On Assignment in Burundi
Arriving in Burundi brought back all the sights, sounds, and smells. The traffic; people selling from the roadside; rain clouds coming across the lake; and my Burundian family welcoming me back from a 6-month absence. After settling in and getting myself and my “space” organized I was ready to begin the week and asked the Lord to direct our steps. Since Monday is always meeting day the 5 of us on the Leadership team were together. Mugere Sewing House is assisting with the uniform contract, and we delivered fabric and had a good time of fellowship with the tailors and encouraged them in their “assignment”.
Second item to confirm: visit to Kanura School for the Blind and assess and update the progress of the irrigation project. The final list of materials will be bought this week, and construction of the irrigation tanks will begin. Prayerfully photos of the progress will be available before my departure in February.
Second item of business was to make sure we were all prepared to make the 4.5-hour trip to Gisuru. It is the site of another mission compound that houses a sister deaf school and other projects of Danny and Anne Johnson through the CEEM Church organization. It has been several years since we have traveled there. I missed the beauty of the rural areas of Burundi. We had the opportunity to be blessed by the 300 plus deaf students and their enthusiasm for competition. To be crowned champion of the 3-legged race was deemed an incredible honor!
Prior to the competition, Bible truths were taught about the life of David and how God used a common shepherd boy to one day rule His kingdom. The message for all is God will use each of us no matter who we are or the challenges we have. The teachers and staff are blessing the students with their love and care for each of them. Seeing the students enjoy Fanta as a special treat always brings joy to my heart.
Teaching in the local church to the women is a blessed time for me. Sharing God’s Word and hearing the joy from the women in song and words is confirmation the Lord has brought me to this country for a reason. Leaving family behind in America is always difficult but God watches over them when I am here as He watches over my friends in Burundi when I am in America.
The team had an opportunity to visit the agriculture projects that have been established under the guidance of Danny Johnson. Burundi Hope is always seeking new ideas to assist the program at Kanura and we were able to glean from his knowledge and feedback. Prayerfully among the 5 of us we can remember all we learned!
The week wrapped up with a teaching seminar for the Women of Hope teaching teams. They are beginning the second year of teaching together. We still have 32 dedicated women who have a desire to teach women about women in the Bible and bring life application from the scriptures. The teaching assignment is “The Samaritan Woman”. They will also bring to light the importance of passing on Biblical truths much as Paul taught to Timothy.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support of the Lord’s work in Burundi. We are looking forward to another busy week!
Imana Ni Nziza! God is so good!
Susan May, “On Assignment” in Burundi
