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LOOKS

What do missionaries look like?

There is a group of missionaries in Burundi called Harvesters. A local ministry organization called Harvest Initiatives conducts a campaign every year in which teams are sent to the far corners of Burundi to partner with the local church, evangelize, and pray. Some Harvesters already live in these distant communities and others pay their own travel expenses to join the team. Some will leave the conveniences of the city to live in the mountain outposts for 2 weeks. They sacrifice running water, toilets, electricity, consistent meals, clean clothes, a mirror, routines, friendly faces, and time with family.

On a typical day the Harvest teams gather in the morning for worship, Bible study, and prayer. Seated on benches no more than 10 inches off the ground they dialogue about a passage, share what God is saying to them, and look for new insight from the group. When devotion time is finished, they prepare and eat breakfast. Beans, rice, ndagala (small, minnow-like fish), greens, potatoes, cooked bananas, and avocado provide the hearty fuel to get them through the day with a tea/milk mixture to wash it down. After cleaning up they meet outside with the local church members for assignment; dividing into teams of 2 or 3 for the day’s journey. They sing and pray and then launch out in separate directions across the mountains. They will return in the dark. They carry Bibles and materials to help with storytelling. These servants walk over the rocky roads and dusty paths stitched into the Burundi backcountry in search of homes. They go door-to-door to find people and while that sounds difficult in our North American culture, what other way is there to reach people in this context? Marketing videos, social media, signage are not available here, they must physically “go” to the people. The message is the love and hope of Jesus. Most people out here believe in a god (Creator) but He is distant. They do not have relationship with Him and thus do not know about the reconciliation of sins. Often, the teams engage in prayer with the families they meet.

Upon return to the living quarters, the evening meal is prepared.  A doughy bread is served and used to scoop a mixture of beans, ndagala, and greens. This traditional meal is eaten without silverware from a common plate and everyone must wash hands before eating.  Water for the daily activities is fetched every morning from a source over a kilometer away and used for hand washing in a shallow tub. When the meal is finished and nightly chores complete, they meet before bedtime to share the stories from the day. For the night, they divide by gender and retreat to a common mattress (or tallgrass-woven mat) on the ground in a small shelter.  Anywhere from 5 to 8 people can share a sleeping space.

The next day, same routine, different route, new ears to hear.

The message for me was, I can’t go to these places. Sure, I can visit, but to live in that context was a humbling confession of comfort. I found myself in a huge gap from my Western living conditions to these “least reached” people. But the gap is less so for native Burundi people. They can go where I cannot. They can reach their people when I cannot. They lead and I walk alongside. And thus, I am here to support and to encourage their obedience and faithfulness. I am inspired by the body of Christ working in unison for His mission.  May His name be glorified!

Again, I ask, what do missionaries look like?  What images do you have?

More photos coming soon …

Sunrise in Zina commune of Bubanza province
The provinces of Burundi

REVEAL

After reading through Proverbs recently I had new awareness of its themes.  In Proverbs 2:10-11 Solomon (the wise king) makes a distinction between four items:

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. (NIV)

What is the difference between wisdom, knowledge, discretion, and understanding?  In general, I consider these words to be interchangeable, but Solomon states a purpose for each in Proverbs 2.  He uses these words often in his manuscripts, and yet, it reads like he has blurred their definitions.  Solomon seems to be lost in their meaning.  So why the distinction at the beginning of Proverbs?

In 2 Chronicles 1:10 we see Solomon ask for wisdom and knowledge.  He thought these two items were more valuable to him than wealth, riches, honor, vengeance, and eternal life.  Our Father is pleased by Solomon’s heart and provides beyond the initial request.  This same story from 1 Kings 3:7-15 tells of a request for “discernment” instead of wisdom and knowledge.

Is it all the same?

Does it even matter?

What is wise Solomon trying to say to us?

I am so confused.

 

For our concrete North American minds, the Webster definitions read:

Wisdom– knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgement as to action.

Knowledge– acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation.

Discretion– the power or right to decide or act according to one’s own judgement.

Understanding– mental process of a person who comprehends; intellectual faculties.

Webster didn’t provide me with clarify.

Here’s where I’ve landed…for today…

Wisdom comes to us by an outside source; whether from God, Spirit, man, or experience.  Wisdom is gifted to us and we humble ourselves to receive it (James 3:13-17).

Knowledge fills our mental capacity.  We gain knowledge through study and research; through earthly progress.

Discernment feels like a product of wisdom.  We can have all the angles to make a decision but, in the end, we reach a peace in order to take action.

Understanding feels like a product of knowledge, not only do we collect information, but we grasp how it connects with the rest of the world.

 

When I get stuck on what His plans are for me, I often pray, “Lord, reveal to me what I need to know, when I need to know it.”  Instead of spinning and stressing in what He will do, or how He will do it; I surrender to Him to bring me along in it.  He will reveal to me the wisdom, and knowledge, and discernment, and understanding, and any other words associated with the mind and heart.  And now that He has revealed these themes to me from Proverbs 2, I read the Bible with new eyes.

 

Disclaimer:  I have none of this figured out, I’m tangled up in words and many, many verses.  So, ironically, I pray He would continue to reveal these themes to me.

Do you have any insight?
How do you use these words?

 

 

 

How do you like your goat??
Bujumbura at dusk

BOOKS

What’s on your summer reading list?  Hopefully you’ve got something good to chew on.  Physical books are hard to find here (not may bookstores making a go of it in The Buj).  Amazon doesn’t deliver to Burundi; Nile does, but the selection is limited (reaction).  Anywho…to get something new you have to comb the shelves of others, get a generous visitor to bring it for you, or re-read what you have from a different perspective.  Unless you’re one who likes to read on a device, in that case you’ve got plenty of options (occasionally I read a book on my phone, but it’s not like I need more screen time).

My current reading list includes:

Why Nations Fail – a very, very detailed look at how nations prosper or falter.  It’s meaty but I enjoyed the research, the attention to history, and the theory from the authors.

The Road Back to You – a descriptive look at the enneagram personalities.  Current Jost Book Club selection so I’m not allowed to give my opinion just yet.

Falling Upward – perspectives on spiritual maturity and how we journey with our faith.  Wow-zers, this book really spoke to me!!  I connected with so much of what the author expressed.

I would be entertained by what you are into (the Bible counts but it has to be a specific book).

 

 

I’m not sure what this guy is reading but I’m pretty sure it’s above my level.

NO NAME

You ever have a “random” memory pop into your head…

My first 2 weeks of training with Multiply were spent in Winnipeg, Manitoba (that’s in Canada, by-the-by).  Winnipeg reminds me A LOT of Wichita; an urban oasis surrounded by wheat fields stretching for miles (kilometers) in all directions.  One day we were tasked with a prayer walk through the streets of downtown Winnipeg.  My group drew inspiration from a building-long mural/mosaic.  We paused beside the building to pray and admire the artwork.  “Randomly,” out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man slowly pacing the adjacent sidewalk.  I watched him for a few minutes; he didn’t appear to have any place to be, no direction.  I felt God tug on my heart to approach him and invite him to an upcoming event at the local church.

To my surprise, I stayed with my prayer group.  I did not go.  I did not move.  I did not react.  I watched as this gentleman disappeared around the corner and out of sight.

Did I miss an opportunity????

The feeling stirred in me until I blurted out, “I gotta say something to this guy.”  Verbalizing it forced me to react.  I jogged to the corner where he disappeared, praying the whole time, ‘please, don’t let me miss this, don’t let me miss this, don’t let me miss this.’  I didn’t even know what I wanted to say to him.  Why was this so urgent?  I set foot on the cement pie piece at the corner and rounded the building.  I set my gaze four, five, six store windows down the block.  I picked out the flower planters, the trees, the benches, and the oncoming foot traffic (not him…not him…not him).  Nothing, he’s not here.  I missed it.  I swiveled on my heel to return to my team and there he was; tucked quietly into a shadow of the architecture like Ethan Hunt (this one, not that one).  He’s here!!

In my excitement I forced on him a question, “can I give you something?!?!?!”  Startled and in a soft tone he said, “sure.”  I handed him a paper invitation to the church event for this weekend and said, “you’re invited to a free cookout.”  I introduced myself and asked him, “what’s your name?”  He sheepishly but honestly responded, “I…I forget.”  I forced a smile and returned his toothless grin with, “that’s OK, you’re invited anyway.”  He chuckled and we parted, that was it.  Our interaction lasted no more than a minute.

I sat in church the Sunday of the cookout and wondered if this guy would show up.  I couldn’t shake the thought of going through life without knowing your own name.  Maybe I startled him and he didn’t want to give out his name.  I can’t blame him, I did have some adrenaline flowing after finding him against the building.  Think about that for a minute.  How many experiences have to fill your memory to where you can’t recall your name?  Was there NO community where someone (anyone) could call this guy by name?  Can you imagine being unable to answer that question?  How is that possible?  I was so distracted during the church service that I started coming up with names for this guy, “ah, he looks like a Jake” or “he’s a Daniel if I ever saw one” or “this guy has got to be a Marcus.”  I landed on Ivan, the guy’s name was Ivan (I know, it’s weird, but that’s where the carousel stopped).

I wish I could tell you of a cheerful reunion, but I never saw him again.  I desperately wanted to greet him at the cookout like we were old friends just to let him know someone on this earth knows him.  Even better than that, I wanted to tell him, “your Creator knows you by name” (Isaiah 43:1).  Alas, it is a story for someone else to tell.

How does God redeem a 1-minute interaction?  I’m still thinking about it…

One minute reminds me that my Creator knows me by name.

One minute reminds me of the blessings of community which He has provided.

One minute reminds me to look for the marginalized.

Mural in downtown Winnipeg
The corner in the background is where he disappeared.
Several different materials make up this mural. Similarly, several different people make up this earth.
“You are mine.”–Isaiah 43:1
People of the world exploring God’s creation.

BEAUTY

The beauty of Burundi shines through each and every day.  This small country is home to a variety of ecosystems (is that the right word, my 6th grade science is failing me).  Mountains and beaches, rainforests and plains, I thought you would enjoy seeing what God has created here.

Trail on Mount Heha
Beach near the city of Rumonge
Tea fields near Kibira National Forest
Tea fields near Kibira National Forest (photo by Deana Hiebert)
Stream in Kibira National Forest (photo by Deana Hiebert)
One giant worm and one giant squirm (its not a snake, its not a snake)

IMPACT

I recently had the opportunity to travel and meet several entrepreneurs in Kenya.  These weren’t just any ole motivated, hard-working, focused, inventive individuals, these were Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs.  Through some intensive coursework these leaders were inspired to grow (and in some cases, start) their business and at the same time bring ministry to their workplace. And to a person they said it was transformational; for their own spiritual growth and the growth of their employees.

Gayle (not her real name) started a business designing, manufacturing, and selling handbags.  She meets daily with her staff to share a morning devotional.  They follow the Discovery Bible Study method (read about it here).  Not all of her employees are Christians, but she prays for transformation.  One employee has already made a commitment to Christ.  Hallelujah!!

Jeff (not his real name) partnered with a friend to start a business which trains and outsources house staff (nannies, gardeners, cooks).  At the training facility every meeting starts with prayer.  It’s a simple step, but an intentional one.  The trained workers are also given training in how to share their faith with the clients they serve.

There are similar stories from all over the world.  These everyday folks have a passion to grow their business and impact lives for the Kingdom.  Even with all the pressure and all the hard-work ahead, they are choosing to embrace their role, wherever they are, and be ‘on mission.’

Their examples got me to thinking:

  • How can I intentionally impact those around me with the message of Jesus?
  • Do I see ALL parts of my life as ministry?
  • When did I start to separate my secular and spiritual lives?  Better yet, why?
Going to ‘heaven’ in a handbag!  Photo by: Mark Jackson
Bible verses posted in the workplace.  Photo by: Mark Jackson
First aid training for domestic assistants.  Photo by: Mark Jackson
Nairobi Chapel

 

THE LORD IS GOD

I read this passage in Deuteronomy over a week ago and I am still resting in these words.  I think about how He provides for us time and time again.

Deuteronomy 4:32 – 40 NIV (emphasis added)

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created man on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other.  Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of?  Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived?  Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by miraculous signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?

You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other.  From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you.  On earth he showed you his great fire, and you heard his words from out of the fire.  Because he loved your forefathers and chose their descendants after them, he brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and his great strength, to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into their land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is today.

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below.  There is no other.  Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time.

His promises are true in the Kinindo neighborhood of Bujumbura (photo by Deanna Hiebert)

1 THING

What one thing brings you joy today?  There can be some days it is difficult to find, but there has to be at least one thing which Jesus has given you today to “spark” real joy (to steal a phrase).  I believe we worship a big, big God who reveals Himself in the smallest of details.  What is it for you today?  Is it a cherished verse?  Is it the smell of fresh ground coffee?  Is it the sounds from beginner musicians?  Is it the smirk from a friend?  Is it a perfectly delivered movie line?  Is it a random memory sprung from the “vault?”  I’d love to hear about it.

For me, it’s this video.  JOY!!  I find myself returning to it often.  Today’s battle for our attention does not have space for a video of this length (over 2 minutes), thus I could not upload to this site and I had to link to YouTube.  A couple of months ago, a local church held a celebration event which combined worship and culture.  I was blessed to attend and I stood engulfed in unhinged joy.  The meager mic on my phone was simply overpowered and could do no justice to how it sounded or how it felt.  There’s a lot going on here for me.  I find joy in the galloping rhythm and the flag waving and the jumping worship leader.  I find joy in the standing drummer and the traditional dress and the full moon peeking just under the tin roof.  I find joy in the chanting crowd and the active hands and the pastor skipping on stage.  Hallelujah!!

“I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.” – John 15:11 AMP

ML

“I’m not gonna make it to Africa.”

When I left for Africa this past fall M.L. Euthon dreamed of a chance to visit me and revisit this raw continent which enchanted him over 20 years prior.  Wrestling lions was at the top of his to-do list and at 92 years of age, he was determined to make it happen (you try telling him he can’t do it).  He constantly talked about a visit, he applied for (and received) his passport, and he attended physical therapy in order to build strength for a trip.  He was turning a dream into reality.  But on this day, during this video conversation, he took a loooooooonnnnng pause to collect his words.

“I’m not gonna make it to Africa.”

And I knew what he meant.  The dream wasn’t over, the body was.

His dream is now on a heavenly destination while his body is anchored by an earthly reality.  He is still earthbound, but it is becoming difficult to heal and to build strength.  He has a favorite saying adapted from Hunter S. Thompson,

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!’”

M.L. certainly lived this out.

His life is one which most of us cannot fully understand.  His choices and actions are a product of a difficult upbringing, a bold way of thinking, and a different lifestyle.  His chaotic past provides a litany of lessons learned (and relearned) and serves as a warning to our human brokenness.  He owns every decision, there are no excuses.  He is haunted by the impact his decisions have had on those he loves.  For M.L. the list of professions covers the spectrum (church planter, truck driver, hair stylist, bar manager, etc.) which produced story after story after story.  I always told him he should write a book.  His late wife, Sylvia, journeyed with him for over 70 years and he anointed her the title of ‘Saint’ for extending him grace time and again.

There is not a more unlikely person on the planet who I could call my mentor.  For the past four and a half years we met weekly in his home.  I remember our first meeting where at one point he became so animated in conversation that he was jostling in his chair and spraying spittle all over the table.  I thought, ‘what is this guy about?  What could we possibly have in common?  Is this real?’

Turns out he was real; and complex.  He can be prickly.  Is that the right word???  He is brash, confrontational, radical, charismatic, and passionate.  He likes to say things just the right way in order to get a reaction out of you.  Even if he doesn’t totally believe what he is saying, he will blatantly press into your thinking until you engage in the conflict.  Confrontation is not exactly my style.  We are distinct opposites.

So why did I keep meeting with him?  Simply put, he challenged me.  He challenged my thinking.  He challenged me to memorize scripture.  He challenged me to cross-check the Bible with everything I heard from him.  He challenged me to love someone who I did not understand.  I didn’t always agree with his theology or opinions, but he made me think.  God brought us together from opposite sides of the personality spectrum and formed a spiritual bond and friendship.  He was the mentor I needed.  He liked to tell me, “you big turkey, you haven’t a clue what God has in store for you.”  He was right.  I could not see what God was doing in our relationship.  Sometimes God places people in your life who you never imagine will have an impact.  Without him challenging me, I’m not sure I’m on this journey today.

As I reflect on this unique paradox of a man I can’t help but think of his passion for the Church.  If you can see past his “prickly” exterior I think you can see that zeal.  The collective love and understanding offered in the Church is what is most attractive to M.L.  He is known by the Church.  He is known by his Savior.  Unlike any other place, or thing, in which he searched to be known; he is known by us.  Individually we fail to understand him but untied as one in Jesus we understand him.

I’ve tried to think of M.L.’s favorite verse and I can’t land on one. But I think he would hold most dearly to the message in John 3:13-21.  After all the destructive things he’s done in his life God still uses him.  A God who redeems all things.  A God of unfailing love.  That’s his favorite message.

 

Thank you, Roomie.  I love you, you buzzard.  You poured into me and genuinely cared about my spiritual health.  You left an imprint on my life.  You challenged my thinking about our big, big God.  When I thought I had all the answers you stirred me to search for more of Him.  You are always in my prayers.  Well done, faithful servant.

 

August 2017, at our meeting place in his home
October 2018, M.L. with some Burundi coffee (shoutout to Norm N in the background)
August 2018, the last time we were together

CHRISTMAS IN BURUNDI

What is Christmas like in Burundi?  It kind of snuck up on me.  It sounds silly to say.

Of course, the climate was entirely different from what I am used to in Kansas this time of year.  The early darkness, gray skies, cold air, brown landscapes (what once-upon-a-time was white), and twinkling lights of Midwest America was replaced with sun, warmth, flowering plants, palm trees, and lush green landscapes.  Burundi is not a consumer culture; therefore, I was liberated from the bombardment of advertisements and messages convicting me of what I just had to buy this season.

Christmas decorations for sale.  Unfortunately real trees are not available. (image by Deanna Hiebert)

New Year’s Day is the big holiday here and thus, there was minimal build-up to Christmas Day.  As proof, the big, decorated Christmas tree was put up in the center of the city 3 days before Christmas.

Setting up the city Christmas tree 3 days before Christmas

The church services in the city celebrated the advent season in faithful anticipation.  Various children’s performances made the rounds as the 25thapproached.

Children’s Christmas program (the sheep were represented)

Some churches held all-night worship and prayer services which could be heard from my apartment on Christmas morning (what a great idea!!).  There were several greetings of “Merry Christmas”, “Joyeux Noël”, and “Noël Nziza.”

As a team we celebrated with others at various events.  An evening of singing carols and reading scripture became my first Burundi Christmas tradition.

An evening of carols and scripture reading

I was also fortunate to have carolers visit my doorstep with sweets in hand.

Cinnamon rolls…the best!!

On Christmas Day our team gathered together for a meal of ham, mashed potatoes, salads, and desserts.  Our simple gift exchange took on amplified excitement and appreciation after witnessing the teachers in Muramvya joyfully embrace their gift exchange the previous week.

It was interesting for me to walk through my own feelings about the season.  It didn’t feel like Christmas, or at least, “my habit” of Christmas.  The reason to celebrate didn’t change, just my environment.  I came back to Isaiah 55:8 (NIV), “for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” It is so easy for me to attach the things of this world to our Heavenly Father in order for my mind to make sense of everything.

This year, I marveled at His mystery and I was stunned at His desire for relationship with me.

He deserves all glory!

That’s what Christmas in Burundi was like for me.