Monday and Tuesday - Hope

Yesterday was a hard day for me; we got news that my mother was on her way to the ER where they discovered she was having a heart attack.  She is 91, and this is always a concern when we are out of the country.  They did a heart cath; found no blockage, arteries fine.  But it is a different kind of attack caused by arrhythmia, common for people of this age.  Dealing with this via texting with our daughter, only when I could get internet, from this distance has been so challenging.  So I did not blog yesterday.

We just got news (Tuesday night here) that they were sending her home.  We were hoping not, as she lives alone, but we have to trust God’s provision.  I am so grateful for all the prayers, for those who have emailed, offered help to Courtney, and been so supportive.  The dear ones here have prayed and continue to pray; overwhelming.  We do not leave until tomorrow night, and it’s a longer trip back home than coming.  It’s an exercise in trust.

BUT…..these have been amazing days otherwise!  Every day we start with praise and worship with dancing and drums!  Fervent prayers are lifted up, and the sharing begins.  Yesterday a young woman, orphaned, shared about her hard journey.  She lost her parents when she was less than 2.  She lived with her grandmother, working in the field, until her grandmother died.  At 10 she was brought to Bujumbura.  She became a house girl for an elderly lady.  At 16 she met a man, trusted him, became pregnant, only to be fired when her employer found out.  Pregnant and alone, she found shelter with a family who told her about Jesus.   She delivered her baby, but one week later the family said she would have to find somewhere else to live.  They just couldn’t support her and a baby.  Another elderly woman took her in, where she remains today, but the daughter of the woman has come home and wants her out.  She told us that she is depending solely on God to protect her and praying that this daughter will be saved.

The team brought all kinds of materials to make earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.  These women are just now discovering that they are capable of making something beautiful, that THEY are beautiful!  It was so fun to watch them working side by side, team and students, laughing, creating……enjoying!

Today we heard from Pacifique’s mother, the little boy who played the shepherd Saturday in the children’s session.  She is a 42 yr. old widow with three children.  Her husband died of AIDS, infecting her while she was pregnant.  Though her husband refused to take AIDS medications, she did take them and prayed she would live.  When he died, she was desperately alone and in despair.  The only food they had was when shared some with them.  A graduate of Homecare was helping her, giving her food when she was able. She urged her to come to Homecare and apply.  We had the joy of learning that she accepted Jesus during the prayer time this morning!!  She shared, “I have accepted Jesus here.  I am alive because of the love of God.  I consider myself healed, and I want to grow closer to Jesus.”  Miraculously, none of her children are infected.  She had hoped for a loving husband, but she said, “Now I have family here.”  How God works!

One of the staff then shared that she had a similar life story.  Her husband was HIV+.  She felt like she was in total darkness.  It ended her marriage.  Satan attacked her viciously, but she still had Jesus.  “Evil brought trash into my life through people  (and their treatment of her)…but I focused on God’s mercy and His Word.”

God has given her light and life; He has restored her body.  “Joy heals,” she told us.

Today her daughter is in ministry, and this dear woman pours into women at Homecare daily as God’s special vessel.

Tonight Peace and the staff hosted a beautiful dinner for us at Homecare. We feasted on delicious, local dishes. It’s easy to feel guilty about eating when you know that so many go hungry here daily.  But we know this is an offering of love; we humbly accept.

It is hard to realize that tomorrow is our last day here.  In some ways it seems like we have spent a long time with these dear ones; the intimacy of sharing hearts binds like nothing else.  We will hate to leave.

Our hearts are broken from all we’ve seen and heard, BUT…..we are also full of HOPE.  Every day we have witnessed the power of Hope; His Hope.  Hope brings life, promise, and the ability to persevere.  These women are filled with His Hope!  May we continue to pray for them these next months and beyond.  We can’t wait to see all that God will do in their lives!  There is no measure for how they have blessed ours.

Sunday – “Come before Him with gladness and joyful songs”

One of our favorite days in Burundi – Sunday!  Those who make their way to Life Center Church definitely come with gladness in their hearts and boldness in their joyful singing!

You are instantly drawn into the spirit of worship, recognition of Who God is, His attributes, His Power, His love.  Reverence and a since of awe at His presence fills the open-air pavilion.  The Spirit moves freely, beautifully as the expression of worship in song continues, building into a crescendo of jubilant celebration.  No need to understand the words; our spirits recognize His Spirit.  They do sing some songs in English, many of which we sing in the US, but it’s the Kirundi songs I enjoy the best.  Just sitting, soaking up the voices of the congregation – and you do hear the congregation fully participating – ring to the rafters.  This is beautiful worship!

A dear Rwandan woman continued her testimony she began Friday night.  It is one of pain, abuse, which she shares with complete vulnerability.  We wonder how willing someone would be to do so in the US…..but the focus is on grace, His Grace!  The grace theme continues as Apollinaire shared the message today.  His question was, “What are we doing??”  He asked four people from the body to come to the stage for a “forum” to discuss the nature of salvation and the church.  They had not been prompted beforehand.  One by one, Apollinaire asked precise questions:

What is salvation?  What is the church?  Who is the Holy Spirit?  What is our part as a believer in God’s plan?  Light subjects, huh.  Each one clearly expressed Biblically solid, clear explanations for each question.  And it all centered on GRACE.  Peace was the fourth person on the panel, and she beautifully summarized the content of all the questions, emphasizing the incomparable grace of God and how He lives in and through us.  As believers, we are to be His reflection to the world….and Apollinaire’s questions ended with an examination of just how well we are doing at that.  It could have been a sermon in the US; anywhere.  Key elements of the faith clearly and openly presented. 

Time goes by quickly at Life Center Church, though their worship is from 8:30 to about 1:00.  Amazing, truly, that the hours pass quickly.

To continue this day of worship and reflection, we had lunch and spent the afternoon by the lake.  How peaceful the water is!  Just resting in the gentle breeze, warm sun, strolling along the shore, marveling at the majesty and power of the waves was soothing to the soul.  

Each night we gather to pause, reflect and express our thoughts about the day.  The team is working together beautifully, absorbing Burundi with all its challenges and delights.  We are always overwhelmed with the graciousness and hospitality of the Burundi people. So much to learn from them!

Tomorrow we return to Homecare to spend more time with these dear widows and orphans.  Please continue to pray for them as they move forward in their walk with the Lord and skill training.  How we thank God for the amazing staff here who live Jesus every day before these women and all they serve.  Pray for continued health and stamina for the team, and that we may continue to learn from one another in special ways.

Saturday – “The Good Shepherd”

We had time this morning to do some final preparation for today’s activities for the children and prepare other items to share next week.  Most unexpectedly, we saw a group of young men entering the courtyard with large drums on their heads.  Quickly we recognized them to be Burundian drummers!  This is a wonderful treat to perhaps catch sight of amazing musicians, who are also strong athletes and singers.  We wondered if we could at least watch them practice a bit before leaving for Homecare.  Curious Americans (and bold), our group made their way to where they were setting up.  Quickly engaged in conversation, we discovered that this was not only a professional drumming group, but they were also believers who worked with Youth For Christ in Burundi!  Instead of just relaxing on the lawn, they proceeded to set up their drums, invite us to join in, drum with them, and even give us dancing lessons!!  Wait ‘til you see the pictures. They were so very gracious and generous with their time.  What a way to begin the day

Kid’s Day!  While it is VBS time in the States, and most children have the opportunity to go to Sunday School, that is not the case here.  For those who eagerly came to Homecare today, it was indeed a special occasion- something just for them.  All ages, from infants to early teens, gathered for singing, Bible study, crafts and games.  The team did a great job of preparing activities that captivated and delighted these children of all ages!

The first day we were here, we heard the testimony of a mother who told how she and her children shared a very small space for shelter.  There is no door to their little place, so at night she makes a place on the floor for the children; then she lies down across the opening space to, in effect, be their door and protection.  We all gasped a bit when she said this, for we knew that the lesson prepared for today was based on John 10, explaining about The Good Shepherd who lies down across the opening of the sheepfold and sacrifices all to protect His sheep! What a confirmation.

Music and dance are “naturals” here!  The songs the team prepared were fun, engaging, and Biblically based that immediately drew them in.  “I am Somebody” was the opening song, letting them know right away that they ARE somebody because God made them!  This led to more worship songs that set the stage for the day.  Then Amber explained what a sheep is, what they are like, and how and why they need a shepherd.  Elizabeth’s daughter had created a beautiful drawing of a shepherd protectively guarding his flock in the sheepfold so that they could visualize how the shepherd cards for his sheep.  A number of the kids acted the roles of sheep, while an amazing young fellow, named Pacifique, played the shepherd, blocking entrance or exit from the fold.  It became clear to them how Jesus loves them, us, and is our protector.  Then the children got to make their own sheep, using their own thumbprints to create a sheep, complete with “googly” eyes.  A larger version was created to hang at Homecare, made with the thumbprints of the team, staff, and moms present.  What a great reminder of our Great Shepherd and how He loves us!

 

Along with crafts, there was also a fun game time, led by Alan.  It was interesting to see them play “The Shepherd Says” version of Simon says.  Some things are just universal:  laughter, play, smiles, and FUN!

As snacks were handed out, it was very apparent to us that many of these children had probably not eaten today.  The thought was very sobering, and sad.  Many of the mothers had babies draped across their backs.  Several of these wee ones were agreeable to let many of us love on them…..what a joy!

As the we concluded our time, the children and mothers filed out of Homecare with smiles on their faces, and prayerfully, more understanding of Jesus in their minds and hearts.  Peace reminded us that this day will stick in their minds for a long time, the day visitors came, played, hugged, and loved them and told them about Jesus.

We ended the day with dinner by Lake Tanganyika, dining in what we have affectionately come to call “The Hippo Place.”  This is a good spot along the coastal road to spot hippos descending from Congo to find the marshlands along the lake shore.  You have to catch it just right for a sighting.  We’ve only caught it a few times in a number of years.  Unfortunately, no sighting tonight, but what a beautiful night to sit near the water under a glistening Burundi full moon!

Tomorrow we join with 2000+ worshipers at Life Center Church.  Many of the team will be a part of the praise team leading worship.  We are looking forward to it with great anticipation.  We have a wonderful team!  Each one is participating fully and with whole hearts. Thank you for praying for us, for the Homecare staff, and everyone involved in this center.  God is here; He is truly at work!  Our God is GOOD, and worthy of all praise!!

Friday – “Love is in this Place”

I know this isn’t Christmas, but we met the little drummer boy today.  Joshua, son of one of the new students (looks about 4; could be 5/6) came to the center with his mom today.  She had told him that they did a lot of singing and dancing at the center, but they had no drum.  We have watched Mary, and others, resoundingly use the work table as a drum – with the dent marks to prove it.  But apparently his mom thought they could use a drum.  I venture to say that this drum is one of few possessions they have.  When his mom suggested that they give their drum to the center, he agreed….but he wanted to see where his drum was going.  Hence the visit

Apparently Joshua agreed that this was a good new home for his drum as he presented it today.  If you saw my post on Facebook today, you got to see Joshua and a short video of his proficient drumming skills!  He went on to say that if he and his mom needed a drum at home, Jesus would provide one.  Oh, the beauty of child-like faith.

That was just one of many “beautiful moments” we experienced today.

                                           

Again, the students were eager to share with us today.  We still marvel at how open and eager they are after being here for such a short time.  Testimony to the safe, loving environment that is instantly felt at Homecare.  Another young woman (this group seems to have more 17-20+ age group than before) shared that she lost both of her parents in the conflict when she was just six.  She was left alone, sometimes in a refugee camp, often without food or eating the scraps fed to pigs.  Someone brought her to Bujumbura where she met a man who promised to marry her.  Soon after she had his child, he began to spend most of his time with other women.  She found out that he had another wife and five children.  She returned to her village for a while, but was rejected. When she came back to Bujumbura to find the father of her child, she discovered he was in prison.  Hopeless, she went from house to house, surviving with whatever help she could find.  Other men wanted to marry her, but none wanted her child.  She would not abandon her daughter.  She declared that God rescued her, healed her and allowed her to meet a former graduate of Homecare.  God assured her that she would not have to beg.  “He brought me to this center.  Love is in this place.”  She said most people ignored her, but not here.  Now she says to the other students, “You are my sisters.”

 

Another shared that she was both an orphan and a widow….at only 19.  Her mother died when she was an infant.  Her father abandoned her during the conflict, so she was left to stay with an older sister and grandmother.  The grandfather didn’t want them, refused them food, and forced them away.  Her sister married, and she was left alone.  Other relatives also rejected her, and the brother-in-law didn’t want her with them.  She met a man, became pregnant, only to be left soon after.  Alone and without means, she worked in a plantation to have food for her daughter. Then she learned that the father of her child had died in a fishing accident.  Seeking help from her sister, but refused by her brother-in-law, she was desperately alone.  She met a graduate from Homecare who urged her to apply.  Though family would not accept her, she has found a new home at Homecare.  How she praises God to be here!  She tries to earn some money by hauling water from Lake Tanganyika (which is not that close).  In spite of all, she gleams as she says, “Now I know Jesus!  I know I will have a good future.”

 

Of the 48 students who began just three weeks ago, 24 have declared their faith in Jesus.  Seven accepted Him the first day at the center as Mary explained the gospel to them.  We can only imagine all that He has for them in the next nine months!

 

Several of our team brought supplies to have a fun, creative time with the women.  They took strips from old cups to make attractive bracelets!  Wrapped with scraps of fabric, wound with decorative wife and a dangling charm, they took “discards” and created something beautiful!  What a beautiful analogy of what God does with our lives.

 

Tonight we had the joy of going to Life Center Church for a night of praise and worship.  Several from our team practiced with their praise team last night and joined them on stage tonight.  Worship at Life Center is a celebration!!  Joy and thanksgiving pervade the entire neighborhood when you approach the church (which is an open air pavilion that holds 2,000+ people).  We were all encouraged by a dear Australian woman who shared her faith journey with the congregation.  Her opening statement was that God changed her life journey 16 years ago by connecting her with one man – a  village Burundian man - which took her on an amazingly new direction in her life.  What a great message on perseverance and enduring trust in God.

Several years ago the students began calling the Homecare Center the “Mountain of Love.”  We can see why.  Love is in this place; it is wherever He is, and we all feel privileged to be experiencing it here with our friends, old and new.

 

Tomorrow will be a great time of sharing with the children of the women!  Pray for this special time as our team shares The Good Shepherd and His amazing love – and protection – for them.  It’s going to be a great day!

Thursday – “He Knows My Name”

After the long journey across the continents, we arrived in Bujumbura…..pretty ragged, but here!!  After a time of needed sleep, we were ready to meet the newest group of wonderful ladies to join the Homecare family.

Even though these women have only been at the center three weeks, the songs of praise were instantly recognizable.  Welcoming us in with their beautiful voices, we joined in with their dancing and singing.  We were uncertain whether or not there would be the same intensity of song and praise upon arrival – after all, they have just started here and may not feel the freedom or desire to celebrate with abandon just yet.  Definitely without reserve, they sang….danced….and sang more!  And they could hardly wait to testify to God’s goodness that they have already experienced in these first days at Homecare.  

As several new students shared today, the sad themes seem to reoccur – ones of loss, abandonment, rejection and aloneness.  One, an orphan, shared about the poverty of her youth, fear for her siblings, the stings of taunting from neighbors and attacks from witchcraft.  She lost her mother, but she had come to know Jesus and continues to trust Him for His protection – for life. Beautifully, she said, “God knows my name.”

Another, a widow and orphan, shared about losing her parents, living with her grandmother only to lose her also, which left her living on the streets and desperate for work. Now a widow with four children, she continues to trust God, even when her children asked her if they will have something to eat. Her reply, “Whatever Jesus gives us, that we will eat.”  She praises God for bringing her to Homecare, but she is faced with possible eviction from her current shelter and also suffers from tuberculosis. Even with all this, she praises God, but she is in need of much prayer.

A seventeen year old student, an orphan, lost her parents during the conflict when only three months old.  Given to an aunt, she was mistreated, and as soon as she could, she came to Bujumbura to find work.  She found work as a baby sitter with a family, but the father abused her, strangling her and raping her.  When she discovered she was pregnant, others urged her to abort the baby, but she somehow she could not. She felt God was telling her that she didn’t know the future this little boy would have, that he was to live.  When the little boy was born, the father rejected her and him, threatening to kill them both.  She came to interview at Homecare last year very shortly after her baby was born, but she was advised to wait and take care of him since he was so very young and try this year.  And now she is here, a beautiful part of the Homecare family.  She now knows Jesus!  “I now have hope!  Though I have had much depression, I have hope.”

Being known, protected, accepted, loved……this is what it means to be here at Homecare.  Jesus’ love permeates this place.  There is a sense of peace, rest……….and HOPE.  Without hope, we perish………these women are living and already blooming!! 

The team is well!  They have very naturally connected with everyone we have met today.  Sharing songs, joining in the dancing, ……..connecting.  And so our time begins……with honest sharing, hearts connecting and great hope for each new day.  Thank you for praying us here, and please continue to pray for each of these women, for heart healing and abundant living.

“He knows my name.

He knows my every thought.

He sees each tear that falls,

And hears me when I call.”