ALIVE and ACTIVE – Page 5 – My WordPress Blog

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

2 Comments / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

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

Uncategorized / By tjkansas

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

1 Comment / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

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

Power up for the day (clockwise; boiled banana, rice, beans, boiled eggplant, ndagala & onions)

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace” -Isaiah 55:12a

“The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” -Isaiah 55:12b

Harvester leaders; François (left) and Lucien (right)

Déo (left), Harvester regional leader and Reverend Venant (right), Musinzira Emmanuel Community Church

Harvester leaders; Divine (left) and Pacifique (right)

Gathering to tell stories of the day (“and you will be my witnesses”)

“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” -Luke 10:3
What is your prayer for them?

LOOKS

1 Comment / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

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

REVEAL

4 Comments / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

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?

BOOKS

4 Comments / Uncategorized / By tjkansas

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).