Uncategorized – ALIVE and ACTIVE

FRUIT

As I departed Kansas last month some of you asked, “what are your prayer requests?” I gave a valid, and needed, request, but it somehow felt like a standard answer. One that many of you have heard me express. “Pray for relationships, discernment in those relationships and discernment in ministry, and pray for the people in the midst of very complex circumstances.”

But God is showing me a fresh request.

At 30,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean I filled the time with movies, podcasts, intermittent sleep, and airline eating but I also took some time to worship and pray. I had a heart for a different set of prayers. My heart circled on the word ‘respond.’ My desire is to respond like the King of Kings would respond. He gave up His throne to walk among us and to model life on this earth. He showed the way in how we should respond in all situations. I wished to follow His example.

What does that response look like in Burundi? I had to stop my mind from playing out specific situations and trying to prepare my response.

“If I’m trying to get a visa and that happens, then I will say this.”

“If I go to that place for a common resource, then I should be prepared to do this.”

“If I have to set a boundary with a friend, then I can act in this manner.”

Instead, I asked God to pour out a “presence” in all situations. To me this looked like responding in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

When I arrived at the Burundi airport, I easily moved through the immigration process, collected my baggage, and scurried to the exit. One final station stood in my way, I had to scan my baggage. It was at this point I was notified of the need to pay a tax on some of the personal items I was bringing into Burundi. This was a new experience. The tax process was not clearly defined to me. I was frustrated and agitated that my exit was being delayed by a tax on items I had already purchased. My exasperated response made it clear to the official that I was not happy. After 90 minutes of collaborating towards a solution, I complied with the request and the issue was resolved. I exited the airport.

Upon reflection of the situation, I was disappointed in myself. I didn’t respond well. I was irritated which was evident through my animated conversation with the official. Others were also expressing the same frustrations with the official which probably didn’t help the situation as we all fed off one another. I can’t say I was outwardly peaceful, or kind, or gentle. In less than 30 minutes on Burundi soil I had failed on my resolution to respond in the fruit. Dang!

However, He did give me awareness to the desires of my own heart. Hallelujah, our Mighty Lord is a gracious God! My desires are to make sure I’m seen, to fight for my rights, to cater to my own view of justice, to get my way. Ack! It doesn’t feel good to admit this.

I relinquish the selfish, human desires of my response and yield to respond in the overflowing power of the fruit of the SPIRIT.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 NIV

How do I respond?

This is my prayer, and this is my prayer request.

Back in Burundi and reuniting with friends.

RETURN

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

I have returned to Kansas for a few months to be refreshed around friends and family. I’ll be sharing at a few venues and keep you updated on those opportunities. I spent the past week in Abbotsford, Canada visiting many friends from Multiply. I had not been there for a visit since my initial training time in 2017 and I have fond memories of that period of my life. I recalled a gentle God ushering me towards a life in Burundi. His patience and wisdom were building in me with each step.

My time in Canada last week was centered on an intentional retreat with other workers and colleagues. There was space to reflect on this past term and specifically this past year. I have had a frustrating and challenging 2024 in Burundi. Several times I found myself “on edge” with certain situations and disappointed with relationships. I’m not sure I have it all processed yet, but this time in Canada was serene. The encouragement from my colleagues and a refilling by the Wonderful Counselor was just what I needed. There is no better caretaker of our soul than our Creator.

After the retreat time I traveled through the Cascade Mountains to visit a friend in central Washington state. I enjoyed catching up with my friend. There was also time for an afternoon hike to Margaret Lake near Snoqualmie Pass, WA. What a beautiful time of year to be in that region!

In a previous post in May I reflected on Peter’s exclamation upon seeing the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17). As I think about these coming months in Kansas (and other places) I, again, proclaim his words, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

I look forward to seeing you and catching up with you. Please reach out and we can connect.

Sour cream donut and black coffee at Tim Horton’s!!!

CAMPAIGN

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

We just finished Week# 2 of the Harvest Evangelism Campaign. I have posted about this event in the past. It has been one of my favorite experiences during my time in Burundi. Harvest Initiatives equips evangelists in the local church to go out and to visit with people about the Gospel. During this time many stories return of prayer, healing, and changed lives for Jesus. It is an exciting time and a highlight for the year.

My role in the Campaign has been to travel around Burundi with a team to show the Jesus Film. This year has been challenging because of the fuel situation in Burundi. I was not confident we would accomplish our mission to arrive at all 11 communities with the film. I am happy to report that by God’s traveling mercies we did not have to cancel for any of the locations. I was encouraged by the eager faces which greeted us when we arrived at each place. While we would set up the screen and sound equipment joyful people danced, played, ran around, and watched in anticipation of this unique experience.

The Jesus Film team (left to right, me, Jean Baptiste, Christophe, Lucien)

Futball prior to the film in Mwaro province

A short story from the Campaign this year…

On the Zina hill of the Bubanza province live two women one named IRANKUNDA, the mother-in-law, and another named KWIZERA, her daughter-in-law. These two women had been in conflict for the past 5 years. While they lived in the same family compound, they could not bring themselves to greet one another. IRANKUNDA was not allowed to even hold her grandchildren (they lived in the same compound mind you!!!). When the evangelists visited the family this year they shared the Good News with them. The whole family cried because everyone realized that it was the enemy who had separated them. The Good News changed their hearts!! They repented. They greeted one another. They drank from the same cup once again.

“And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” – Revelation 22:2b

TEAM BUILDING

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

It is complicated to work together when we don’t understand one another. Admittedly, I’m not always attentive to the care needed to build a team. I tend to focus on the task. “Let’s get this done and move on to the next thing.” I think the Burundi context has revealed to me the importance of knowing one another. In the U.S. we would say, “it’s not what you know but who you know.” In Burundi that phrase also rings true. Maintaining relationships is thee priority in this culture while completion of the task carries a secondary status.

How do we build teams? How do we gain the trust of our colleagues, co-workers, ministry partners? How do we understand one another?

Harvest Initiatives (HI) organized two team building events: one for the office staff and one for the watchman staff. The goal was to know one another better and to see the impact of the work at HI. It was a time to realign with the mission, to be together, to rest, and to reflect.

The office staff took a one-day retreat to the Rutana province. I was fortunate to join them. We made stops at various tourist destinations throughout the country. We visited the national history museum, some forest areas, and the Source of the Nile River (true!!). At each stop we were instructed to take time alone, in silence, without distractions, and to reflect on what God was speaking to us as individuals. It was intentional time with God outside of our normal routines.

One staff member commented, “the reflection time was an opportunity to feel God’s presence through personal meditation in nature. The whole retreat was a moment of rest for me.”

Another person said, “it was a time of personal reflection and a time to enjoy my colleagues. It was a moment of rest and made me so happy to be invited. I would really like to see us do this type of event two times a year as it strengthens the group and gives me a moment of rest.”

Another retreat was held for the watchmen staff, those who care for the headquarter facilities. The mission of the retreat was to visit serval communities supported by HI and to introduce the staff to the people impacted by their work. When asked by the local community, “what do you do?” the watchmen replied, “we are in charge of security for the supplies that come to your community.” The staff was encouraged to see how their role played a part in benefiting these communities.

One participant commented on the trip, “it was very exciting, amazing, relaxing. All the words! It was so enjoyable for me.”

We all have a role to play. Sometimes it is hard to see our role, but I believe Creator has us specifically planted for His glory. A tree by itself is majestic, but only when put together does it transform into something prolific, a forest. God invites us as individuals into His collective mission.

Thank you, King Jesus, for being the one to reach out to us in partnership.

Thank you, King Jesus, for being the one to bring us awareness of our role.

Thank you, King Jesus, for being the one to unite us with one another.

SHELTERS

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

“Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials.” – Matthew 17:4a NLT

Peter declared this during the Transfiguration story in Matthew 17. The record of this story in the Mark and Luke gospels says Peter was so terrified he didn’t even know what he was saying. I can relate to Peter’s loss for words.

Last month I, along with my Uganda colleagues (Melanie, Danae, and Kyle), revisited the city where I first did French language learning. Besançon, France was my first stop on the journey to Burundi in 2018. It was an intentional time of language learning in an immersive environment. I knew very little about the environment. The language school was new to me, the city was new to me, the culture was new to me, everything was new to me. In this French region there were few English-speaking options for me to find comfort. I was in deep.

Here’s what I wrote at the time. First impressions. Praise God, this prayer was answered (first paragraph)!!

Reading it again now, it doesn’t sound so “deep.” It sounds optimistic, wide-eyed, adventurous, carefree. As I walked these familiar streets again in 2024 I was carrying more anxiety for my 2018 self than I actually carried at that time. What was this feeling? Similar to Peter, I was at a loss for words to express myself.

The school (CLA) where I took language classes

Back then, I used public transportation and my feet to take me everywhere. When I was not in class the perfect weather allowed for me to crisscross the city. After 8 weeks I felt like I knew every curve, every feature, every pocket of the city. Of course I didn’t know the half of it, but it felt like a place I could traverse with ease. The silly thing is I did all this with only a passing knowledge of the language. I could introduce myself and that was the peak of my French language powers. So why upon the return was I so fondly connected to this place? In 2018, I was building shelters of memories and this return in 2024 was my chance to revisit some of those shelters. Narrow streets, shady parks, one majestic fortress, quant cafés, forest trails, tram station stops, they all carried some kind of memory for me.

“Lord, it’s wonderful for me to be here!”

But there’s more!! The crowning memory, the “crème de la crème” of the entire 2024 visit back to this place was a “very French meal” with my host family…in the same house where I first stayed. That family and that house was such an oasis for me in a new cultural environment. Fully emersed in French language and culture I kind of floated around during that time, not really sure of where I was supposed to be. I could always regroup in their comfortable home welcomed by their fresh smiles. They were so generous to me (Merci beaucoup, François et Rachel! Que le Dieu de l’espérance vous remplisse de toute joie et de toute paix dans la foi.).

My Uganda colleagues also stayed with the same host family during their language learning time. We were all encouraged on this visit to their home when we could understand more of the French conversation. It was another pillar for me of how far the Lord has brought me. I remember being terrified in 2018 of getting pulled into a conversation and then counting the seconds until I could exit such a conversation. But on this reunion, I could actually enjoy and contribute to the conversation. Of course, I didn’t catch everything but enough to be a participant and not just a voyeur. Thank you, Jesus, for some progress!!

Chicken in cream sauce with noodles and bread (of course)

“Lord, it’s wonderful for me to be here!”

There is something memorable about the growth in those hard places. It was challenging to arrive there for the first time and to be stretched beyond what I could formulate. I was present in this place upon my return but not fully understanding what was happening. Perhaps a similar feeling which Peter had during the Transfiguration, present but not understanding. So what was my takeaway from the return? I treasure those memories of struggle and shaping. My initial time there was brief but as I walked those streets again, I could feel it was steeped with deep, deep reminders for me of His faithful shelters.

PROTECTION

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

I meet weekly with a men’s group of Westerners. We typically read a book of the Bible and discuss our observations. We pray together and share our victories and defeats from the week. We all have different reasons for being in Burundi and we enjoy gathering together to support one another. Recently we discussed the complexity of relationships in this context. Being an outsider to the culture it is extremely difficult to know how to navigate power structures. Someone in the group made the observation that our paths have been paved through the consistent prayers of others. We affirmed his observation. There are power structures at play which we are blind to, but someone, somewhere has covered us. There are places we are peacefully allowed to pass where others face opposition. There are shelters over our travels and shields to protect our day-to-day health.
For those of you who “dig in” without knowing exactly how to pray I graciously say, “thank you.” Our God knows. Our God hears you. You should know your faithfulness is rewarded. I was humbled to acknowledge there are people around the globe who have been paving a way for my good fortune and protection in this place. His mercy has covered my steps and my thoughts and my soul. His power and majesty are felt in my daily life. I see His providence in the ministry opportunities I’m involved with. My health has been restored and I feel fresh. Rarely am I slowed with food sickness issues. I am fortunate to travel all over this country to meet so many people, and if you’ve been here, you know the challenges of travel. There are so many things I simply do not understand, but God clears a path for me to pass.

His glory spreads over the earth. He goes before us. He touches the hearts of others before we arrive.

Thank you, Jesus for hearing our cries and petitions. We praise You for what You have done and will continue to do.

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” – Genesis 15:1

You always hope for just 1 more win, but these guys represented Karubabi well. So proud of them!!

Skit to open a teaching session in Bubanza province.

NEEDS

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

Last month I was fortunate to visit the city of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I was there to visit a team of people with a vision to serve their community. With the assistance of Global Vision 2020 this team operates a mobile eye clinic. They search for locations in the city where they can have access to a public space and where they can find favor by the local administration. Currently, the location is a meeting hall of an organization that provides free legal advice to people of the community. Next month, they hope to partner with a local medical clinic to offer eyecare services. The materials to operate the clinic are easy to transport and the set-up and tear-down time occurs within one hour. A free consultation consists of basic testing for eye disease and vision testing for corrective lenses. If eye disease is discovered the client is referred to a more advanced consultation by a professional. Glasses can be purchased for approximately 1/5th the cost of designer frames at neighboring eyewear stores. The entire process for the client from intake to the purchase of eyewear is about 20 minutes. In general, the population doesn’t think of vision as a priority for their health and they typically think it is too expensive to correct. This clinic provides an option for eyecare.

The service they provided was affordable, accessible, and professional. Clients were welcomed, informed, and prepared for the consultation. Service was quick and effective. I complimented them on the clarity of the process and the friendly service they offered to their clients. The team operated with a clear understanding of the needs they were there to meet. Each team member had a role to play for the clinic. During my visit on one day the clinic received 31 consultations and 15 clients purchased eyeglasses. There was a family of 5 who all received consultations, and all walked out of the clinic with new glasses. Their needs were met!!

At the end of each clinic day the team tears down the materials and shares lunch together at a local eatery. It was a core value for their team to eat together and discuss the day and what things they could improve upon.

The commitment of the team to serve the community was the lasting image from my visit. While the team was made up of Christians, they did not think it beneficial to add another church to the crowded faith community in Lubumbashi. Perhaps an organized church comes later for them, but for now their vision is to support the community and develop themselves, and others, as leaders. God will reveal to them when to take the next step.

My prayer during the visit was Amos 4:13, “he who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name.” I also invite you to pray for this team. Pray for unity in their vision. Pray for community awareness of the affordable options this clinic offers. Pray for good stewardship of resources. Pray the name of the Lord would be revealed through this team to those whom they serve.

RECHARGE

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

There is some ‘play’ among all the tasks and programs and schedules. I’m grateful for my health (hallelujah Lord!) and resources which allows me to travel and see new places. Getting there can be stressful with new processes and procedures, but finding new treasurers sure feeds my soul. And I don’t know how many times I’ve tricked myself into taking what I expect to be “calendar landscape photos” only to look back later and say, “meh, what am I going to do with that????” But alas, the Digital Revolution affords such foolishness. Click away, people!!

There’s a corner of Burundi called Buta in the Bururi province. The tranquility of the wind blowing through the tall eucalyptus trees in this area is peaceful to me. There’s also a cold, cold, cold pool at the bottom of a waterfall that leaves you breathless upon entry. It’s a 2 ½ hour drive from Bujumbura and it’s a great place to unplug.

I also spent some time in Cape Town, South Africa. I joined my friends Kyle and Danae Schimdt, who serve in Uganda, for some vacation days. The weather was perfect (think southern California), the food was delicious (melty cheese!!!), and proximity to the coastline and the mountains provided us with a variety of activities.

Cape Agulhas, southern most point of Africa (34 degrees, 50 minutes South longitude) and meeting place of Atlantic and Indian Oceans (20 degrees, 0 minutes East latitude)

BRISK

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

A brisk couple of weeks for me since I last updated you. I’m not sure the best way to inform you so consider this an update/photo dump.

Leaders training in Makamba province – Pastor Samuel and I visited approximately 30 leaders in the Makamba province (southern border of Burundi). We discussed how Jesus empowered the disciples and what are the characteristics of disciples and disciple-makers. I enjoyed the discussion as we tried to understand our cultural differences and similarities.

First day of school at Karubabi Harvest School – September 18 was the first day of school in Burundi. KHS got off to a good start as the students were welcomed to school by the headmaster and they also received their materials for the school year. Pray for the leadership, teachers, and staff as they organize and engage the students and families for 2023/2024.

Words of encouragement from Donatien (the National Director)

First grade lining up to enter the classroom for the first time.

Emergency roof repairs to the mission house in Muramvya – Rainy season revealed severe leaks to the structure resulting in rainwater inside the house. It was necessary to engage an engineer as quickly as possible due to the amount of rain in Muramvya. With much stress I scrambled to find both an engineer to complete the project and the available funds to begin the work. By God’s grace we experienced two weeks of dry weather conditions while the work was starting. The repairs are scheduled to be complete at the end of October.

Removed some of the old, sloped roof in order to install a new, pitched roof.

Business initiatives – I serve on the board of directors for an organization which walks together with local businesses. The initiative is designed to coach and teach a core group of Burundian entrepreneurs as well as listen to their business needs. This past month a conference was held for the business leaders to share what they’ve learned from being a part of this group. It’s been a long journey but the members were grateful for the coaching and commitment to the group.

In a separate initiative I was invited to a workshop with young entrepreneurs to share the Aspire materials. I’ve shared about similar cohorts in the past. For the workshop we modified the format and tried to condense a 9-week course into 5 days. Entrepreneurs in this workshop had businesses in salon care, honey manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, engineering services, and personnel consulting services. We’ll finish this workshop at the beginning of November, but I was very pleased with the questions and engagement by the participants.

And for full disclosure, some restful vacation photos to follow at a later date…

LIGHT

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

I was engulfed by the darkest night I have ever experienced. The countless stars were surprisingly faint in this remote part of Burundi. A Google search of Kabanga, Rutana will get you there from the satellite. The flour-like dirt of dry season will somehow get you there via a “road.” Through the eyes of this visitor there was not much there; courageous crops, mud brick structures, myriad kids whom suddenly congregate, and curious adults with a side-eyed glare. But in Kabanga there is a spiritual light carving out territory; there is a church and a community of believers. And on this night, we, as visitors, were invited to bring a projected light. We showed the Jesus Film on the walls of this church.

One such adult didn’t appreciate the presence of our visiting team or the disturbance we brought with us. He was the “chief” of the commune, and he was not notified of our arrival for the evening’s cinema. Blusterous and assertive, he made it known who oversaw this area and who had the authority to prepare such an event. After a few minutes of dialogue with our team organizer and once presented with the proper documentation, this gentleman calmed down. We were once again welcomed to the commune. Crisis averted; the show would go on.

Benches from the church were brought out to prepare seating for the film. As soon as they were leveled on the hard dirt, 10-12 hind-ends were scooching for a section of the plank where they could best see the presentation. Never before had a video been shown here.

Climbing spikes and the force of a hand-sized rock impaled a tarp screen to the exterior church wall. A wood table was brought out to host the projector and sound equipment. The generator sparked to life and suddenly the tarp had a face. Of course, the best laid plans do not come together so easily and 20-30 minutes later the accompanying audio was barking from the speakers. The setlist included Christian music videos from local artists, a short cultural drama, and the grand finale of the Jesus Film (circa 1979!!!!!!). All content was in the Kirundi language—hallelujah!!

Towards the end of the Jesus Film, my own hind-end fatigued from the ‘bench of honor’ and my ear drums tattered by the successful sound system, I circulated among the onlookers. In the darkness of night, I saw figures standing on the crop rows, sitting in the dirt, peering between the cassava plants, leaning against the trees, and snuggling on the benches. There must have been 350 people squeezed within eyesight of this flashing story. As the film finished, we danced, and we praised, and a leader asked for new followers of Jesus. It is hard to measure genuine responses after being there for a few hours presenting a big show with loud music and a long story. I’m a visitor after all. But I can tell you this…when the invitation was extended (“who wants to be a follower of Jesus”) I did see one distinct young man in the hazy, dark crowd of bodies. Even before the man with the microphone finished his sentence, this young man (20 years old???) shot up his hand. Some people raised their hands slightly above their face. Some people raised their hands after seeing others do the same. Some people raised their hands but got tired and put them down. This young man was not looking around to see what others were doing. As if the crowd was not there. His shoulder socket was the foundation of a locked elbow leading to a level wrist revealing an open-palmed hand with fingers extending to the squinting stars. All in perfect alignment like an impervious Burundian palm tree. He knew his actions and he was confident in his decision. He briefly put his hand down as the speaker finished his statement but again his arm popped back up. He was a leader among a group that did not know it yet. At the end of the presentation a pastor invited this young man into the church to talk. I prayed it was the start of a life-long and life-giving relationship. Yes, Everlasting Father!!

Overall, our assignment for the Harvest Campaign took us to nine separate locations around Burundi and approximately 3,000 people saw the Jesus Film. Organizers estimated that almost 1,000 people made a decision for Christ through this portion of the Campaign. I know, I know, I have the same questions you do. We like our numbers, but what does this mean? How do we measure the heart? I will let God be the grower. I can tell you for each place we brought the film there was an established relationship with the local church. There was a partnership in place long before we arrived. My prayer is that someday we will rejoice as we hear stories of people who joined the local church in these places and their faith sprouted from the ‘mustard seed’ planted with this strange flicker of light.

Your contributions and prayers played a part in planting these seeds. My prayer is that someday you also will rejoice upon hearing the stories of the lives transformed through this evangelism campaign. Thank you! May God bless you richly for your obedience.