The month of March has been a flurry of activity for me. Four separate trips, some for pleasure and some for ministry but all of them with friends and colleagues.
Beginning of March was a “guys road trip.” One fo the great American past times is to load a vehicle and set out to see something new. Five of us reached the mountain forest area of Burundi for two days and then we moved on for one day in the northern forest region. I enjoyed spending time with these guys as we explored their country and celebrated its natural beauty. I brought a whiffleball set along and introduced the group to “baseball.” A first for all of them and perhaps the hardest laughs I’ve heard from any of them as they tried to crush this little plastic ball. Overall, the trip allowed time for us to share our cultures, our relationships, and our God.
I reflected on Psalm 43:3 for our time on this trip.
Psalm 43:3
“Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.”
After the “guys road trip”, I spent time in the eastern region of Burundi with Samuel to share about Whole Life Discipleship. It was a 3-day teaching and feedback time. This group was interactive and ready to discuss the topics presented. I was impressed with their willingness to share with one another and their vulnerability.
Some of the comments we heard, “we have a problem to get outside our church walls,” said one pastor. “We tend to only care for those in our congregations. We do not collaborate with others in the community.” Pastor Jerome added, “when we talk about change in our communities, it’s not only about prayer, but also about actions. As Christians we are a part of the community, we cannot be separated. We must be involved.” Another pastor commented, “these teachings will bring about a change in how people see the Church in Cankuzo. We have forgotten these foundations. I realize that holistic development is needed for our entire community. We can bring about these holistic life changes as the church of irresistible influence.” A participant added, “I used to think the blessings were just for me and my family. Now, I can see how it is a blessing to bless others. I need to share what God has given me.”
The week after the teaching time in the eastern part of the country, my teammates made a return visit to Burundi. Deanna and Avery arrived for 5 days and I traveled with them to Muramvya to spend time at the Karubabi Harvest School. It felt like 2019 as we traveled together and shared meals together. I think we maxed out our consumption of avocados and mangoes. I loved to hear what they observe about Burundi after being away for a time. While living here it can sometimes feel as if nothing has changed, but outside eyes help us to see where God is at work.
On the heels of dropping my teammates off at the airport I prepared for a weekend trip south of Bujumbura along the lake. Traveling with my colleagues from Harvest Initiatives we revisited some of the sites where we showed the Jesus Film this past August. A group of 30 pastors and leaders gathered, and I shared how the church can be (should be) an influence in their communities. The next day Harvest organized a radio outreach event in the community which consisted of a short Gospel message and Bible trivia with crowd participation. I enjoyed the excitement the event created for the community and the interaction through trivia. Gifts were provided for correct answers (Bibles, fabric, household items), which may have contributed to the excitement. We had a crowd of over 100 people by the end of the day. Rain tried to sidetrack us, but the resourcefulness of Burundians allowed us to continue under the protection of a tarp. As I reflect on that day/event, I find myself enamored with God in the various avenues He creates to proclaim His promises. This little event was a chance to stir curiosity in His message through a casual contest for anyone who happened to be in the area. The words ‘excitement’, ‘curiosity’, ‘wonder’, ‘fun’ come to my mind.
These past 2 weeks have been restful (???????, check the news) in Buja. I’ve enjoyed catching up with friends and getting back into a routine. The upcoming weeks will be filled with more travel and God is preparing the way for me.