tjkansas – Page 4 – ALIVE and ACTIVE

BLACK LIVES MATTER

3 Comments / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

I don’t feel pressure to make this statement, but I do feel awareness by making this statement. Nobody is talking about it in Burundi. There are no protests. I’ve asked several people about it and often have to explain what is going on in America (to the best of my one-sided ability). As soon as I say the word ‘racism’ everyone nods in agreement; they understand it from their own context.

For me, saying “Black Lives Matter” brings awareness to my actions. It makes me reflect on those times I didn’t have the heart of Jesus for the voiceless, the oppressed, the forgotten or, to put it simply, those who were different from me. It makes me aware of my ignorance in my own culture.

And WHY didn’t I “get it”??? That’s the hard question.

Because Selfish Travis wanted to be funny, he had other things to do, he wanted to talk about something easy, he was embarrassed to ask questions, he didn’t have time for the response, he didn’t know the full history, he was comfortable in the life he was living and couldn’t see the mistreatment of others.

I want to reflect on those times where I flippantly made a comment that cut deep into someone’s heart. Maybe I can’t exactly identify those times, but I know they are there.

I want to reflect on those times where I missed the opportunity to learn someone’s story. Times where I let my assumptions (bias/prejudice/ignorance) about our differences stand between actually getting to KNOW about our differences.

I want to see where my brokenness failed my friends, family, and community. I want to see it because my silence and casual attitude have suppressed so many who are hurting (is that even the right word????). It’s obvious by the reaction in my home country right now.

Where did my selfish actions miss everything that Jesus stood up for?

There are others who are feeling suppressed and frustrated within my culture. One could insert any number of proper nouns in the phrase, but right now, it’s Black Lives Matter. This time, I want to listen and actually hear. It was really difficult for me to write this post. I couldn’t find the words. I couldn’t connect one idea to another. It’s hard and that shows me just how much I’ve missed. There’s an awareness of how much I don’t understand. But, I want to be here, I want to learn through the hard stuff. I want to hear Jesus when He tells me, “you’re not getting it. Pay attention. THIS is the Kingdom.”

BLACK LIVES MATTER

GIFTS

3 Comments / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

I don’t always get to see the results. For the projects I invest my time, I desperately want to see the beginning, the process, and the final result. My Western thinking wants to know I fixed a problem. There are many occasions over the past 2 years where I did not understand the problem trying to be solved, nor could I follow the steps implemented to find a solution, and I certainly could not see any expected results. God is teaching me to release the results to Him. I will do my part, but He will claim the results. It is for His glory and goodness. His plans get results here in Burundi.

One day at the Karubabi Harvest School a number of carboard boxes arrived. They were the size of a cooler. The students were called to the conference center and as they entered, they noticed the boxes stacked on the stage. Anticipation and excitement built as students found their seats. One by one, each student (ages 12-16) received a smaller gift box from within these cooler sized boxes. These smaller boxes were the size of, say, a shoebox. The logo on the side was Samaritan’s Purse. These were the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. I have no idea of the process to get these gifts here. My home church in Wichita, KS, serves as a drop-off location for thousands of these completed boxes and some of you have been involved in the creation (if you will). It was a small act of obedience and faith from many nations around the globe to commit to making a gift for a child in an unknown country. The gifter would never see the result of their loving generosity. The recipient would never know how these precious items got to Burundi.

Waiting for the go ahead. Photo by Aurora Bard

And there was joy! Hundreds of smiles. With wide eyes their hands quickly unpacked item after item. Shrieks of surprise bounced off the conference center walls. Thousands of people answered the call to pick up a simple supply list in the hopes of sharing joy with children all over the world. The result, the payoff, could be found in tiny Burundi. For a moment, these kids were recipients of generosity, kindness, and faithfulness. What started as a list in your hands resulted in a gift in their hands.

We don’t always know the creation, or the process, or the results, but God knows (and orchestrates) the entire plan. We have a part to play even when we don’t get to see the results. On this day, I got to see the results of your faithfulness. Thank you!

WHOLE EARTH

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

How many of you have stopped mid-email/text because things have been changing so quickly? I raise my hand as I write out this update.

For the whole earth, we are ALL in a new world in a short span of 30 days. Do you even remember what you were doing at the beginning of March??

The virus reached Burundi this week (3 confirmed cases). Some preventative measures were already in place prior to the “arrival.” The airport was closed for international flights. All visitors from Europe were placed in a 2-week quarantine. Hand washing stations were at every public place. Elbow bumps replaced the traditional greetings of hugs and handshakes. Today, many services are still operating; schools and businesses are open, churches gather for weekly meetings, and public transportation is running. The airport remains closed and visitors to the country are subject to a 2-week quarantine (regardless of nationality). Social distancing is extremely difficult here with so many people and such tight living quarters. Daily life requires public transportation, open food markets, and social interaction to generate various incomes.

It is difficult to know how to operate in such a context. While many things function normally here, I read stories from around the world where everything has turned toward isolation. Previous freedoms are now cherished luxuries. I’m asking many questions (as I’m sure you have in the past month) of this surreal situation; do I stay home and keep a distance while most of the country continues to function? What size crowd should I avoid? Does traveling to the school put the kids and teachers in danger? What are my options for health care?

During this time, I’ve found presence in Psalm 22.

Verses 1-2: The opening verse reminds us of Jesus’ plea on the cross. We see the fear of abandonment carry into verse 2.

Verses 3-5: We are reminded of how past generations faced difficult circumstances and how God remained true.

Verses 6-8: Again, the psalmist drops into the pit of despair for a desperate situation.

Verses 9-21: We read of submission and the testimony of total dependence on God.

Verses 22-25: The psalmist rises to fervent praise. Even in his time of suffering we read his praise for a God who has proven to save His people, generation after generation.

Verses 26-31: The final crescendo from the psalmist turns outward to the world. Declarations and prophecy are spilling out of a once desperate voice from the first 2 verses. The WHOLE earth will acknowledge the Lord. ALL families of the nations will bow down. Generations to come will hear about this Mighty Lord.

What can we learn here? Who is our God? What does He have for us during these times?

What questions are you asking these days?

This is how you terrace a mountain in Burundi Photo by: Guillaume Bard

With Aurora & Guillaume enjoying a French breakfast

ENCOURAGE

3 Comments / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

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.”

Encouraging the teachers of KHS with a Christmas party

KHS celebrates an encouraging visit from a government official

Somewhere in Burundi with my buddy Kyle (visiting from Kansas)

DISTANCE

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Earlier this month I received a shot of encouragement. My family came to visit Bujumbura!! We have not been in the same room for over a year, which is unusual for us. Technology has made the distance much, much easier to manage (at least we can see each other), but there’s nothing like being face to face. Before my time in Burundi my immediate family lived within driving distance from one another. Now, the distance feels like a figment; a made-up number from a galaxy far, far away. This past season has been an adjustment for us. There’s a sacrifice. You just stand where you are. It feels silly to mention it, though. Many families live at a distance for all kinds of reasons, it’s nothing new in this world. There’s no sob story here, just reality. For our family, the sacrifice is evident and we count the cost (sometimes we don’t like it). And without Jesus, it’s not worth it. He’s guided us into an unfamiliar place. We live it out and lean on Him for our understanding.

The one thing I can say about the distance…the reunions are all the more sweet. Honestly, we could have enjoyed our time simply sitting on the patio, drinking coffee, and listening to the birds. However, if you come to Burundi there is too much to see (plus, it’s waaaaaay too hot to sit still).

We spent a good portion of our time in the car. A good ole fashion Midwest road trip provided us with; rich conversation (what we learned over the past year), interesting debate (what provides more relief; a fart or a burp), prayer (for Jesus to be known all over Africa), many laughs (family impressions), and of course, some sweet jams (Watermelon Sugar was our anthem—don’t judge, just push play).

We experienced much of Burundi through a windshield;

the roads,

the mountains,

the towns,

the shortcuts,

the fruits,

the smiles,

and the catcalls.

True to form, Burundi played an excellent host;

we joined in fellowship with friends,

we danced in worship with our sisters and brothers,

we drank ginger tea,

we heard the stories,

we shared in the vision,

and we learned the language.

We enjoyed plenty of coffee
Selfie credit: Talia Jost

Amahasa (twin) on the beach. Jesus shining on the mountains of Congo. Come Lord!
Photo credit: Kimberlee Jost

In the end, it all points to Him. I’m certainly not in Africa without His Kingdom. We certainly don’t welcome a new decade together in Africa without His leading. None of this happens without Jesus and so we glorify Him with the richness of this reunion.

Ump-teenth TROS review: “Now what if…”
Photo credit: Kimberlee Jost

Why do I love these people???? It’s obvious to me. I am recharged!!

YEAR

1 Comment / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

In this season of thanks (in America) I am thankful for His invitation to walk with Him in Africa. I’ve been in Africa for just over a year and He has “given me daily bread” for each step. This past year was filled with countless learning opportunities (umm, you want ME to bring a word to the congregation????), with frustrations (how does anyone learn a language?!?!?!?), with moments of loneliness (I wonder what my family is doing today), with generous and patient teammates (what time did we say we were meeting again???), with confusion (You sure you got the right guy, Lord?), with nuggets of victory (I didn’t get lost today!), and with the marvel of His presence (joyful and transformed lives in the far corners of this world).

Jesus, You are here; “on earth as it is in heaven.” I cannot believe some of the places You have taken me. It doesn’t make any sense. I thank You that I get to be a part of Your Kingdom. May You be known over all creation!

Innocent (director at Karubabi Harvest School)

Lining up for water from the well at a refugee camp in Malawi

I love their expressions; almost like you can see right into each personality.

HEALING

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

For years, Isabella was hampered by a lame hip. Her leg would drag behind her when she walked, and running was a labored scramble to pull one leg in front of the other. She and her family made several trips to the city with hope for an answer from educated doctors. Each trip turned up an empty diagnosis.

“Do you remember breaking your leg,” the doctors would ask. “No, nothing traumatic has happened,” she would respond. Medicine had nothing to offer.

Who had an answer?

Isabella had heard of the Harvest Campaign in Burundi and this year a team was spending time in her commune. She decided to visit the local church which was hosting a convention in partnership with the Harvest workers. As the session launched into prayer time Isabella came forward to receive healing prayer for her leg. A Harvester named Divine prayed to Jesus for healing of Isabella’s leg. That evening Isabella walked home…without a limp.

When she returned home her parents noticed her new gait. They asked, “what happened to your leg? You are free!”

Isabella responded, “I went to the church and they prayed to Jesus to heal me.”

Her parents were astonished.

Isabella and her family had exhausted all available resources for healing, but the power of prayer is the only one that delivered. She joined the team days later to testify of God’s glory. Below is a picture of Isabella. This is how she stood as she retold her story; hidden and bashful, but joyful and free.

Isabella telling her story to the Harvest group

Rukundo is 15 years old with some disabilities. Throughout his life he has been shy and would often lower his head to dodge social interaction, even with close family members. His parents have prayed healing on him for most of his life. His mom brought him to the church during the Harvest Campaign this year. The Harvest team prayed heartfelt, trusting, healing prayer over Rukundo. They did not receive immediate results.

The next morning as his father greeted him, Rukundo extended his hand in return. His father was stunned by the gesture; such a sign of greeting had never happened before. What was this? Why this new engagement? A small sign of the power of prayer to our Savior (Rukundo shook all of our hands when we visited). The family continues to pray for more results but rejoices in God’s progress.

The story in Luke 18:35-43 (also in Matthew and Mark) tells of a persistent beggar who shouts at Jesus to get His attention and to declare His authority (“Son of David”). Jesus calls the beggar over and asks him, “what do you want me to do for you?” A simple question to which the beggar responds, “Lord, I want to see.” Jesus commands him to “receive your sight” and immediately the beggar can see.

There have been other stories of healing in Burundi after years of committed prayer. Is it just a random change of health or do we believe the healing? Are stories of blind men receiving sight just a Bible story or can He really do it?

What do you want Jesus to do for you?

VISITORS

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

We recently had visitors in Burundi composed of a joint team from my home church in Kansas (First MB Church) and a team from France (L’Eglise Mennonite de La Prairie) as well as two new teammates transitioning to another assignment. It was so refreshing to have familiar faces around and to engage in familiar conversation. It’s been over a year since I left Kansas. While I am grateful for the journey over this past year, it does carry a weight of constant concentration to understand new sounds, new surrounds, and new ways to do things. A visit from this team was extremely refreshing for me. It fed my soul to be near them and to hear stories of people and places I know.

We had a great time with the team, traveling and seeing how God is at work throughout Burundi. THANK YOU for coming to Burundi!!!!

We spent time with the students of Karubabi Harvest School. Photo by Danae Schmidt

We played games to help the students at Karubabi Harvest School learn English. Photo by Danae Schmidt

Our African brothers and sisters prayed over the Western Church.

We listened and learned from local leaders.

We shared our life experiences at a seminar hosted by the local church.

SCHOOL

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Like much of the world, it is ‘back to school’ time in Burundi. Karubabi Harvest School (KHS) started classes this week with more than 400 students enrolled for the new school year. Pray for the students, families, teachers, administrators, and staff as they learn about the world, themselves, and our God. Access to education is such an empowering blessing.

Hear Oswald’s story of what KHS means to him.

LOOKS 2.0

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What do missionaries look like? What images do you have?