With a sheepish smile, she also cringed as he was speaking. Embarrassed to be the first one, she nearly folded herself under the table, but there was no place to hide. A peer was encouraging her in the talents God had given her. Her reaction showed how rare encouragement is in this setting. So rare, in fact, she wanted to hide from its uncommon spotlight. This act repeated itself around the table; Burundians encouraging other Burundians. Each person received words from someone else. The reaction for each recipient was the same; at first, the chin was tucked to the chest and the gaze set on the floor. Then, the words poured over them until a smile sprouted. Finally, the head lifted and locked eyes with the speaker and a renewed spirit went forth. On that day, we were all witnesses to transformation through a few intentional words.
To a person, they struggled to remember a time when someone encouraged them. There are common relationships of mentors and honored elders, but verbal praise in those relationships is a quiet voice. One of the group members described being a gifted athlete. He would compete in races throughout the city. One day he was confronted by an elder who shamed him for spending practice time and race time with non-believers. Out of respect for his elder he gave up cultivating his talent and did not pursue his athletic gifts. Many in the group could relate to a similar experience.
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)– Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
This group was made up of selected leaders from various churches who would in turn start their own discipleship groups. The purpose was to forge a new way of thinking about working together, trusting one another, and using our God-given talents. Growth was evident over the past year as we embraced teachings on who God was calling us to be. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 was a key passage for our time together. The master gave each servant something, a talent. As we applied this parable, we asked ourselves, “as ‘servants’ what talent has ‘the master’ given me?” And in community we proclaimed and affirmed, “this is what I see ‘the master’ has given you.”
How do we use our resources to bless others?
How do we recognize what God has given others?
Do we encourage and “spur one another on” in our races? (Hebrews 10:24-25)
If you need a shot of encouragement I recommend you follow Karubabi Harvest School on Instagram (karubabi.harvest.school). Imagines of young minds in search of knowledge and Jesus will surely “spur you on.”
Love this story SO. MUCH.
I can’t imagine living in a culture where shame is dominant and encouragement virtually nonexistent. Thank you for painting a picture for us. And be encouraged yourself, you definitely have a way with words and a heart of passion for others, which is a gift to those you serve.
It was good seeing you, Travis! The trip had its hardships but it is one I will never forget. You are an encouragement to those out there, even if it doesn’t seem like it when you’re helping them figure out budgets. I could tell they all respected you and loved you. I was also encouraged being down there, and it brought a new perspective to life in the States.
I am ashamed how we make comfort, no suffering, and high living such a priority when most other places don’t have the money or resources available to purchase the things we feel entitled to. It was eye opening seeing all the mud huts with 6+ sets of eyes beaming back inside the homes during a steady rain, knowing they all live in a room the size of my kitchen and sleep on the floor. They gather the water from afar and eat beans and rice if they are lucky. Yet, I get frustrated when my water heater goes out.
That interview of Stephen Colbert you had me watch where he said, “I am grateful for the things I wish never happened,” still is making me think. What is our approach to suffering? Are we content going through the inevitable suffering that makes us more human and able to relate to others’ sufferings? Being content in all circumstances takes encouragement from others and it takes being in relationship with Jesus Christ. Loving God and loving others truly does sum up the law for our core needs; and I am learning that those core needs are not less suffering.
Thanks for your hospitality! Keep up the good work, brother