How has it been to return to Burundi? I have been searching that answer in my heart.
“It’s OK, not great, but OK.”
Over the past 12 months I’ve spent more time in Kansas than I have in Burundi. My return to Burundi has me searching to reclaim a once familiar rhythm. Of course, the events of the past 6 months have me looking at Burundi through a different lens.
Trust has been difficult for me as I re-enter Burundi. I do not like it, but I can feel it. I feel it when I look at people and places. Walls of protection have risen in me. I’m sure they’ve always been there in one form or another, but it feels like they have inched higher for now. I am unclear as to what those walls are there to protect in me.
Is it a survival response? Is it to protect my heart?
Is it to protect my pride? Is it saving me from looking foolish?
Those strongholds of distrust have been in our human nature since Genesis 3. Even the disciples, who walked in-step with the Messiah on earth, had to learn to trust over time. It seems it was a constant journey for even Jesus’ closest friends. I am no different. I wrestle with the cloudy words and actions of the human condition, of which I am included, and look to the one who never breaks His promises.
My prayers over these past weeks are in the Psalms.
Psalm 9:10 “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”
Psalm 19:7 “Instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
Enjoying a chicken dinner with FrançoisGood to be back at Karubabi with JoëlSmall business owners sharing ideas.
I’m not sure I can find the words to update all of you. I find it easier to communicate the timeline of events over the past 8 weeks, but I’m slowly aligning words to my emotions over this time.
In May I returned to Kansas for a graduation of my niece from high school. It was a grand celebration with so many friends and family. She was overjoyed with the show of support for her accomplishments. As I returned to Burundi my parents accompanied me for a long overdue visit. A series of “hiccups” cluttered our trip, but we enjoyed the people and the rhythm of life.
Two days before Mom and Dad’s scheduled departure, we took a 1-day trip into the center of Burundi. Enamored with the farmers caring for the land, we briefly stopped on the mountain road and exited the vehicle to observe their work. As we returned to the vehicle, Dad stumbled, fell, and landed on the unforgiving dirt road. The result was a fracture to his right hip and the pain rendered him nearly unmovable. Multiple hospital visits led to a decision to perform surgery, in country, to secure the fracture. The surgery was a success. The days following surgery contained peaks of progress and valleys of frustration. The recovery process was a challenge. On June 22, Dad passed away in a Burundian hospital with Mom and I at his bedside.
A long, confusing, frustrating journey followed his passing as we negotiated several players to transport the body back to the United States. There was little by way of a “roadmap” for procedures, documents, and authorizations to move such cargo. We had many friends, both Burundian and foreign, helping us and the body find a way to return to the U.S. Mom and I desperately wanted to be close to family to grieve together, but the timeline for our return was out of our control. We had to wait. We did not always walk in that space well. We did not understand God’s timing. We felt trapped. We felt manipulated. We felt like others were taking advantage of our situation. We wanted someone to blame. We wanted a hero. It felt surreal.
Ultimately, we traveled back to Kansas on July 8 and the body arrived a few days later. We melted into the arms of loved ones. It was so good to be together. As a family we have felt incredible support from community in Burundi, in the U.S. and around the world. We also know that words do not come easy for this situation, but you carried us with your prayers. And once again, God has shown His love through so many of your actions, words, prayers, and thoughts.
It warms my heart to think about the risk-taking obedience required of Dad for a trip like this. Dad came to Burundi to do what he has done throughout his life, and it came to define who he was; he “showed up.” He encouraged, not so much with his words, but with his presence. His quiet presence. It is so meaningful to me that he came. During Dad’s time in Burundi, I could see the hand of my Holy Father touch the heart of my Earthly Father. Mighty Jesus shined clearly through the Burundian people to love and honor Dad. They treated him like a returning king. It was touching to watch. Creator revealed a beautiful ending.
So, how are we doing? We are going through it. We are at peace. We miss him. We loved him and we know he loved us. We cling to memories and stories. Photos are gripping, we just stare and stare at them. But we also honor. We honor what God has gifted us with Dale Jost. We will celebrate his life and rejoice to Our King on August 13, 2022, at 10:30AM at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, KS. Friends and family are welcome. You can read his life story here.
There was a knock at my door. I (Estache) was not expecting anyone at this time of night. Who could it be? I opened the door to find a man; drunk and high on drugs. I had heard of this man. He had a reputation in the community. His name was Désiré. We were living different lives. I was a pastor at the local church and he was a drunkard, in and out of prison, an absent father and husband. We had never met. What was he doing here???
We talked for a few minutes in the darkness. As I listened to him, I knew I had a decision to make. I asked God, “why did you bring this man to my door? You know we have different agendas with our lives.” We ended our conversation and as I felt God had an invitation for me to respond, I extended an invitation to Désiré to return to my house in the morning.
The next day, I took him with me to the fields. I showed him how to tend to the crops. The day after that, we returned to the fields. We did this together, again and again, day after day. After a few weeks, I sent him on his own to the fields. Eventually, Désiré expanded his knowledge of how to care for the land. He became a skilled farmer. We also spent time praying together and studying the scriptures. He was gaining knowledge of who God designed him to be. He began to believe in himself. He began to believe in a loving God and eventually, he surrendered his life to Jesus. He was equipped with the physical skills to make a living and the spiritual skills to live out his identity in Christ.
After a few months with Désire’s newfound strength, word reached his estranged wife. She was in disbelief. Last she heard he was in prison. This guy they were speaking about did not sound like the same man she knew who made life at home so difficult. What had happened to him? He sounded like a new man. She had to see for herself.
She traveled to the city to visit Désiré. She was astonished, he was unrecognizable. He had a confidence about him. He carried his head high. He was clean. His words and thoughts were clear. He looked at her when he spoke to her. He begged her forgiveness. She did not know what to say at first. Could she trust him after so many empty words from him in the past? She decided to reconcile. The family was restored.
Today, Désiré and his family are farming a small tract of land. They see the goodness of our Savior in the crops they harvest and in their restored relationship. Désiré and I continue to meet and journey together. We praise God for what He has done in our lives.
Désiré (left) and Estache (right)
Estache is a faithful example of following God’s command for discipleship. He lives out whole life discipleship found in Mark 12:30-31,
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
In Burundi, Multiply is fortunate to partner with local church leaders, like Estache, for training and coaching centered on discipleship of the whole person. We value your partnership in this mission. Please pray for the coaches and leaders as they live out Jesus’ words to us in Mark 12. If you are led to contribute financially, you can do so here (the description in this link talks about another project in Congo, but we use this project for Burundi as well). Thank you!
Find someone who looks at you like this when you tell Jesus stories.Find someone who TELLS you Jesus stories like this.Get to know your veggies.A reminder of His goodness!I think the Burundians enjoyed seeing this, for a change.Brain freeze (notice the French Bible)
Not quite ready for this, but fun to see it again.
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.”
I am back in Kansas (and a few other places) for a few months. It is so good to be here!!
Field near Buhler, KANSAS
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
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.
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
Josh, Maryn, Shanae, Alex
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.
Randy Friesen, Multiply’s outgoing General Director 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.
It could only happen to Randy. Is this a great photo or what??? 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.
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
Join us next Thursday as Pastor Samuel pulls us into the story of what God is doing in Burundi.Aren’t you just a little bit curious????Check your schedule and mark it down!
