Over the past 3 months I’ve been blessed to share Burundi with a team of 4 North Americans; 1 Canadian and 3 Americans (Kansans!!!!!). They were part of the TREK program established by Multiply. This courageous (that’s the word I kept coming back to) group of young people took a call of faith to fly thousands of miles from home, during a pandemic, to experience Africa for the first time. And, boy, did they receive the full African experience. They met apostles and evangelists. They lived with the African church. They danced and laughed. They tasted new foods. They taught and learned. They shared stories. They struggled and doubted. They experienced the richness of the united body of Christ.
3 things which inspired me:
I saw a young lady with origins in one of the largest people groups on earth greeting, smiling, communicating, and honoring an elderly lady from one of the smallest people groups on earth. This Revelations 7 scenario played out in the Church (Shammah Fellowship Temple in Muramvya, to be exact)…on Easter Sunday. I saw it happen!! The Bride of Christ brought together the spectrum of His created people, ambassadors of reconciliation, for His glory.
I saw a fleet of hotel staff gleefully waving good-bye to a quarantine-free team of English speakers. Armed with little more than a smattering of app induced education, this team forged the language barrier to develop lifelong relationships. It happened over and over again for their stay in Burundi. They buried pride and reached for understanding and connection. The fruit of the Spirit they carried was quite visible to the people of Burundi. Hallelujah!
I saw a community of hearing-impaired students thrilled with the opportunity to communicate with someone new. Through a sliver of a chance the team met an American couple who splits time in USA and Burundi working with the hearing-impaired. It so happened that one TREK team member had studied sign language for a few years in university. On several occasions during their stay the TREK team was able to engage with this community of Burundians. Real evidence of Paul’s declaration in Ephesians 2 of God’s advanced preparation for good works. His incredible workmanship weaved together during these 3 months.
That’s real impact. And they weren’t superheroes, they simply followed a call to ‘go’.
GO
“Therefore, go…” Matthew 28:19
“Go in peace…” Mark 5:34
“Go,” said Jesus…” Mark 10:52
“Go! I am sending you…” Luke 10:3
But don’t take my words for it, take it from their words. They will be celebrating and sharing their Burundi experiences at Ridgepoint Church (formerly First MB Church) in Wichita, KS on June 13 (this Sunday) at 7PM. I would love for you to hear from them and encourage them. Go.