"As only a cow could"

Sept 10, 2016

Cows are a precious commodity in Africa; they are currency.  One who has many cows is wealthy, which explains the Burundian expression when someone does something extravagantly or extraordinary, it is said to be “only as a cow could do.”  This entire first day in Burundi has been so abundantly more than we could have dreamed that we could consider it a “cow day,” but Bridgitte, one of the ladies who shared today, used this phrase to praise God for all He has done for them, especially during the continuing crisis.  She praised God for how He has prompted people in the US to show His love and support for them through Hope4Burundi, and they have been protected and provided for “as only a cow could do.”  “I had gone to church before, but I never understood Jesus’ love until I came here.  Now I am saved!  I have a family and thank God for all He is doing for us.”  Praise, praise and more praise!  93 women, along with 10 staff, gathered today to greet us and every single one of them wanted to share how Great God is, how He has provided, and to give Him all praise and thanksgiving!  And this, on a Saturday, which is their free day, freely given as was their grateful hearts.

After what seemed like endless singing, dancing, hugging and greeting, the testimonies began. 

“When others were without food and hope, we have had this home to shelter us, food to eat, people to care.”

“We heard bullets fly over our heads, but we were protected and spared.”

“Police broke into our neighbor’s homes, took their children, but no one touched us.”

“I was terrified they would take my sons; I told them that my boys were little; they finally went away.  Praise God, He spared my sons!  They are all I have.”

“We lived in a very dangerous area; people were being killed, others taken to prison.  I knew we should leave, but I had no one to help.  I am alone with my children.  But I came to Homecare; they took us in, gave us a safe place to live, even though I was sick with TB”  (and she is HIV+) They said it didn’t matter; God loves me.  We have food, a place to stay; my children are in school, and I have family now.  No one has ever cared for me like this.”

“I was just 16.  My family rejected me when they found out I was pregnant.  After delivering my son, my mother told me to take my monkey and get out…I had no where to go, no way to feed myself or my baby.  When we came to Homecare, they embraced us.  They provided special food for my son who was very sick.”  (he was almost a year old and weighed less than 10 pounds).  “Now look at him!  We are both well!  We are safe, and we praise God for His goodness.  Please tell everyone who is helping Homecare how grateful we are; we cannot thank God enough!”

“Here we learn about how God loves us; He heals us, comforts us.  We now have parents, a family, who not only feed us – give us fish – but teach us how to fish for ourselves!  I couldn’t read or write when I came here, but now I can!”

These are just a few of the river of testimonies pouring out today – offerings of thanksgiving, praise, resounding hope and joy!  Honestly, there aren’t enough words to capture the day – sometimes there’s just too much – too much joy, too much pain, too much heart pouring out …….

Our heads and hearts are just way too full at the moment, but we will try to unfold the essence of being here a bit more each day.

We had the privilege of being your representatives today – all you who have faithfully prayed, encouraged and supported this ministry.  Because you care, they know He cares, and they, in turn, are caring for others.

What I can tell you is that Homecare matters – each person ministering and being ministered to matters – what God is doing is important…..and it is because all of you who have made this possible -you matter…..it is making a DIFFERENCE!!!!

            As only a cow could.