FIND
BACK
I have arrived back in Burundi!!!
Six months ago in Bujumbura, I was wheeled across the tarmac to the airplane. I was unstable. I could barely stand on my own. I was asking many questions at that time and one of them was, “will I be back here again?” My response, “I don’t know.” As I boarded the plane, in that moment, I could not say with 100% certainty that I would get back to Burundi. I did not know what would unfold over the next few months.
But God did a mighty thing. He brought me back! In the physical, I left in a wheelchair and returned on renewed strength. Hallelujah! In the emotional, I experienced His design and His embrace throughout my journey to Kansas and back. Let me explain…
For my departure, I could not navigate air travel on my own power. My shepherds were sent by the Good Shepherd (John 10:14).
My first flight out of Bujumbura, my good friend, Craig, aided me physically and mentally to board the plane.
The flight from Kenya to US, my colleague and friend, Douglas, ushered me along in rarefied air.
The flight from the east coast to Kansas, my dear brother, Bruce (Butoyi), shepherded me across the States to home in Kansas.
For my return, once again He sent more shepherds.
My first flight leaving Kansas, my humble friend, Nasser, was aboard. A calm, inspirational, Jesus-presence after experiencing another round of emotional ‘good-byes’ on the ground.
The final flight back into Bujumbura, my courageous friend, Tom and his wife Michelle, were on-board and accompanied me off the plane onto Burundi soil. Tom was my caregiver at the onset of my illness.
Early, early morning departure 
Courageous Tom 
Notice the wheelchair in the background. Not this time!
From a sliver of doubt as I was wheeled across the tarmac to the anchor of assurance on the final leg; I celebrate Emmanuel, God with us. The symmetry of leaving and returning with faithful friends, riding on the clouds together, has been of great peace to me. It shows me His favor and gives me His peace.
Numbers 6:24 – 26 NLT
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.”
KANSAS
I am back in Kansas (and a few other places) for a few months. It is so good to be here!!
There is much joy in seeing family and friends again. It’s been over 3 years since I have seen some of you. I would enjoy connecting with you if we haven’t had the chance to catch up yet.
THIS Sunday (October 10), I’ll be sharing stories of Burundi. I invite you to join me as we proclaim God’s light in this part of the world.
7PM at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, KS at 8000 W 21st N.
We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. –1 John 1:3-5 NLT
HEALTH
Faithful friends,
Whoa! I did not see this coming. It started as a fever and fatigue, then compounded to headache and extreme dizziness, and has led to the longest hospital stay of my life. In early August I called on the help of a friend in the medical field to care for me as I was not confident in caring for myself. After days of IVs, medicines, and rest we were able to control the fever and headache. But the extreme dizziness remained. I was unstable on my feet and needed assistance to walk.
Seeing no improvement with my off-balance condition a trusted group of medical professionals/colleagues/friends decided I should travel to Nairobi, Kenya for extensive testing.
Accompanied by a friend to manage the flying process we flew to Kenya on August 18. I was admitted to the hospital that same day and the testing began. Over the next few days an MRI revealed a “small stroke” in the pons area of my brain. The pons area controls balance. Over the following days I went through several tests on my blood and heart. At this date there is no definitive reason for the blood clot, just well reasoned guesses. I’ve begun medication to thin my blood and started physical therapy in Kenya to retrain the pons area to balance again. The doctors expect a full recovery.
I have been released from the hospital with a few doctors visits still remaining. They are confident I am stable to fly and I expect to return to Kansas late next week for my previously scheduled home visit and continued physical therapy.
Words don’t feel adequate but…I am grateful for the team of people in Burundi who cared for me and made decisions for me when I was unable to do those things for myself. I am grateful for the resources and expertise at the Nairobi hospital. I am grateful and deeply moved by your prayer discipline, shared verses, and concern. Thank you! He hears us. I am grateful for a merciful God who “made a way” and is teaching me of His daily miracles. 1 John 1:1-4 has been meaningful to me during this time.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Travis
GO
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.
A LETTER TO RANDY
Photo credit: unknown
Randy-man,
I got my Bible when I was 18 years old. It was a gift to all graduating students from the youth pastor at my church. It sat mostly dormant for the first 10 years in my possession. Minus some course work at Tabor College it didn’t get much attention from me. In fact, it rested in the very box of which I received it. Oof. As my faith grew and as I matured I picked up my Bible with more frequency, but I viewed it as this sacred book. It had to be preserved. It had to be kept pristine. It was to be respected. I had to be careful with this text.
In 2017, I joined Multiply (named MB Mission at that time) as part of the FOCUS training program for long-term missionaries. I remember my first day in the Abbotsford office. It was September and it was a Tuesday. How do I remember the day??? Staff devotions were held every Tuesday morning at the office, and you were leading devotions on that day. As usual, you blew the roof off with your storytelling, insight, and message. I was energized! I leaned over to my neighbor (I think it was Bud Webb) and said, “Wow!! This is amazing. I am so happy to be here. What do we do in the afternoons????”
Ironically, I don’t remember the scripture, the stories, or the message you shared on that day. But what I do remember is your Bible. I happened to glance at your open Bible as you were speaking. Those pages had a lot going on; underlines, highlights, circles, notes, smudges, fingerprints. Those pages had their own color. Those pages had their own texture. Those pages were used. I was confident they contained dust and dirt from all over the world. I surmised they were once soaked with tears and sweat. I imagined they were stained from the most savory food and the sweetest drink. I could tell by the condition of those pages that this collection of words meant something more to you than it did to me.
In that one moment, you showed me the words on those pages were more than just words. These words are alive and active. These words are to be lived in and engaged with. These words are an experience, each and every time I read them. You showed me scripture. You brought the scriptures to life for me.
Photo credit: unknown
I say ‘thank you.’ I am grateful for your passion, obedience, and leadership. I’m glad I know you. I praise Him for your giftings and how you shared them with me, and all of us. God has blessed you to bless a generation of His people.
Onward, Servant!
1-HOUR MISSION TRIP
1 Hour Mission Trip: Burundi. March 18th at 11 am CST. You are warmly invited to join a live Zoom call about our growing work in Burundi. We are exploring what it means to be together on mission as growing partners for the Gospel. This call will help you understand the context of the mission location and will explore how you can engage more deeply in what God is doing.
Join the call here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85711967578?pwd=NUVKald0Y3Nyb3Y1eGhxbUM5alhzdz09
CHURCH + COMMUNITY
“You’ve really challenged my thinking.”
This was a closing remark from a pastor in Ruyigi province this past month. Fifteen pastors came together to explore ways the local church can engage the community. This is a new concept for churches in Burundi. The general history of the church here would focus on evangelism, worship, and prayer. It has done (and continues to do) incredible ministry in these areas and there is much we (Western church) can learn. Community development, however, has been the focus of aid organizations.
Through biblical teaching these pastors dialogued about how the Church can live into its role. They were challenged to view the Church as the vehicle to transform communities. Is it possible for the Church to be the driving force for community development? Who better to understand the needs of the community? Is it possible the “united Body” could meet all the needs of its people? The Church is in a unique position to lead people into whole-life transformation and thus impact groups of people (communities).
Discipleship of the whole person is a challenging concept but one that is stirring the hearts of pastors in this country. Teaching from this time in Ruyigi was anchored in Matthew 22:34-40:
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” [NLT]
Over the four-day training they discussed topics on community development, discipleship, empowerment, forming teams, and how the Church is positioned to impact all these areas. It was inspiring to see them learn, listen, dream, and pray together. Similar teachings are scheduled this year in different provinces of Burundi. You can pray for whole-life transformation to cover this country.
GOODNESS
Welp, add this blog to the list of “year in review” reads/posts…
Many, many years from now, what am I going to say about 2020? What words will I use? How long into my “recap” before I mention God? Will His footprint be evident the further away I get from 2020?
For now, “Father, what did You do with 2020?” He whispers, “consider how My goodness was shown throughout this year.”
James 1:17-18 – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.
Here are the gifts from this past year:
The People
The Kids
The Reunions
The Land
The Projects
The Coffee
KINGDOM BUSINESS
How do we view business and faith in North America? Do they have competing agendas or do they fulfill God’s purpose together? In Burundi, there is a delicate relationship between business leaders and church leaders. Both sides have felt the sting of harmful experiences and fabricated stereotypes. Both sides approach one another with caution. As a result, there is a standoff. Expectations and motives are viewed through the lens of skepticism. Which side will change and prove to be a trustworthy partner? There is a movement in Bujumbura to bring the two sides together through biblical understanding, reconciliation, and vision. This relationship is receiving fresh air.
As part of this movement, 8 small business dreamers participated in a development course focused on Kingdom business. Some of these participants were already doing business and some were looking to cultivate an idea. The 9-week course (licensed through Sinapis) covered topics such as discover your calling, know your customer, understand the market, manage your finances, and ethics. Each week the participants discussed these business topics along with related scriptures. In Burundi, an open discussion in this setting is viewed cautiously for fear someone will steal your idea. Property rights and trademarks are a missing component of this business environment and it is difficult to enforce your rights for your ideas. At first, the conversation was guarded, but after a few weeks the discussion was more active. Participants learned to trust their peers, to engage in feedback and share their experiences. Many of them commented the interaction with their peers was the best part of the course.
We want to see more business leaders encouraged in their gifting. We want to continue to offer courses that will bring leaders together to learn from one anther in Kingdom business.
- Pray for these business leaders as they grow their business and live out the teachings of the Bible.
- Pray for church leaders as they embrace the giftings of business leaders and how to impact the Kingdom.
- Pray for future opportunities to further this budding relationship between business and faith.
For more on this topic, I enjoyed the book “Why Business Matters to God” by Jeff Van Duzer. Van Duzer describes the purpose of Kingdom business,
“Business must concern itself with redemptive as well as creative work.”
“The purpose is still to serve in two key respects: 1) to serve the community by providing goods and services that will enable the community to flourish, and 2) to serve employees by providing them with opportunities to express at least a portion of their God-given identity through meaningful and creative work.”