ALIVE and ACTIVE – My WordPress Blog

SEEING

The beginning of this year marks a return to the teaching sessions for Pastor Samuel and me. We will visit six communes around Burundi and share with groups of 25-30 pastors and leaders in how (or maybe more importantly, why) the Church can impact the community.

Last week we led a cohort in Bujumbura. In one session we discussed learning from our mistakes in the past when we approached a community with the best intentions but with the wrong method. One participant, Pastor Gerard, stood up to comment on past mistakes he had made with community aid. He realized the importance of consulting and empowering the community rather than imposing external solutions. He shared this story about their own experience with community outreach. “I see where I have made mistakes. Our church provided rabbits to a community. We spent all this money to buy 60 rabbits and gave them to the people of this community. Within two weeks all the rabbits had died. The people of the community returned to us and asked, “why did you give us this? They all died. Come pick up your rabbits.” We gave them the rabbits with good intentions, but we did not take the time to disciple the people in how to care for the animals. The people of the community never viewed the project as their own. It was our responsibility to clean up the mess. If I had known this teaching, we could have saved so much money.”

Pastor Samuel presented a video about successful discipleship and community impact in Bujumbura and he encouraged participants that local change is possible. Pastor Leonidas commented, “we have given birth to religion. We need to give birth to disciples.”

Another pastor commented, “I have been through several sessions of seminary education and this is the first time I am hearing about discipleship in depth. What have I been missing?”

I enjoyed hearing feedback from the participants and how they process these teachings for their own communities. I am blessed that they would share so openly with one another about their problems and possible solutions. I enjoyed learning from one another through our different contexts and experiences. We all have something to share and to learn. Together we are seeing the communities around us in a different Light.

Your financial contributions allow all of us to have this time together, so ‘thank you’ for blessing this group. We’ll continue with the cohorts each month in 2026. If you would like to financially support us in this project you can contribute here.

GRATITUDE

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

This is a celebratory week in the United States as we gather for Thanksgiving. This holiday always seemed to me like the “big gathering” for my family. It was the time of year I was most likely to see aunts, uncles, and cousins. To accommodate the large crowd the table extensions were activated, and many, many food items decorated the table. These joy-filled memories for this time of year are overflowing with gratitude to an abundant God.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

The “traditional” Thanksgiving items are hard to find here, but the abundance of fresh foods is one of my favorite things about this blessed place. Below are photos of food from around Burundi! Give thanks wherever you are.

Ugali (cassava hot “bread”), ndagala (small fish) and onions with sauce

Street food: Ivewe (meatballs on a stick) with roasted bananas

The street food “kitchen” at the roadside restaurant (I’ll spare you the food prep photos)

Beef and onions with sauce, linga linga (cooked greens), and uburobe (cassava cold “bread”)

Beans, fried ndagala (small fish), and rice

The Jesus Film team enjoying breakfast together (cooked peas, beans, chapati (tortilla-like), omelette–for me). The sign says, “it is forbidden to bring alcohol in here,” IF you were wondering.

Chicken with cooked onions, pilau rice, potato fries, cooked peas and carrots with sauce

Fresh bread and Coke shared with friends

CELEBRATE

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

Giving God the glory in the moment is something I’ve learned from the Burundian people. They are very aware to acknowledge God in their daily lives. From the simple to the grand, immediate praise is consistent in the rhythm of their lives. When you have overcome a common cold, “praise God for His healing power.” When you arrive home after an evening gathering, “praise God for His traveling mercies.” When a project has been successful, “praise God for His provision.” The Lord receives the first words of thanks and honor.

In Acts 12, King Herod failed to acknowledge God in his speech when he was praised by the people. The result, God struck him down on the spot.

Acts 12:21 – 24
On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”

This story is a shocking reminder to me to give Him the glory. I think I’ve been slow to give immediate praise. My rhythms of life have a penchant for reflection, to look back at what has occurred. When I slow down, it is in those moments that I generally see where He has moved. It’s not always in the moment for me. But I’m learning. I’m learning to be in His moments and not in MY moments. I’m learning from my Burundian friends. As habitual as wishing someone blessing after a sneeze, I wish for praise to radiate from my daily life.

This past week we gathered to praise God and to celebrate how our Mighty Lord has been present in Burundi. The organization I partner with here in Burundi, Harvest Initiatives, celebrated 25 years since they first started ministry. God’s provision throughout the years has fueled this organization to impact an entire nation. Countless disciples have been equipped to serve one another through Christ’s example and to love the vulnerable as themselves. It is more than a ministry; it is a lifestyle. The results are apparent in a transformed generation of disciples. Hallelujah Emmanuel!! Our God transformed a country. The impact can be seen from border to border in Burundi. If I extrapolate it beyond the borders of Burundi I would say that God transformed the nations. Several nations were present last week to share in the celebration. Numerous visitors to this country have grown in their relationship with God because of their involvement in ministry with Harvest Initiatives. People have moved their families here to be in partnership with what God is doing through Harvest Initiatives. You can ask the founders of Harvest Initiatives if this is what they envisioned 25 years ago for this ministry. How could anyone imagine this kind of impact? Lives have been changed. He can do immeasurably more than than we can ever ask or imagine. The glory belongs to the Lord. He provided and He made a way. Praise God!

Burundi, Canada, France, Germany, Paraguay, United States (with his eyes closed)

2 of the founders and the national director

Celebrating the graduates at Karubabi. Thank you for wisdom, Lord!

FULL

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

Upon my return last month there was little time for sitting around. My schedule was full for the first month as I visited several places in Burundi. Hallelujah for the Lord’s protection as I traversed these roads in Burundi. It is always a marvel to me that I arrive safely. I was blessed to attend various events; summer camp at Karubabi, Jesus Film for the Harvest Evangelism Campaign, and a pastors’ conference for Pastor Sam.

The students at Karubabi Harvest School were excited to experience summer camp (Camp Grace!!!) last month. A huge endeavor by Aurélie and Deanna to create content and for the team from Cornerstone Community Church in Vigil, Ontario, Canada to carry out the fun. The Karubabi teachers each led a group of 10-15 students through various activities. The days were filled with devotions, simple cooking recipes, crafts, worship time, sports, and construction projects (built a playground for the campus!!!). It made for some full days and a full week. I joined the camp for 4 days and then returned to Bujumbura to join a travel schedule with the Jesus Film. The students loved camp! The teachers were empowered to lead. The Canadian team interacted well with the students and helped lead some workshops. They did a great job of making the students feel seen. Praise God for His provision for this event and for an uplifting experience unlike anything seen in Burundi.

Crafty! Why are there sooooo many small nails soooooo close together????

New playground area
Photo by Deanna Hiebert

Luck of the draw for the team assignments.

It was also good to welcome the Hieberts (3/5 of the fam) back to Burundi for this trip. I marvel at their giftings and how they can jump right back into life here. It fills me up every time they return! It gives me a sounding board for the culture and the struggles and the victories of this place.

The photo quality was poor but the pizza time was great with the Hieberts and Aurélie.

Launching into the Jesus Film this year with a different schedule from past years. We’ll travel for a week in each of the months of July, August, and September. Harvest Initiatives is celebrating 25 years of existence and desires to reach more of their partner churches during this silver jubilee celebration. Therefore, the schedule has been adjusted to include three trips for the Campaign instead of one long trip. Our first voyage did not disappoint. The pastors were very excited to host this event at their church site. It was a pleasure to meet with each of them and hear their prayers for the community. Many of them expressed their appreciation to Harvest for providing teaching and coaching for tangible ways to reach their communities. Most of these communities are far from the main road and it is a breeding ground for those who wish to capture power through various beliefs, cults, and false teachings. Connecting with Harvest, a well-known entity in the country, can bring credibility to some of these partner congregations.

Pastor Sam hosted a pastors’ conference in the capitol of Gitega. This is the fifth anniversary of the conference. It is an intentional time to pray for the country and a time for the participants to share testimonies from this past year. I joined the final day of the conference to support my friend.

The volunteers who made the conference happen.

SPRING UP

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

I’ve been reading through Isaiah in this season. I needed to hear some promises prior to leaving the U.S. again. I returned to Burundi earlier this month and my reentry surprised me. I felt optimistic. What was that feeling??? Things appeared to be the same from when I left in March, but something felt different as I rode from the airport to my apartment. It felt as if something was about to “spring up.” Something was about to launch. What does that mean? I dunno, but His promises were a good place to begin a search.

Isaiah 26:7-8 NIV
The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you, your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

I wait on You, Yahweh. You make my path smooth. That’s how you led me here. I’ve used the word ‘gentle’ to describe my journey to this country. I get distracted and irritated by human processes and messiness, but You have always made the way. My own insecurities get in the way of what You want to show me. You are my desire. You are the goal.

Isaiah 33:5 NIV
The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.

You do the filling. You restore. You command justice for the outcast. You set all things right. I try to control and do what I think is best but often it spins me in too many directions. It is not for me to dole out. Help me to get out of the way and let You do the work. When the speed of change is too slow for my liking, may Your patience rest on me.

Isaiah 45:8 NIV
You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.

May You grow Your creation and spring up optimism, expectancy, and hope. Wash away the apathy and despair that can surround me when all things seem broken.

A touching moment before I left the U.S. Harvest time at my parents’ grave with my brother.

In Burundi, you find a way to hang a movie screen without a ladder.

UNEXPECTED

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

Hey friends, my return to Burundi did not last very long. Much has changed since my last update to you.

My mother grew ill in late February and she passed away in late March. I have returned to Kansas to grieve and spend time close to family.

As a family we noticed unusual behavior from Mom in early February which directed us to seek medical examinations and scans. The scans revealed several brain tumors. Being so far away it was difficult to wait for updates on care and treatment and a diagnosis. I would go about my day in Burundi “holding my breath” for the next round of news. The situation was a stark parallel to when Dad was injured in Burundi and I was trying to update my family in the States. A surreal scenario playing itself out again as I was the one waiting from a distance for the latest updates on Mom’s health. During this time of medical exams for her, I was discerning when might be the “right” time for me to return to assist with decisions and to care for her. I settled on the 31st of March for my return to Kansas. She passed away unexpectedly on the 25th of March. I did not get a chance to see her. I did desire to spend a few weeks/months together with her in her illness; that was my plan. It did not play out as I anticipated, it was an abrupt ending.

As I look back on my time in Kansas in the fall of 2024 it has taken on greater meaning. I enjoyed countless days and meals with her and these reflections soften the blow of not being able to say ‘good-bye’ when she was ill. I tell myself it is ‘all in His timing.’ I know we don’t have any control in these situations. The spectrum of healing and suffering is all in the Lord’s hands. Our Creator afforded me those rich days prior to her illness.

I miss her dearly. She was all about the fun things in life. One of Mom’s classmates from high school commented in the yearbook, “when she’s with us, the fun is on.” Never has a quote held more meaning for me over these past few weeks as I noticed the hole in the room. She is not with us. She brought a physical presence to each room. It was often difficult to connect with her otherwise, but when she was in the room, you knew it. Whether it was a classroom, sewing room, fellowship room, dining room, hospital room, she was there to bring the fun, to bring the energy, and she would engage with anyone who could match it.

As a family we rejoice in a merciful God.

We are grateful for her relationship with Jesus.

We are grateful for her pain-free illness.

We are grateful for her same personality throughout her illness.

We are grateful for her energy and activity until her final days.

We are grateful for her.

We’ll celebrate the life of Shirley Jost on April 26, 2025 at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, KS at 2:00PM. You can read her obituary here.

FRUIT

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

As I departed Kansas last month some of you asked, “what are your prayer requests?” I gave a valid, and needed, request, but it somehow felt like a standard answer. One that many of you have heard me express. “Pray for relationships, discernment in those relationships and discernment in ministry, and pray for the people in the midst of very complex circumstances.”

But God is showing me a fresh request.

At 30,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean I filled the time with movies, podcasts, intermittent sleep, and airline eating but I also took some time to worship and pray. I had a heart for a different set of prayers. My heart circled on the word ‘respond.’ My desire is to respond like the King of Kings would respond. He gave up His throne to walk among us and to model life on this earth. He showed the way in how we should respond in all situations. I wished to follow His example.

What does that response look like in Burundi? I had to stop my mind from playing out specific situations and trying to prepare my response.

“If I’m trying to get a visa and that happens, then I will say this.”

“If I go to that place for a common resource, then I should be prepared to do this.”

“If I have to set a boundary with a friend, then I can act in this manner.”

Instead, I asked God to pour out a “presence” in all situations. To me this looked like responding in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

When I arrived at the Burundi airport, I easily moved through the immigration process, collected my baggage, and scurried to the exit. One final station stood in my way, I had to scan my baggage. It was at this point I was notified of the need to pay a tax on some of the personal items I was bringing into Burundi. This was a new experience. The tax process was not clearly defined to me. I was frustrated and agitated that my exit was being delayed by a tax on items I had already purchased. My exasperated response made it clear to the official that I was not happy. After 90 minutes of collaborating towards a solution, I complied with the request and the issue was resolved. I exited the airport.

Upon reflection of the situation, I was disappointed in myself. I didn’t respond well. I was irritated which was evident through my animated conversation with the official. Others were also expressing the same frustrations with the official which probably didn’t help the situation as we all fed off one another. I can’t say I was outwardly peaceful, or kind, or gentle. In less than 30 minutes on Burundi soil I had failed on my resolution to respond in the fruit. Dang!

However, He did give me awareness to the desires of my own heart. Hallelujah, our Mighty Lord is a gracious God! My desires are to make sure I’m seen, to fight for my rights, to cater to my own view of justice, to get my way. Ack! It doesn’t feel good to admit this.

I relinquish the selfish, human desires of my response and yield to respond in the overflowing power of the fruit of the SPIRIT.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 NIV

How do I respond?

This is my prayer, and this is my prayer request.

Back in Burundi and reuniting with friends.

RETURN

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

I have returned to Kansas for a few months to be refreshed around friends and family. I’ll be sharing at a few venues and keep you updated on those opportunities. I spent the past week in Abbotsford, Canada visiting many friends from Multiply. I had not been there for a visit since my initial training time in 2017 and I have fond memories of that period of my life. I recalled a gentle God ushering me towards a life in Burundi. His patience and wisdom were building in me with each step.

My time in Canada last week was centered on an intentional retreat with other workers and colleagues. There was space to reflect on this past term and specifically this past year. I have had a frustrating and challenging 2024 in Burundi. Several times I found myself “on edge” with certain situations and disappointed with relationships. I’m not sure I have it all processed yet, but this time in Canada was serene. The encouragement from my colleagues and a refilling by the Wonderful Counselor was just what I needed. There is no better caretaker of our soul than our Creator.

After the retreat time I traveled through the Cascade Mountains to visit a friend in central Washington state. I enjoyed catching up with my friend. There was also time for an afternoon hike to Margaret Lake near Snoqualmie Pass, WA. What a beautiful time of year to be in that region!

In a previous post in May I reflected on Peter’s exclamation upon seeing the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17). As I think about these coming months in Kansas (and other places) I, again, proclaim his words, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

I look forward to seeing you and catching up with you. Please reach out and we can connect.

Sour cream donut and black coffee at Tim Horton’s!!!

CAMPAIGN

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

We just finished Week# 2 of the Harvest Evangelism Campaign. I have posted about this event in the past. It has been one of my favorite experiences during my time in Burundi. Harvest Initiatives equips evangelists in the local church to go out and to visit with people about the Gospel. During this time many stories return of prayer, healing, and changed lives for Jesus. It is an exciting time and a highlight for the year.

My role in the Campaign has been to travel around Burundi with a team to show the Jesus Film. This year has been challenging because of the fuel situation in Burundi. I was not confident we would accomplish our mission to arrive at all 11 communities with the film. I am happy to report that by God’s traveling mercies we did not have to cancel for any of the locations. I was encouraged by the eager faces which greeted us when we arrived at each place. While we would set up the screen and sound equipment joyful people danced, played, ran around, and watched in anticipation of this unique experience.

The Jesus Film team (left to right, me, Jean Baptiste, Christophe, Lucien)

Futball prior to the film in Mwaro province

A short story from the Campaign this year…

On the Zina hill of the Bubanza province live two women one named IRANKUNDA, the mother-in-law, and another named KWIZERA, her daughter-in-law. These two women had been in conflict for the past 5 years. While they lived in the same family compound, they could not bring themselves to greet one another. IRANKUNDA was not allowed to even hold her grandchildren (they lived in the same compound mind you!!!). When the evangelists visited the family this year they shared the Good News with them. The whole family cried because everyone realized that it was the enemy who had separated them. The Good News changed their hearts!! They repented. They greeted one another. They drank from the same cup once again.

“And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” – Revelation 22:2b

TEAM BUILDING

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

It is complicated to work together when we don’t understand one another. Admittedly, I’m not always attentive to the care needed to build a team. I tend to focus on the task. “Let’s get this done and move on to the next thing.” I think the Burundi context has revealed to me the importance of knowing one another. In the U.S. we would say, “it’s not what you know but who you know.” In Burundi that phrase also rings true. Maintaining relationships is thee priority in this culture while completion of the task carries a secondary status.

How do we build teams? How do we gain the trust of our colleagues, co-workers, ministry partners? How do we understand one another?

Harvest Initiatives (HI) organized two team building events: one for the office staff and one for the watchman staff. The goal was to know one another better and to see the impact of the work at HI. It was a time to realign with the mission, to be together, to rest, and to reflect.

The office staff took a one-day retreat to the Rutana province. I was fortunate to join them. We made stops at various tourist destinations throughout the country. We visited the national history museum, some forest areas, and the Source of the Nile River (true!!). At each stop we were instructed to take time alone, in silence, without distractions, and to reflect on what God was speaking to us as individuals. It was intentional time with God outside of our normal routines.

One staff member commented, “the reflection time was an opportunity to feel God’s presence through personal meditation in nature. The whole retreat was a moment of rest for me.”

Another person said, “it was a time of personal reflection and a time to enjoy my colleagues. It was a moment of rest and made me so happy to be invited. I would really like to see us do this type of event two times a year as it strengthens the group and gives me a moment of rest.”

Another retreat was held for the watchmen staff, those who care for the headquarter facilities. The mission of the retreat was to visit serval communities supported by HI and to introduce the staff to the people impacted by their work. When asked by the local community, “what do you do?” the watchmen replied, “we are in charge of security for the supplies that come to your community.” The staff was encouraged to see how their role played a part in benefiting these communities.

One participant commented on the trip, “it was very exciting, amazing, relaxing. All the words! It was so enjoyable for me.”

We all have a role to play. Sometimes it is hard to see our role, but I believe Creator has us specifically planted for His glory. A tree by itself is majestic, but only when put together does it transform into something prolific, a forest. God invites us as individuals into His collective mission.

Thank you, King Jesus, for being the one to reach out to us in partnership.

Thank you, King Jesus, for being the one to bring us awareness of our role.

Thank you, King Jesus, for being the one to unite us with one another.