where we stay as a means of self-supporting the ministry
which is involved in evangelism and discipleship, especially with youth. They are in the process of expanding the
center, and we joined Simon to walk through the construction site, climbing our
way up to a third floor. Through
concrete pillars and rebar, the view of the surrounding area was
spectacular. Together we listened to their
vision and prayed for the ministry to impact this country, provide training and
jobs, and see Burundi come to Christ.
The men on our team had their third session with the
Burundian men who are seeking to grow in their role as Christian men, leaders,
and business owners. These men have
listened intently and asked deep, probing questions, showing an earnest desire
to put Biblical principles into action. Our men have been very impressed with
the vulnerability and serious seeking these men have displayed. Just as building in to the lives of the women
at Homecare is having impact on the future of Burundi, so are these men and men
like them who are serious about living out their faith. It is encouraging to see this kind of desire
and hope for the future of their nation.
Saturday is a bustling day in the city; markets are buzzing,
traffic gnarled at times, which is interesting since there are no traffic
lights in the country. Somehow it just
works.
The women went to a local market to explore the local
handicrafts. Wood carvings, drums,
beaded jewelry, paintings and soapstone objects demonstrate the creativity of
the people here. We also made a stop at
a local fabric store which now supplies locally manufactured fabric (there is
only one manufacturer operating in Burundi).
The brilliant colors and intriguing designs are a feast for the
eyes. We couldn’t resist purchasing a
few to share with the ladies at Homecare.
As we prepare for worship tomorrow, we had time tonight to
share what we have seen, heard, and are learning about life in Burundi. The challenges are great; the possibilities
endless. When you have the opportunity
to hear the hearts of people here, you are reminded that God’s plan is for a
good future and hope. We join with our
friends here to see that come to pass in this amazing country.
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