Women of Hope: Precious Jewels of the Bible
One of the programs Burundi Hope founded is the Women of Hope Seminars. The purpose and vision is to teach women about women in the Bible with life application. Early on in my travels to Burundi I was asked to share a devotional or lesson in weekly women’s gatherings. As a result of that experience, I began to direct my focus on teaching about women in the Bible and what can be learned from their lives. Churches began to request copies of the teachings in their language so they could be taught to other women. Women of Hope seminars is a direct result of these early teachings and these requests. Teachings on Esther, Abigail, Hannah, Lydia, Dorcas, Ruth, Rahab and the Women at the Well have all been shared over the years. These women are precious jewels because they bring shining glimmers of hope..
Since I am not in Burundi full time, I wanted to find a way to have the teachings continue in my absence. 16 teaching teams of two women were established from multiple CEEM churches and the teams began to go out every month. All the teams teach about the same biblical woman and bring copies of the teachings to the church leadership. They have been able to teach in over 80 of the 176 Emmanuel Churches. We are working on a plan to reach the remaining 90 plus churches. Transportation costs and the great distance from Bujumbura have prevented us from going with regularity. For now, the teams will return to the same churches they have been to, year after year, with new teachings. This helps to build relationships and consistency of the teachings.
Women Reached the past Three Years
2024 over 2000 women reached-- Lives of Abigail and Esther
2025 over 3500 women--Rahab
2026: February – May over 2400--Woman at the Well
2027: Planned teaching focus--Mary Magdalene
I am excited to be gathering with the teams upon my arrival in Burundi this month. It will be good to hear their feedback on the teachings so far this year. The women have stepped outside of their cultural box and are using a format that veers from tradition. We have been able to come to what we call “comfortable compromise” of the cultures making sure that everything is seen through the eyes of the Scriptures.
God Bless!
Susan May, Co-Founder Burundi Hope Project
A woman from Mugongo Emmanuel CHurch expressed her appreciation for the teachings.
“ I am thankful for the previous teaching about Rahab. I was encouraged by the way God changed her life from a shameful life,to become one of God's people. It also taught me not to judge people because of their situation”
Day to day happenings at the schools continue along with some special opportunities. Students from the Bible Club at Kanura School for the Blind visited children in the local hospital . They were able to share gifts of rice, beans and soap and pray and sing with the children and their parents. The irrigation project is making the final installation of pipes for their crops and completing the pond division to increase the number of harvests each year. A new graduate from the Secondary School, Jean Claude, will join former classmates at the University in September. He was top in his class. Lastly, but the most important to the students… porridge and sugar delivery!
Students from Ephphatha Deaf School took a field trip to visit Beatrice (1st photo in red) a much loved and missed dorm parent who retired in October. The choir participated in a Sunday School Crusade at Gihanga Church sharing the Gospel in song and dance. The Worship team from the blind school joined in as well. Students are also trying American football!
A big thank you to all who have financially supported us this past quarter! Women of Hope ministry has received over $5000 to support the sewing center programs ; Women of Hope seminars and Hope House. Multiple Vacation Bible Schools adopted our “Christmas Shoes” program which provides shoes for the children at both schools. A partner mininstry in Florida has raised funds for 2 years worth of copybooks! So many Burundi Blessings headed their way!
Back to Burundi
It seems like I just returned from Burundi but our next departure is Saturday, June 20. Mark will be joining me on this trip. It has been several years since he has been to Burundi. So much has changed and I am so excited for him to see it all in person! We plan to return on July 13. Pray for all the pieces of the puzzle to fall in place and we can be efficient with our time.
God Bless!
Mark and Susan
