Season of Thankfulness
Why is a season of Thankfulness limited to a short time during the fall season? The season for thankfulness should be daily. Every day we have to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and the opportunities we have to share the Gospel are reasons to be thankful. For many, it is difficult to find the glimmers of joy in some situations we find ourselves in. It’s hard to find joy amidst physical pain, emotional hurts, spiritual lows and periods of grief. We need God’s help to keep us from wandering in the wilderness and remember that He is the one who we need to follow and to stay close.
Students have returned to school and are spiritually thriving. Burundi Hope is so blessed to have Burundian nationals who are devoted to serving alongside of us to share the Gospel and help provide for their spiritual , emotional and physical needs. We are so thankful for the 75 individuals who continue serving the Lord in many different ways in partnership with the Burundi Hope Project. Our team is comprised of teachers, nurses, business men, dorm parents, cooks, tailors, gounds keepers, security guards, carpenters, welders, electricians, plumbers, and farmers. God’s word is being shared through worship leaders, pastors, sunday school teachers, widows, orphans, children, and youth. Some have had opportunities in higher education and others have stopped their academic paths after primary school. Others have physical or cognitive challenges. All of them are part of the Burundi Hope Project team that are the hands and feet of Jesus everyday. I thank the Lord every day for them!
With all this being said, my personal season of thankfulness is 365 days of the year!
God Bless!
Susan May
Co-founder , Burundi Hope Project
JOYFUL ARRIVAL
Students arrived with faces of joy as they returned to see friends old and new! They had no problem getting back into the routine of dorm life, studies and happily enjoying good meals!
Beatrice (in the center) has served as a dorm parent at Ephphatha for many years. The students could not have asked for a better “foster mom” during their time at the school. She retired in October and the students enjoyed a time of showing her appreciation for her devotion to them. She also served as a valued Burundi Hope team member.
Students at Kanura School for the Blind began school in time to participate in their Entrepeneurship Class which includes practical skills of farming and agriculture. Sighted students are paired with those with vision challenges to allow them to be part of the experience. This class works with the Agriculture Program, a sustainabiity project of the school providing food for the boarding students.
Though the majority of students have returned healthy, there are a handful with serious long term illness such as epilepsy. The beginning weeks have kept BHP busy in assisting with transport and providing long term medications. Along with that, however, ongoing maintenance of mininstry vehicles is necessary to allow us to get them to specialists.
Who can’t love this smile?
Smiles like this are the glimmers of joy that we see every day as we serve in Burundi!
Thank you for your onging prayers, support, and encouragement!
As we approach the end of our calendar year consider suporting the Lord’s work in Burundi!
