El Roi and El Shama…Fear Not!
God sees, God hears, so fear not! I was reminded of these truths and instructions from God’s Word as I read the story of Hagar in my morning devotional. It’s a wonderful book I have had since 2013 and each year I read through it and note a particular thought that impacts me. What strikes me about the “fear not” is that we are not to fear what God is asking us to do not necessarily to not fear our circumstances. I have had to remind myself many times since arriving in Burundi on January 15 that God hears me, sees me and will give me the wisdom I need to move forward in ministry. I need not fear the path He sends me down. The amazing thing the Lord has done with Burundi Hope is how we can divide and conquer the assignemnts He has put before us. Sometimes I get bogged down with adminsintrative tasks and meetings that take me in one direction and others on the team can tackle the logistics of somehing else. Eventually we all circle back to the meeting space in the house where I stay and debrief. We can absolutely count on that our original plans will change a multitude of times before they reach completion. It makes life here interesting!
This past week we have bought irrigation pipes and the pump that will be used. Purchased two specialty sewing machines to expand the sewing center. Visited with the Sunday School Committe and heard a report of the work they continue to do teaching in all 174 churches. I was able to teach to a group of women at Tenga Emmanuel Church. It was a special blessing to me! The first time I spoke there, many years ago they were gathering under some trees in a field. We traveled to Kanura for the fish harvest. I stood a little too close when a big catfish splashed out of a bucket and landed next to me in a puddle of water. Yes, I smelled just like those who were pulling the fish out of the pond! To make it more interesting, all 10 peeople riding back with us in the van had buckets or bags of fish with them. I was very grateful that when we arrived home I had “water in the pipes” and was able to take a much needed shower!
My favorite visit of the week was to see the ladies at Hope House. We brought David along since he had never been there! It is always fun to see how the ladies work together with their various backgrounds: deaf, hearing, orphans or abandoned. Five of the ladies are tailors or interns at the sewing center. One sells vegetables and helps in the BHP house when I am in Burundi. We are considering a small sustainable project for them. We will keep you posted on that!
In between all those adventures Claudine and I were able to make a trip to get Greek yogurt on the way to get medication for one of the students who has seizures. The sights and sounds we see are never the same. For instance, a goat tied standing up on the top of a tractor trailer truck. I was too slow with the camera! Who knows what we will see this week! One thing that is heavily penciled in is Claudine’s wedding. We will all be part of those festivities on Thursday and Friday. There are so many cultural traditions that are special and different from an American wedding. More details on that later!
Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement! Prayerfully I will leave Burundi on February 9, if the eastern seaboard has thawed out and we can land in Washington DC. Please pray for that!
God Bless!
Susan May, Missionary in Burundi…trying to “Fear Not”!
